Media

Cyclist Seeks to Break Cross-state Record to Benefit Children

Cyclist Seeks to Break Cross-state Record to
Benefit Children

July 28, 2010

Endurance cyclist and Bakersville resident Chris Boone will attempt to break the North Carolina cross-state record by pedaling his bicycle 543 miles in less than 40 hours on September 7 - 9. While his goal to set a new record is important, Boone wants to use the opportunity to raise awareness and financial support for boys and girls living at Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH).

“Chris’ efforts are an inspiration to every child and every staff member at Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina,” said BCH president Michael C. Blackwell. “This ride is a testament of will, desire and the incredible lengths one is willing to undertake to make a difference in the lives of children.”

Boone’s endeavor is being promoted as “RideNC2010” and is organized as a part of BCH’s 125th anniversary. He will leave the post office in the mountains of Murphy, NC and travel non-stop to his finishing destination of Manteo located at the Outer Banks.

Boone currently holds the city-to-city/point-to-point record, as certified by the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association, for riding the 470-mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee, NC to Rockfish Gap, VA in 29 hours and 36 minutes.

“I believe God has given me a gift for riding a bike, and I don’t want to use that gift selfishly,” the 44-year-old Boone said. “I hope the children at Baptist Children’s Homes are inspired to find their own gift, run with it, and use it to make themselves better.”

As Boone trains for the ride, the staff at Baptist Children’s Homes is securing RideNC2010 sponsors hoping to raise $250,000 or more. A nonprofit organization, BCH depends on the generosity of others to care for as many as 3,500 children and families annually. BCH operates residential homes in 18 communities across the state.

“I hope everyone who hears about Chris’ efforts will root for him, pray for him, and show financial support by becoming a RideNC2010 sponsor,” Blackwell said. “It is through that financial support that we can offer hope and healing to Baptist Children’s Homes’ boys and girls.”

It will take a team effort for Boone to raise support and safely complete his route. The riding team will consist of as many as 20 support staff members and a caravan of vehicles. One of his most important team members is his wife Lisa who serves as the Director of Nursing for Hospice of Mitchell County. She will oversee her husband’s health and nutrition along the ride literally handing him food and beverage through her vehicle window while he is cycling.

“She was with me for my Parkway ride and knows what it takes for me to get across the state,” Boone said. “My riding team will experience everything I experience and be right there with me. They will be my family during the ride.”

In order to meet the time goal of less than 40 hours Boone must maintain an average cycling speed of 15 mph. This includes all scheduled stops for quick bike maintenance, bathroom breaks, and a clean change of clothes. At that rate Boone would complete the ride in approximately 36 hours.

At the ride’s end, Boone hopes he will be hold a new cycling record, but most of all he hopes his efforts will succeed in transforming lives.

“I want the children to see that there are people out there who are willing to help them by stepping up to meet their needs,” Boone said.

Anyone wishing to support Boone’s efforts by becoming a RideNC2010 sponsor can call RideNC2010 coordinator Lewis Smith at 828-421-9300 or give online at www.ridenc2010.org. Baptist Children’s Homes will provide updated news and information during the ride on its page on Facebook.

Since 1885, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina has helped children and families. BCH began with one campus, Mills Home in Thomasville, but now provides services in 18 communities across the state.

Back to Top