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Memory Ride raises awareness

HOLLIS – The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Memory Ride for Research will travel through Hollis on Saturday, July 14. Hundreds of cyclists, from expert to novice, are signing up for Memory Ride to raise money and awareness to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

The Memory Ride will offer a new 2-mile family option as well as a challenging 100-mile “century” ride, a “metric century” of 62 miles and a 30-mile “introductory” option. The Memory Ride traverses towns in north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Starting and finishing at Fort Devens, Mass., the ride has become one of the state’s fastest-growing charity events.

Memory Ride benefits the Alzheimer’s Association’s research efforts into causes, treatments and cures for the degenerative, fatal brain disease that affects 5.4 million Americans. To date, the Memory Ride has raised more than $2.7 million for research.

“Memory Ride not only raises desperately needed money for research, it also builds public awareness about this difficult disease,” said James Wessler, president/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. “Alzheimer’s has significant impact on families, emotionally, physically and financially. We are asking communities to step up and get involved.”

The Memory Ride is designed to involve families as well as experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.

“We want everyone to feel they can get involved, from novices to experienced distance riders,” said Angela Floro of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We hope people bring their family, bring their friends.”

The 2012 Memory Ride consists of three routes:

? Century – from Devens to Berlin, Mass., Berlin to Clinton, Clinton to West Groton, West Groton to Hollis, Hollis to Nashua and Nashua to Devens.

? Metric Century – Devens to West Groton, Mass., West Groton to Hollis, Hollis to Nashua and Nashua to Devens, Mass.

? 30 Mile Ride – Devens, Mass., to West Groton (short), West Groton to Pepperell, Pepperell to Devens.

The Association offers training and cycling information for casual riders and serious cyclists. Riders and those who would like to volunteer can sign up at www.memoryride.org. The event includes a post-ride barbecue, exhibitors’ fair and children’s activities.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the nonprofit leader in funding for Alzheimer’s research. The Association also provides education and support to those dealing with the disease, their families and professional caregivers. For more information, visit www.alz.org/MANH or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-.3900.