
Contributed by Doyal Siddell.
Community residents, local business owners and others are gearing up to take part in the Renaissance Community Development Credit Union’s (RCDCU) 8th Annual Bike-A-Thon on Saturday, Sept. 19 to raise money to increase awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.
This year’s event begins and ends at Franklin Middle School, 415 Francis St., and will serve as the point for on-site registration for the event that starts at 8 a.m. Cyclists will “take their mark” at 9 a.m. Lunch and post-event activities are slated to start at approximately 12:30 p.m., after cyclists have completed routes which stretch across scenic and historic sections of Somerset County, including the Delaware-Raritan Canal.
“The purpose for the RCDCU Bike-A-Thon is to raise money to fight Prostate Cancer and increase awareness of the importance of early detection,” said RCDCU President Shirley Spruill. “Contributions will be made to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation which will be doing free prostate cancer screening on September 15-17 – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – from 5-8 p.m. daily at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, located at 195 Little Albany Street in New Brunswick. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 1-888-637-9584.
“This is our eighth year of encouraging our credit union members and the general public to get involved in this fun-filled fitness event that is guaranteed to lift the spirit of our community,” said Spruill. “Whether riding single or as a team, you will not want to miss this opportunity to ‘Ride Your Way to Fun and Fitness’ and help to ‘Promote Prostate Cancer Awareness.’”
Spruill added that the event features 30- and 50-mile rides for experienced cyclists, a 10-mile ride for the casual rider and 3-mile walk/ride in picturesque Colonial Park located at 156 Mettlers Rd.
The cyclist or group/family raising the most funds will be awarded a grand prize. All cyclists must follow safety rules and event regulations. Volunteers can join in the fun, too, by recruiting cyclists or providing sponsorship support and/or helping out during the event.
To register or volunteer for the RCDCU 2015 BIKE-A-THON,” log onto www.rcdcubike.com or call the credit union at (732) 247-6883, or Dave at (732) 213-6311.