Participating In Fla. AIDS Ride

By Steve Bigham

Newtown resident Judy Crane is headed to Florida in late March to take part in a 275-mile AIDS ride from Orlando to Miami. She will be riding alongside her sister, Barbara Mangold, a former Newtown resident who now lives in the Sunshine State.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” noted Judy, who will be riding 100 miles per day during the event. “I’m nervous about it. Even though I ride every day, the most I’ve ever ridden in a day is 30 miles.”

It is the challenge and the cause that has driven this local bicyclist who has been riding regularly for the past two years. She lost a cousin to AIDS and has a niece who is HIV-positive. Both will undoubtedly be on her mind as she boards her Cannondale bike at Universal Studios March 31 and heads south on Highway A1A along the coast. Judy and her sister will ride 100 miles the first two days and 75 miles the third.

“My sister lives in Orlando and she found out about the ride. I told her if she did it I would do it,” Judy said. “Plus, I don’t get to see her that often. Now, I’ll get to spend time with her.”

Judy, 45, has been teaching gymnastics at Dance Etc for the past 13 years and used to work in the computer lab at Hawley School. In addition, she has raised four children, David 21, Becky 19, Kevin, 16, and Jayme, 14. Her husband, Jay, is a local builder. All six are athletic, which comes as no surprise since both Jay and Judy were physical education majors in college.

In addition to the recreation that biking provides, Judy says she does it to satisfy her love of being on the move. At the same time, however, biking allows her to be outside and to stop and smell the roses – literally.

“I love to garden and I enjoy checking out other people’s gardens as I ride along,” she explained.

More than 500 riders have signed up for the Orlando-to-Miami ride.

Judy is still seeking sponsors for her effort. Those interested in helping the cause are asked to make checks out to “Red Ribbon Ride,” and to write “Judy Crane – 368” in the memo portion of the check. Please send the checks to Judy Crane, 192 Hanover Road, Newtown, CT 06470. Checks need to be sent in by early March.