Annual Habitat cycle ride Oct. 1

When James Wishbow first conceived the idea of raising funds for Habitat for Humanity with a motorcycle ride, he never dreamed it would be so successful. Now in its seventh year, Habitat's annual Motorcycle Ride for Affordable Housing is gearing up with an expected turnout of 800 to 900 New Jersey bikers. The fully escorted ride will take place on Oct. 1 starting in Freehold and ending in Colts Neck.

"Each year we get bigger and bigger," said Wishbow, the event founder and coordinator. "I am always amazed at the turnout and this year should be another record-breaker."

The ride is fully escorted through Monmouth and Ocean counties, ending at the Colts Neck firehouse. A party will take place following the ride with food provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill. Registered riders also have the opportunity to raise sponsorship funds for which Habitat will award prizes. A custom event leather jacket is awarded for raising more than $1,000, and those raising $500 or more receive a custom event denim jacket. Other prizes are awarded for $50 and $100 amounts.

"Our bikers come out in full force for this great cause ... helping deserving families get affordable housing," Wish-bow said.

Registration and check-in on Oct. 1 will be held from 10-11:45 a.m. at AMC/Loews Freehold Metroplex, 101 Trotters Way (off Route 537), Freehold Township, (at the Freehold Raceway Mall). Pre-registration is appreciated and can be completed online at the Web site www.westmonhabitat.org.

For more information call Tom, (732) 528-5991, or James, (609) 259-6459. Commemorative pins are given to the first 400 participants. The rain date for the event is Oct. 8.