This sounds like a worthy cause. Dan is a member of the Potbelly Cycling Association, and asked us to publicize this. The association has no other knowledge of this organization, but it seems like a good one, and we'd like to applaud the efforts of all individuals participating in some way towards the creation of a better world. Dan's letter:DAN DOYLE

University City MO

March 16, 1998

Potbelly Cycling Association

My brother Mike, who has gamely resisted joining the PCA despite a 220-pound girth, is in the habit of talking me (a proud PCA member at 62" and 267 pounds, into taking long rides over the summer. Last summer it was Sedalia MO to St. Charles MO on the KATY trail (190 mi). This August we are going from St. Louis to Memphis TN (387 mi) in four days by mountain bike.

I figure the sweat, fatigue and potential roadside humiliation should go to a better purpose than reducing my potbelly, though.

I d like your help to try to use this year's sibling challenge as a vehicle to raise money for a needy charity, the University City Children's Center. The Center helps families on public assistance by providing safe, affordable and accredited day care for their kids. It's qualified by the dreaded Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit foundation, so that all contributions are tax-deductible.

Im trying to raise at least $10 a mile, or about $4,000, mostly in chunks of $10 or $20 bucks. I'm hoping a little publicity on the web site and in the newsletter might help. Donations should be made payable to the University City Children's Center and mailed to the Center at 7745 Olive Street, University City MO 63130.

Thanks for any help in raising some dough for a great bunch of people who work hard to help little kids.

Dan Doyle