Led by Old Greenwich resident, Tony Williams, and Wilton cardiologist, Tom Nero, a group of current and former Fairfield County residents had planned the “challenge and opportunity of a lifetime” starting on August 31. The challenge was to cycle Route 20, the longest continuous road in the United States, stretching from Newport, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts.
Due to Covid-19 movement restrictions being imposed in various states, the Ride Route 20 itinerary is now London, UK to Rome, Italy and back. The itinerary will take the team down through France, across the Alps into Florence and on to Rome. It then returns up the Mediterranean Coast of Italy into France via Provence, up through Grenoble and the Burgundy region on to Paris and back to the UK. The distance is over 2,500 miles with 17 miles of ascent.
Williams said, “This is disappointing for the entire team, but it is the right decision given health and safety concerns and local regulations in each State that limit interstate travel or impose quarantines. The new ride is equally challenging and, who knows, perhaps Route 20 will reappear as a reunion ride in 2021! These causes are so worthy of our philanthropic support, especially at this difficult time when other fundraising activities have been curtailed. Despite the logistical challenge of planning an alternative route in a short time, I am delighted that we built in flexibility to ensure that the ride can go ahead”.
Williams shares that the opportunity he and the team have been actively working on for months is, “To raise $250,000 for two great charities, both small enough for us to make a significant difference, and each with hugely significant missions. The U.S. organization to benefit from this unique fundraiser is STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way that serves people of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism, in Fairfield County. The U.K. donations will benefit The David Nott Foundation (davidnottfoundation.com) a UK-registered charity that provides surgeons and medical professionals with the skills they need to provide relief and assistance in conflict and natural disaster zones around the world.”
As they prepare for “Over 3,000 miles of saddle soreness,” Williams also announced, “With only two months to go till we start our cycle ride, I am very excited that we now have pledges and donations exceeding $157,000 (split almost equally between the US and the UK charities). This is HUGE and a true reflection of the worthy causes we are supporting. A $50,000 challenge gift will match future donations up to that amount.” Katie Banzhaf, STAR Executive Director, is excited about this unique fundraiser, “In these challenging times of pandemic and uncertainty, Tony’s team for Ride Route 20 is bringing us an unexpectedly generous opportunity to raise money to support local people with disabilities. Their energy and enthusiasm will be felt across the country and across the globe as they pursue their lofty goals. STAR will be tracking their progress every mile of the route and we admire their dedication in plotting an emergency course change to Europe!”
The participants in the ride will be funding the full “organizational and operational costs” of the ride (estimated at $40,000), including travel, lodging, support, etc. All donations will go 100% to the selected charities. Due to the change of itinerary there has been a slight change to the team participants. The riders now include Tony Williams, Michel Mein and Richard Saunders of Old Greenwich, and a father/son team Richard and Henry Warne along with Paul Forster all former residents of Old Greenwich now based in the UK. Working with the team, as bicycle expert and technician will be Justin Bagnati of Norwalk, owner of Black Oak Velo—Custom Performance Bicycles in Old Greenwich. Bagnati’s seven-year-old daughter, Wolf, participated in STAR’s Early Childhood Services and his wife, Kate, is a member of the STAR board of directors. When asked about his involvement with Ride Route 20, Bagnati states, “I am honored to work with this fine group of cyclists who are combining their love of adventure and cycling to benefit an organization that made a lifelong impact on my daughter and family. Things like this convince me that my business is so much more than just selling great bicycles—it’s about creating a lifestyle of purpose and adventure.”
STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not-for-profit organization established in 1952 to serve individuals of all ages who are impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Fairfield County (including Down syndrome and Autism), as well as providing support services to their families. STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. STAR informs and encourages the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. STAR is the only affiliated chapter of The Arc in Fairfield County. The Arc is an advocacy and informational agency benefitting people with intellectual disabilities on state and national levels. For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way please visit www.starct.org
For more information about Ride Route 20 to read about the riders and itinerary or to donate to the Ride Route 20 team, please visit rideroute20.com
