Cyclists Counting Down to 'Entirely Local' Bergen Bike Tour

The Bergen Nike Tour will kick off from Darlington County Park in Mahwah again this September, and local organizations are hoping that riders will sign up to get involved.

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County released an announcement about the annual race this week, urging locals to get involved. The Tour benefits the Tomorrows Children’s Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center and the Volunteer Center.

In addition to the 50-, 25- and 10- mile routes for cyclists of every level, TD Bank will sponsor a Kids' Ride at the event, the release explained:

The Kid’s Ride is held on a special course, where the youngsters ride their Big Wheels, tricycles, and training wheel bikes in a safe and entertaining environment. Fire trucks will be on site for children to explore, and clowns will cheer on our young riders.  After the Kids’ Ride, there will be face painting, pumpkin painting, crafts, games and prizes. A raffle of 4 Jamis Kids’ Bikes will be featured.  The day is capped off with a fun- filled barbeque, DJ music and other entertainment, which is typically enjoyed by more than 300 participants every year.
“This is an amazing event in that it is entirely local. We are very proud that during the past decade we have been able to turn over an average of 80 percent of the Bergen Bike Tour’s proceeds to our two charities. This rate far surpasses many events of its kind.  We are confident that with the help of the community and other corporations like TD Bank, we can exceed that in 2013,” Phil Murphy, chairman of the event, said in the release.

Registration for adults age 16 and up: $35 ($45 on site); youth age 10-16: $15; children age 10 and under: $10; non-cyclists for picnic only: $5.

For more information call 1-877-BER-BIKE, or visit the website at www.bergenbiketour.org.