This weekend on October 19, 2008, there is a metric century bicycle ride in Hope Mills to raise funds for a cure for Crohn's Disease and colitis.

The start and finish point for the ride is at the Hope Mills Municipal Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the ride starting at 9. Online registration is available on Active.com.

The 10-, 20-, 32-, and 64-mile ride routes are out and back and are virtually flat. The entry fee for this event is $25.

Crankin' for Crohn's is hosting the event. The organization's founder Army Staff Sgt. Troy McManus said, "The mission of Crankin' for Crohn's is to encourage all people to participate in bicycling without regard to age or expertise for the benefit of helping fund research for a cure of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

"We promote all aspects of bicycling with special emphasis on bicycle safety and bicyclists' rights and responsibilities and general health and fitness. We also seek to enhance communications among cyclists to provide opportunities for bicycling and socializing with others who may or may not be affected with the diseases, but feel strongly that finding a cure is important.

"Crankin' for Crohn's will use cycling as a tool to raise awareness, educate, and raise funds to be used in the research through direct cooperation of the Crohn's and Colitis foundation of America. All funds passed on to the CCFA will be ear-marked for research."

After his return from a deployment in Iraq in April 2007, McManus started the Crankin' for Crohn's organization. McManus said the purpose of the organization is to raise awareness and funds for research to help find a cure for Crohn's disease and colitis, using cycling as a tool.

"Due to the fact that my brother Todd has been battling both Crohn's and colitis for 31 years, I know firsthand, what terrible diseases they are. Being a cyclist I have combined my passion for cycling with the need for more research and started Crankin' for Crohn's."

McManus said he has had a few fundraising events this summer and plans more in the future to reach a goal raising $50,000.

"All money will be given directly to the CCFA earmarked for research," McManus said. "Some of the events this summer consisted of raffles and yard sales. More recently, I did a solo bike ride across North Carolina starting in Banner Elk and ending in Surf City. During my 367 mile ride, I was able to talk to many people and raise awareness about the need for research for Crohn's and colitis, along with raising some money for the cause."

To make a donation to volunteer to help raise awareness for the cause, contact McManus and Crankin' for Crohn's at crankinforcrohn@aol.com or at 910-429-0556.

Greg Combs is an elite cyclist and novice triathlete and is considered an expert in bicycle fitting. He is also the Director of the Sport Management Program at Methodist University in Fayetteville. For more information browse: www.velosmart.com or email him at gcombs@methodist.edu.