When the weather is bad, Andy Armstrong, director of marketing, North America, for York Unitary Products, works out in the comfort of his Oklahoma garage. He will compete in the demanding Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, Colo.

NORMAN, Okla. - Andy Armstrong, director of marketing, North America, for York Unitary Products, part of the Building Efficiency Group of Johnson Controls, will endure a 50-mile uphill bicycle race to raise $18,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, Colo., takes place Saturday, May 26.

“It all started with a simple conversation about hobbies with Jim and Dave Probst,” Armstrong said of the business associates from Quality Temperature Maintenance, a York dealer in Phoenix. “I wasn’t sure I would have the physical endurance to do it at first, but the more I thought about how much the training would benefit me personally, and how this could be a great way to raise support for a child with a life-threatening illness, the more committed I became to doing it. That was over 2,000 miles and more than 25 pounds ago.”

Armstrong intends to raise awareness and additional support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He expects to raise $18,000 for the foundation - eclipsing his initial goal of $10,000. He gives credit to the generous contributions of his sponsors.

Publication date:04/16/2007