Big Riders take a rest in New Ulm

By SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The American Lung Association's Big Ride has arrived in New Ulm on their journey across America from Seattle to Washington, D.C.

Approximately 201 cyclists have raised over $2 million this year for the American Lung Association's cause to help fight lung disease. Riders come from 40 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Great Britain and Venezuela this summer.

The trip is approximately 3,250 miles from start to finish and it began on June 19 and is expected to finish on Aug. 5. The group is camping in tents at the New Ulm Public High School until bright and early Monday morning when they leave for Owatonna.

"It's a broad range of people ... from 17 to 79 years old ... and you get time to get to know them on the trip," said the National coordinator of the Big Ride, Rusty Burwell, American Lung Association, New York.

Burwell said they publicize the Big Ride in bicycling circles of communication and also to the general public. There are some riders who have a personal connection who may have had some one they know affected by lung disease, lung cancer or people who may be concerned about quality air issues, Burwell said.

Each rider has raised at least $7,000 to benefit local and national lung disease research and educational programs.

John Coruthers, President of the American Lung Association said in a press release, "Lung disease is one of the nation's fastest growing health problems. Most people know of someone's life who's been touched by lung disease. They could have a nephew with asthma, lost a mother to lung cancer, or watched a close friend of theirs die from emphysema."

The message the Lung Association is trying to send out, is "When you can't breathe, nothing else matters," Coruthers said.

A second year rider, Jeff Schlieper of Seattle, Wash., said, "It's a humbling experience -- you learn your limits. It's a privilege (to ride). The local organizations are passionate about this ride. It was something I wanted to do again."

Schlieper said the trip has been relatively hot and from the first day they passed through Montana they have had headwinds against them.

"New Ulm has been good to us last year ... we had fun at the festival last year. I love Heritagefest. I'll probably go again this year," said Schlieper, "This town strikes you as you come in, it's such a pretty town ... beautiful tree-lined streets with shade ... that's something a cyclist appreciates."

Schlieper said that as he travels across the states the countryside takes on different complexions.

"It's all up here," said Schlieper pointing to his head and laughing, "It's tricking yourself enough to go another 100 miles."