Atlantic Highlands was the site for the beginning of the NYC to DC AIDS Ride and I was glad to be there to see the group of about 100 riders off. 

Although technically the start was in Manhattan, the riders took the Seastreak Ferry from Pier 11 and arrived in Atlantic Highlands at about 8:45am yesterday and gathered in front of the Blue Bay Inn on First Ave. 

After a brief intro, guidelines for the ride and basic "Rules of the Road" they were off on a 330 mile journey.

I was there to cheer on friends Chad Wolbrink and Toby Clark in what I think is an amazing feat (and, god bless them, their statue of libery hats clearly identified them from the pack). I can't even imagine making a ride of that length (let alone in green foam headgear) so I'm very impressed.

After their first day (85 miles!) they were scheduled to continue on today and arrive in Cape May this evening - but the weather made riding today pretty much impossible.  They are supposed to arrive in Washington D.C. on Sunday.

To keep up to date on their journey (and donate to the cause if you're so inclined) visit the ride websites of Chad or Toby.