Tell us about Wall Street Rides Far. What cause does it support and what events led to the founding of the organization?
Wall Street Rides FAR (For Autism Research) is a charity cycling event that my husband Bryan Harkins and I started four years ago. We wanted to create a unique event that would combine our love of cycling and fitness while raising money for an important cause. We partnered with the Autism Science Foundation, an autism charity that focuses exclusively on funding scientific research to find possible causes, better treatments and ways to enhance the quality of life for those affected. We continue to be inspired by their mission and dedication to finding more answers about autism. We just wrapped up our 4th annual ride and have cumulatively raised over a million dollars for autism research.
When is your annual event? What does it entail?
The 2019 event will be held on Saturday, Oct 5th at Saxon Woods Park in Westchester and it will weave through the beautiful fall foliage of the neighboring towns just north of NYC. Whether you are a beginner or an avid cyclist, this is a family-friendly event offering different routes for riders of all levels. You can ride 4, 8, 20, 30 or 62 miles and we’ve even added a leisurely 5K walk through the park.
Can families participate? What can kids do to do their part?
From the family-friendly routes to the finish line festival with live, music, food, mini-golf, and many other children's activities, this is a fun day for the entire family! Kids can participate by riding, walking, fundraising and/or volunteering. You can even create a team to pool fundraising efforts.
Do you need any training to participate?
We like to call this event the “no excuses” event as there is something for everyone. While the course is challenging, you can choose your distance and the course is fully supported with rest stops and refueling stages along the way. We offer equipment rentals that will be transported for you to the starting line. This is a fun fitness challenge for people of all abilities.
How can our community help, volunteer or raise funds for Wall Street Rides Far?
Sign up to ride, volunteer and get the word out! Check our website, where you can sign up for our newsletter to receive updates. Follow us on social media. You can view videos from the Autism Science Foundation’s 5th Annual Day of Learning here. This event is a TED-style science conference featuring distinguished autism scientists from across the country. Join us for our annual summer kick-off party. Lastly, while this event is sponsored by the generous Wall Street community, it is open to everyone!
Melissa Moo Harkins spent nearly ten years in equities trading on Wall Street before becoming an entrepreneur and founding MooMotion, a women's cycling and triathlon apparel company that combines her love of endurance sports and design. She attended UC Davis and Parsons School of Design. She has completed numerous marathons and is a three-time Ironman finisher.
Related articles:
 |  |  |
Macaroni Kid Lower Manhattan is the family fun go-to source for the latest and most comprehensive information in our area. Subscribe for FREE today.
