IF the riders participating in the ATL Autohaus Jamaica By Bike cycling charity race from Kingston to Negril cannot cross it, they will be assisted by the Amarok — the newest Volkswagen pickup provided by the sponsors.

ATL Autohaus, which is the title sponsor of the event with a $50,000 deal, will provide support for the entire race for the 160-mile journey.

Judith Denton, ATL Automotive’s marketing and communications manager, said cycling is a growing sport and they are happy to be along for the ride.

“As good corporate citizens and also because of the spirit of the event, the energy, the dynamics and the level of organisation, we are happy to be along literally and figuratively,” said Denton at the launch of the event at the Spanish Court Hotel last Wednesday.

She added: “The Volkswagen Amarok has taken the lead in this event, a robust versatile pickup. It is relatively new and has taken Jamaica by storm. This is a vehicle that can cross it.”

Adam Harris, VW’s brand manager, said: “We at ATL Automotive think it is a worthy cause, that’s why we picked the perfect opportunity to be on board. For the cyclist, if you are not riding a bike, most likely you will be transported by the Amarok, and we are happy to be riding alongside you”.

The charity ride, which is been sponsored by ATL for the 13th year, will see over 100 cyclists participating, with the Sir John Golding Foundation being the charitable organisation to benefit.

People’s National Party (PNP) senator Mark Golding, the son of the late Sir John Golding, said it takes approximately $10 million a year to effectively keep the rehabilitation centre going.

“I want to commend the persons behind this and the generosity of spirit in nation building by giving back. I want to thank the sponsors that came on board for this event,” said Golding.

The proceeds from the event will be used to buy a defribillator — a device used in the treatment of life-threatening disturbances of the rhythm of the heart beat which may occur as the result of a heart attack.

Other than title sponsors ATL Autohaus, Wisynco, KFC and The Gleaner are also sponsors of the event.

The ride will encompass six scheduled, fully-serviced stops along scenic and historic routes for the journey. A convoy of Amaroks will lead riders, starting from ATL Autohaus’ Kingston site at Oxford Road, with quick stops in Ewarton and Moneague and a breathtaking descent into Drax Hall via Golden Grove and Chalky Hill for an energy-replenishing stop.

The riders will continue westward to Montego Bay, halting only to rest and re-charge in Duncans. The scheduled lunch stop will be at ATL Automotive West, the Bogue City Centre based state-of-the-art VW showroom in Montego Bay.

The final leg into Negril follows. The cyclists pull in and power up in Lucea for the final stage — the only break in the scenic 40-mile stretch which runs straight up to the Long Bay Beach — Park 1.

Return transportation will be made available for the first 40 participants who have indicated that they require it, but many others will enjoy both sunset and sunrise in Negril and work the kinks out with a “short” cycle the next morning.

Registration for the event is available both online (for overseas residents) at www.jamaicabybike.com, as well as offline. Forms for offline registration are available at LK Bicycle Centre, as well as Cycle City and Fitness Centre.