So You Think You Can Bike?

Love to ride? I personally, do not. I actually hate riding a bike. For a multitude of reasons, including my poor performance in the hand-eye coordination department, and my inability to control external factors, i.e., cars, small animals, pedestrians, insects, wind, rain, flying rocks…

Enter the stationary bike. Solution! The ingenious metal machine conveniently eliminates a majority of my aforementioned excuses. No offense intended to any of my outdoor biking enthusiast buddies, I simply vote in favor of any enjoyable and somewhat stress-free way to boost my cardiovascular health, and hopefully tone my calves.

Although truth be told, I am not inherently a lover of exercise, pair it with a good cause and I am more than game. This is exactly what Elite Fitness and Gym in downtown Western Springs is proposing. Since 2008, the popular local gym located at 800 Hillgrove Avenue, has been giving back to the community by hosting an annual fundraiser that lends a helping hand to someone in need, while encouraging health and wellness.

This year's "Charity Challenge" is a bike-a-thon to raise money for Theresa "Tree" Howard. Theresa is a lover of animals and works as a stylist at the Barker Shop, located at 1404 W. 55th Street in LaGrange. This past April, Theresa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. She is 23 years old. Theresa doesn't have health insurance, and she is currently unable to work because of her condition.

Inspired yet? Stop by Elite Fitness and reserve a bike for September 12th. For $40 an hour you can ride till your heart's content. All proceeds, including entry fees and pledges, will go directly to help support Theresa's medical expenses. Time slots are available on the hour and the event runs from 7:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, contact Elite Fitness and Gym at 708-246-4521 or www.elitefitnessws.com. Happy riding!