Long-distance peddler takes a spin with friends, supporters

Bob Lee returned home from a 2,200-mile journey on his bike along the West Coast from Vancouver, British Columbia to the Mexican border in California less than a week ago.

But the 70-year-old was already back on a bike Saturday — albeit a stationary one.

Lee, who completed the ride for the Three for Three Reasons campaign, celebrated his journey with supporters, family and friends Saturday at the Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington.

“The message I hold told people is to have a dream and then turn those dreams into a reality,” Lee said. “That’s what the ride was all about. I am not a cyclist, I am a peddler. I am peddling the message on behalf of all of the people who can’t.”

Three for Three Reasons supports cancer and ALS research, and hospice care.

More than 50 people took part in spin classes — a Spin-a-thon — at the facility. The $25 fee for each participant went toward the $1 million fundraising goal. Each donation to Three for Three Reasons is tripled. So far, Lee had raised more than $635,000.

Steve Block, a friend who led part of a one-hour class, said Lee’s journey was inspirational.

“He was trying not only to prepare for a two-month long self supported ride, but was also trying to raise $1 million all at the same time,” said Block, who joined Lee in the ride between Oregon and Northern California. “We wanted to do anything we could to take is mind off some things so he could focus on his fundraising efforts.”

Amy Bash, of Barrington, said Lee inspired people to not only get active, but also look outside themselves to help others.

“The ride is impressive but it is bigger than that,” Bash said. “What he has inspired in other people can never be measured — his legacy.”

Go to http://3reasons.org/ for more information.