Bergen Bike Tour Plans Return to Darlington

Registration opened Tuesday for the Bergen Bike Tour, the 18th annual family fun event held each September that begins and ends at Darlington County Park in Mahwah.

The ride features a kid course, 10, 25 and 50-mile courses for cyclists, breakfast, and a BBQ lunch. The Kids’ Event includes a ride for kids 10 and under, clowns, fire trucks, face painting, crafts and games. Kids can bring bikes, trikes, scooters and big wheels. And, the whole thing benefits the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and Tomorrows Children’s Fund of Hackensack University Medical Center.

This year, the Bergen Bike Tour is happening Sunday, September 29.

According to a release from the Volunteer Center, about 400 people participated in the bike ride each fall. Organizers say they hope to host an even bigger event this year.

“Difficult economic times have really hit our benefiting charities hard,” Chairman of the event Phil Murphy said in the release. “The programs and services they provide to children, the elderly, people with disabilities and families in crisis are in jeopardy, unless we find community minded sponsors, and encourage generous donors to support the efforts of our riders.”

What you need to know to register:

Registration for adults age 16 and up: $35 ($45 on site); youth age 10-16: $15; children age 9 and under: $10; non-cyclists for picnic only: $5.

Riders can pre-register in one of three ways:

1. Register online at www.bergenbiketour.org
2. Download and print a registration form at www.bergenbiketour.org and submit by mail
3. Call 1-877-BER-BIKE.  

All registered riders are required to raise  $100 or more in pledges and will receive a free Bergen Bike Tour t-shirt. Participants are eligible to win prizes up to $1,000 in value. Every registered rider will receive five silicone Bergen Bike Tour bracelets to give as a thank you to friends and family who support their ride with a donation to the Bergen Bike Tour.

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