Spokes woman

Imagine riding a bike 3,300 miles cross-country, traveling from Seattle to Washington, D.C. Imagine sleeping in a tent for 47 straight nights.

There are no hotel coffee shops or comfy king-size beds. What would possess someone to leave the cozy confines of Queen Village to make such a sacrifice?

There’s the good-cause factor, for starters.

Justine Dobies, of Second and Catharine streets, is preparing for the American Lung Association’s Big Ride Across America, an annual event that raises big money for research. To join in the cross-country trek, the clinical nutritionist manager is required to raise $5,500 to benefit the American Lung Association of Washington.

Dobies, who will join fellow riders in Seattle on June 28 and finish the race in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 14, has some experience with bike marathons.

"I actually did it five years ago and it was the greatest thing I ever did in my life," said the 34-year-old, who rides an exercise bike every morning for 90 minutes. "My goal was to do it again."

Dobies has raised $500 from South Philadelphia businesses and friends. She is responsible for paying the difference between the $5,500 minimum and her total contributions. Any additional donations Dobies receives through Aug. 14 can be applied toward her balance.

The cyclist admits some frustration in her fundraising efforts, but remains willing to take on the financial burden to help the cause.

Though she hasn’t lost any close relatives to lung disease, Dobies’ work in the healthcare field has more than acquainted her with the effects of such illnesses.

Dobies’ summer-long commitment will mean an unpaid leave from her full-time job as a nutritionist with Sodexho, a food and nutrition management company. She currently works at Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philly, where she visits sick people every day.

And lung disease — which, according to the American Lung Association, is growing faster than almost any other major illness — comes in many forms, including asthma, emphysema and lung cancer. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. The American Lung Association of Washington has set the ambitious goal of raising more than $250,000.

Dobies learned about the Big Ride Across America from a magazine ad several years ago. While many of her friends would consider seven weeks spent bicycling across the country and sleeping in a tent a form of punishment, the adventurous cyclist describes it as "something really neat to do."

To prepare for the physical challenges of her 3,000-mile-plus journey, Dobies is doing daily three-hour workouts, which include 15-mile power walks on Columbus Boulevard. And of course, as a nutritionist, she is well-versed in maintaining a balanced diet.

When Dobies arrives in Seattle in 10 days, she will meet up with about 40 other riders, ranging in age from 18-70. Together, they’ll ride 83 miles a day and visit 12 states, plus Washington, D.C.

The cyclists break camp every day at 7 a.m. and ride until 3 p.m. Since the riders are not timed, they can stop off and visit the sites in each state, or simply watch the cows graze as they pass through Wyoming and Montana.

Dobies said she is anxious to hit the road.

"I am looking forward to getting the first day over with because I do have some butterflies," she said. "I am also looking forward to the last day in Washington, D.C., because I know there is going to be a big ceremony." (Here’s hoping she isn’t too tired to enjoy it.)

During the Big Ride Across America, the cyclists lead a nomadic existence, waking each morning at 5 to pack their belongings, which are transported from town to town on a truck. Breakfast is served an hour later as participants study the daily route. Lunches are eaten on the road.

When the riders finally settle into each new town, they have a chance to freshen up using portable bathing facilities provided by race organizers. It’s like one long camping trip, but Dobies doesn’t mind.

"You get used to it for something like this," said Dobies, who is originally from Gibbstown, N.J., and attended Paulsboro High, where she ran track and cross country.

But her trip will allow for some leisure. Dobies and the other riders with have a few hours of downtime after dinner each night, and the journey includes eight days of rest.

She still hopes to raise more funds for the trip, which includes awaiting word on a donation from Sodexho. Other than that, she sees a clear path ahead.

"Most people say you’re crazy and you’re giving up a lot of money," Dobies said. "I just really want to do it. Everything happens for a reason."

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For more information about donating to the American Lung Association, visit www.bigride.org. To help Justine Dobies with her cause, call 215-334-4707.