Hundreds of bikers from all over northern New Jersey will cycle through scenic Morris County to help feed the hungry in New Jersey and to provide clean water sources globally, at the 6th Annual Brake the Hunger Cycle Tour, on Sunday, May 5 in Kinnelon — North Jersey’s biggest charity bicycle event.
One hundred percent of proceeds are split between the Community Food Bank of NJ and global organizations that provide clean water sources in developing countries. The Brake the Hunger Cycle Tour has attracted cyclists from all over the state, as well as New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and California.
As in past years, ridership is expected to grow as word continues to spread about the quality of the routes and the overall execution of the event, as well as the excellent charity work and positive impact being made.
This is a ride, not a race, with routes for cyclists of all skill levels, including shorter four- and 12-mile routes for casual bikers and youngsters, as well as 25-, 40- and 62-mile (“metric century”) routes for more serious and experienced cyclists.
Multiple rest stops along the routes will provide home-baked, high energy snacks and fluids to fuel the riders. Support and gear vehicles monitor the routes with the aid of a team of short-wave radio operators. The Tri-Boro First Aid Squad will be on stand-by. Kessler Institute therapists will also be on hand for pre- and post-ride stretching. And bike techs from Pedal Sport in Oakland, will also be available prior to the ride for a last-minute bike check.
A post-ride BBQ, with live music by the AisleFive Band, entertainment and door prizes, will follow at St. David’s Episcopal Church, next door to the high school.
Feeding the hungry is a critical mission, as millions of Americans struggle with hunger — an estimated one in every six people in the country, including many of our NJ neighbors. The number of impoverished and hungry in New Jersey has grown to even more frightening levels recently, following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. Especially hard hit are the young and the old. Forty-tree percent of the people assisted by the Community Food Bank of NJ are children and 10 percent are elderly.
Providing resources to build clean, safe and potable water sources also meets a very serious human need. Globally, nearly 3.5 million people die due to the lack of sanitary water. Experts estimate that 10 percent of global disease could be reduced through access to sanitary water supplies. Half of the world’s hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from water-related illnesses.
Thanks to the support of sponsors like Teva Pharmaceuticals and Kessler Rehab Institute, funds raised over the past five years from this event, 180,000 meals have been served to NJ families, and 60,000 people have benefited from new, clean, sanitary water sources which have been developed globally.
Cyclers are asked to bring one non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. Non-riders are welcome to join the post-ride BBQ at noon for a $10 donation. For more information and to volunteer or register on-line visit www.HungerCycleTour.org.