The 11th Annual St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride begins, rain or shine, 10 a.m. June 4, D&L National Heritage Trail’s Lehighton Trailhead, 200 N. Main Lane, Lehighton.

The St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride is 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.

“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,” said Diane Hummel-Spruill, Vice President Patient Care Services, St. Luke’s Hospice.

“The St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride is a special event for the participants because it is a tangible way to honor the memory of their loved ones and a way to thank the St. Luke’s Hospice Team for their care and dedication. Hospice families all have their own unique stories, but there is a special shared experience that all families can relate to,” Hummel-Spruill said.

Participants can purchase a memorial sign to remember their loved ones. The signs will line the route along the Lehighton Trailhead starting point.

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

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

“This event lets families and friends come together and meet others who have had the Hospice experience,” said Hummel-Spruill, who expects more than 275 riders this year.

“Families who have experienced the loss of a loved one with St. Luke’s Hospice often say that Hospice took an incredibly difficult time and gave them peace, family time and, often, a beautiful end-of-life journey,” said Hummel-Spruill.

As part of the event, there is a raffle of baskets donated by businesses.

“Businesses in the community, from bike shops to restaurants to grocery stores and everything in between, are overwhelmingly supportive and very generous,” Hummel-Spruill said.

“As we talk to each business owner or manager, everyone seems to have some connection to Hospice. It confirms that Hospice care is truly a community endeavor and provides comfort to everyone it touches,” said Hummel-Spruill.

Individuals and groups interested in participating in the 11th Annual St. Luke’s Hospice Bike Ride can register at:

https://stlukeshospice.wufoo.com/forms/11th-annual-st-lukes-hospice-bike-ride.