Nonprofit chief ready to start national bike tour

The head of a mentoring program for at-risk youth will start a cross-country bicycle tour in Vancouver this weekend.

Lori Salierno, CEO and founder of Celebrate Life International, will start her 3,000 mile “Challenge the Cycle” bicycle ride at 3 p.m. Sunday at Mountain View High School.

Salierno will ride through 13 states, ending in Kennesaw, Ga., in August. Her aim is to raise awareness and money for programs for at-risk youth.

Mountain View High has been using the nonprofit’s mentoring program for the past two years.

The public is invited to ride along with Salierno for the first two miles of the route leading from Mountain View to the Glen Jackson Bridge.

Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt will be at the kick-off event. Mountain View High School is at 1500 S.E. Blairmont Drive.

For more information, call 360-600-9742.