Gayle Fothergill, 61, is a certified occupational therapy assistant who works at Life Care Center in Coeur d’Alene. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Gayle Fothergill, of Coeur d’Alene, has never attempted a multiday bicycle trek. In two weeks, she’ll start pedaling her first – a cross-country trek from Maine to Seattle, averaging 70 miles a day. “I like to do things big,” said Fothergill, 61, an occupational therapy assistant. “Why mess with a two- or three-day ride when I can dive right into this?” Biking from coast to coast has long been her dream, but this 69-day trip also was inspired by a desire to help a cause she cares about a great deal. Fothergill hopes to raise more than $4,000 for multiple sclerosis research as part of Bike the US for MS/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

Question: Are you an avid bike rider?