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The 12th Annual St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride – an annual event that allows families and friends of individuals who have been on Hospice to honor their loved one, support St. Luke's Hospice and enjoy the scenic outdoors – will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The rain date is Sunday, June 4.

The ride will begin at 10 am at the D&L National Heritage Trail’s Lehighton Trailhead, located at 200 North Main Lane in Lehighton. The registration fee is $40 and includes a commemorative shirt and a bike and/or helmet loan from Pocono Biking (if needed).

Participants can also purchase a memorial sign to remember their loved ones for $25. The signs will line the route along the Lehighton Trailhead starting point, creating a touching tribute.

All proceeds go directly to St. Luke’s Hospice to continue to provide unmatched end-of-life care to patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay.

Riders can opt for either the 20- or 30-mile trail ride. Both rides begin south of Jim Thorpe and traverse along riverbeds and the canal towpath, as well as some paved sections. Riders will see museums, the Appalachian Trail crossing and environmental center, and take in beautiful views of the Blue Mountains, Appalachian Trail and Lehigh Gap.

Snacks and beverages are available at two rest stops located at the Slatington Trailhead and at Treichlers Bridge. Lunch is provided at the end of the ride.

Held each year in June, the St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride is a tangible way to honor the memory of loved ones and support the St. Luke's Hospice Team. The family of a former Hospice patient introduced the event in 2010 in appreciation of the care and support provided by Hospice. The ride has grown to more than 200 riders who gather on the D&L Trail to celebrate the lives of family and friends they have lost. Although all these families and friends have their own unique stories, there is a special shared experience that they all can relate to.

The St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride is an approved event of St. Luke’s “Get Your Tail on the Trail” program. Pocono Biking will provide free loaner bikes and helmets to anyone who registers and does not have their own equipment.

Individuals and groups interested in participating in the 12th Annual St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride can register atwww.slhn.org/visiting-nurse-association/about-us/events/annual-bike-ride.