Habitat cycle ride to hit road
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

Motorcycle enthusiasts will once again be riding for charity when the Western Monmouth Habit for Humanity Ride for Affordable Hous-ing takes place on Oct. 1.

James Wishbow, who came up with the idea to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity by having a motorcycle ride, said he has been pleasantly surprised by the tremendous response the ride has brought, increasing steadily year after year.

The ride, now in its seventh year, has grown from 40 to more than 600 riders. According to Wishbow, last year's ride raised $47,000. To date, the charity rides have donated more $100,000 to the organization, which builds affordable housing for working families.

The event took shape after Wishbow realized that motorcycle rides were being held for charity. He combined his enthusiasm for motorcycle riding with his dedication to Habitat and came up with a fun way to provide support for the organization.

Last year, ride officials donated 25 percent of the funds raised from the ride to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Wish-bow said Habitat sent a team of volun-teers to Beaumont, Texas, to build what was referred to as a "house in a box" with the funds secured.

Motorcycle riders will gather on Oct. 1 at the movie theaters at the Freehold Raceway Mall, off Route 537, Freehold Township, and will be fully escorted on a ride through Monmouth and Ocean counties, before ending their trip at the Colts Neck firehouse.

A party will take place following the ride, with food provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill.

Those who have registered for the ride will have an opportunity to raise sponsorship funds for which Habitat will award prizes.

Registration and check-in will take place at the Freehold Raceway Mall movie theaters from 10-11:45 a.m. Registration is $25 for a driver and $15 for passengers. For further information call Tom, (732) 528-5991, or James, (609) 259-6459.