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HOOFING IT Ominous skies did not keep walkers and cyclists of all ages from coming out in support of Iron City Ministries this past weekend, taking part in the nonprofit organization's annual 100-mile bike ride. This was the eighth consecutive year the event has been held, with funds going to support the efforts of the ministry. Led by a fire truck from the CKC Fire Department, approximately 20 cyclists began the ride, which was named in honor of former Cherokee Technology Center Director and Iron City Ministries supporter Ray Bedford. Bedford was 57 when he died suddenly last May. The two-day fundraiser began Friday with a lasagna dinner at Blacksburg Middle School. Ledger photo by Joe Hughes II