And We're Off!!!!

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ashley Elizabeth Graham (931) 801-5554
vivacatieii@gmail.com

VIVA CATIE II BIKE RIDE BEGINS:
Group To Bike 1200 Miles in Honor of Fallen Classmate



COLUMBIA, Tennessee, June 4, 2009 -- Embarking on a six-day journey to Austin, Texas, 17 students, teachers, classmates, and friends of Catie Summers logged the first mile of the Viva Catie II Bike Ride.

"To accomplish something this momentous, to set out on a journey with a goal this big, this will change you, change your life" spoke group leader Danny Magrans as the team began on the Natchez Trace. Raising money for the Catie Summers Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the bikers will ride through Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Magrans challenged group participants, "I pray you remember the cause of and the purpose of why we have all come together."

Part of the HOPE Club of Clarksville High School, Viva Catie II team members are riding in memory of their classmate, Catie Summers, a 16 year old beloved student and friend who lost her battle with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of childhood bone cancer, in December 2007. Viva Catie rides to honor Catie's poignant fight by accomplishing this great physical journey in her memory

Day one began with rain showers that changed the ride plan, but would not alter the resilient spirit of Viva Catie II. Magrans encouraged the riders to make memories and focus on the goal ahead: Austin, Texas and a cure for cancer.