July 24, 2007

Foundation Pedals for Public Health

Hayden, Idaho -The Panhandle Public Health Foundation Inc. (PPHF) will promote health, fitness and camaraderie Aug. 25 with its First Annual Pedalin' for Public Health Bike Ride on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes.

PPHF is a non-profit organization that raises money to support ongoing and new innovative programs that improve public health in Idaho's five northern counties. The foundation began in 2004. This summer it granted $1,000 to a low-cost clinic in Sandpoint for the uninsured. It granted another $1,000 to a program that provides nurse guidance at home to parents needing professional assistance and guidance for care of their newborn for various reasons.

Pedalin' for Public Health is the first step in an annual foundation event that eventually will include all five northern counties. Cyclists this year will ride in parts of Kootenai and Benewah counties.

Pedalin' for Public Health cyclists will ride 14 to 30 miles. They'll have a choice of five routes: round trip between Plummer and Harrison or vice versa; round trip from Plummer to Heyburn; and round trip from Heyburn to Harrison or vice versa.

They'll also have a choice of start times - any time between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. PPHF volunteers will support riders until 3 p.m.

PPHF will provide water, snacks, support and raffle tickets for every rider. Prizes will include a Buck knife. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes will offer cycling free from motorized traffic. It follows Lake Coeur d'Alene and will lead cyclists over the lake via a bridge. Blue heron, osprey, tortoises, other wildlife and miles of natural cottonwoods, aspen and other foliage will delight cyclists as they pedal past cow pastures, lily pad covered inlets and pine-studded hills.

Registration costs $25 and includes a t-shirt. Registration deadline is Aug. 17. Forms are available online at www.pphf.net . For information, call 415-5103.

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