September 12 COBYS Bike & Hike Seeks to Raise $80,000

The 14th annual COBYS Bike & Hike is slated for Sunday, September 12, at the Lititz Church of the Brethren. Events begin at 1:30 p.m.

COBYS' signature event, the Bike & Hike includes a three-mile walk through Lititz, 10- and 25-mile bicycle rides on rural roads around Lititz, and the 60-mile Dutch Country Motorcycle Ride, which this year travels east into Amish country and then winds its way through northern Lancaster County, traveling back through the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. The two longer rides include covered bridges and winding roads along cool streams.

Participants choose their event and either pay a registration fee or obtain sponsors for the event. (Many give generously themselves and also obtain pledges from others.) The registration fee is $25 per person, with a $5 discount for those who pre-register by September 6. The registration fee is waived entirely for those who obtain $25 or more in pledges from sponsors. Pre-registration is not required.

Last year the Bike & Hike attracted nearly 500 walkers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, who gave or raised some $77,000 to support COBYS ministries. We're seeking to rebound from a down year in 2009 and build to 600 participants and $80,000 for this year's event. With your help, we believe these ambitious goals are within reach.

Each participant receives a free t-shirt (while supplies last), ice cream and refreshments, and an opportunity to win one of dozens of door prizes donated by area businesses. Those who raise certain levels of support can earn additional prizes, including jackets, gym bags, denim shirts, hooded sweatshirts, caps, and canvas bags with the COBYS logo. Junior and senior high youth groups who raise $1500 or more win a free gym and pizza night.

In addition, grand prizes will be awarded to the top three fundraisers and the person who obtains the greatest number of pledges of $10 or more. Grand prizes include a $100 travel gift certificate donated by Bob Neff Tours; a trip for two to New York City donated by Conestoga Tours; a Hickory rocker donated by Good's Store; and an iPod Shuffle donated by TCW Computer Systems-Glick Audio and Video.

Generous business donors are covering the event's expenses so that all proceeds raised by participants will support COBYS ministries. We have more business support this year than ever before. Major sponsors are Speedwell Construction Inc.; The Hess Agency; and Carl & Margaret Wenger, giving through the Wenger Foundation. Serving as sponsors are Amelia's Grocery Outlet; Bomberger's Store Inc.; Ebersole Brothers Construction Inc.; Gibbel Kraybill & Hess LLP; Hawthorne Electric, Inc.; Scenic Ridge Construction Inc.; Shank Door Company; TCW Computer Systems-Glick Audio and Video; Toothsmiths, Inc.; and Young & Young, Attorneys at Law. Additional cash and prize donations from businesses and others will be welcomed until the day of the event.

For more information, contact Don Fitzkee at 800-452-6517 or don@cobys.org. Or print a brochure or additional sponsor sheet here.

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