From left, Zach and Terri Oppenheimer, and Steve Sachar, all of Cherry Hill and Margate, participate in the annual Le Tour de Downbeach, Sunday, June 2.
VENTNOR Le Tour de Downbeach held its annual happy ride Sunday, June 2 starting on the Ventnor boardwalk and touring through the Downbeach communities of Ventnor, Margate and Longport before ending at Tomatoes restaurant on Amherst Avenue in Margate for a barbecue.
Terri and Zach Oppenheimer of Cherry Hill and Margate have been riding in the leisurely bike tour for the last 10 years.
We love the event. It's a great activity for the community and a fabulous way to meet people and enjoy some fresh air, Zach Oppenheimer said.
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Mark Koral, 74, of Wynnwood, Pa., and Longpor,t rode his Birio electric bicycle, which can go about 20 miles per hour on electric or a litter slower with pedal power, he said. Koral said he loves the tour and participated two years ago.
Mark Koral of Wynnwood, Pa., and Longport.
Bicycle riding is a great way to stay in shape. I like riding the boardwalk because it's flat, but the electric bike helps you over hills, he said. My dad rode his bike until he was in his 80s.
Two hundred and two riders donned bright yellow T-shirts for the 14-mile ride, which was led by Bill Subin and two Margate Police officers. Riders were also some of the first people to receive free reusable shopping bags as part of the Margate Business Association's Bag It Forward campaign.
AnnaMaria Blescia, executive director of the Margate Business Association, promotes the organization's new 'Bag It Forward' campaign at Le Tour de Downbeach, Sunday, June 2.
The program which aims to reduce the use of plastic bags that sometimes wind up in the waterways surrounding Downbeach, kicked off this week in Margate. Bags are available at Margate businesses at no cost the only caveat is that the receiver should use the bag repeatedly, or bag it forward to someone else.
The MBA and the City of Ventnor split proceeds of the annual bike ride, which was started years ago by Diane Birkbeck of Ventnor.
The MBA uses the proceeds to fund its scholarship and kids care programs and Ventnor uses the funds to support its recreational programming.
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