Russell woman will ride for Alzheimer's
By DAWNE LEIKER
For years, Erin Renard's family has given her a hard time about not attending their family reunions in New Jersey.
This summer, Renard, Russell, plans to make a real entrance at her family reunion as she makes the trek to New Jersey on her bike, raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer's disease research.
"Summer is my time to be on my bike," Renard said. "My cousin jokingly said, 'Why don't you ride your bike to the reunion' ... and I thought, 'Why don't I just shut her up?' "
Renard, who will have participated in Bike Across Kansas, the Cottonwood 200 and the Rope 'em Ride events this summer before leaving for New Jersey, said she estimates she can make it to New Jersey in a little less than three weeks.
"I will have 1,000 miles under my belt by the time I start," she said. "If I'm not in shape by the time I leave, I will be when I get there."
Averaging approximately 80 miles day, with a support vehicle to carry gear and serve as a place to sleep, Renard said she anticipates meeting the challenge of the 2,000 mile trip "with a little help from my friends."
Her interest in providing support to Alzheimer's research stems from witnessing a pattern of Alzheimer's disease in the males in her family. One of her uncles recently passed away from the disease, and another suffers from it.
"This has been tough on my cousins who have lost their dad," she said.
An account for donations to Renard's ride has been set up through the ALZ Stars Web site, which can be accessed through her Facebook event, www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121464307873986.
So far, $350 of Renard's $2,000 goal has been pledged. She is seeking corporate sponsors whose advertising will be displayed on the side of her support vehicle. Her current sponsors include Nex-Tech and Coffee Rules.
"If I can ride my bike and do some good at the same time, it's a win-win," Renard said. "It motivates me to get out there and do it."