2008 Bike to the Beach

123 Mile "Bike to the Beach" Event Raises More than $100,000 At 4:00 a.m. on August 1, 80 cyclists lined up in a shopping center just outside Washington, D.C. awaiting the kick-off of "Bike to the Beach," a 123 mile bicycle trek to Bethany Beach, Dela. "Bike to the Beach's" partnership with Autism Speaks began last year, when 21 bikers rode the same route and raised $24,000 for autism research. This year, an astonishing 80 riders raised $100,000, surpassing last year's results by a huge margin. Battling bouts of extreme heat and steep inclines, bikers courageously cycled through, stopping only to rest and recharge at various rest stops on the route to their goal. These stops not only provided fuel for the riders' bodies, but encouragement of heart, as many Autism Speaks volunteers came to show their support and gratitude. Physically exhausted but in good spirits, riders spurred forward making their way to the beach where, after a victory loop near the shore, they were greeted with applause as they rode underneath a giant Autism Speaks balloon arch finish line. The fastest riders finished around noon with the majority passing under the arch at 2 p.m. The post-race reception, in collaboration with the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation (LDAF), combined autism awareness and festivities. Booths were set-up to provide informational literature as well as games for children. Music, food, and drinks were provided, along with a refreshing cool down area, which gave bikers a place to relax and revel in their triumph. As the event came to an end, with the last rider riding in close to 3:00 p.m., closing remarks were made by the co-presidents of "Bike to the Beach," Ben Dalley and Tommy Schmitz, who announced the final amount raised, and acknowledged everyone for their Herculean efforts in the fight against autism.