Michael Black of West Hartford pedaled off on a long distance bike ride this summer – all for a good cause. Black was among a group of cyclists from all across the U.S., and as far afield as Israel, the United Kingdom and Australia, who took part in Bike 4 Friendship, an annual cross-country bike ride to benefit Friendship Circle International, a non-profit organization that benefits those with special needs. Black was not able to participate in the entire ride, which kicked off in San Diego, Calif. on

West Hartford man peddles for friendship

June 16, but joined the group on its ride from Pittsburgh, Penn. to New York.

Fueled by a cadre of volunteers, Friendship Circle brings together children, teens and young adults, with and without special needs, for a wide range of educational and social programs in a Jewish environment. Friendship Circle programs include home visits, holiday programs, life-skills building and sibling support. Friendship Circle also offers support to families facing the challenges of raising a child with special needs.

Averaging 85 miles a day, the Bike 4 Friendship cyclists visited local Friendship Circle chapters in many of the cities they passed through. There are more than 100 Friendship Circle groups throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Black joined the last leg of the trip in order to raise funds for the Friendship Circle of Greater Hartford. He covered a distance of 376 miles in just under a week.

To learn more about the Friendship Circle visit http://www.FriendshipCircleCT.com