"Peace Be the Journey" bike ride to raise mental health awareness in northeast Iowa

The Northeast Iowa affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will host its "Peace Be The Journey" bicycle ride for mental health awareness next Saturday, October 5th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Decorah Fish Hatchery, 2325 Siewers Spring Road.

The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and raise funds for education, support and advocacy for those affected by mental illness, their families and their communities.

All funds raised through the event go directly to NAMI services throughout Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette and Clayton counties.

The course for the ride will be the closed-loop Trout Run trail, beginning and ending at the fish hatchery. Welcoming comments and an address from Sheriff Dan Marx will be made at 10:00 a.m. Additionally, for-purchase concessions from Kymar Kafe, caramel-apple sundae bowls, a "bouncy house" and face painting will be available to all riders and the public. Door prizes have been contributed by numerous regional businesses. All riders are encouraged to wear helmets.

More information can be found at www.namineiowa.org. Registration is available on the website or at the event as well.