BURGETTSTOWN, Pa. - The Burgettstown Lions will be hosting a 20-mile out-and-back bicycle run along the Panhandle Trail to benefit the Lions' charities and scholarship fund during the Burgettstown Community Days festival July 11.

Registration and check-in will be held between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at the Main Street Crossing, according to Mary Oddi, organizer.

"They don't have to ride the entire way and back," said Oddi. "Some people with children riding aren't going to be able to do so."

The ride is 20 miles overall, 10 miles out and 10 miles back. It travels through Bulger to McDonald and is a paved bike trail for the entire length.

"It's not very difficult," said Oddi. "There are some small hills. It's a very nice ride."

The proceeds of the event will first fund the Lions' $1,500 in scholarships to Burgettstown Senior High School students. The group also hopes to be able to assist local community organizations, such as scouting groups and the Burgettstown Community Library.

"We like to spread it out as much as we can," said Oddi. "There are a lot of service organizations in the area that could use a little help."

Oddi said that the Lions club had chosen to do the bike run during community days for two reasons.

"To let the community know the Lion's Club is still active in trying to help local citizens and groups and to bring people from other areas to our Community Day celebration to increase vendor sales and awareness of what a great area Burgettstown is," she said.

The cost is $20 per rider for those registering before the event, and $24 for those registering the day of the event. There is a $75 family package for a family of four.

All types of bicycles can be entered into the event.

Those registering will receive a T-shirt, a goodie bag, a ticket for a door prize and a voucher for a snack redeemable at the Burgettstown Kids Center the day of the run, according to Oddi.

The group will have rest stops set up along the length of the ride, said Oddi.

Oddi said the group is seeking any type of donations, including items for door prizes, coupons or gift certificates to offer in gift bags or as prizes. Area businesses also are asked to make monetary donations to become sponsors, so the proceeds of the event can go toward area charities.

"Anything is accepted and appreciated," said Oddi.

Sponsors include Testa Machines, NAPA Auto of Burgettstown, Kramer's Greenhouse, Bavington Roadhouse and All-American of Langeloth. Sponsorships are still available.

To become a sponsor or participate in the bike run, call Chris Kramer at (724) 899-3344 or Mary Oddi at (724) 947-5683 or email mary61161aol.com.

(Wallace-Minger can be contacted at swallace@pafocus.com)