The Vine News

Pastor Fred Hedt and Camp Director Ed Coss completed a 129-mile ride through the Great Allegheny Passage from suburban Pittsburgh, Pa., to Cumberland, Maryland to raise scholarship money for students at Ascension Lutheran School.

Hedt, who launched the ride on his 62nd birthday, worked with Coss to raise $23,000 in scholarship money for the school. Supporters pledged money for each mile the bikers completed.

The ride began July 15 in Pittsburgh, Pa, and finish in Cumberland, Md, following the recently completed Great Alleghany Passage bike trail. The pair trained for the event by biking the back roads of Prince George’s County and the C&O Canal.

“Some people say I am too old to complete this ride,” the pastor was quoted as saying in a press release before the event, “but seeing the students enjoy an excellent education motivates me to train and challenge myself.”

Ascension Lutheran School has served Prince George’s County for over 52 years.

“This year Ascension Church provided $208,000 in scholarships and reduced fees for our students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade,” said Principal Donna Lucas. “The Gap’R [bike ride donations] will enable Ascension to continue this strong tradition of supporting quality education."