To put it in perspective, Joe Boyce has pedaled his bike the total distance from Bucks County to Ketchikan, Alaska and back during a total of 14 rides over 14 years for his favorite charity, Anchor House.
Another 500-mile chunk was recently added to the travelogue when he, along with a couple hundred other cyclists, made their way from Charlottesville, Va. back home in a little over a week in their annual “Ride for Runaways’’ endeavor.
For Boyce, the total mileage since he joined the Trenton-based non-profit (caring for neglected/abused children) cause has reached approximately 7,000 miles.
This year marked the first time since 2019 the Anchor House crew was able to take to distant roads again. The past two years the ride was limited to virtual routes mainly in one-day segments traversing roads in central New Jersey.
For the most part, good fortune smiled on the riders as they pedaled through Virginia, Maryland and central Pennsylvania. The eight days were virtually rain-free and managed to avoid the crushing heat wave of last week. The riders were home by July 16.
“One of the exciting parts of this year was getting back to the classic ride,’’ said Boyce, a Levittown native. “When we started the bus ride to Charlottesville, we were driving through Trenton and there were kids out there with signs and cheering us on – which is always motivating and inspiring.’’
In years past, the rides have started in such faraway places as Maine and Canada.
The list of other local cyclists on the ride included Bill Garrett of Yardley, Mark Grassman and Lenny Rosenfeld.
Since Boyce came on board, Anchor House has received upwards of $7 million, including $465,000 so far this year.
“That’s very gratifying,’’ Boyce said.
Boyce, 61, had a good chuckle when he was asked how many 60-somethings took on this challenge.
“Actually there are a number of people who are older than I am,’’ he said. “As a matter of fact, there are people in their 70s and 80s.’’
For all these spirited men and women, the ride provides an attainable goal and gives them plenty of incentive for long hours of training.
“I’m doing what I love to do,’’ Boyce said. “I’m doing this for kids and it just gives you an extra level of gratification. I always admire the people who still do it and often wonder when is it going to be my last year. I keep coming back and will as long as I can do it. But I’m amazed by the people in their 70s who are still doing it.’’
To donate to Anchor House, please visit Joe’s webpage at anchorhouseride.rallybound.org/classic/Joe
>World Championships simply amazing
If you’re like me, you were glued to the tube nearly all of last week as one USA athlete after another excelled at the World Track and Field Championships in Oregon.
It was particularly gratifying to see Trenton, N.J. native Athing Mu become the first USA woman to win the 800 meters since competition started in 1983. And Sydney McLaughlin (Dunellen, N.J.) ignited the crowds with a pair of world records in the 400 hurdles, plus another gold medal for anchoring the women’s winning 4 x 400 relay team.
Plus, the men swept the 100 and 200 sprints, marking a return to glory for a country known for its speedsters. Also, how about the American women finishing fifth, seventh and eighth in the marathon? Looks like we’re headed in the right direction in that event as well.
>BCD deadline approaching
Registration is starting to warm up for the 11th annual Bucks County Duathlon in Washington Crossing Historic Park on Sunday, Sept. 4.
If you’re planning to compete, you should try to sign up before Monday’s (Aug. 1) deadline for a price increase. Registering before the deadline will save you 10 bucks ($70 now, $80 later).
The duathlon – a two-mile run, 10-mile bike, two-mile run – is the only multi-sport competition of its kind in Lower Bucks County and features one of the fastest courses in Pennsylvania.
To register and receive more information, visit www.buckscountyduathlon.org.
Race calendar
Sunday
Rock Run 5K, 9 a.m., Council Rock North High School. Contact www.runsignup.com
Sunday, Sept. 4
11th annual Bucks County Duathlon, 7 a.m., Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing. Contact www.buckscountyduathlon.org
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