Monbikeclub, bikeboard, others, here's a final reminder. Please join the Uphill Struggle ride tomorrow morning at 9, at Seneca Center. It won't take long, and a big crowd of us will help raise public awareness.

When was the last time you rode a bicycle in Morgantown? If it has been a while, you might want to plan to join the Uphill Struggle group ride that is set for 9 AM Saturday, August 16, 2008. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels will rally between 8 and 9 AM at the Seneca Center, then ride together up Monongahela Boulevard and down to the Star City Park.

Come early for help checking and adjusting your bicycle. At registration, those participants who are new, young, or out of practice will be paired with strong, regular riders. Children are very welcome, but should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Pairs of riders will travel together, at a mutually determined pace. Riders will rally midway at the Creative Arts Center. Strong riders are able complete the two-mile ride in a few minutes, but the group ride is expected to take about 45 minutes.

Assisting with traffic control will be the Morgantown and Star City Police Departments. The group will exit the Seneca Center to Sixth Street, then enter Beechurst Avenue (Monongahela Boulevard) at the traffic light. Police cars will travel at the front and the back of the group, as far as the Creative Arts Center, where riders will rally before descending as a group along Monongahela Boulevard. They will turn at Boyers Avenue and travel to the Star City Park on Leeway and Frontier Streets. After celebrations and refreshments at Star City Park, riders may return easily to Seneca Center along the rail trail.

The Uphill Struggle, also known as "Max's Challenge" is a new event that will hopefully become annual. It was inspired by a Morgantown seven-year-old, Max Kemp-Rye, who discovered that riding uphill is a challenge, but achievable. Training rides on Decker's Creek Trail began back in April, and continuing for the remaining weeks till August 16. Training rides take place each Sunday at 2 PM, starting at the Sabraton Post Office. These regular trail rides offer a safe setting for development of skills and endurance needed for riding on the roads with other vehicles.

The purpose of this event is to help people consider and adopt bicycles for transportation. Although it is an uphill struggle, especially in hilly Morgantown, greater use of bicycles for transportation is a win for everyone. Riders gain through reduced expenses and improved health. Society benefits from reduced traffic congestion, exhaust emissions, and noise.

There is no charge for participation, but donations are very welcome. The event is officially sponsored by Positive Spin*, with participation from BOPARC, the City of Morgantown, Star City, and other sponsors yet to be identified. Pre-registration is not required, but you must register before the event to be covered by insurance. Also, by registering early, you can get help checking out your equipment if it has not been used recently.Volunteers are needed for various staffing duties. Especially needed are 1) experienced riders to show how it is done; and 2) non-riders who will register, monitor, direct and otherwise assist the riders.

To volunteer, to be a sponsor, to pre-register, or for any further information, contact Marilyn Newcome (mjcycling@msn.com, 304 598 5078) or John Lozier (jl@harpingforharmony.org, 304 599 8233).

*Positive Spin is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted sustainable transportation in Morgantown, WV. Donations may be made to Positive Spin, 2567 University Avenue, Suite 6000L, Morgantown, WV 26505. More information: www.positivespin.org.