Paramus, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2015 -- Registration is now open for the Sixth Annual Go the Distance for Autism Ride, to be held on Sunday, May 31 at the Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. More than 1,500 passionate cyclists are expected to attend the ride, which is a collaborative effort by four northern New Jersey schools for individuals with autism – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood and REED Academy in Oakland. In the past five years, nearly $4 million have been raised for autism education and treatment programs for children and adults with autism.

Register today to ride, donate or volunteer at http://www.gtd4autism.org

This year's event boasts extended Family Fun hours, a new and convenient location at Bergen Community College and an opening ceremony kick off to mark the start of four rides of varying distances. The event is open to the public and there will be rides for cyclists of all levels throughout the scenic roads of Bergen County. Registered riders will also receive GTD4A gear, entrance to the Family Fun area for food, games, entertainment and a Community Pavilion featuring local businesses and non-profit agencies.

Start times are as follows:

Light Breakfast Served 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony 8:45 a.m.
Rides begin 9:00 a.m.
Family Fun Area 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kids Ride Open 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

"The entire community is invited to participate in the Go the Distance for Autism Ride," said Genna Toye, Director of Development for the Epic School. "This is a great family day that includes fun, fitness, live entertainment, food and a safe environment for children of all abilities. With one in 68 children in the United States diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder there is a critical need to act now to create a brighter future for children with autism. By joining us on May 31 as a rider, volunteer, or supporter, people of all ages will spread much needed awareness and directly impact the lives of individuals living with autism every day."

This event is made possible by a host of local and national companies that come out in support of Go the Distance for Autism each year. For more information on joining North Jersey's largest charity cycling event by becoming an event sponsor, please visit www.gtd4autism.org and click through to the Sponsor page.

About The Programs
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child's first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org - http://www.epicschool.org - http://www.gardenacademy.org and http://www.reedacademy.org