(From Left to Right) Dr. Pat Pickard, Tim Eggleston, Marsha Eggleston, Donna Fields, Bob Fields and Carri Daiker (submitted)

Dr. Pat Pickard of Martinsburg is as passionate about giving back to her community as she is about bicycling. So, why not combine the two?

In the past, Pat has utilized her cycling abilities to raise money for local causes, and this year she chose the Eastern Panhandle Free Clinic (EPFC) as the recipient of her generosity.

Pat believes that “since many people can’t afford regular healthcare, there is a real need for this type of clinic.”

Pat enlisted the help of some pedaling pals from her Independent Bible church group to share in the charitable ride and, in the end, raised a total of $4,325.00 for the clinic. The grand adventure lasted five days, Aug. 3 through 7, traveling from south of Pittsburgh to Georgetown.

During the first two days of the 330 mile bike-a-thon, the bicyclists were blessed with free rain showers and mud baths, compliments of Mother Nature. While cruising through Maryland, even though the riders’ spirits never deflated, unfortunately, some of their tires did. Luckily, Dennis Hudson from C&O Bicycle on South Pennsylvania Avenue in Hancock offered some much-needed assistance in getting the riders to their next destination of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

Thanks to the donations of loyal supporters such as Dr. Pickard, her “biker buddies” and the bike riders’ sponsors, the EPFC is celebrating its 10th year of providing free healthcare to thousands of low income, uninsured residents of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. The clinic, located at 1212 N. Mildred St. in Ranson, W.Va., offers services to anyone who lives in the Eastern Panhandle and meets income guidelines.

To find out more information about the EPFC or to make an online donation visit their website at www.wvepfc.com.