Charity Bike Ride May Cross the Tappan Zee

Rockland and Westchester cyclists may soon have the chance to pedal across the Tappan Zee Bridge—and for a good cause.

Bike MS: Southern New York will come to the Rockland and Westchester regions on Sunday, Sept. 26. The fundraising ride donates all proceeds toward combating Multiple Sclerosis.

In the past, Bike MS cyclists have stuck to a Manhattan route—60 or 100 miles around the island. But recently, cyclists have the opportunity to bike southern New York, as well.

Cyclists gathered at the Palisades Mall yesterday for an event kickoff party; veterans and first-time riders coalesced to discuss the route, the ride and fundraising. Riders must raise at least $150; if an individual raises $1,000, they gain MVP status.

"We've had teams raise up to $15,000," said Carline Czaja, an event coordinator with Bike MS.

Bike MS: Southern New York begins and ends in Tarrytown near Kraft Foods —and takes riders across the Hudson River. Riders have the choice of completing a 20-mile route or 60-mile route.

In years past, lanes of traffic on the Tappan Zee and Bear Mountain bridges were closed down to accommodate cyclists. This year, Bike MS hopes to do the same and afford participants the chance to bike across the Tappan Zee.

"A lane of the bridge would only be closed briefly," Czaja explained. "Bikers would use it at the start of the race, around 7:30 a.m."

To sign up for the event, and the once-a-year chance to bike across the Tappan Zee, visit the Bike MS webpage.