There are many days, especially after mid-April when the collegiate season ends, that David Patterson, assistant head coach of the University Alabama's four-time NCAA Champions gymnastics squad, rides his bicycle farther than most people in Tuscaloosa will drive their cars in a week.

These aren't idle rides through the country side. Patterson is a man with a mission, fitting long training hours into an already packed schedule so that he will be ready for the annual "Ride of Love", a one-day, 150-mile trek through Alabama which raises money for Camp Smile-A-Mile. Camp SAM provides children with cancer the opportunity to participate in the summer camp experience.

The 2004 Ride, which gets underway at 6 a.m. Monday, June 14, will wind through 6 counties - Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Elmore - over all the hills and valley's in between.

This will be Patterson's third year participating in the Ride, so he knows the importance the miles in April in May have when it comes to making the journey from Tuscaloosa on two wheels and his own power.

"This is a cause that is very important to me," Patterson said. "So I make the time to train, to be ready. It's a tough ride, but the results are so worth it."

The Ride, which has raised nearly $70,000 in its first three years of existence, is the brainchild of Stephanie Wilkins, the Crimson Tide gymnastics team's nutritionist and a counselor and board member of Camp SAM. Wilkins made the first ride solo in 2001.

The next year she was joined by Patterson, himself a cancer survivor. Last year the duo was joined by several more riders. Each year the Ride has raised more money than the year before. The goal in 2004 is $40,000.

And while the goal is high, Patterson, Wilkins and their buddies from last year have re-enforcements on the way. Cyclists from as far as Texas will be a part of the effort on Monday. As many 50 riders will make at least a portion of the trek with many planning to the distance. Among those joining the ride this year will be Alabama assistant gymnastics coach Bryan Raschilla, UA team physician Jimmy Robinson and two members of the Tide's 2002 NCAA Championship squad, All-American Kristin Sterner and Whitney Morgan.

Those wishing to support Camp SAM and the Ride can do so by making a donation at any Southtrust Bank location in Alabama to the Camp Smile A Mile Bike Fund Savings Account or by mailing a check or money order, made out to the Camp Smile-A-Mile Bike Fund to 3509 Foxtrail Lane, Northport, AL 35473. For more information visit the "Ride of Love" website at www.rideoflove.org.