Local woman's bike ride ends up on Times Square

Wahkiakum County resident Marsha LaFarge likes to stay active, and she's found a way to make it beneficial for others too.

In September she participated in a fundraiser, The Great Cycle Challenge, which asked her to ride a hundred miles in 30 days while raising money to fight children's cancer.

September isn't over yet, but she's already ridden 117 miles, and raised $675.

The event also led to an exciting and unexpected moment for LaFarge and her family and friends.

The organization asked participants to upload photos, and that's how her face ended up on a huge billboard in Times Square in New York City for a few minutes this month.

"That was fun," LaFarge said.

She and her husband, Mike, who rode with her, cycled on Puget Island, at the refuge, and even did a couple rides out of town for the fundraiser. LaFarge's longest ride was 22 miles.

"I've done walks," she said, "I walked 30 miles in 30 days for St. Jude and raised $500. That felt like cheating. We walk two miles every day anyway. I got it done in about two weeks."

She also did another event to raise money for breast cancer.

Her motive? Just keep moving!

She's looking for her next challenge, but admits it probably won't be until next spring, when the weather starts to warm up again.

"They are good causes," LaFarge said. "I figure as long as I can do it, I will."