ZEELAND, Mich. (WZZM) - A Zeeland woman is planning to do something that many people half her age wouldn't dream of doing. This weekend Betty Geurink, 76, plans on starting a more than 700 mile bike journey through the Upper Peninsula to raise money for a good cause.
Geurink didn't start biking until age 50, but her trip this weekend is making up for lost time.
"I've been having to do a lot of preparation for it," says Geurink.
The 707 mile bike ride will take her to Ludington, where she'll catch a ferry to Wisconsin, then to Green Bay and the Upper Peninsula. Nine stops later she'll return home.
"It's a challenge. I know I'll sleep well at night," says Geurink as she laughs.
Betty's one of 12 bikers in the "Ride4Life" event, which raises money for local pregnancy centers.
"It's a perfect example of her ability and willingness to do things. There's no stopping her," says Glenn Geurink, Betty's husband.
Betty's granddaughter will join her on the ride. Together, they face another uphill battle.
"Her father and our son is in the hospital now and he's had major surgery for cancer," says Geurink. "One of our concerns as speak and as we ride is how's dad doing?" she says.
But Betty's already showing her family and others she can beat the odds.
"I know I've inspired a few people and it feels good," says Geurink.
Betty also took a similar bike ride through Texas two years ago. For this event, she hopes to raise $5,000.