On the morning of Oct. 9 a group of individuals met at the Port Washington train station. The time was 6 a.m. It was dark and cool. The long days of training and hard work were just a memory. As soon as the sun would rise to guide the group, the trek to Montauk would begin. These individuals were about to embark on a journey across Long Island of well over 100 miles to raise money for the PYA fields. Even by standards of this great sport, a "Century Trip" is no small accomplishment. A writer for Newsday equated the event to running a marathon.

The trip started up Main Street and then south on Port Washington Boulevard. Once the Long Island Expressway was reached, an easterly direction is mandated. Just as we had planned. But! Oh! The service road was jammed with traffic as the LIE was closed for construction. The last thing a bicycle rider needs is hitting traffic at 6:30 in the morning. Needless to say the ability to navigate around (and sometimes through( construction obstacles and 18 wheelers reminded one of skiing downhill. Thank goodness around exit 39 the LIE was reopened and we could continue on in relative solitude to conquer the nasty "steele hill" in Old Westbury. Such a hill in the early going would foreshadow the rest of the day. The pack yelled "grind it" and the hill was taken without any interruption in our pace. We then knew it was going to be great.

Before we knew it, Hicksville was upon us and it was time to head south. Route 107 would take us to Bethpage and Route 109 provided a northwest to southeast cut along South Farmingdale, North Lindenhurst and West Babylon. Our journey east would then begin as we would pass West Islip, Bay Shore, East Islip, Patchogue, Shirley, Center Moriches, Speonk, West Hampton, Quogue, Hampton Bays, Southhampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton. Amagansett and then finally Montauk. Some riders finished in just over five hours while other riders made it in seven hours.

The trek to the tip of Long Island was a beautiful ride as one has the opportunity to see just how diverse and picturesque the landscape in our region is. The sights are much more amazing by bicycle than riding in a car at 50 miles per hour.

The trip was an utter success due to the great sense of teamwork exhibited throughout the day. Steve Avazis and Steve Preston (along with his son Andrew) volunteered to travel with the riders by van.

Their supply of Gatorade, Power Bars, fruit and warm bagels made the journey attainable. During the day there was only one flat tire. Steve Preston quickly reached the rider and transported the damaged tire to a bicycle repair shop. Five dollars and nine minutes later, the rider was back in the saddle and on his way. Avazis pulled up alongside of the riders and handed out refills and food along the way.

By the end of the day the riders knew that something special was attained. A special bond had been formed and a great memory engraved forever. "Bud" Preston, a senior from the State of Michigan, traveled to Port to ride for PYA. Bud's grandson, Andrew, plays on the PYA fields and he thought this was a great reason to participate. Bud's age and physical fitness was motivational to all of us. Bud finished with the top riders and stayed at the finish line to encourage and congratulate all of the riders. Thank you Bud - you are a great example to all of us. Special thanks to Stu Gold for sharing your riding tips and planning our route. Also thanks to Ron Henderson for all his administrative assistance and enthusiasm.

Most of the riders are planning on doing it again next year (September 2000) for PYA. So if you want to come along and experience a journey of a lifetime join us for a trip.

PYA has now collected over $15,000 for its Fields of Dreams. It is not too late to still make a donation for Ride for Kids. Please mail your check to: PYA - Ride for Kids, PO Box 69, Port Washington.

Over 100 letters were distributed to major corporations and local businesses for this Ride for Kids event.

There is still time to increase the quality of life for our children in Port. Let's provide them with the quality of athletic fields they deserve.

Special thanks to the riders because without them, the event could not have been a success. Stan Plominski, Al Duranti, Stu Gold, Leo Ullman, Marc Schneider, "Bud" Preston, Mark Hanlon and Manny A. Alas.