Sixth Annual Bike for Hope Benefiting Mental Health Set for May 15
Activities to Include Three Ride Lengths, Family Activities, Prize Raffle

RALEIGH, NC, April 11, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For the past five years, the Annual George Thanhauser Bike for Hope has been growing in number of participants and funds raised. This year, organizers are expecting the biggest turnout yet for this annual fundraiser benefiting the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness.

The Sixth Annual Bike for Hope will be held Sat., May 15 at Trek Bicycles of Raleigh at 10911 Raven Ridge Road. This year, three rides are being offered - 50-mile, 32-mile and 15-mile - along with Big Wheel races for kids and adults, other family activities, and a prize raffle. The registration fee is only $35 and includes a Bike for Hope t-shirt, breakfast, refreshments, lunch and more.

The 50-mile ride will begin at 8 a.m., the 32-mile ride at 9 a.m., and 15-mile ride at 10 a.m., with registration for each ride beginning one hour prior to the start time. The staggered starts will allow bicyclists to return to Trek Bicycles in time for a post-ride celebration featuring prizes, giveaways and food. Bikers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult on the 32- and 50-mile rides.

The event started in 2004 as a bike and hike for family and friends in memory of George Thanhauser, who had recently lost his battle with cancer. After retiring from IBM, Thanhauser owned the Town and Country Bike Shop in Wake Forest.

"We want to get a minimum of 300 riders this year and make this the best Bike for Hope yet," said Greg Cox, event coordinator and volunteer. "We're encouraging bicycling enthusiasts and fans of the annual Walk for Hope to organize teams for the Bike for Hope. It will be a fun event for the whole family."

Event sponsors this year include Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, Angus Barn, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, 96 Rock, SoBe Lifewater, Rockstar energy drinks, Captrust, Fred Anderson Toyota, Lowes Foods, Golden Corral and Jersey Mike's.

For more information or to register, visit www.walkforhope.com and click on the link for the Bike for Hope. Registration materials are also available from the Foundation of Hope by calling (919) 781-9255 or e-mailing bebee@walkforhope.com.

Press Release Contact Information:

Glenn Gillen
S&A Cherokee
Account Manager
301 Cascade Pointe Lane
Cary, NC
USA 27513
Voice: 919-674-6020