Expressions of thanks abound following a very successful 2016 for BAH. Below are just a selection of remarks on a job well done. We are grateful the BAH 2016 ride resulted in no injuries and a great fundraising total, so far!

"A line I heard during a speech on a ride several years ago,  echos with me each year.
'Do what you love and do it to help others.'
Thanks again to all for a wonderful and successful weekend."

"A want to join in with a huge thank you to everyone for supporting BAH !   This event raises so much money for our food cupboard that we could not feed the hungry here at CYC with out it.  Just think of the thousands of people that will not be hungry this year because you worked so hard for this amazing event.  We could not do it with out your sacrifice for this cause."

"It's so wonderful to share such an amazing weekend with so many members of this Beloved Community; to share Chuck's memory, passion and compassion, and to try to carry on a legacy worthy of the man he was. As I write this last entry of the weekend, I'm aware of that familiar feeling of exhausted gratitude and utter humility at the magnificence of God's work in the world and what it can look and feel like when we join in!"

"We are grateful to God that we belong to a group that shares fellowship with one another while helping bring hope and daily needs to lives of others." 

"Unimaginably hot weather notwithstanding, we have successfully completed yet another ride and another year!  There were a number of new riders who succeeded in completing the entire 2-day route!  Quite an accomplishment this year! Congratulations especially to you but also to all who participated!"

"There is nothing more fulfilling than riding for a cause greater than oneself."

The 2016 ride was a great success!  Thanks to all who made it possible. The riders braved the heat and the BAH leadership tirelessly gave of themselves to ensure the riders and volunteers were well-organized and safe. Thanks to all! 
The fundraising total for 2016 has not been announced yet, but we will update the site to show it, when we have the numbers. The BAH FirstGiving fundraising page currently shows a total of $52,238, just for online donations. WOW! A huge thanks to all who have donated to benefit organizations committed to fighting poverty and alleviating hunger.
We'll be updating the photos on the website soon, too! So stay tuned.

As we gear up for a great ride this year, the BAH team needs to remind all riders of some important information.
First, all participants in BAH must complete the Participant Information Form, below. 

The BAH leadership team will also go over the topics in the Information Sheet at the MANDATORY rider meeting. Riders will have the opportunity to ask questions, so come prepared!
Please BE AWARE that the forecast calls for very hot temperatures on Saturday. Please make certain you've read and understand the safety information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you have questions please ask! 
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We are looking forward to a great ride this year!
 

Make note of your departure time. Start return when you have used up ½ the time remaining until 5:00 dinner time.
A - Depart Washington Pavilion area to Washington Crossing Bridge
B - At end of bridge make immediate left to walk or bike through park along River Drive. A bathroom is available in the parking lot.
NOTE – River Drive bridge is closed to cars, but you can walk or bike around barricade
C- Titusville Presbyterian Church is providing a rest stop along canal path which can also be accessed from River Drive. A bathroom is available here.
D- Access canal path by making right at Church Street.
Walkers
At canal path turn right to return to Washington Crossing Bridge Total round trip is 4 miles. You can lengthen walk by continuing on canal path south of Washington Crossing Bridge or by taking footbridge across Rt. 29 into park.
Bikers
Turn left to bike to Lambertville, Stockton or Bull’s Island rest stops.  Options include a 15 mile, 22 mile, or 30+ mile round trip.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday, at the registration table!

The routes for all 2016 BAH rides are complete and we are excited for this year's ride! Check out the Routes page for all the info you'll need on the course, using Ride with GPS. 

2-day Ride itinerary
FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 9
• 10:00 AM: Leave from St. Matthew’s Church Pennington, NJ at 10:00 A.M. to drive to Gettysburg. Please be at the church by 9:00 AM so your bike and gear can be loaded into the Rescue Mission truck for the journey. If you need alternative arrangements, please contact us as soon as possible.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch Stop around Noon
• 2:00 PM: Arrive at Gettysburg hotel
• 3:00 PM: Battlefield Tour
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at O’Rorke’s tavern (RSVP required).
• 8:00 PM: Rider and SAG Meetings (Mandatory!).
SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 10
• 5:30 AM: Breakfast
• 6:00 – 6:30 AM: Riders depart from Hotel
• ~11:30 AM : Lunch at John Rudy Park in York PA.
• 7:00 PM: Banquet dinner at AmishView Inn Restaurant.
SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 11
• 5:30 AM: Breakfast.
• 6:00 – 6:30AM: Riders depart from Hotel.
• ~11:30AM: Lunch at Central Perkeomen Park
• 4:30 PM: All riders should be at The Crossing United Methodist Church
• 5:15PM: Arrival at Washington Pavilion for Finish Line Festival and BBQ, in celebration of a job well done!

1-Day Rides itinerary: Sunday Sept. 11
All Sunday activities start at the Washington Pavilion at Washington Crossing Park in Pennsylvania.

DIRECTIONS:
From New Jersey, cross the bridge and turn left at the stop sign onto Rt. 32 South. Travel about 1/10 mile south and turn left onto Lord Sterling Rd. Drive to the end and park in the field.

63 Mile Ride:
Registration is open from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. All Riders are strongly encouraged to start by 9:00 AM to assure they will complete the ride before 4:30 PM.

35 Mile Ride:
Registration is open from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. All Riders are strongly encouraged to start by 11:00 AM to assure they will complete the ride before 4:30 PM
All Rides End at The Crossing United Methodist Church at the intersection of Washington Crossing Rd. and Wrightstown Road, including the 2-day ride, which is where the cue sheets end. We will all leave the church together to arrive at the Finish Line Festival at 5:15 PM.

George and Kinny’s Fun Walk and Bike Ride:
Noon-4:00 PM, walk or ride on the towpath at Washington Crossing Park NJ as far as Bulls Island. This is a fun, family-friendly, off-road option! Starts in Washington Pavilion in Washington Crossing Park, PA. Cross the historic Washington’s Crossing Bridge and walk or bike the towpath as far as you like up to Bulls Island State Park, then return by 5:00 PM to the Washington Pavilion for the Finish Line Festival and BBQ:

On Wednesday, September 7, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) is again hosting the annual send-off dinner for BAH participants and volunteers. Thank you, TASK!

If you are a rider, volunteer, or participating in any way in BAH, you are welcome to join the BAH family at the dinner. We just need an RSVP from you. If you have not yet sent an email indicating you plan to attend, please respond to this blog post or contact us via the online contact form.

We look forward to seeing you there!