Biking from Canada to Bellmore in support of Covid-19 research

Bellmorite Edward Diller is biking nearly 350 miles from the Canadian border to Long Island in support of Covid-19 research.

The week-long journey begins on Monday, June 15 for Diller, 64, who will start from the Canadian border, near Plattsburgh, New York, before making his way back home.  He will travel roughly 50 miles per day.

All donations collected will go towards The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the research branch of Northwell Health.

“I wanted to challenge myself, but also set an example,” Diller said, adding that he hopes to encourage people so they know, “you can do it, too.”

This isn’t the first time Diller is biking for a cause, however. Over the last 10 years, Diller has collected funds for cancer research through the annual Long Island Bike Challenge, which he started as a non-profit organization with his wife, Ann.

Over the years, $285,000 has been gifted to the Feinstein Institutes through the event, Diller said.

Diller started the L.I. Bike Challenge — and its website, LIChallenge.org — with a passion for biking and more than 35 years of experience in the non-profit sector. “I said to myself, ‘I can put these two things together,” he said, “and I want to do it on Long Island.”

This year, the L.I. Bike Challenge will return on Aug. 2, and all members of the community are welcome to join, Diller said. To register and/or donate towards either the L.I. Bike Challenge or Diller’s solo ride, visit their website.

This year, contributions can be made to benefit either Covid-19 research or cancer research at Feinstein. You do not need to ride to donate.

There are three distances to choose from along the 85 mile total route, with a shorter option for less experienced riders. “Even if you haven’t ridden in 20 years, you can still join,” Diller said.

On the route, keep a lookout for Ann and other volunteers handing out water and snacks to participants at five rest stops. 

“We want people to come out and ride and help in the battle against Covid-19 — something that’s affected everyone,” Ann said. “You not only get to ride but contribute to this great cause.”

“You can ride for yourself 364 days a year,” Diller said, “but this one day we’re riding for those who only wish they could ride.”