Bike Ride across Iowa to benefit Elk Grove Food Bank Services

Jon Platt (left) and Frank Lucia.

Seven people from Elk Grove will be bicycling across Iowa to raise funds for homeless people in our area. They will be riding in the 39th annual Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).

Over 10,000 bicyclers will be participating in the seven-day ride that covers 472 miles and includes 21,406 feet of climbing. John Platt, Penny Pinard, Dave Hieronimus, Arnie Vierra, John van Doren, Wendy Wyles and Frank Lucia will be pedaling for PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), a program provided by Elk Grove Food Bank Services.

This will be the 9th time 75-year John Platt has made the trip across Iowa and the first time for newly retired 61-year old Frank Lucia. Both men have been training almost every day for the past several months.

PATH is a program that assists homeless families and individuals. The Program helps clients out of homelessness, provides basic necessities, connects clients to local resources, provides case management, and assistance in learning life skills. The goal of PATH is to assist the homeless population of Elk Grove towards self-sufficiency and greater independence.

EGFBS is accepting donations to sponsor these "magnificent seven" across Iowa. 100 percent of all donations contributed will go directly to assisting the homeless in Elk Grove through the PATH program.