It had been years since Kari Bennett had ridden a bike. But when she heard about a non-profit fundraiser that involves cycling, she decided it was time to ride once again. The cause was way too important to pass up.

Bennett, Siena's registrar, was asked back in 2017 by her daughter's first grade teacher if she'd like to take part in the day-long, 100-mile Albany Ride for Missing Children. The annual event (which is also held in other upstate New York cities) raises funds for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It also honors missing children and publicly supports their families.

Bennett rode that year, and has been riding every year since. She is now a member of the event planning committee and its executive board. This year's ride will be held Friday, September 20 throughout Saratoga County.

"We ride for the families who have been reunited with their loved ones. We ride for those still missing to show our support and keep hope alive, and we ride to continue to bring awareness to the community and help keep our children safe," she said. "It's a long, emotional day, but entirely worth it."

This is not your typical bike-a-thon. Cyclists ride in pairs along a designated 100-mile route accompanied by a large law enforcement presence. This not only protects the riders but demonstrates the commitment of police officers and troopers to the families of the missing.

In addition to receiving cheers of support from the public, they ride past family members who are holding signs with the names of loved ones who have gone missing. In some cases, the family member returned home. In others, the worst possible ending came to pass with the news of a death. Some families never receive closure; the whereabouts of their missing loved ones remain unknown.

"We call this a silent tribute," Bennett explained. "I often well up with tears as we pass these families."

Funds raised go toward educational programs in schools and communities aimed at combatting child exploitation. Taught by NCMEC professionals, the programs help teach children to stay safe while out in public - and online.

This year's ride will kick off at 8:15AM at the Impact Athletic Center in Halfmoon, and wrap up there around 6:30PM. Throughout the day, the cyclists and police will stop at seven elementary schools in different districts throughout the county. The kids will have received an educational program from NCMEC in the two weeks leading up the event.

"When we enter the schools, the kids are so excited and cheer for us. Their energy is invigorating."

The ride got started in Utica as a way for that community to support and provide hope to the family of Sarah Anne Wood. The 12-year-old was abducted in 1993 while riding her bike less than half a mile from her home in the area. Although a suspect has been charged with her abduction and murder, her body has bever been found.

There are several ways you can help support this important effort: helping out on ride day in Halfmoon, joining in as a cyclist, cheering on the riders throughout the course, or donating to NCMEC. For more information, contact Kari Bennett at [email protected].

"We're a ride family. I've made some great friends, and we share in the good and the not so good together and support each other. With all of us together on ride day - cyclists, family members of missing persons, and law enforcement - it allows us all to feel the magnitude of what we are there for."

Kari Bennett, registrar