On Sunday, June 14, more than 430 cyclists from all over the Midwest took to the streets and trails throughout Chesterton, Valparaiso, the National Lakeshore, and even into Portage, to ride in support of the Visiting Nurse Association in memory of Lorie Kirkley, an avid cyclist and nurse who died in 1999 after being abducted from her home.

The 20th annual bicycle tour boasted more than 75 volunteers manning registration, serving breakfast and lunch, hosting sag (rest) stops along the routes, emergency drivers and even ham radio operators - - it was truly a community effort and a roaring success, raising nearly $15,000 to support the programs and services provided by the VNA!

Some volunteers have already said, “Same time, same place next year!”  The committee is actively recruiting new members to take charge or serve on various sub-committees including Food, Highways and Railroads, Music, Rider Freebies, Route Design and Painting, Sponsors, Teams, Volunteer Recruitment and Management for communications, food service, Sag drivers and Sag stops. A couple of interesting twists have been suggested for this year’s ride and we’re always on the look out for new ideas. If you are interested in serving on a committee for Lorie’s Ride 2010, let us know.  We’d love to have you!  Contact Jen Rykard at 531-8049 or by email at jrykard@vnaportercounty.org. 

On Sunday, June 22, 2008, nearly 400 cyclists from at least six states took to the streets and trails throughout Chesterton, Valparaiso, the National Lakeshore, and even into Portage, to ride in support of the Visiting Nurse Association in memory of Lorie Kirkley, an avid cyclist and nurse who died in 1999 after being abducted from her home.

The 19th annual bicycle tour was the first under VNA sponsorship. With more than 80 volunteers manning registration, serving breakfast and lunch, hosting sag (rest) stops along the routes, emergency drivers and even ham radio operators-- it was truly a community effort and a roaring success!

Special thanks to all our volunteers. Some have already said "Same time and place next year!" If you are interested in serving on the committee for Lorie's Ride 2009, let us know. We'd love to have you! Contact Cori Wronko at 531-8076 or Maria Galka at 531-8078. Mark your calendars now for Lorie's Ride on June 14, 2009.