Wantagh resident will bike 400 miles in honor of late teen

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No one knew that when 19-year-old Matt Scarpati went for quick bike ride one late evening in 2009 that it would be his last. 

It has been eight years since an intoxicated motorcyclist, who veered on to the Jones Beach bike path, struck the Wantagh teen. Finding inspiration in a devastating loss, Matt’s parents, Jim and Lynn, fought to have guardrails built along the trail, which begins in Cedar Creek Park, on the Wantagh-Seaford border, and leads to the shore. 

Phil Kingsbury, of Wantagh, wanted to honor his neighbors. That’s why he is kicking off his fourth annual 24-hour bike ride at Cedar Creek Park this week. 

“The past few years I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on my speed and breaking records that I’ve lost track of why I’m out here — to ride for Matt,” Kingsbury said. 

Beginning on June 29, Kingsbury will ride into the evening and early hours of the morning to help raise money for the Miles for Matt Foundation — an organization dedicated to education, safety and athletic projects. The charity also hosts soccer clinics for children and a 5K run in early June.

Although Kingsbury would break a world record if he rode more than 394 miles, he said he isn’t worried about the potential to make history. This year, one of his primary goals was to encourage Wantagh-Seaford residents to join him on his journey. 

Kingsbury said he is very excited to see the turnout. “People owe their safety to Jim and Lynn Scarpati and for the precautions they helped install along the bike path,” he said. 

Andrew Hager, a Bellmore resident and fellow cyclist, called himself Kingsbury’s “one-man pit crew” last year. During the 24-hour marathon, he supplied Kingsbury with water, food and “anything he needs.” 

The two men met while biking at the park about 10 years ago. “Phil is just a normal guy who wants to help out.”

A bronze statue of Matt Scarpati was resurrected in Cedar Creek, on the Wantagh-Seaford border, shortly after the incident. Although Kingsbury never met Matt, he said he feels a connection with the cause. He hopes to raise more than $3,000 to pay for a plaque for the statue.

The Scarpatis also continue to keep Matt’s name alive by spreading awareness about safe driving in the community. Through the foundation, they have also donated bicycles to children who can’t afford them. 

 

Briana Bonfiglio contributed to this story.