Six days and more than 500 miles.

That's the awe-inspiring journey Barry Hahn is about to embark on as a participant in the Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer 2015 Aug. 2-8. This year's route begins in Syracuse, New York, and makes its way to Palmerton. There will be 70 riders who have made a commitment to fight cancer.Hahn said the route will include the toughest hills and mountains between Syracuse, New York, and Palmerton.An avid bicyclist, Hahn enjoys going on long rides and being one with the outdoors.But for the former Palmerton Area High School soccer coach, this particular ride trumps the rest.For Hahn, the ride in the fight against cancer is extremely near and dear to his heart."I do this ride in honor of my parents, who lost their battle to cancer," Hahn said. "I do this ride in honor of my friends who fought their battle with cancer and won. I do this ride in the hope that there will be no more battles. In the hope with the money raised by events like this we can find a cure."For Hahn, this will mark his 11th PPRAC over the past 22 years, as the event is staged every other year.In the meantime, Hahn, whose wife, Tara, will join him on the ride, has asked the community to support him on the ride, and said that any amount is greatly appreciated.Anyone who would like to support Hahn may make checks payable to PPRACmail to 9185 Interchange Road, Lehighton PA 18235, or go to

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Team-Hahn.To qualify for the PPRAC XVII, individual riders must raise at least $1,500. Pledges may be secured on a per-mile basis, or as straight donations.Individual donors who give $50 or more receive a PPRAC gift. Also, with guidance from the American Cancer Society, riders will be asked to help secure corporate donations. Participating businesses will be recognized by their levels of giving. Money must be turned in before the departure.Of the funds collected, 85 percent will go to the Lehigh Valley Unit of the American Cancer Society, and 15 percent to Dream Come True, a support organization for terminally and seriously ill children.The PPRAC was organized in 1983 by Allentown school teacher Bob Freed in response to the cancer deaths of two family members and a friend.The original PPRAC, a 10-day journey covering 1,000 miles around the border of Pennsylvania, from which the "Perimeter Ride" takes its name, was completed by 22 riders and raised funds for the American Cancer Society.Subsequent six-day rides covering 500 miles (held every other year from 1985 through 2013) were completed by about 25 to 70 riders who not only raised funds for the American Cancer Society, but also donated to Dream Come True.To date, the PPRAC has raised almost $1.4 million to help fight cancer in the Lehigh Valley community.More information can be found at PPRAC.net