Hundreds join the 9th annual CURB Bike Ride

More than 300 participants came from as far away as Oregon and France for the 9th annual Citizens United to Remove Barriers (CURB) Bike Ride on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Assembling at the Long Beach Recreation Center, 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.

Ranging in age from 6 to 78, they rode on all types of bikes from sleek racing bikes to rusty beach cruisers. Serious cyclists rode side-by-side with recreational bikers to for the event, which raises money and aware- ness 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. The event raised more than $9,500.

Long Beach residents Casey Kantor, Billy Papetti and Matt Demerest, organized the First Annual CURB Bike Ride, with Conlon’s help, when they were just 14-years-old, by gathering a group of 26 friends to cycle around Long Beach. Jim died unexpectedly a few days before that first event, and each year, the ride is dedicated in 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. With the help of a full police escort, hundreds of bikers safely meandered through the West End, the Canals, the West End, the boardwalk, the Westholme area and West Bay drive, as onlookers honked, waved and cheered them on.

For many, the event was a real family affair. Young families rode with babies in child seats, or towed them in trailers. For at least two families, the event has become the focal point around which family reunions were born. CURB President Jim Monahan had family members visiting from as far away as Seattle. Aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of Kantor’s family, hailing from as far away as Portland and Philadelphia also took part in the ride.

As a new addition to this year’s ride, those who did not have access to a bicycle were given free loaner bikes, compliments of DecoBike, the new bike rental service that debuted this summer. This made it possible for many more out-of-towners to enjoy the ride. Ride-On Bicycles was on hand to per- form emergency bike repairs.

“We would like to thank the City of Long Beach, the Long Beach Recreation Depart- ment, who helped organize this year’s event, and the members of the Long Beach Police, Special Police and Auxiliary Police who volunteered their time,” said Papetti. “We would also like to thank all the loyal sponsors who have supported us over the years.”

After looping around the barrier island, the riders finished up at the Long Beach Rec- reation Center for complimentary food and a chance to win raffle prizes. Over the years, the event has raised a total of over $50,000 to help CURB continue its mission.