Gooch's Garlic Run

[LarryM]

Annual Garlic Run tonight benefits children with 'catastrophic illnesses'

ROCKAWAY -- The 22nd annual Gooch's Garlic Run, held to benefit children with "catastrophic illnesses," is scheduled to take place tonight.

The event, coordinated by the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle association, helps parents pay for what insurance cannot. The ride is also sponsored by Rockaway Townsquare mall, where bikers are scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m. They receive a police escort as they travel on Routes 80 and 280 through the Holland Tunnel toward their final destination in Manhattan's Little Italy.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said commuters taking the New York-bound Holland Tunnel can expect delays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The agency said motorists should use the Lincoln Tunnel.

The agency said two left lanes on 12th Street in Jersey City will also be closed during the same times to accommodate the riders entering the Holland Tunnel.

Participants were paid a $20 registration fee, which includes tolls, to be given directly to four families.

Last year, the event raised $32,000 despite poor weather, said Al "Gooch" Monaco. Some 1,200 motorcyclists came out for the event last year. The Port Authority said 1,500 are expected for tonight's event.