Vancouver resident Bob Mandelson, president of the Board of Elders in Action, is riding 550 miles of the 2,745 mile long Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). He will be raising awareness for positive aging and the mission of Elders in Action to achieve a “vibrant community” through the active involvement of older adults.

Mandelson, 65, hopes to raise $5,500 for Elders in Action to help support its unique and innovative programs.

The GDMBR is the world’s longest off-pavement cycling route. It’s highlighted by long dirt roads and trails, forgotten passes, and spectacular scenery of the Continental Divide. The route starts at Banff, Alberta, Canada and ends at Antelope Wells, New Mexico on the Mexican Border.

Mandelson was scheduled to will be leave from Whitefish, Montana on July 11 and end July 28 at West Yellowstone, Montana. The route is unmarked, circuitous, and travels through the remote backcountry where Grizzly bears and mountain lions are known to roam freely. On the GDMBR intervals between services are frequently 100-plus miles. Each rider carries his own water, food, gear, and supplies.

Mandelson sold his bicycle wholesale parts business in 2003 and returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in conflict resolution from Portland State University. His first involvement with Elders in Action was as a personal advocate. He has assisted numerous seniors with problems relating to housing, health care, crime, and elder abuse.

For information, go to www.eldersinaction.org or call 503 235-5474.