By KELLY WILSON

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Dave and Julie McIntire didn't hesitate when their pastor called to see if they'd be willing to open their Quincy home to three strangers on Friday.

Mark Price, Nic Huffman and Jon Lugar are on a 2,600-mile journey, bicycling from Anderson, Ind., to San Francisco, Calif., and are contacting churches along the way to provide them with places to sleep.

"Our pastor, Chuck Sackett (of Madison Park Christian Church) called us and said they were passing through and needed a place to stay," Julie McIntire said. "They're just three very nice young men."

Price and Lugar are May graduates of Anderson University, a Christian college located near Indianapolis. Huffman will graduate from the school later this year.

They're making the trip to raise money to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"It's been an awesome trip so far," Price said. "The weather's been great. We've had a few flats, but nothing too big. We've been chased by a lot of dogs. We've met a lot of interesting people along the way."

The men started their trek on June 15 and expect to arrive in San Francisco on Aug. 1.

"We've gone about 350 miles so far," Price said.

They rolled into Quincy at about 6 p.m. Friday night after riding 95 miles that day. After spending the night with the McIntires, they took off on Saturday morning.

"We had a great meal tonight," Price said on Friday night. They also enjoyed singing a little karaoke in the McIntire's basement.

Price said they ride anywhere from 40 to 95 miles a day. They hope to raise $6,000 by the end of the trip. They've got about $1,000 so far, and have been supported by various businesses and individuals.

"We're also trying to get the word out (about ALS) along the way," Price said.

They want to raise money for the cause because the fourth member of their 4X400 relay team at Anderson University lost their grandfather to the disease a few years ago.

To donate, contact Jennifer Lewellen at jlewellen@alsa.indiana.org or (317) 915-9888. Donations are tax deductible.

-- kwilson@whig.com/221-3391