Ride to End ALZ to make stop in Newberry

NEWBERRY — More than 400 cyclists will be biking across South Carolina from July 11-13 for the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Ride to End ALZ South Carolina, presented by the David Moore Foundation.

Cyclists will begin their trek across the state at Simpsonville’s Heritage Park and wind its way to Mt. Pleasant, with overnight stops in Newberry (at Newberry College) and Orangeburg.

“As our riders get ready to pedal across the state, most of them will be doing so in honor or in memory of someone who has had Alzheimer’s or another dementia. They ride with the hope and belief that effective treatments — and ultimately a cure — are within sight,” said Jerry Chapman, Director of Ride to End ALZ South Carolina. “The Alzheimer’s Association is leading that fight, both globally and right here in our community.”

This year’s ride will have more participants than ever before, with 425 cyclists in the group ride plus over 30 virtual participants. Ride to End ALZ South Carolina continues to offer cross-state bicycle ride providing meals, luggage transportation and medical and mechanical assistance throughout the route.

The event is also supported by over 100 volunteers and sponsors. Whether by helping with registration, assisting with rest stops, loading luggage, serving food or cheering on the cyclists, volunteers make the complex logistics of the ride run smoothly.

The event started in 2009 with just 20 riders raising $16,000. It has grown steadily each year, thanks to volunteers and word of mouth among riders. Now in its 17th year, Ride to End ALZ South Carolina has already raised over $922,000 toward its $1.5 million goal. Since its inception, the ride has raised over $8.5 million to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funds raised by Ride to End ALZ South Carolina will continue to go towards the Association’s research efforts to discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s and all dementia — while also maximizing care and support for all facing the disease through local support services, education programs and a free 24-hour Helpline.

Two group ride options are available for 2025: The Grand Tour (257 miles) and a new Half Tour (136 miles). While the group ride is limited to road cyclists, Ride to End ALZ South Carolina also offers a virtual challenge option that is open to casual bike riders, mountain bikers and spin enthusiasts. Registration for the virtual challenge is free and will remain open through the end of July. To register, donate, or view route details, visit alz.org/ridesc.

Beyond the funds raised and the physical challenge itself, Ride to End ALZ South Carolina raises important awareness of Alzheimer’s and all dementia in each community that it touches.

“We have more hope than ever before,” Chapman said. “There are now FDA-approved treatments that can slow disease progression for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, making a timely diagnosis critically important. The Alzheimer’s Association urges anyone noticing changes in thinking or memory to be proactive in discussing problems with a doctor.”

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association or get support for facing any type of dementia, visit alz.org/sc or call the Association’s 24-Hour Helpline at 800.272.3900.