A Ringwood cyclist rides HUNGER CYCLE TOUR charity cycling events in northern NJ for the sixth year.

KINNELON, N.J. - April 4, 2013 - PRLog -- RINGWOOD RIDER RIDES FOR SIXTH YEAR

Tammy, a Ringwood, NJ, resident, was the first biker to register six years ago.  And she has registered every year since to bike in the HUNGER CYCLE TOUR charity cycling events in northern NJ.  She and fellow cyclists will bike the 62-mile Metric Century route on May 5th in Kinnelon, NJ.    A serious cyclist, she says, “This is one of the better rides with beautiful, scenic routes, the best food and a real celebration at the end of the day.”  This event, which begins at Kinnelon High School, is a ride, not a race, with routes for cyclists of all skill levels, including shorter 4- and 12-mile routes for casual bikers and youngsters, as well as 25-, 40- and 62-mile (“metric century”) routes for more serious and experienced cyclists.

The Hunger Cycle Tour, one of the largest charity bike rides in northern NJ, in the past five years has attracted hundreds of riders to scenic Morris County. They have arrived from not only New Jersey but also Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York and even California.  As in past years, ridership is expected to grow as word continues to spread about the quality of the routes and the overall execution of the event, as well as the excellent charity work and positive impact being made toward fighting hunger and providing clean water.

One hundred percent of proceeds are split between the Community Food Bank of NJ and global organizations that provide clean water sources in developing countries.  Thanks to funds raised over the past five years from this event, approximately 180,000 meals have been served to NJ families, and roughly 60,000 people have benefited from new, clean, sanitary water sources which have been developed globally.  

Feeding the hungry is a critical mission, as millions of Americans struggle with hunger. It is estimated that 1 in every 6 people in the country, including many of our NJ neighbors, goes to bed hungry. The number of impoverished and hungry in NJ has grown to even more frightening levels recently, following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. Especially hard hit are the young and the old; 43% of the people assisted by the Community Food Bank of NJ are children and 10% are elderly.

Providing resources to build clean, safe and potable water sources also meets a very serious human need. Globally, nearly 3.5 million people die due to the lack of sanitary water. Experts estimate that 10% of global disease could be reduced through access to sanitary water supplies. Half of the world’s hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from water-related illnesses.  

The five bike routes wind through picturesque Morris County, through rolling hills with views of lakes, streams and historic preserved farmland.  Multiple rest stops along the way provide home-baked high energy snacks and water to fuel the riders.  Support and gear vehicles monitor the routes with the aid of a team of short-wave radio operators.  The riders end the day at a bountiful backyard-style BBQ at St. David’s Church, with live music, Kessler Institute therapists standing by for stretching, door prizes and more.

“I ride often and especially enjoy the charity bike events.  Knowing how severely the Community FoodBank of NJ was impacted by Superstorm Sandy, it makes this ride even more meaningful to me,” Tammy stated.  “The Hunger Cycle Tour is one of my favorite spring activities after a long winter.  It’s fun, and I mark it down on my calendar as soon as the following year’s date is announced.  I look forward to it every year.” For more information, and for an early registration discount go to http://www.hungercycletour.com/cycle/ (http://www.hungercycletour.org/).