CUMBERLAND, Md. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware will take the fight against kidney disease mountainside with its 8th annual Western Maryland Kidney Ride,Saturday, Sept. 29.
With John Davis, DDS (two-time kidney transplant patient) and his wife, Sue as honorary chairs, this signature eventtravels along the Great Allegheny Passage, from Cumberland to the Big Savage Tunneland back.
On-site check-in starts at 9 a.m.at Cumberland’s historic Western Maryland Railroad Station on Canal Street.The ride starts at 10 a.m., and the train departs at 11:30 a.m. Riders of all levels can choose from the following routes– each with rest stops stocked with snacks and water:
- Bike 44 miles and stand in Maryland and Pennsylvania simultaneously at the Mason/Dixon Line.
- Bike 32 miles on the packed crushed limestone surface.
- Bike 38 miles along country roads with a rest stop half way – NEW THIS YEAR!
- Ride 16 miles on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and bike back, downhill.
The after party begins at 2 p.m.at the Canal Place Festival Grounds. Highlights include the Kidney Kids Zone,a variety of exhibitors,food and drinks provided by Don Ward of Chick-fil-A, Caporale’s Bakery, The Queen City Creamery and Walnut Ridge Farm, and musical performances culminating in a finale with The Kidney Stones.
Participants who raise a minimum amount of $100 will receive a Kidney Ride T-shirt.Registration is $25 for all cyclists and includes access to the after party – thanks to many local sponsors including: the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Canal Place, Cumberland Trail Connection,Chick-fil-A, Caporale’s Bakery, The Queen City Creamery & Deli and Walnut Ridge Farm.
An additional charge of $5 for an upright bike and $10 for recumbent and tandem bikes is also required. Also, bicycle helmets are required. If you forget to bring your helmet, you can borrow Cumberland Trail Connection, which also will discount bicycle rentals to $15/day.
The first 25 registrants for the train ride will pay a discounted fee – $15 for children 12 years or younger and $30 for those 13 years or older. After, prices increase to $30 for children 12 years or younger and $46 for those 13 years or older.
NKF hopes this year’s event will raise $15,000 to support its Patient Emergency Assistance program for patients in Western Maryland. Since its inception, the Western Maryland Kidney Ride has raised over $100,000.
“All too often, our patients must make tough decisions, such as whether to pay for their life-saving medication or put food on the table for themselves and their family. No one should have to make these types of decisions,” said Pattie Dash, executive director of the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware. “By joining us for the Kidney Ride, the community can experience a beautiful day in the mountains, while making a real difference in our patients’ lives.”
For more information about the 2018 Western Maryland Kidney Ride or to register or support a Ride participant, visit http://www.kidneymd.org.
About NKF
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.
For photos from past events, click here.
