Gerry Rawlings will be putting rubber to the road this summer when he bicycles from Seattle to Washington, D.C., all for a good cause.

Rawlings, 66, is one of about 35 Washington state riders participating in a 3,300 mile bicycle trip sponsored by the American Lung Association of Washington.

Known as the Big Ride, the journey will start from a waterfront park in Seattle June 23, and finish 48 days later near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.

Rawlings, a Freeland resident, says this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

“A real challenge. I am looking forward to it.”

Rawlings first wanted to do the lung association’s cross country ride in 1998 but personal events conspired against him.

“This year it all came together for me,” he said.

In addition to the physical challenge, Rawlings is looking forward to camaraderie with other riders.

“By the end of the trip, we will be like brothers and sisters,” he said.

For the privilege of testing his stamina, Rawlings and the others must raise a minimum of $5,000 in donations for the American Lung Association. To date he has raised $7,000, but he has set a personal goal of $10,000.

“I can’t think of a better organization to support. I believe in what I am doing,” Rawlings said. “The pledges I raise will help support research into lung diseases. Without breath there is no life.”

The response from friends, family and acquaintances has been gratifying, Rawlings said.

“I have heard from people I haven’t talked to for years who want to support the cause.”

Rawlings and the other riders meet monthly with people who have done the association’s cross country ride in the past.

“They give us advice on what to anticipate during the ride, such as what types of mechanical problems to expect,” he said.

Riders carry their own repair kits, but a mechanic rides along with the support group.

“I’ll pack extra spokes, tubes and tires and will install a new chain and new brakes before taking off in June,” Rawlings said. He will ride his 5-year-old, 21-gear specialized touring bike.

Support vehicles travel with the riders carrying portable showers, camping and personal gear and portable toilets. Emergency medical personnel and a mechanic are part of the convoy too.

“We are allowed two duffel bags for personal belongings,” Rawlings said.

Injuries can also happen along the way. During last year’s event, one rider broke an arm and another a hip.

Rawlings has overcome some of his own physical challenges.

In 1995 he suffered a heart attack. As soon as he recovered he began bicycle riding seriously.

He has participated in the Seattle to Portland ride several times and the Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. ride. He said he’d hoped to be ready for the cross country ride in 1998, but his plans were delayed by knee surgery.

Now he has the blessings of all his doctors to do the ride.

“They all made donations, even my dentist and eye doctor,” Rawlings said.

Riders will average an estimated 80 miles a day and camp mostly in tents along the route.

Rawlings’ training schedule is intense. He rides 150 miles a week and trains at his athletic club’s spin class three or four times a week.

“From now until the ride I’ll increase my training miles every week,” Rawlings said.

He is also working with a personal trainer to develop upper body strength.

Rawlings says he is looking forward to seeing the country from a bicycle seat and seeing old friends along the way. He appreciates the support of people and is committed to completing the Big Ride.

Friends and family members will be able to follow the ride online at www.amla.org.