C.U.R.B. Bike Ride Will Route to New Boardwalk

Written by Rosemary Leonetti

Pump up your tires, dust off your bikes, and get ready for the 10th Annual C.U.R.B. Bike Ride on August 10 in Long Beach.

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Riders of all ages are invited to take a relaxed eleven-mile bike ride around the City of Long Beach to honor the memory of James P. Conlon, founder and past president of Citizens United to Remove Barriers (C.U.R.B.).

C.U.R.B. is a local non-profit organization that offers the physically challenged a chance to live a life free of barriers. The organization works to build ramps, supply equipment, and raise community awareness of the ongoing needs of the physically challenged.

This year’s ride will start and finish at the Long Beach Recreation Center at the north end of Magnolia Blvd. at 10 a.m., with registration starting an hour before. The ride, which will have a full police escort once again this year, will meander through the Canals, the West End, and any open portions of the new Long Beach Boardwalk that are open, before finishing up at the Rec Center for complimentary food and an chance to win raffle prizes, thanks to the event’s generous sponsors. Recommended donation is $25. Helmets are recommended but not required.

Long Beach residents Casey Kantor, Billy Papetti and Matt Demerest, organized the First Annual C.U.R.B. Bike Ride, with Conlon’s help, when they were just 14 years old, gathering a group of 26 friends to cycle around the barrier island. Jim died unexpectedly a few days before that first event, so they have dedicated the ride every year to his memory. Over the years, the event has raised a total of over $45,000 to help C.U.R.B. continue its mission. Last year the ride attracted more than 300 cyclists.

Riders are encouraged to sign up for this event in advance by visiting Bike4Curb.com and downloading a registration form.