Cyclists Ride for Saint Barnabas Burn Center

Local bikers did their part to give back Sunday as they participated in Pedaling for Prevention, an annual bike ride that benefits the Saint Barnabas Burn Center.

The weather was good for biking as about 175 cyclists set off on three courses of multiple distances through Essex and Morris counties.

Melissa Gromek, a health and physical education teacher at Heritage Middle School, participated in the ride for the first time. “It was a great ride and a great course,” said Gromek, who did the 40-mile course. “It’s also community-oriented, for a great cause, and good exercise. Plus my students get to see that I practice what I preach.”

According to Beverly Foster, director of the Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation, 125 people pre-registered for the ride and between 40-50 people registered the morning of the event. By Sunday morning, the Burn Center had raised $20,000 from sponsors and pre-registered riders. It was Foster’s hope that the ride would ultimately raise between $25,000 and $30,000.

Cousins Lucy Block and Gabi Friedman rode the 10-mile stretch together. This was the second time that the Summit students participated in the event. “It was hard but I’m really happy I did it,” said Lucy. “It was great exercise too.”

“It’s about proving to yourself that you can do it,” said Gabi. “We’re also helping other people.”

During the post-ride party, participants enjoyed food donated by Calabria’s Restaurant and listened to the sounds of a local DJ.