Published: April 27, 2009 11:37 pm      

‘Amazing Race’ host biking Great Allegheny Passage

Riders encouraged to join Phil Keoghan in Frostburg on Sunday

FROSTBURG — Phil Keoghan, host of CBS’ Emmy-winning show “The Amazing Race,” will roll into Frostburg on Sunday as part of “Phil Keoghan’s Ride Across America,” a cross-country bike ride to create awareness for multiple sclerosis.

Keoghan will stop at the Frostburg trailhead of the Great Allegheny Passage near the Old Depot on Depot Street at 8:30 a.m.

The visit is part of the TV show host’s 40-day bike ride of more than 3,500 miles that began in Los Angeles on March 28 and will conclude in New York City on May 9.

Representatives from Allegany County Tourism and Frostburg First have been working on planning Sunday’s event, which will include a small presentation before Keoghan heads off to his next destination. Cyclists are encouraged to bring their bikes and ride alongside Keoghan as he leaves Frostburg to show support of his journey and MS.

New Zealand-born Keoghan has gained international fame as a host, writer and producer of adventure-based TV shows. He has been the host of the popular reality show, “The Amazing Race‚” for 14 seasons, as well as the Discovery Channel Show “No Opportunity Wasted,” based on his inspirational best-selling book.

“Phil Keoghan’s Ride Across America” is sponsored by GNC health stores and Residence Inn by Marriott.

For more information, log on to www.philridesacrossamerica.com. To register for the bike ride, go to www.philridesacross america.com/register_frostburg.html.

The ride will average 100 miles per day, spanning 40 days with pit stops in more than 30 cities.

“I fly over 400,000 miles a year and I figured it was time to stretch my legs. I love to ride so I thought I’d see what this great country looks like up close instead of taking a bird’s-eye view at 30,000 feet,” said Keoghan. “In this economic climate, bike-riding makes a lot of sense — it’s good for your waistline and easy on your wallet.”

The ride includes visits to Las Vegas; Denver; Lincoln, Neb.; Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh; Hagerstown; Washington; Baltimore; Phil-adelphia; and New York.

Bike MS is the premier fundraising cycling series in the nation. To date, Bike MS has raised nearly $700 million to help people with MS. With more than 100 unique bike rides across the country, more information is available at bikeMS.org.