Almost everyone’s heard of the Detroit Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk that takes place every October, but what about a bicycle tour?
The Hershey’s Tour de Pink, like the walk, helps raise funds for breast cancer research. Only 150 women will sit atop bicycles and ride from Hershey, PA to New York City, NY over a four-day period.
Oxford resident and bicycling enthusiast, Karey Collins, asked her group of local friends Sue Biddle, Pam Shuler, Dawn Williams and Lake Orion resident Lori Ross, if they’d like to mix it up this year and try the bike tour.
‘When Karey came up with the idea to do this ride, I said ‘hey, I’m in!?? said Shuler.
Although the group of friends are all healthy and haven’t been physically affected by the disease, the Hershey’s Tour de Pink will be more poignant now after losing one of their dear friends last week to breast cancer.
Last Wednesday, Lake Orion resident and Scripps Middle School teacher, Kathy Luby passed away at the age of 40. She left behind a husband and five children.
The women plan to honor Luby by riding in the Hershey’s Tour de Pink this fall.
‘All of us who are doing this event, we want to continue past our goal and set up a scholarship fund for her kids,? Collins said.
To be a part of the tour, the ladies must raise $2,500 a piece, which is why they’re hosting a special fund-raising event at Whiskey’s Steakhouse in Lake Orion on Monday, March 17.
The St. Patrick’s Day-themed event will feature Shamrock Shooters, various drink specials, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction with prizes, like Detroit Piston’s tickets and a bike.
‘We plan to have different things going on all evening,? Collins said.
Whiskey’s Steakhouse is located at 29 Front St. Doors open at 4 p.m.
To train for their bike ride, the women plan to hit the Polly Ann Trail once spring comes.
The women want to stress how important it is to keep funding breast cancer research, and they know their time on the bike tour will help others.
‘I just want to be able to contribute and do what I can because I have daughters and sisters,? Shuler said.
‘If it’s just a little difference, then it’s worth it.?
To find out how you can contribute to the Michigan team of Hershey’s Tour de Pink, e-mail Karey Collins at tkcollins@charter.net.
***
For Luby’s obituary, visit our obituary section.