Since 2004, the Long Reach Long Riders have been raising money for charities in the entertainment business’ technical community through annual around the country motorcycle rides. Normally, the Long Reach Long Riders ride together as a group along the entire pre-mapped route, but this year will be slightly different. Because of the COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines, the organization has decided to replace their normal group ride with a relay ride across America, lasting just over two weeks.
Starting June 17 and finishing July 2, the 2020 tour will include 30 riders and three chase car teams. The riders will relay an oversized kazoo (because, why not?!) from Half Moon Bay, CA, to Lubec, ME, raising money for BroadwayCares/Equity Fights AIDS as well as the Behind the Scenes Foundation. They’ll also be riding in memory of founding member, Cris Dopher, who loved to see new horizons from the seat of his beloved motorcycle.
Jim Niesel has been riding with the Long Reach Long Riders since 2007, and this year will be his fifth charity ride with them. He’ll be leading the penultimate leg of the tour on July 1 (Day 15) from Stratford, CT, through the Green Mountains of Vermont, the scenic Naugatuck River Valley of Connecticut, then into the Berkshires of western Massachusetts and north on historic VT100, eventually passing through the land of Ben and Jerry and the Green Mountain Boys along the Mad River to picturesque St. Johnsbury, just below the Canadian border. And Theatre Projects will be behind him every step of the way (or should that be “every mile?!”) so keep an eye on our social media channels to check in on his progress along the route!
If you’re able to contribute a donation to help those in our industry who find themselves in trying times, please consider supporting this worthy cause.
