'Go the Distance for Autism' Family Bike Event Sunday

More than 600 riders are already signed up for the second annual “Go the Distance for Autism” Family Bike Event on May 15 to benefit four non-profit schools for autism.  Held at the Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, the event is open to the public and will feature three long-distance rides, a Loop Ride and a Family Ride.  Riders and volunteers can visit gothedistanceforautism.kintera.org to sign up.

Starting at 11 a.m., attendees will enjoy bounce houses, face painting, clowns, a raffle for a BMW bike, a caricature artist, DJ, food and snacks.  The 50- and 25-Mile Rides begin at 7:30 and 10 am respectively and the 10-Mile, Family and Loop Rides begin at 11:00am. 

“We’ve planned plenty of family friendly activities including music, bounce houses, a raffle and other fun surprises,” said Jill Nadison of REED Academy.  “We encourage people to sign up for one of our rides, volunteer to help the day of the race, or simply attend to cheer on the riders and enjoy the festivities” added Jane Calandra of Garden Academy.

The event is a collaborative effort by four non-profit northern NJ schools for children with autism:  Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, REED Academy in Garfield and Garden Academy in Maplewood.  The funds raised from this event will benefit these schools.

The 2011 Presenting Sponsor is Weight Watchers International, Inc.  Premiere Sponsors  include TD Bank, and Ramsey Auto Group;  Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP is a Platinum Sponsor and the Diamond Sponsors are Englewood Hospital, Columbia Bank, Drive for Rebecca, International Sports Management,USA, Infusion Development and Cullari, Carrico, Soojian, Burke LLC.  Cycling support is being provided by Pedal Sports of Oakland and the Ridgewood Cycle Shop and the Media Sponsors for the event are 201 Magazine and MyBergen.com.

Alpine Learning Group, the EPIC School, REED Academy and Garden Academy are all non-profit schools located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services for learners with autism.  Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child’s first three years of life.  Children with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.  Autism affects approximately 1 in 110 individuals nationwide each year.  In New Jersey, this figure increases to 1 in 94. 

To register to ride or for additional information, go to gothedistanceforautism.kintera.org or email gothedistance@alpinelearninggroup.org.   For more information about the schools, visit www.alpinelearninggroup.org, www.epicschool.com www.reedacademy.org, www.gardenacademy.org.