Get Ready to Ride for Second Sight Bike-A-Thon

Grab your bicycle and helmets this Sunday. 

Dozens of bicyclists will hit Smithtown's roads for the 24th annual Second Sight Bike-A-Thon to benefit Smithtown's Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind this Sunday. 

“This is a successful long standing event for the Foundation and one that not only raises funds to meet our mission, but it also raises awareness and recognition for the community that we serve,” said Wells B. Jones, CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation

Bicyclists will have the opportunity to select one of six routes, depending on their fitness and experience levels, that vary from a family-friendly, 5-mile "fun" ride to a 65-mile challenging ride through the North Shore of Long Island. 

The challenging 65-mile ride is the first to kick off at 8 a.m.,  with shorter rides progressively starting until the 5-mile "fun" ride takes off at 11 a.m. Registrationis accepted the day of the ride and costs $50 per person, $20 per child. 

All funds raised from the event will go toward the Guide Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or who have other special needs by providing guide dogs free of charge.

"It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place a guide dog, but there is never a cost to the recipient. Our funding comes from generous people who understand the benefits and independence that an assistance dog brings to the life of someone who is blind or has another disability," Jones said. 

All participants are required to wear helmets and will be provided with cue sheets providing the routes, and roads are clearly marked. There are rest stops with food and water available along routes. 

For more information, visit the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind's website or call 631-930-9000.