Published Friday, October 03, 2008

Sunday's Grizzard bicycle ride will help buy books for children

From Staff Reports

news@newnan.com

While remembering a beloved Moreland famous son, nationally-known writer and humorist, bicycle enthusiasts will be helping the Ferst Foundation Sunday with its efforts to get children reading.

The Lewis Grizzard and Catfish Memorial Bike Ride to benefit the Ferst Foundation for Child Literacy starts 9 a.m. Sunday in Moreland.

Grizzard, whose columns were a fixture in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution for years, often wrote about his beloved Moreland and his years growing up in the south Coweta town. Later his work was syndicated nationally, many of his stories were compiled into books, and he put together a stage show sharing the tales. He even appeared on national TV in an episode of "Designing Women."

A previous Moreland area bike ride honoring Grizzard was known as the Catfish Ride -- recalling Grizzard's beloved pet dog. The ride has been resurrected with new organizer the Ferst Foundation, this time to benefit child literacy.

Riders may choose among 12-mile, 25-mile or 66-mile rides.

Advance registration was requested in order to assure commemorative bike ride T-shirts, but race-day registration, $30, will be taken at the Moreland Museum beginning at 8 a.m. The Moreland town square is just west of U.S. Highway 29.

For more information on the ride or to help with the Ferst Foundation's efforts, contact chairperson Holly Lewis at 404-944-7665 or co-chairperson Brenda Washington at 770-304-1777. Details and forms: www.cowetaferst.org .