It's Time to Sign Up for Annual Father's Day Ride

The following is via Bike Newport:

What better way to celebrate the official start of summer than a morning bike ride along Aquidneck Island’s sparkling coastline? With a wide range of biking and walking options at the 3rd annual Elliot Kaminitz Father’s Day Ride – auspiciously falling on the June 21st summer solstice – everyone in the family can get moving together.

The Father’s Day Ride is produced by Bike Newport, the local advocacy group that works to improve and encourage bicycling in the best interest of community health and well-being, while raising awareness of the additional benefits that biking brings to environment, economy, and historic preservation.

The event honors Dr. Elliot Kaminitz, a local and much-loved dentist who championed bicycle safety. After he was killed while on his bike in 2012, Elliot’s family bravely channeled their grief into making the roads safer for other bicyclists. Today, Elliot’s wife, Renee, sits on the Board of Bike Newport, and his daughter, Ilicia, is the Honorary Chair of the annual ride – which raises funds and awareness for bicycle education and safe road sharing. “We know Elliot would be proud of us and of Newport for turning our tragedy into progress,” Renee shared. Ilicia added, “So many friends, family, and community members understand and celebrate improving safety for all. This truly is my father’s legacy.”

Last year, more than 300 participants biked, hiked and rolled their way around Fort Adams State Park and the Ocean Loop at the second annual ride. The tradition continues with 6, 10 and 25-mile route options, a 2-mile Bay Walk, a Kids’ “Tour de Fort” inside the walls of Fort Adams, and “There in Spirit” virtual participation for out-of-towners. The 6-mile loop is coned off from traffic and escorted by the Newport Police - supporting families and less-experienced riders, many of whom will ride the Ocean Loop for the first time.

The Father’s Day Ride is a major fundraiser for Bike Newport, with registration fees supporting year-round education and outreach efforts. But this year begins a new tradition for the event. Participation will trump fees and cost will not stand in the way of registration. There is a “fee waiver” option on the registration form, as well as the opportunities to make a donation of choice and to sponsor other riders.

“Everyone who wants to ride will ride,” said Dawn Euer, Board Chair at Bike Newport. “The Board has made the commitment that the Father’s Day Ride is an event for the entire community. We want to give more families and individuals of all ages and abilities the chance to participate in this celebration of healthy activity and safer streets. We feel pretty certain that people will still support our programs financially as best they can. Now let’s get the word out, so we can all enjoy the day and the ride together!”

Middletown employer, KVH Industries, is a leading manufacturer of mobile communications technology, and this year’s Entertainment Sponsor of the Father’s Day Ride. “This family event gets better every year and KVH is thrilled to be part of it,” explains Jill Connors, KVH’s Media & Communications Manager. “We love the fact that the event is about both having fun and bicycle safety. We also love the commitment to getting the whole community out to enjoy biking on Aquidneck Island.”

Another Middletown business – the Newport County YMCA – is joining the fun at the Finish Line. Recently crowned Bike Newport’s 2015 Bicycle Friendly Business of the Year, the Y’s CEO, Mike Miller summed it up, “Supporting biking supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We hope to support every bike friendly initiative we can.”

Other event sponsors and community partners include the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Worldways Social Marketing, Corrigan Financial, Rhode Island Representative Lauren Carson, IE-Cycle, Newport Yogis, the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, and Panera Bread. All will contribute to the Fort’s festive atmosphere before and after the ride, where participants will be treated to snacks, entertainment, activities, and plenty of bike love.

Bari Freeman is the Executive Director of Bike Newport, “We count on our amazing community partners to provide the foundation for our efforts. They cover a lot of ground with outreach and resources to grow support for bicycle advocacy. The Kaminitz Family, our terrific sponsors, the dignitaries who join us, and the hundreds of people who join the ride give strength and substance to our bicycle advocacy initiatives.”

About the Father’s Day Ride:

The Elliot Kaminitz Father’s Day Ride will take place on Sunday, June 21st, beginning at 8:00am and ending at 12:00 noon. There are ride and walk options for all ages and abilities.

Photos: Meg Heriot