From Tribune staff reports

Bikers of all ages will be riding their bikes around Freeborn County Saturday to help in the fight against cancer.

The 32nd annual 100-mile Freeborn County American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon begins at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Sibley warming house on West Front Street. Co-chairing the ride are Sheriff Mark Harig and County Commissioner Dan Springborg.

Participants will be riding to raise money toward the American Cancer Society’s programs of service, education and research.

Riders obtain sponsors by asking friends and neighbors to pledge a specific amount of money for each mile they ride, or a flat amount. Pledge cards are to be turned in for ride cards between 4 and 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 29 and 30, at Skyline Mall.

No one will be allowed to participate in the Bike-A-Thon without a ride card. The ride cards will be stamped at each checkpoint along the route. This will be used as a record to show proof of actual miles completed.

In case of rain or severe weather, the Bike-A-Thon rain clause will be put into effect, and one mile will equal five miles. Bike-A-Thon officials will make the decision only if necessary, and for the riders’ safety.

Harig reminds riders to check in at the beginning of the ride, and also when they have completed the ride. Whether a rider does 10 miles or 100, he or she needs to check in with officials so each rider is accounted for at all times.

All bicyclists must follow the rules that apply to automobile drivers. Keep to the right of the roadway, use hand signals to indicate turns, yield to pedestrians and observe traffic signs and signals. Anyone who fails to comply with the rules of the road will be asked to leave the ride.

The bike route is clearly marked. There are 10 checkpoints with rest stops and first aid facilities along the way, located at Glenville, Gordonsville, Myrtle, Hayward, Geneva, Hartland, Freeborn, Alden, Conger and Albert Lea. Refreshments will be served at Myrtle, Geneva and Alden.

All riders are required to stop riding at dusk. Transportation for riders and their bikes back to the starting point will be provided. Starting at 5 p.m., stragglers will be picked up and returned to the starting point.

Bank night will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at Wells Fargo Bank in Albert Lea. The route will be patrolled by the Freeborn County Sheriffs.