Temple University Athletics
Mirabella and Rickus To "Cycle4Awareness" To Raise Money For Autism
8.14.12 | Men's Crew
Three-week, 1900-mile cycling trip gets underway Wednesday to raise awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder
PHILADELPHIA—In an effort to raise money and awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Temple seniors Mike Mirabella (Galloway, N.J./Absegami) and Ryan Rickus (Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge) will embark on a 1900-mile bicycle journey beginning Wednesday morning from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “Cycle4Awareness”, as it's being tag lined, will be a three-week trip in which Mirabella and Rickus will travel 100 miles a day in order to make their way to Key West, Fla. by Sept. 4.
Having a cousin who was diagnosed with Autism back in 1995, Mirabella—a member of Temple's men's crew team—has formed a very close relationship with him and has become poised to help others who are Autistic.
“I wanted do this ride because I thought it would be impactful and so that I could be an influence for my cousin, Joey,” Mirabella said.
Rickus, a former Temple crew member and now an assistant coach for Philadelphia City Rowing—at team formed with members from city high schools that are without rowing teams, has done long distance bike rides in the past and is looking forward to this one.
“I loved the experience of the last ride I was on and to be able to go and do it again seemed like it would be a lot of fun,” Rickus said. “This one will be special since it has a purpose and we are able to do something fun, which will also benefit others at the same time.”
In preparation for this charity ride, Mirabella and Rickus have strategically set up an itinerary so that after every 100 miles they are near lodging so that they can rest and pick up on the journey the following day.
During the voyage, which will conclude Sept. 5 when Mirabella and Rickus fly back to Philadelphia, they will stay at 15 hotels and will lodge with friends and family. Along the way, they have planned to make stops at various schools and charity organizations, including IQuOLIOC in Jacksonville, Fla. on Aug. 22 (more information) and at a surf camp being run by Heal Autism Now (more information) on Aug. 29.
At the moment, Cycle4Awareness has already raised over $1500 for Autism and hope to reach their goal of $5000 by the time they return. To make a donation and to help Cycle4Awareness with their mission, click here.
On Tuesday evening, Cycle4Awareness will make one last push at raising money before beginning its venture by holding a beef and beer at the Fairmount Boat Club from 7-11 p.m. The event is open to anyone willing to attend (directions).
Mirabella and Rickus will be providing insight and details of their trip on their blog, which can be followed at Cycle4Awareness.tumblr.com.
For updates and photos of their journey, 'like' Cycle4Awareness on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @Cycle4awareness
Having a cousin who was diagnosed with Autism back in 1995, Mirabella—a member of Temple's men's crew team—has formed a very close relationship with him and has become poised to help others who are Autistic.
“I wanted do this ride because I thought it would be impactful and so that I could be an influence for my cousin, Joey,” Mirabella said.
Rickus, a former Temple crew member and now an assistant coach for Philadelphia City Rowing—at team formed with members from city high schools that are without rowing teams, has done long distance bike rides in the past and is looking forward to this one.
“I loved the experience of the last ride I was on and to be able to go and do it again seemed like it would be a lot of fun,” Rickus said. “This one will be special since it has a purpose and we are able to do something fun, which will also benefit others at the same time.”
In preparation for this charity ride, Mirabella and Rickus have strategically set up an itinerary so that after every 100 miles they are near lodging so that they can rest and pick up on the journey the following day.
During the voyage, which will conclude Sept. 5 when Mirabella and Rickus fly back to Philadelphia, they will stay at 15 hotels and will lodge with friends and family. Along the way, they have planned to make stops at various schools and charity organizations, including IQuOLIOC in Jacksonville, Fla. on Aug. 22 (more information) and at a surf camp being run by Heal Autism Now (more information) on Aug. 29.
At the moment, Cycle4Awareness has already raised over $1500 for Autism and hope to reach their goal of $5000 by the time they return. To make a donation and to help Cycle4Awareness with their mission, click here.
On Tuesday evening, Cycle4Awareness will make one last push at raising money before beginning its venture by holding a beef and beer at the Fairmount Boat Club from 7-11 p.m. The event is open to anyone willing to attend (directions).
Mirabella and Rickus will be providing insight and details of their trip on their blog, which can be followed at Cycle4Awareness.tumblr.com.
For updates and photos of their journey, 'like' Cycle4Awareness on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @Cycle4awareness
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