What is the "Ride for Runaways?"

The Ride for Runaways is an annual, 7 day, 500 mile charity bicycle ride that exists to support Anchor House.

In 1979, a group of concerned citizens founded Anchor House, a shelter for runaway and/or abused teenagers.  The Anchor House founders used the analogy of a ship dropping its anchor to keep it safe in the storm to visualize the mission of the agency.  The anchor is supported by links of its chain, which in turn keep the anchor tied to the ship.  The founders understood that life's circumstances can cause the links of a family's chain to break down. They created Anchor House as a stabilizing place for runaway, homeless, and abused youth. It is a safe place to rest, wait through the storm while in crisis and a way to move on when the crisis is calmed.   Today, Anchor House has grown into "The Houses Where Healing Begins" with programs that meet the needs of babies, teens and young adults.  Visit http://www.anchorhousenj.org to learn more about Anchor House and it's programs.

That same year a small group of young bicyclists created "The Ride for Runaways" with a goal of raising funds to keep the doors of Anchor House open.   The first riders rode from Florida to Trenton to earn the pledges promised by their sponsors.

Today, The Ride for Runaways continues as an annual event with nearly 180 bicyclists and over 20 support volunteers participating.  Our riders represent all walks of life and all ability levels.

If you think you might like to join us and would like to know more about the ride, click here.

Applications are available, here on the website,  in January for the coming summer's ride.