Joan Kies of Danielsville recently took her cause of fighting cancer 560 miles on a bicycle.

Kies participated in the Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer (PPRAC) June 29-July 3 which took her and 68 other riders from Portland, Maine, to Palmerton. The fundraising ride was founded in 1983 by retired Allentown school teacher Bob Freed in an effort to raise money for cancer research.

This year's PPRAC ride was the first for Kies, who logged in roughly 1,400 miles of training prior to the ride. Kies, who has participated in charity rides in the past, felt PPRAC was an important ride.

"I strongly believe in the causes [American Cancer Society and Dream Come True] and wanted to challenge myself," she said. "I've only been riding for a few years so this was my first ride of this duration."

The ride, Kies said, was physically challenging, taking the bicyclists onto many gravel surfaces and steep hills. The bicyclists would ride during the day and stop during the evening to rest and recuperate. Kies said she concentrated on those she was riding for, rather than the rigor of the journey.

"I tried to focus on the intent of the ride helping others much less fortunate than myself and remembering that their suffering was far greater than my own during the ride," she said.

Kies, who rode alongside four other individuals including Debbie Gemmel and Dennis Kelly of Catasauqua said she was fortunate to be part of such a dedicated group of riders who named themselves "Team Sweepers."

"We rode through traffic, pouring rain, gravel, and long climbs; we laughed, sang and probably even cried a time or two during the time we spent together," she said. "I have great respect for my Team Sweeper colleagues. They'll always hold a special place in my heart."

Kies, who raised just over $1,700, said she is grateful to those who donated to the cause. PPRAC, Kies said, runs a very small budget, with the majority of the expenses for the ride being generated from donations.

"As a result, the donations really do go directly to the American Cancer Society and to Dream Come True. Great reason to donate," she said.

While she is uncertain if she will participate in the next PPRAC ride, Kies said she believes PPRAC serves a valuable purpose in raising awareness for cancer and helping to fight the disease.

"Sadly we've all been touched in one way or another by cancer. We need to beat this disease once and for all," she said.

More information on PPRAC can be found at the organization's website, www.pprac.net/ index.htm.