Cyclists looking to ride for a cause will convene in Howard Beach for the second annual “Loop” helping two local charities.
The Loop, a 20-mile bike ride that begins in Howard Beach and benefits the NYFAC Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), will take place this Sunday, August 2.
The trail starts at NYFAC’s headquarters at 164-14 Cross Bay Blvd., snakes through Flatbush, Brooklyn, near Floyd Bennett Field and then ends back on Cross Bay Boulevard.
Tonia Cimino, director of development for NYFAC, said a discussion between Loop Chair Annmarie Gurino, the NYFAC foundation board and the JDRF board of directors spurred the creation of the event.
They chose a bike ride because “it is something that is very healthy and it engages a lot of people and it engages people from all walks of life and it’s a great way to have fun, get moving and give back,” Cimino said.
Registration for the event is $40 and includes entry to a barbecue after the ride and a “rider’s bag,” which includes a water bottle and other goodies, according to Cimino. People who pre-register for the event can pick up their bag at Sports Authority at 550 Gateway Dr. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and will also receive a 20 percent discount on purchases.
NYFAC was created in 1998 to1998 with a mission of “Helping parents, help their children, one family at a time,” according to Cimino, and provides clinical services, recreational services, and support services to educate and bring together family members of children with autism.
JDRF, which has hosted walks to raise money for diabetes research in Howard Beach for seven years, is the leading global organization funding Type 1 diabetes research.
Last year, more than 200 people participated in the bike ride and raised $15,000. Cimino said she is hoping they can double the amount of money raised this year.
“People love it,” Cimino said. “Last year, during the inaugural ride they came back and they literally said, ‘When’s the next one?'”
There will also be a 10-mile loop for those who do not want to commit to the full 20 miles. Cimino said the organizations are still looking for volunteers and anyone interested in donating their time to the event can call her at 347-566-3122 ext. 305.
To register, visit the NYFAC website here.
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