Cindy Moore's slurred speech is a telltale sign of the battle her body has waged against Lou Gehrig's disease for the last five years.

But, when she begins to talk about the success of last year's Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and her hope that this year's ride will be even more successful, Moore's enthusiasm makes it clear the battle is far from over.

"I can't put into words how fantastic that felt," Moore said. "It was outstanding in terms of riders and the money we were able to raise."

The Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS, scheduled for Saturday, is a one-day cycling fundraiser for the Evergreen Chapter of the ALS Association. The association is a tireless advocate in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a neurodegenerative disease that typically strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70 and is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

After being diagnosed, life expectancy is between three to five years and more than 500 people in Idaho, Washington, Montana and Alaska are currently living with ALS.

The Silver Valley ride is one of only eight ALS Association sanctioned cycling fundraising events in the country. Last year's inaugural fundraiser brought 117 riders from as far away as California, and raised more than $82,000.

Those funds are used within the region to provide services for "PALS" - Person with ALS - and their families.

Moore said she would love to see 200 riders at this year's event. Interest has skyrocketed, she added, because of the inaugural ride and the international success of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Launched last July, the challenge encouraged nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water dumped on their heads before nominating others to do the same, or donate money to the ALS Association.

"It can't be understated how much that meant meant," Moore said. "The challenge made it fun for people, which gets them to participate and hopefully gets people to educate themselves on the disease."

Those interested in participating can create a team of riders, join an existing team, ride individually, or be a "virtual cyclist" and raise funds without participating in the actual ride.

The ride, which takes place along the scenic Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, is family-friendly. Anyone over 12 years old is welcome to ride, and those under 12 are allowed to participate as a ride-along with an adult.

Participants can choose between a 27.2- or 42.6-mile ride beginning and ending at the Enaville Trailhead. A safety team, several staffed refreshment stops, and ride volunteers will be present along the route.

Organizers are encouraging PALS to participate as well. The course is paved, and people who use wheelchairs, manual assistance devices, or mobility scooters are permitted on the trail.

"I did 10 miles last year on the trail," Moore said to encourage fellow PALS to participate. "Get a wheelchair and join me. I would love some company."

A silent auction and raffle will also be held during the Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Among the items being auctioned are signed photos of current and former NFL greats like Peyton Manning, Pete Carroll, John Beasley and Kellogg native Mike Hollis.

"It's a lot of fun and beyond that the scenery is unbelievable," Moore said. "We saw so much wildlife last year."

Through Friday, the registration fee is $50 and the cost includes a catered lunch from the Snake Pit. On the day of the race the registration fee increases to $60.

"We have a lot of procrastinators and we need to get people signed up as soon as possible to make sure all the amenities are in place," Moore said. "But I have faith in the procrastinators."

For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.rideals.org. Information is also available on the event's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SilverValleyALSRide.