Xtreme Bikers do some pedaling for San Miguel School

For the third consecutive year, the San Miguel School of Camden was the winner in a charity bike ride that took place over Memorial Day weekend.

The XBA (Xtreme Bikers Association) held their 10th annual Bike to the Shore on Saturday, May 23, riding from the Philadelphia Art Museum to Avalon. Over 70 bikers participated in the day that raised over $12,000 for the school.

Started in 2000 by two then-high school seniors at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, the event has seen more and more participants each year, and, since 2007, has risen almost $30,000 for the San Miguel School.

Michael Day, XBA co-founder and director of public relations, remembered his time as a student at inner-city St. Joseph’s Prep, in North Philly, and the importance of working with the surrounding community, such as the neighboring Gesu elementary school.

This year’s race shed light on the need to “improve inner-city education,” and “the people doing good work in inner-city,” he said.

Brother Joseph Juliano, president of the San Miguel School, biked the 75 miles from the Art Museum to Avalon, along with San Miguel principal James Hoban, and teacher Conor Senecal. The bike route included a stop at his school to receive water and encouragement from the students.

“It was the highlight of the whole trip,” Brother Juliano remarked. “The bikers could see firsthand the school, while the students could put a name and a face to these complete strangers, and see what they would do to give a leg-up for others.

“The XBA’s spirit of adventure and community service has made them a welcome addition to our school’s supporters. XBA is one of our great fund-raisers, and friend-raisers,” he said, noting that the money raised this year will go to tuition assistance. .

The postgame barbecue included a talk from Brother Juliano and music from “Left Me Bashful,” a New York city-area folk rock band.

For more information about the San Miguel School, visit www.sanmiguelcamden.org.

For more information about XBA, visit www.teamxba.org