Bethlehem Teacher Pedals Cross Country for Catholic Schools

Rebecca Gonzalez, a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic School, returned home last week after spending eight weeks on her bicycle riding coast to coast to raise money for Catholic education, according to the Diocese of Allentown Website.

Gonzalez began her ride in June in Oceanside Pier, Calif. and wrapped it up at City Dock, Md., riding through 13 states along the way.

On Aug. 4, Gonzalez arrived at the West Bethlehem parish shrine pedaling her trusty bike “Spirit,” which was her primary mode of transportation for eight weeks and about 3,000 miles.

She said the most challenging part of her ride across the country – aside from treacherous and steep hills of the Rocky Mountains – was the heat and lonely stretches of quiet roads.

More than $17,000 was raised for Catholic education, but Gonzalez said she still has hopes of raising $20,000.

To donate, send checks payable to “Coast to Coast,” 1100 Brentwood Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18017 or make a donation through credit card or PayPal, and view her video blog at http://www.coasttocoastforcatholicschools.org.