WOONSOCKET, RI (WPRI) – The Bike to the Beach Ride has been going on for a decade, and not only is it fun, but it also raises significant funds for nonprofits, which need it most by the hour current.

“There is so much potential in every person, including people with autism, and this is where our work comes from,” said Betsy Roche of Amego Inc ..

That’s why they roll. Before sunrise, a group from Boston, comprising dozens of players from the Boston University men’s and women’s lacrosse team, jumped in the saddle and cycled to Woonsocket.

“Well, it’s fun, our whole team is doing it, we do it for charity, it’s a good cause, it’s difficult but it’s nice. And when we get to the finish line it will be pretty good, ”said John Gross.

The Boston University cycling team alone has raised over $ 70,000, all of which will be donated through Bike to the Beach to local non-profit organizations like Amego Inc., which provides all types of services. people with autism.

Amego Inc. hosted the water table shutdown at Woonsocket, which was also the start of a sixty-mile shorter trip option to Newport.

“This is our first year with the organization so we’ll see where it goes, but we’ve had a successful water stop, and next year we’re hoping to do a hundred,” said Nick Wagner.

Organizations that organized water points could keep all the money their teams raised as part of Bike to the Beach.

“The pandemic has been a huge blow to many of our local nonprofit partners. Not only did they have to deal with changing their programs to support their clients, they also lost a lot of their events, ”said COO Benjamin Dalley. “We are really proud that last year, despite the pandemic, we were able to organize a safe and responsible event that is respectful of COVID-19. “

But this year, organizers say they are back to pre-pandemic levels.

“It feels good. It’s good to see everyone again, it’s good to see the level of activity,” said Bari Freeman.

Bike Newport executive director Bari Freeman said they’ve been in partnership with Bike to the Beach from the start.

“You ride statewide in one morning, before late lunch, and there’s no other state you can ride statewide,” Freeman said.

There was also a shorter 25 mile option, taking off from Bristol and ending at Newport.