DaytonDailyNews.com

On Friday radio show hosts Bill Nance and Melody Morris of WFCJ, 93.7 FM, will be broadcasting while biking.

The adventurous radio partners are known for a sense of adventure and have broadcast while riding a roller coaster, have sponsored a citywide chocolate festival, host an annual Christmas show, and now are taking to the bike trails.

According to Bill, he and Melody will ride on a tandem and hope to complete a 100-mile planned ride, all on bike paths in the area.

"We invite other bikers to join us," Bill said. "We have done this before and have taken pledges. Last year we raised $10,000 for the Dayton Gospel Mission, and hope to bring in much more this year. The Gospel Mission does great work in serving those who are poor and down and out."

The daylong bike ride will begin at 6 a.m. Friday morning just south of Franklin near Verity Parkway.

"We plan to ride on the bike path through Miamisburg, West Carrollton, and then on to RiverScape downtown," Bill said. "We will continue to Island MetroPark, then back downtown and then out to Eastwood MetroPark, over to Beavercreek, east to Xenia, south along the Little Miami Scenic Bikeway, and will end the expedition in Loveland."

The two veteran broadcasters, who host the morning drive program on WFCJ on weekdays, will do live remote broadcasts to update listeners all day Friday. They plan to complete the ride at about 6 p.m.

According to Bill, the two are tracked by a WFCJ station van, which meets them at various checkpoints to provide refills of water, and offer crackers and cheese. If necessary the van has equipment for bike repairs.

"Our tandem bike is being provided by the K and G Bike Shop in Xenia and is brand new, so we don't anticipate any technical problems," Bill said. "But those riding with us might need some help along the way."

Last year, Bill said, the two traveled a total distance of 111.5 miles at an average speed of 11.61 miles per hour. The actual riding time was 9 hours, 34 minutes and 45 seconds.

Past rides have not gone without some setbacks, Bill said.

"One year Melody's shoe lace wrapped and knotted around the metal shaft and her jogging pants were shredded in the wheel cog. Then about five years ago I lost control on a patch of wet ground and spilled over, injuring my thumb."

In past rides, Bill said the two spotted some interesting wildlife. "We have seen deer, geese, ducks, horses, an owl, and a snake or two," he said.

Both Melody and Bill say they are pleased to support the good works of the Gospel Mission.

Ken Clarkston, director of the Gospel Mission, at 64 Burns Ave., said the money is put to good use.

"We serve the total inner-city and help many families," he said. "We provide hot meals and clothing to the needy. And we provide job training, physical and recreational activities in our gymnasium. Of course, we are here as missionaries and also offer spiritual guidance."

The Gospel Mission is celebrating 95 years of operation in 2007.

"We thank Bill and Melody for their support with this fundraising bike ride," Clarkston said. "They are touching lives in a positive way."

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-7334. Phone: (937) 225-2272.