Central Florida Cyclist gets closer to reaching fundraising goal for his participation in Race Across America

EUSTIS, Fla. – First Green Bank, based in Lake County, is asking the public to help fund Central Florida cyclist Steven Perezluha’s efforts to win the 30th annual Race Across America (RAAM), the grueling 3,000 mile race that will start in Oceanside, Calif. on June 15 and end less than 12 days later in Annapolis, Md.

Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said 20-year-old Perezluha has a realistic chance of winning this year’s Race Across America but that effort will cost more than $20,000 including registration fees and accommodations for the eight person team that will accompany him on his journey.

“Steven Perezluha is a remarkable young man with a very promising future and First Green Bank is proud to help sponsor him for this monumental effort,” LaRoe said.

“The Race Across America is widely regarded as the toughest bicycle race in the world,” LaRoe said. “Cyclists often ride more than 20 hours every day from the start of the race to the finish, and they must consume upwards of 15,000 calories a day.”

Perezluha rode more than 30,000 miles on his bicycle last year in preparation for the Race Across America. In one six-day stretch, he rode from his home in Longwood to Key West and back, a total of 1,456 miles. And that was a short trip – in 2009, Perezluha rode his bicycle to Alaska and back. He has also won and set records at several racing events over the past couple years.

“Steven also has an excellent pedigree,” LaRoe said. “His uncle, Danny Chew, won the Race Across America in 1996 and 1999.”

Those wishing to also help support Perezluha’s Race Across America can contribute to his team by visiting his Donation Page at www.StevenPerezluha.com