Ride for Autism at Brookdale

Greater Red Bank area residents will raise awareness and money for Autism New Jersey at this weekend.

Marking the organization’s 12th year, Ride for Autism is a scenic recreational bicycle tour benefiting Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families.

Starting and finishing at Brookdale's Lincroft Campus, participants can choose from seven route options this year: 10 mile, 25 mile, 50 mile, 62 mile (metric century), 100 mile, the new 125 mile/double metric century or one mile fun ride. The ride is professionally supported with rest stops and SAG vehicles on all routes. The annual post-ride festival features a vendor expo, catered lunch, kids’ activities, music from the School of Rock and more. Walk up registrations on the day of the event will be accepted the morning of the event.

“The mission of the Ride for Autism is to raise significant awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey which serves as an invaluable resource for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them,” said Andy Abere, founder and director of the Ride for Autism. “With seven different route options, the Ride has a distance for any cyclist who wants to ride and help solve the puzzle of autism. Register or donate today at www.ride4autism.org”

The Ride start times are 7 a.m. for the 100 and 125 mile routes; 8 a.m. for the 50 and 62 mile routes; 9 a.m. for the 25 and 10 mile routes. The Fun Ride will go from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The route maps for the Ride are available to be downloaded to a GPS from the ride’s website. Registered participants are also eligible to enter a drawing to win one of two bikes donated by Fuji Bikes.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are usually diagnosed during the first three years of life and are four to five times more prevalent in boys than in girls. ASDs affect approximately 1 in 88 individuals nationally, and 1 in 49 in New Jersey according to the Centers for Disease Control. The Ride for Autism is produced by g4 Productions (www.g4events.com). To register, for more information or to make a donation to directly support Autism NJ, visit www.ride4autism.org or visit the organization's facebook page.