Kelly's Ride

You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to volunteer.

by Niesha Miller

[ volunteer ]

Still stuffed from Memorial Day hamburgers and cake? A bike ride to Ocean City, N.J., may lighten your load — both physically and emotionally.

Founded in 2006, Kelly's Ride raises money for disadvantaged girls and young women. The Vogdes family established it in remembrance of their daughter, Kelly Marie, a New Jersey native and Philadelphia University alumna who died in a car accident in 2004.

Proceeds go to a slew of worthy causes: the Amigos de Jesus Orphanage in Honduras (an organization that provides clothing and shelter for homeless children), Robins' Nest Inc. (a nonprofit that fights for better care for foster children) and the Kelly Marie Vogdes Scholarship Fund at Philadelphia University (which goes to graduates of Camden Catholic High School).

There are 65-, 40- and 25-mile bike routes for the trip, meaning you don't have to be Lance Armstrong to volunteer. Riders will enjoy complimentary Famous Dave's barbecue, Vitaminwater and massages when they arrive in Ocean City, and people are welcome to come to simply cheer on bikers. "Our ride party is like a block party," says spokesman Shawn Hughes-Camp. "People can hang out."

Sat., June 6, begins 7-10 a.m., $60, leaves from various locations, 856-778-1726, kellysride.com.