25 Years of Riding for a Cure

2024 marks the 25th year of this fun and family-friendly bike ride which has raised over 2 million dollars for the ALS cause.

In 1999, Dan Frank and his siblings hatched an idea that turned into one of the most successful ALS fundraisers for ALS United Mid-Atlantic. Their idea: A long-distance bike ride through South Jersey, ending at the family summer home in Sea Isle, NJ. It was a great first-year for the “ALS Express” as it was then called and culminated with friends and family celebrating Dan’s mom, Eileen Frank, who was living with ALS. Each rider solicited donations to raise money for ALS United Mid-Atlantic's work in helping families like the Frank’s as well as support funding for ALS research.

The next year brought change. And this change became a catalyst for the success of the ride.

Jackye Morey loved scooting along the beaches of Wildwood, NJ in her large tired beach wheelchair. Tragically, her ride came to an end in July of 1998 when ALS claimed her life.However, thanks to her sons, Will and Jack Morey, and thousands who have participated in what was rekindled the “Ride to Defeat ALS”, she will never, ever be forgotten. Willand Jack agreed to move the bike ride endpoint to Morey’s Piers and Waterparks in Wildwood, thus drawing hundreds of happy cyclists to enjoy this seaside mecca. 2019,the 50th anniversary of Morey’s Piers and Water Parks, saw more changes in the ride andtoday it begins and ends on the boardwalk in Wildwood and riders can chose from five distance options. No other bike ride in the country offers such amenities - TWO passes to Morey’s Piers for every rider and free passes for ALS families and a fun-filled endpoint with free lunch in Wildwood.

We thank the Frank family for their vision and the Morey family for their unwavering support.
 
 
Ride 2000
In 2000, family and friends of Eileen Frank (center) cruised into the newly-designated endpoint at Morey’s Piers and Waterparks.


Will Morey Ride to Defeat ALS
Will Morey (right) cycled in the ride's early days and here he joins members of the Phillies family who also participated.


Ride 2009
Jack Morey helps his son pin on his rider number at the 2003 ride.

 

Barrys Bikers
Family Teams like Barry's Bikers are ride mainstays. Barry's Bikers, shown here in a 2008 photo are still riding today!

 

Ride 2012
The presence of ALS patients Karen Delaney Shideleff and Wes Rose at the 2012 event remind us of "Why we ride."

 

Legs4Greg
Marcia (Ride Chair) and Greg Telthorster and their team Legs for Greg at the 2013 endpoint.