LUNG ASSOCIATION TO HOLD BIKE TOUR

The American Lung Association will sponsor a two-day, 120-mile Clean Air Challenge bike tour along the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau May 2-3.

The event will kick off Clean Air Week, sponsored annually by the American Lung Association.

The tour begins May 2 at Columbia, Ill., and proceeds along the Great River Road to Modoc, Ill., where bikers will cross the Mississippi River on the Ste. Genevieve ferry boat. They will spend that night in Ste. Genevieve.

On May 3, bikers will continue along the Missouri side of the river south to Cape Girardeau. The tour will end with a celebration party at Southeast Missouri State University. Return transportation to Columbia, Ill., will be provided.

The association will provide all meals, snacks and refreshments along with rest stops, a mobile bike shop and professional mechanics, and transportation of gear for a registration fee of $20 plus a minimum of $200 in pledges.

Individuals do not have to be experienced riders to enjoy the trip through the beautiful countryside along the Mississippi River. Several training rides will be offered during the spring to help riders build up their endurance.

For more information about the Clean Air Challenge bike tour, contact the American Lung Association in St. Louis at 1-800-467-LUNG, or 1-645-5505.