Biking
for benefit
Donations needed for coast‑to‑coast
ride to help sick children
by
Ambria Hammel
DESERT
FOOTHILLS – They’re not seeking gas money to support them on
their road trip planned for later this summer, but two Desert
Foothills biking enthusiasts could use financial support to
propel them on their journey to raise money and awareness for
two charities benefitting Valley children in need of medical
treatment.
Karsten’s
Ace Hardware President David Karsten and Troon North resident
Bill Branson teamed up to ride the final 455‑mile leg
of the 2006 Ace Tour de Kids Coast to Coast Charity Ride this
August that will take them to Boston. They set a personal goal
to cumulatively raise $12,500. The funds will support the Ace
Hardware Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network, which provides
new hospital equipment, pays medical bills, and funds research
for children’s hospitals.
“Any
funds that we raise locally in Arizona will stay here to help
the kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” Karsten said. He collected
more than $8,500 in donations last year.
This
summer’s tour features 45 riders nationwide with Karsten and
Branson the only two from Arizona. The nine‑leg journey
begins in Seattle, but the Arizona bikers will join eight other
riders on the last leg and pedal from Lake Placid, New York
to Boston, Mass., traveling at least 65 miles per day for six
days. Both are looking forward to their scenic ride because
neither has seen the Northeast. “Touring on bike you can see
so much more than you can in a car,” Karsten said.
He
looks forward to riding by Boston Harbor and feeling the history
in the area. His cycling buddy agreed. “The whole northeast
territory is something I’m looking forward to seeing. I grew
up on the west coast and we didn’t have all that rich history,”
Branson said.
The
tour will mark his first multi‑day ride, a challenge he
said he is ready to face. Branson has participated in one‑day
rides for the Thomas J. Pappas School in Phoenix and the Lions
Club when he pedaled at least 65 miles.
The
pair has been training for the Tour de Kids since March and
increased the intensity last month, often riding 20‑45
miles at a time. Early risers may see Karsten pedaling in North
Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree then up toward Bartlett
Lake before returning and riding through Tatum Ranch between
5:30 and 7 a.m., or find Branson on Dynamite Boulevard heading
to Desert Mountain. The two ride together when they can
Reach
the reporter at ambria@thedesertadvocate.com.
