Bikes hit the road for charity

GAINESVILLE - Around 100 bicyclists hit the road Saturday morning at Riverbend Baptist Church in Gainesville to raise money for local charities, some planning a 60 mile trek across Northeast Georgia in an event hosted by 12 local and area churches and North Georgia Christian School.

The goal was to raise at least $4,000 for Good News at Noon, Good News Medical and Adults Protecting Children. One of the 60 mile riders was 64-year-old Lloyd Unnold.

"It's been about 25 years now since I got back into it," Unnold said. "I'd rather wear out than rust out."

It was a great day for a bike ride according to Westminster Presbyterian Church pastor and bike rider Chuck Debardeleben. He said the bike ride began as a different way to raise money and because biking is popular.

"Most everybody has a bike and North Georgia is full of biking enthusiasts, so that's why we chose it," he said.

Riders had the option of a 25, 40 or 60 mile ride. Reverend Debardeleben chose the 25 mile trip because he had to perform an evening wedding.

"I have to save my strength a little bit," he said.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/10/232725