Members: JD Schramm Cycles from the Pentagon to Ground Zero!

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2001

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Up With People Alumnus to Cycle from Pentagon to Ground Zero Site

Eleven cyclists will ride from the Pentagon to the site where the World Trade Center stood raising money for the families of eleven Staten Island Firefighters who perished in the September 11 Terrorist Attacks. JD Schramm, who traveled with Cast D in 1986-1987 and sponsored numerous casts through his hometown of Hays Kansas, will ride his bike the 310 miles as part of this "fund-riding" contingent. The cyclists will ride out of the nation's Capital on Thursday November 8th and ride into New York City on Sunday November 11th, the two month anniversary of the attack, and the commemoration of Veteran's Day.

Throughout the four-day trip the cyclists will stay in firehouses and have many of their meals provided by firefighters and local communities. A group of New Jersey elementary school children will be accompanying the group for part of the trip relaying information back to their classmates daily about the experience.

"I cannot operate a back-hoe or do the recovery work needed at Ground Zero" Schramm remarked. "But I can ride my bike to do my part." No stranger to cycling Schramm has logged over 2500 miles in numerous other charity rides in New England, California, Texas, and Alaska raising over $15,000 for AIDS related causes since 1997.

The event is organized by Dr. Glenn Wisch, a dentist and an avid cyclist from Paramus NJ. Wisch has organized many regional rides and helped hundreds of cyclists prepare for charity rides nationally. Wisch has been pleased with the response of New York firefighters as well as those along the bike route. All of the funds raised will go directly to the Rescue #5 Fireman's Family Fund. No contributions will be used to cover overhead of the event.

"When we contacted the city fire chief to offer our help, we were directed to this Staten Island Rescue Unit," Wisch said. "Since this firehouse is removed from Manhattan it has missed much of the attention of community well-wishers and fundraising efforts. So far these families have not received any financial support from any of the other relief funds that were set up." Each rider will be riding in honor and memory of one fallen firefighter.

"Personally, I'd love to raise $10,000 myself on this ride." Schramm said. "For these kids it cannot bring their Dad's back, but it can help with many other needs as the holidays near."

Schramm will complete his MBA next month is also a teaching fellow in the Management Communication Department. He watched the tragedy unfold from NYU, barely a mile north of the World Trade Center. After the attack he helped organize a calling campaign to verify the safety of fellow part time students in the Langone Program. Since then he has also helped with Stern Rebuilds, a coalition of MBA students, faculty, and community volunteers to help small to medium sized businesses rebuild and reorganize since the tragedy. His column, Mastering Management, has appeared in the Opportunity for the past three years and his first play, exChanges, was released by Jane Doe Press the day before the World Trade Disaster. Marc-Anthony Thomas directed a reading of this show, and alumni John Fedynich and TJ Mannix performed in this reading.

Those wishing to make a contribution towards Schramm's ride can send checks, payable to the Rescue Five Fireman's Family Fund, to Cycle of Freedom, c/o Dr. Glenn Wisch, 27 Madison Avenue #110, Paramus NJ 07652. All contributions are completely tax deductible. Pledge forms can also be completed and left in the Langone Program Office on the first floor of the Kaufman Management Education Center at 44 West 4th Street. For more information contact Schramm at 212-777-1362 or by email at jdschramm@juno.comjds250@stern.nyu.edu