Fundraising ride helps spread awareness

Sixty-five local bikers hit Highway 167 Saturday morning for a fundraising ride in tribute to a fallen friend. Zach Harris, 29, of Ruston, died on Nov. 12 after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on 167 near Quitman on Nov. 11. The group rode south down 167, made a brief stop in Quitman, and rode back. The event’s goals were to help raise awareness of the cycling community in Lincoln Parish as well as raise funds for Harris’ wife, Victoria Sharplin Harris. Louisiana Tech University kinesiology students collected $2,700 in donations before, during, and after the ride and presented the money to Harris as a gift from the local cycling community.