wfn.org | Cyclists raise $25,000 for world hunger in 330-mile Nebraska trip

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

July 9, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally*(615)742-5470*Nashville,
Tenn.    10-71B{407}

By United Methodist News Service

Nearly a hundred cyclists raised $25,000 for world hunger projects
during a five-day, 330-mile tour of southwestern Nebraska that ended
July 1.

Ranging in age from 9 to 74, the bikers were hosted by United Methodist
congregations along the way, which provided camping facilities, food and
showers. 

The first of three bike rides for hunger was held in 1996, with 50
Nebraskans raising almost $14,000. The group's original name, NUMB
(Nebraska United Methodist Bike ride for hunger), has stuck, although
this year's group included people from Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado,
Arizona and Florida.

Bicycling magazine listed the group in its "Charity Ride" section and
sponsored it with materials for the trip. The cyclists also received
sponsorships from Nabisco, Gatorade, American Family Insurance, Culligan
Water, Methodist Health Systems and Bicycle Specialties.

Heading the group was the Rev. Bill Ritter, whose Elkhorn Hills United
Methodist Church in Elkhorn, Neb., also supported the effort.

Ritter said he started the ride to raise awareness as well as money for
United Methodist hunger projects around the world. Benefiting from this
year's ride are Mexico Heifer Project, North Korea Emergency, Bolivia
Pisiculture and the Bishops' Appeal for the Children of Africa.

The 1996 ride was 500 miles from the northwest corner of the state to
Omaha in the southeast. In 1997, the riders explored the northeast part
of the state. This year, the group toured Nebraska's southwestern area.

For the less hardy souls who couldn't make the 300-plus mile trip,
Ritter organized a "NUMB Lite" tour, which he said had "60 percent fewer
miles with all the satisfaction of giving to world hunger." NUMB Lite,
June 26-28, included the first two days of the longer ride.

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