Hundreds join the 13th annual CURB Bike Ride

Undaunted by the searing heat on the morning of Aug. 13, 320 cyclists from as far away as Oregon converged on the Long Beach Recreation Center parking lot for the 13th annual CURB Bike Ride.

What started more than a decade ago as the dream of three 14-year old boys to cycle around Long Beach has grown into an annual city event that has raised more than $113,000 for Citizens United to Remove Barriers, 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 in the summer of 2004, with the help of CURB founder Jim Conlon, 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.

Before the riders took off, Kantor and Papetti asked riders to observe a moment of silence for the recent loss of longtime CURB president Jim Monahan, who passed away in July. Future rides will honor the memory of both men, who contributed so much to the success of the organization. They also thanked the many participants and sponsors who have supported this special cause over the years, both with cash and in-kind donations. This year’s event alone raised more than $13,000 to help CURB fulfill its mission.

With the help of a full police escort, bikers safely meandered through the streets of Long Beach as onlookers honked, waved and cheered them on. 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.

In past years CURB has supplied ramps, rails, chair lifts, elevators and scooters to Long Island residents. 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 Waterfront Warriors in Long Beach.