Barrington Resident to Cycle 2,500 Miles for Charity

A well-known Barrington resident is taking on the ultimate physical challenge, all in the name of charity.

Bob Lee has announced he will be doing Ride for 3 Reasons: Part III this fall. Lee will ride his bicycle 2,500 miles from Vancouver, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico, in honor of those who suffer from ALS, cancer or are facing end of life.

This isn’t the first time Lee has taken on a task like this. In 2001, he rode 3,200 miles across the southern border of the United States, and in 2007 he completed 6,500 miles along the east coast and across the northern border of the country.

“Through my involvement with the RIDES and the charities involved in the effort, I have met countless people who inspire me to pay it forward every day,” Lee said. “The RIDE is a journey that allows me to touch people’s lives in a meaningful way while also engaging my lifelong dream of travelling the back roads.”

As he’s done before, he is using this physical challenge to educate the public about the three causes, as well as raise funds for them. The charities he is representing are the Les Turner ALS Foundation, American Cancer Society, the National Hospice Foundation and Hospice Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois.

“During my RIDE, I will meet with ALS and cancer patients and caregivers, as well as visit hospice facilities along the route,” Lee said. “The RIDE is about the people. Although I do need to train and prepare for the physical challenge, nothing fuels and motivates me along the journey as much as the people and the stories I hear.”

Lee was inspired for his initial ride in 2001 by reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. He was affected the Morrie Schwartz, a sociology professor and author diagnosed with ALS who advocated for living in a fully conscious, compassionate and loving way.

Through his previous RIDES, Lee has raised nearly $500,000 and has already surpassed that figure through his current fundraising campaign. All of his donations will be divided equally among the charities.

Barrington area residents will be able to support the Ride for 3 Reasons: Part III through several events and activities:

• Bike the Ride, May 5 (rain date May 6), Barrington Area Kid Fest, , 11 a.m –3 p.m. This is a free event. Participants will ride through Cuba Marsh, enjoy a bike decorating activity and benefit from bike and helmet safety checks.

• Jump the Ride, May 12, Kids In Action Gymnastics Academy (KIAGA), 28039 W. Northpointe Parkway, Lake Barrington, 6:30–8 p.m. and 8:30–10 p.m.  Toddlers and older are welcome to experience open gym, music, concessions, raffles and T-shirt sales.  Fee is $10.

• Dine the Ride, May 12, Onion Pub & Brewery, 22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington, all day. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the Ride for 3 Reasons.

• Rock the Ride Music Fest, July 4, downtown Barrington at the 4th of July Brat Tent, 1–10 p.m. Featuring adult and youth bands, concessions and raffles.

To learn more about the Ride for 3 Reasons: Part III and the beneficiaries, and to make a donation, visit www.3Reasons.org.