‘Bikes for Kids’ is holding its 2nd Annual Charity Ride on Sunday, Oct. 1. The charity which was founded by Chuck Graeb is now run by retired Lyme-Old Lyme Schools teacher Dave Fowler.
Bikes For Kids is a Connecticut based non-profit organization founded in 1989 that brings smiles to children one bike at a time. Volunteers collect, repair, and safety test donated used bicycles. The refurbished bicycles, along with new helmets, are given away to individuals of all ages and needs.
Most donated bicycles remain in Connecticut, but some have reached children in other states and countries. More than 1,000 bicycles are given away annually. Requests for bicycles come from local and state social service organizations, churches, schools, non-profits, and individuals. 21,000 bicycles have been donated to date.
Support this charity by participating in the Annual Charity Ride. All rides start in Essex. There will be four rides to choose from.
- The Family Ride will have two options – a 3-mile or a more challenging 12-mile ride.
- The Intermediate Ride will be 27 miles
- (for the die-hards) there will be a 55-mile ride through 7 towns.
These rides go through some of the most beautiful sections of Connecticut’s River Valley. Depending on the route you select, you can ride through Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, Killingworth, Westbrook and Clinton. After the ride, all cyclists are invited for food, fun and tours at the new ‘Bikes for Kids’ Wheelhouse in Essex.