BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ADDICTION
Annual Cycling Event to Fight the Growing Epidemic of Addiction while
Honoring Countless Lives Lost and Loved Ones Left Behind.
CARE of Southeastern Michigan and Century Sponsors Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, McLaren Macomb, Kosch Dining Solutions, Macomb NOW Magazine, Detroit Chevrolet Belle Isle Grand Prix, UAW GM Hydrofest Detroit, and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House are excited to announce the 4th Annual Bike PATH: RIDE FOR RECOVERY. Since 2013, Bike PATH has been “Breaking the Cycle of Addiction” one mile at a time. This year’s event offers cyclists, volunteers and attendees more to do and more to love than ever! “As a health care provider, there is nothing more important to us than the health of our community,” said Kelley Lovati, community relations coordinator at McLaren Macomb. “CARE shares this sentiment and has created fun and lively events like BIKE Path help to accomplish this goal. We’re very happy at the opportunity to support this event and all of the work of CARE.”
Cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities can choose from several rides along the shores of Lake St. Clair. Monique Stanton, CARE’s President and CEO notes, “This year we were able to collaborate with Lake St. Clair Metropark, Detroit Belle Isle, and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House to provide participants truly unique riding experiences, regardless of age or riding skill. Everyone we reached out to were eager to support this event because they understand we’re losing too many lives to addiction related overdose and suicide. ” Less experienced riders can choose a 2 mile ride along Lake St. Clair Metropark’s scenic paths or the 10 mile ride along Macomb County’s Freedom Trail. More experienced riders can choose a 25 or 40 mile route along Jefferson Avenue that includes breathtaking views of the grounds and gardens inside the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate. New this year, Bike PATH is introducing the Metric Century Ride (62 Miles) that’s sure to appeal to very advanced cyclists wanting more of a challenge. The Metric Century route follows Jefferson Avenue to Belle Isle where riders will enjoy riding Belle Isle Park before returning to Lake St. Clair Metropark. “Bike PATH taps into our region’s growing interest in bicycling as an ideal family activity focused on fitness and the outdoors. It also matches Henry Ford’s commitment to community health and wellness as well as CARE of SEM’s important mission to support families, ” Greg Jakub, Manager, Community Relations, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.
Monique Stanton explains, “Ride for Recovery isn’t just about cycling. The event’s overarching purpose is to elevate awareness about addiction and the devastating impact it’s having in our communities. The CDC estimates 129 Americans die every day from drug related overdoses. Imagine a Boeing 727 losing all of its passengers every day. What would this country do if a plane fell out of the sky every day?”
Deborah Smith, a member of CARE’s Board of Directors since 2012, understands the pain all too well. “Almost everyone I know has been personally affected by addiction or knows someone who has. I lost my own son when he was just 26. One of our board colleagues lost her son a few months ago. 129 isn’t just another statistic. Every day, 129 more people die and 129 more families are left to grieve. This is very personal and we’re asking the community to stand with us and countless other families to remember the loved ones we’ve lost. 129 Memorial Doves will be released during this year’s opening ceremony. We invite everyone who wishes to honor a friend or loved one to visit the website www.careofsem.com/events/bike-path and adopt a memorial dove in their loved one’s name.”
Loved ones being remembered will be displayed on the outdoor screen when the doves are released during the event’s Opening Ceremony. The event also includes a Kid Zone, bike decorating, a bicycle parade, and a variety of exhibitors with information and resources for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental illness. There will also be a raffle for many great prizes, with a special thanks to Fraser Bicycle and Tim’s Bike Shop who each donated top of the line bicycles for some lucky winners.
Event Date: September 24th 2016 Time: 8:30AM – 3:30PM Location: Lake St. Clair Metro Park
Rider registration is $40. Children 12 and under are free. Register individually or create a team at www.careofsem.com/events/bike-path/. All riders are required to wear helmets and abide by the rules of the road. Contact Karla Gardner at kgardner@careofsem.com for sponsorship and exhibitor information. For information about volunteer opportunities or other ways you can support this event, contact Emma Warren at admin@careswls.com call 586.541.2273 extension 218.
Proceeds support prevention and intervention programs and services for financially strapped individuals and families. Other services support substance use prevention efforts of local schools, early childhood programs, and summer camps for elementary and high-school students.
About CARE of Southeastern Michigan (CARE): Incorporated in 1977, CARE is a 501 (c)3 non-profit whose mission is to strengthen resiliency in people and their communities through prevention, education, and services that improve the quality of life. CARE is passionate about serving the needs of low and moderate income individuals and families with limited options for substance abuse related support. CARE offers multi-faceted programs designed to prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. CARE provides case management and treatment services to individuals and families struggling with addiction and other mental health conditions. Other programs include school based crisis and trauma counseling, substance abuse prevention programs, and educational classes. Over 20,000 people benefit from CARE’s services each year.
Recovery Riders Creed
We Celebrate every person who is winning the battle and living life free from addiction.
We Pledge to Support any person willing and ready to start their journey toward recovery.
We Embrace and Encourage all people held hostage by addiction; there is always hope.
We Comfort and Restore family and friends who are suffering because of a loved one’s addiction.
We Honor the Memory of every child, mother, father, brother, sister, friend and loved one lost.
© 2015 CARE of Southeastern Michigan. All Rights Reserved.
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