Bikers rally in NHP against autism

Richard Tedesco

A group of bikers riding 120 choppers, hogs and assorted other motorcycles revved their machines outside the Renaissance Marble Works on Imperial Avenue in New Hyde Park on Sunday shortly afternoon and took off on a 15-mile ride to strike a blow against autism.

The riders had donated $20 for the ride – $10 for passengers – to raise money in what was billed as the first annual Ride for Autism. 

Members of the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club of western Nassau County, a firefighters bike club, were among the riders who turned out to support the cause, wearing black leather vests that carried their colors.

“It’s a good cause. We turn out for things like this.” said Rick Militello, Red Knight and ex-chief of the Floral Park Fire Department.

Sunday’s 15-mile bike ride was the brainstorm of Joe Piccioca, owner of Joe’s Meat & Gourmet Deli at 783 Hillside Ave. in New Hyde Park. He was acting to support his brother-in-law, Robert Hagon, and his sister, Deborah, whose 10-year-old son is autistic.

“I never thought we could get this many people here to do this,” Hagon said.

The event took three months to organize, Hagon said.

Paul Gerner, a Red Knight and ex-chief of the New Hyde Park Fire Department, said members had turned out because one of them has a daughter who has autism.

“We try to support worthy causes,” said Kenneth Fairben, Red Knights vice president and ex-chief of the Floral Park Fire Department. “And you meet a lot of nice people.”

Fairben was riding a Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Classic on Sunday. It’s something he started doing about a year ago at the suggestion of several friends who are Red Knights.

Fairben’s son, Keith, was among the first responders who perished in the aftermath of the Twin Towers attack in 2001. The 9-11 Foundation is another cause the Red Knights support.

Vic Sowinski, a captain in the New Hyde Park Fire Department and Red Knights sergeant-at-arms, said he had a very personal reason for riding – his nine-year-old daughter has autism.

“This hits home. It’s important. There are so many kids who have autism now. We need to raise money any way we can,” Sowinski said.   

After their 45-minute ride on Sunday, the bikers came back to Imperial Avenue for a barbecue – courtesy of Joe’s Deli – with a DJ in the parking lot of Renassaince Marble. They were visibly exuberant despite the withering heat.

On Thursday night, some of the Red Knights will be tending bar at a fundraiser for the  9-11 Foundation at JP McGeevers pub at 273 Nassau Blvd. in Garden City, starting at 7:30 p.m.

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