The riders come from 39 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany and Canada. These include a camp for children with asthma in Illinois, research on improved treatments for asthma in Minnesota, initiatives to reduce air pollution in Missouri and training high school students in tobacco use prevention in Wisconsin. Lung disease is one of the nation's fastest growing health problems.
Most people know someone whose life has been touched by lung disease.
The Lung Association is proud of its 200 cycling ambassadors. The highest elevation of the ride is in Montana challenging cyclists to bike to 7,000 feet. Average mileage per day is 81 miles. Richard Wilson, age 75 and the oldest male Big Rider, says he's not too worried about keeping up with 200 younger riders. But the Big Ride is giving them the opportunity to get involved in helping people with lung disease and master a challenge of a lifetime.