Hundreds come together for 11th annual CURB Bike Ride

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A record 385 cyclists, young and old assembled at the Long Beach Recreation Center on Aug. 9 to begin an 11-mile bike trek around the barrier island to honor the memory of James P. Conlon, a man who dedicated his life to helping the physically challenged live a life free of barriers. Conlon was the founder and past president of Citizens United to Remove Barriers (CURB).

Serious cyclists rode side-by-side with recreational bikers to participate in the 11th annual CURB Bike Ride, raising money and awareness for CURB, a local non-profit organization that works to build ramps, supply equipment, and raise community awareness of the ongoing needs of the physically-challenged.

Long Beach residents Matt Demerest, Casey Kantor and Billy Papetti organized the First Annual CURB Bike Ride, with Conlon’s help, when they were just 14 years old, gathering a group of 26 friends to cycle around Long Beach Island. Jim died unexpectedly a few days before that first event, so they have dedicated the ride every year to his memory. Over the years, through a combination of word of mouth and social media, the event has grown, attracting locals and out-of-towners alike.

Before the riders took off, Demerest, Kantor and Papetti took a moment to acknowledge participants and sponsors who have supported more than a decade of CURB rides. Special thanks went out to LB Embroidery, E. Van Creations, Key Foods of East Park Ave., CoEnterprise, RJM Acquisitions, Hamlet Investment Services, and Joe Sinnona.

With the help of a full police escort, hundreds of bikers safely meandered through the West End, the Canals, the boardwalk, the Westholme area and West Bay drive, as onlookers honked, waved and cheered them on.

Riders haled from as far away as Hawaii and Texas. Other states that were represented this year were New York, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Maine and Vermont.

For many the event was a real family affair. Young families rode with babies in child seats, or towed them in trailers. The Resnick family of Long Beach rode with Team Viscardi, representing the Henry Viscardi School and the Viscardi Center for adults and children with disabilities in Albertson, N.Y.

Looping around the barrier island, the riders finished up at the Long Beach Recreation Center for complimentary food and a chance to win raffle prizes. Over the years, the event has raised more than $90,000 to help CURB continue its mission. This year’s event alone raised more than $15,000.

In the past year CURB has supplied ramps, rails, chair lifts, elevators and scooters to Long Island residents, many of whom were affected by Superstorm Sandy. CURB has also lent support to the Long Island Center for Independent Living, Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, the Viscardi Center and the Wounded Warrior Project in Long Beach.