A perfect pair
The McLean County Wheelers is one of Central Illinois’ strongest bicycling clubs. The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is the international organization pro cyclist Lance Armstrong formed after he beat testicular cancer on his way to becoming a seven-time winner of the Tour de France. The LAF is synonymous for the global LIVESTRONG campaign and the fight is represented by the yellow LIVESTRONG wristband! A cooperative effort of the two groups seemed like a great way to raise money to fight cancer and give away bicycles in Central Illinois to promote fitness and health, one of the bike club’s primary missions.

The result is the first annual McLean County BikeSTRONG Metric benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation on June 13 at Comlara Park/Evergreen Lake north of Bloomington-Normal, Ill. Registration proceeds will be split by the two groups. Additional donations can also be made directly to the LAF's LIVESTRONG mission at the event.

While this is the Wheeler’s first time pairing with LAF, the bike club is no stranger to putting on a bike ride. This is its 28th club invitational ride.

The BikeSTRONG Metric offers three courses of about 20 miles each. Each one begins and ends at a well-stocked rest stop at McLean County Comlara Park, home of beautiful Evergreen Lake. Riders can decide whether to ride 20, 40 or 60 miles. Roads are sometimes challenging in the lovely Mackinaw River Valley. But the views are worth every pedal stroke. There’s a fair chance you’ll see white-tailed deer, red-tail hawks and other wildlife on your ride.
Location
Comlara Park is located about eight miles north of Normal. Take Interstate 39 to exit 8 at Lake Bloomington Road. Travel west two miles to the park entrance. Google Earth location is 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson, IL 61748. The park offers camping, hiking, fishing, boat rentals, mountain biking and more. Visit http://www.co.mclean.il.us/Parks/Camping.htm.
Times
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The go-at-your-own-pace ride starts at 7 a.m. All riders need to be on the road no later than 10:30 a.m.
Other features
Coffee, breakfast snacks will be available at the start. SAG services will be offered until 2 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Showers are available at the Beach House.
Fees
The BikeSTRONG Metric costs $25. Register early online at https://www.signmeup.com/64282 or take the link from www.mcleancountywheelers.com. You can also mail a form and check payable to McLean County Wheelers to P.O. Box 947. Bloomington, IL 61702-0947.

T-Shirts
An optional beautifully-designed BikeSTRONG Metric T-shirt can be purchased for an additional $12.

Questions? Contact Tom at (309) 820-8795 or Scott at (309) 275-7120 or email icemanbn@comcast.net.