2016 Bike to the Beach for Autism a success

Started 10 years ago by a few friends bicycling from Queen Anne, Md,. to Dewey Beach, Bike to the Beach for Autism attracted more than 600 cyclists July 29 this year. The goal was to promote health and fitness while raising funds and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. In total, the event has raised more than $3 million, and some of these resources support local agencies, such as Autism Delaware.

Offered a choice of 100-, 70-, and 10-mile routes, the cyclists enjoyed a safe and fully supported ride with available bike mechanics, support-and-gear (SAG) vehicles, and EMS as well as rest stops every 10–15 miles. This year, Autism Delaware volunteers manned two rest stops. Captained by Autism Delaware Development Director David Woods, the first rest stop was located at The Georgetown Kiwanis Club Chicken BBQ on Route 404 at Route 18. The second rest stop, captained by Autism Delaware development staff member Frank Shade, was in W.B. Atkins Memorial Park in Millsboro.

"Our job," said Woods of the rest stop volunteers, "was to hydrate and motivate the cyclists to keep going - no matter how far they were cycling. So, we made sure there was plenty of cold water and ice and plenty of food and music to energize them."

Autism Delaware's programs and services are supported by state contracts and generous donations from individuals and corporations across Delaware. Third-party fundraising events, such as the Bike to the Beach for Autism, also help provide the income needed to make critical programs a reality. For more information on how to help, go to www.autismdelaware.org.

For more information, go to www.BiketotheBeach.org.