Participants in the third annual Bike to the Beach event, which supports autism organizations and research, made a pit stop at West Islip's during their from Manhattan to Westhampton Beach Friday.
Volunteers were set up early this morning in front of the store to welcome riders and make sure they got food, water, shade and sunscreen. As of noon, the tent saw more than 50 riders as they made their way to the beach.
Other stops included Jacob Riis Park in Queens, World Gym in Wantagh, in Blue Point, with the finish line at in Westhampton Beach.
Funds raised for the ride benefit Autism Speaks, which helps educate and raise awareness about autism. The program was founded seven years ago by a couple whose grandchild was diagnosed with autism. It has become the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
