Sanford to bike across the state in May

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford is calling on South Carolinians to join him in a three-day bike ride across the state in May.

"This bike ride is all about challenging folks to be just a little bit more active every day - something we think will have a profound impact in how we look and feel as individual South Carolinians," Sanford said.

The governor first mentioned the ride in his State of the State address in January. Sanford said he wanted to set a good example by showing people how important exercise is to staying healthy and cutting health care costs.

Sanford will kick off the 160-mile ride on May 1 at Croft State Park near Spartanburg. He'll travel along Highway 176 through southern Spartanburg County, Jonesville, Union and Whitmire before stopping at Little Mountain near Columbia.

He will pick up the second leg of the trip by traveling from Columbia to Santee on May 15 and complete his trek May 16 when he arrives in North Charleston.

First lady Jenny Sanford and their four sons will join the governor during portions of his trip.

Other special guests will be announced closer to the time of the rides, said Sanford's spokesman, Will Folks.

The governor's Web site, www.scgovernor.com, includes details and maps about his bike route, as well as historical information about towns, cities and points of interest the route will pass through.