Bike ride will raise money for AIDS at CGH

By TOM KANE

WHITE LAKE — How far are you willing to go to help in the AIDS crisis? Would you bicycle 50 miles? 75 miles? 100 miles?

This Sunday, September 16, you’ll get a chance to do just that and fight against this pandemic that is ravishing so many people all over the world and so many people here in Sullivan County.

Catskills 2001 AIDS Ride will kick off at the Bradstan County Hotel in White Lake, PA beginning at 6:30 a.m. Bikers will continue to Roscoe, Jeffersonville, Swan Lake and Harris in Sullivan County.

Two decades have passed since AIDS was first recognized, and great strides have been made in treating the disease and the infections that accompany it.

New York State continues to lead the nation in the number of AIDS cases reported since the beginning of the epidemic—exactly 139,063 cases. And within New York State, Sullivan County has the highest per capita incidence of AIDS cases outside New York City.

“The Catskills 2001 AIDS Ride is the only completely not-for-profit AIDS ride in the tri-state area and that means 100 percent of your hard-earned rider dollars will go for the AIDS Patient Emergency Relief Fund at Community General Hospital (CGH),” said Glenn Wisch, D.M.D., ride coordinator.

The ride is fully supported with rest stops every 15-20 miles, with mechanics and medical supports along the way, he said.

The ride will include routes of 50, 75 and 100 miles. A $49 registration fee is required with a minimum pledge amount of $100.

All riders and crew/volunteers will be served breakfast and lunch and have six pit stops in their service.

The Sullivan County Visitors Association has helped secure banners and tents for the opening and closing ceremonies. Scott Samuelson of the Bradstan Country Hotel will be serving as morning Master of Ceremonies. The Town of Roscoe has offered the O&W Railroad Museum as the lunch stop.

The Catskill Mountain Farm in Livingston Manor is donating lunch and is serving at pit stop four and five.

Closing ceremonies will take place at Woodland Wilding Garden located behind Community General and will feature NYC comedian Rich Buyer, folk/rock singer Megan Carey and singer/guitarist Meredith Levande. The Bradstan cabaret singers will also contribute to the musical program.

Local sponsors include The Times Herald, Catskill Morning Farm, Elvira Gulch Bike Tours and Events, M&M Motors, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan County Visitors Association, Forestburgh Playhouse, Type Right, Inc., Abz of Adoniss, Bradstan Country Hotel and Mr. Willy’s.

“We will be taking you on a beautiful ride through farmland, up and down mountains, past clear blue lakes, rivers, and covered bridges with deer and other wildlife roaming by your side,” Wisch said.

“The hospital family is excited about the first annual Catskills 2001 AIDS Bike Ride that will benefit AIDS victims in Sullivan County and the local area. It is an auspicious beginning for a project that we expect to go on over the years,” said CGH spokesperson Selma Field.

For more information, or to register, call 212/580-8961 or 845/794-3300, ext. 2626, or log on to the website at www.catskillsaidride.com.