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Silver Valley Defeat ALS Ride nets $50K

| July 4, 2014 9:00 PM

ENAVILLE - More than $50,000 was raised to fight Lou Gehrig's disease during the Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS on June 28.

The day of bike riding for a good cause in the Silver Valley saw more than 130 people participate and countless more volunteering. Cindy Moore, a former Hecla Mining Company employee who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2010, inspired the company to support the event.

"It was a roaring success," Moore, who also was one of the ride organizers, said in a press release. "Our goal was to raise $35,000 and we accomplished that several days before the ride. By the time the event was over on Saturday, we raised more than $50,000, and we still have donations coming in through the website."

Individuals and teams of cyclists raised money for their ride and Cindy's Cyclists, comprised of family, friends and co-workers of Moore, raised $9,500.

"The money raised will provided local care services for 'PALS' (Persons with ALS), and also provide support for their families," Moore said. "We decided not to use the funds for research, but rather to help support PALS and their families in the region, which spans from central Washington to Idaho and Montana."

The rainy weather during the week prior to the ride let up as cyclists took to the trail at the Snake Pit Resort for either a 27.2 or a 42.6 mile ride. According to the release, Moore and a few other PALS took to the trail with their motorized wheelchairs.

"I can't ride any longer, but I can still get out there and participate," Moore said in the release. "The trail is paved, so it's perfect for power chairs."

The success of the inaugural ride has Moore and her fellow organizers already planning for next year.

"We owe a special thank you to Hecla Mining Company for underwriting this year's event, and all of the sponsors who have committed to keep this ride going for the future."