Public invited to kick off Joliet-Pontiac bicycle ride Thursday, Oct. 17 to benefit state, local Children’s Advocacy Centers

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October 15

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow invites the public to the kickoff rally for the “Stop the Cycle of Abuse” bicycle ride to help in the fight against child sexual abuse.

Nearly 20 bicycle riders will begin a one-day, 60 mile trek on Thursday, Oct. 17 along historic Route 66 from Joliet to Pontiac. The kickoff rally begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Will County  Courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St., in downtown Joliet. Rider registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in front of the courthouse.

The Joliet to Pontiac ride is the second stage in a 360-mile journey from Hoffman Estates to St. Louis. The goal is for participating riders to raise $150,000 to support programs and services provided by 39 Children’s Advocacy Centers throughout Illinois, including the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in Joliet.

Nearly 20 riders who completed the first stage of the journey will arrive in Joliet from Hoffman Estates on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Riders from the first and second stages are invited to a free meal at Chicago Street Pub, 75 N. Chicago St., downtown Joliet, starting at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. 

“This ride is a healthy and fun way to raise awareness and funding for non-profit agencies that continue to fight and protect vulnerable children,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “I look forward to giving our local riders a great send off for a worthy cause.”

Glasgow will be joined by Will County Executive Larry Walsh and State Sen. Patrick McGuire in the opening ceremony. The State’s Attorney will sound an air horn promptly at 9 a.m. to signal the start of the ride.

Glasgow founded the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995 as a 501-c-3 non-profit organization so it would not impact taxpayers. As a result, the center relies on grants, foundations and fundraisers like “Stop the Cycle of Abuse” to fulfill its important mission.

There is still time to donate to “Stop the Cycle of Abuse” at www.stopthecycle.net, and help children and their families who are hurt by abuse.