Cyclists from throughout the region will gather Saturday, Sept. 29, for the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland’s (NKF-MD) fourth annual Western Maryland Kidney Ride along the Great Allegheny Passage.

The event begins at Cumberland’s historic Western Maryland Railway Station on Canal Street. It will traverse the picturesque mountain trail to Frostburg and travel back to Cumberland. Along the way, NKF-MD will have three rest stops with refreshments.

Up to 50 riders have the option of riding the historic Mountain Thunder steam train from Cumberland to Frostburg (with their bicycle) and then pedaling back to Cumberland. On-site check-in starts at 9 a.m.  The Ride will start at 10 a.m. and the train departs at 11 a.m.

“The Kidney Ride is designed to bring attention to the importance of early detection for those at risk of kidney disease, and also raise funds to support programs for kidney patients and their families,” said Kidney Ride Chairperson Susan Scarpelli, a renal dietitian and long-time advocate for people with kidney disease. “Twenty-six million Americans have kidney disease, and hundreds of them live right here in Allegany and Garrett counties.”

Each rider should aim to raise a minimum amount of $100, at which level they will receive a Kidney Ride T-shirt.  There will be additional incentives for reaching higher donation levels. There is no registration fee, but those taking the train will be charged $20 (payable in advance to NKF-MD). To register online, visit www.kidneymd.org and create a personal web page. Offline donations (i.e. checks, matching gift forms) can be sent to Melissa Clark, Rte. 3, Box 362, Ridgley, WV 26753.

NKF-MD hopes the event will raise $25,000. Event proceeds directly provide for patient and community services such as free early detection, initiatives to heighten awareness of the disease; continuing education programs for kidney doctors and other caregivers; research to fight kidney disease; patient advocacy to make patients’ voices heard through legislative action, and patient financial support when necessary to purchase medicine or transportation.

For more information about the Western Maryland Kidney Ride, to receive sponsor forms or to learn more about NKF-MD’s programs and services, www.kidneymd.org, call 301-707-7473 or email mclark@kidneymd.org.