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WASHINGTON, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sixty-two-year-old retired Army Colonel Mike McFarlin, a South Riding, Va., resident, is in training for a 3,300-mile bicycle ride from Seattle to Washington, DC that begins later this month to help raise funds for the American Lung Association of Washington.
A DynCorp International marine communications manager, McFarlin is participating in the 11th annual Big Ride Across America because he had dreamed of doing something "big" to raise awareness about health issues -- a life-long concern of his.
"Big Ride sounded like an adventure, so I signed up, and I have been working out two hours a day, six days a week to get ready," he said. "I've lost 55 pounds, and I am in better shape than ever before. It's a ride, not a race," McFarlin explained. "And I am looking forward to experiencing the whole country on the way."
He is one of the top fundraisers in the event supported by family, friends and the community and is also being sponsored by his employer, DynCorp International, which is headquartered in Falls Church, Va.
"DI has always made an effort to support our employees, and when Mike told us about the adventure he was embarking on we didn't hesitate to sponsor him. We view the opportunity as a way to support our community and a good cause," Gregory Lagana, DynCorp's senior vice president of communications said. "We are proudly looking forward to Mike crossing the finish line at the Lincoln Memorial -- the culmination of both exhaustive training and continual fundraising for a great cause."
The Big Ride, which begins June 25, will end August 11 at the Lincoln Memorial. McFarlin and the 49 other bicyclists will cross the country averaging 80 miles a day. McFarlin doesn't consider that a grueling pace and said he is planning to enjoy the ride, taking pictures and talking to people he meets on the way. The cyclists from 22 states and three countries have raised over $300,000 dollars for the American Lung Association of Washington.
About DynCorp International
DynCorp International (NYSE: DCP) is a provider of specialized mission-critical technical services to civilian and military government agencies worldwide, and operates major programs in law enforcement training and support, security services, base operations, aviation services, contingency operations, and logistics support. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., DynCorp International has approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.dyn-intl.com.