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Families are invited to participate in the seventeenth annual Bergen Bike Tour on Sunday, September 30, at Darlington County Park, in Mahwah. All proceeds benefit Tomorrows Children’s Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center and the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, both of which have been beneficiaries of this event for the past fourteen years.
The event includes 50-, 25- and 10-mile routes for cyclists of every level that wind through scenic areas of 16 northern Bergen County towns. All routes begin and
end at Darlington Park, culminating with a festive family picnic.
50-mile cyclists start at 8:00 AM, 25-milers at 9:00 AM and 10 milers at 10:30 AM; check-in is a half-hour before each ride starts. The children’s portion of the event is sponsored by TD Bank, and will feature games, face-painting, crafts, prizes a special free “Kids’ Ride” which will be held at 10:45 AM for little ones on big wheels and tricycles as well as those not yet ready for the 10-mile route. An antique fire truck will be on-site for children to view and explore, and there will be a special visit from “TD”, the banks mascot.
Following the cycling events, a family fun picnic will be held from 11 AM-12:30 PM featuring a DJ, clowns, games, and a home-cooked barbeque. Massage therapists will be available to help soothe cyclists’ aching muscles.
Registration is $35 per adult rider ($40.00 after September 19); $15 for youth riders age 8 to 16 ($20.00 after September 19). Children under 8 are free. Non-cyclists attending the picnic only are just $5. All registered riders are eligible to win prizes up to $1,000 and will receive a micro-fiber technical shirt, goody
bag, (while supplies last), breakfast provided by Dunkin’ Donuts, and a picnic lunch. Every registered rider will also receive 5 silicone Bergen Bike tour bracelets to give as a thank you to friends and family who support their ride
with a donation to the Bergen Bike Tour.
“This is an amazing event in that it is entirely local. All monies raised stay right here in Bergen County, supporting two outstanding local charities – Tomorrows Children’s Fund and the Volunteer Center of Bergen County”, says Phil Murphy, who founded the Bike Tour and serves as its chairman. “In addition to raising funds, the Bergen Bike Tour is encouraging the use of bicycles to save energy, promote healthful exercise, and appreciate the joys of the great outdoors. It is a fun, inexpensive outing that the whole family can enjoy, while
also helping to give back to the community.”
Approximately 300 cyclists are expected to participate. In addition to family teams, corporate teams are welcome. All riders age 16 or older are expected to raise a minimum of $100 per individual or $200 per family/group, which is due at registration on Sept. 30. Prizes to top fundraisers include: Tommy Hilfiger polo shirt, bike shop gift certificates and the chance to win a $1,000 travel certificate.
Major sponsors for 2012 include Diamond sponsor JDD Alderisio, and Kids’ Event sponsor TD Bank. Platinum sponsors are: (201) Family, Amica Insurance, Apax Partners, Equinox Fitness Clubs, Inserra Shop Rite Supermarkets, Jamis Bicycles, Lakeland Bank, Oritani Bank Charitable Foundation, PNC Bank, Sanzari
Companies, Stop and Shop, Synetek Solutions and Tanis & Sons.
Register online at www.bergenbiketour.org by September 28th. To receive a detailed brochure, or for information about sponsorship and teams, call 1-877-BER-BIKE (237-2453) or email info@bergenbiketour.org
