A homestyle bicycle tour has been set for the 2013 Valley Preferred Wheels for Hope event to raise funds for the fight against children's cancer.

The tour will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, starting and finishing at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown.

Cyclists are invited to join this second annual tour to benefit Angel34 Foundation and the Children's Hospital at the Lehigh Valley Hospital's hematology and/oncology department. Riders can choose from two scenic routes that wind through Lehigh and Berks counties, with opportunities to ride 27 miles, 42 miles or combine routes to complete a century ride.

Participating riders are asked to raise a minimum of $150 in donations plus a $15 registration fee to help fight children's cancer. Along with participation in a highly organized and safety-monitored distance ride, each rider receives a pre-ride dinner, a dinner at the finish and a package containing several keepsake premiums.

Riders this year can prepare by participating in the Angels in Training Program administered by Robert Fatz of Sports Performance of the Lehigh Valley Health Network. The program will focus on cycling specific flexibility, core strength and lung capacity.

Angel34 Foundation was founded by former Northampton student Nicole Sheriff during her own battle with cancer. Nicole, 13, established the foundation to provide ICEE machines to children's hospitals across the United States. This cool drink provides relief to the children battling cancer and helps offset the side effect from chemo and radiation treatments. The first hospital to receive an ICEE Machine was the Children's Hospital at the Lehigh Valley Hospital. The organization also provides financial assistance to cover medical cost, therapy programs such as art, music, garden and aquatic, the Angel Field – B&B and Retreat, camps, medical staffing through medical arts scholarships and cancer research.

Children's Hospital at the Lehigh Valley Hospital's hematology/oncology department serves children and their families in the greater Lehigh Valley. The multidisciplinary team caring for young cancer victims is comprised of pediatric hematologists/ oncologists, pediatric nurse practitioners, certified pediatric oncology nurses, social workers, and pharmacists. Care is provided in an atmosphere that instills hope, trust and confidence. Proceeds from the ride are earmarked for much-needed neuropsychological testing resources.

This year the Angel 34 Foundation has tapped Lauren Loose of Easton to serve as ambassador for the Valley Preferred Wheels for Hope. Lauren, 16, has been battling cancer since birth and has been an inspiration to all those who have gotten to know her. Lauren's First and Goal is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, a labor of love started in 2004 by her parents, John and Marianne Loose, as a way to help other families battling childhood cancer.

For more information, visit www.angel34.org or call 610-533-1923.