The Long Ride

Release Date: Wednesday, September 8th 2010

Dozens of bikers taking part in a relay-style bicycle tour will convene at CityCenterDC to recharge, relax and regroup on Tuesday, September 21. Tip your hat to them. As Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride participants, they’re raising awareness and much needed funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers began the cross-country trek in California on July 17, collecting thousands of signatures along the way to gain support for major legislation to combat the progressive brain disorder, which damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and other complications.  They aim to make the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act and other legislation a national priority.

The Act calls for a hefty increase in funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health and authorizes the necessary resources to restore momentum for a cure, proper diagnosis and preventive care. Other goals include helping nearly 10 million Alzheimer caregivers and creating a National Summit to explore research and programs.

The two-month bike ride culminates in DC at 10th and H Streets on September 21, when the researchers will deliver the signatures to Congress. So far, they have collected more than 90,000 names; they planned to collect only 50,000. The Alzheimer’s Association, the largest private, non-profit backer of Alzheimer research, sponsored the bike ride.

Interested in signing the petition, donating to a rider or attending a signing event? Visit www.alz.org/breakthroughride for more information.