The Ride for Research is sponsored by the American Lung Association of Central New York. This 260-mile ride starts in Saranac Lake on June 28, 2002, and ends in Ithaca on June 30. As the name indicates it is to raise funds for research, some of which will go to the Trudeau Institute.

This is especially fitting considering in 1905 Edward Livingston Trudeau was elected the first president of the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, which in 1922 became know as the American Lung Association. Two of the media sponsors for the ride are Y106.3 and WNBZ-AM 1240 (our local radio stations).

Many of the riders will be spending the night of June 27 in Saranac Lake, with a reception at the Trudeau Institute. So, while the ride might end in Ithaca, it will have a solid beginning in Saranac Lake.

Saranac Lake, 'where the race begins,' is the home of the first sanatorium for tuberculosis in the country and where the American Lung Association originated. Currently the Lung Association is supporting three local projects, which include those at the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake, SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and Cornell University in Ithaca.

If you are interested in being a rider or sponsoring one 'in the Ride for Research, call the American Lung Association today at (315) 422-6142.

The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, at 30 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983, has applications.