East Coast Kruzers Ride For Autism Speaks

The East Coast Kruzers together at The Turn Sports Lounge - East Coast Kruzers Autism Run - Denver, NC - April 18th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Posted Wednesday, April 22, 2026 3:43 pm

By: Mason Beam - Wise News Network

Denver, NC (WNN) - What began as Brooklyn Kruzers in 1993 has since taken hold on the East Coast. With several chapters across the seaboard, the East Coast Kruzers are a family-oriented, straight and narrow biker club. This leads to their involvement in many community events, such as their most recent cruise-in for Autism Speaks.

Organization History

In 1993, the club began as an outreach organization in New York. The group sought to aid those leaving rehab and jail, as well as youths, by providing a place to belong. This is a sentiment the organization has held since its founding: a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among its members. In 2000, the club changed its name to “East Coast Kruzers”. Soon after, the club partnered with Autism Speaks. The decision to partner with Autism Speaks was made after members saw the organization's efforts in New York and wanted to support them. The NC chapter has raised over $10,000 in its 10 years of running this event.

Ther East Coast Kruzers banner - East Coast Kruzers Autism Run - Denver, NC - April 18th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

However, the efforts of East Coast Kruzers are not limited to a single yearly event. Each chapter includes major events discussed by members of the Florida chapter. For the last 12 years in August, the group puts on a car and bike show to raise money for school supplies for their local teachers and children in need. Outside of their major fundraisers, the East Coast Kruzers are involved in community efforts such as cleaning highways, working with senators and congressmen, and attending as many fundraising events as possible to support other organizations.

The 2026 East Coast Kruzers Autism Run

East Coast Kruzers Autism Run - Denver, NC - April 18th, 2026

This year, the cruise-in took 4 stops, with the ride starting in Charlotte’s Speedway Harley Davidson and ending at The Turn Sports Lounge in Denver, with both the NC and Florida Chapters attending. Notably, this will be the last year the group can visit The Turn Sports Lounge, as it will be closing later this year. However, this didn’t stop the group from enjoying the stop, with The Smoke Pitt providing food to be enjoyed by attendees. The group was selling patches and t-shirts as well as charging a fee to participate in the cruise-in for both drivers and riders. The event also featured the Killin Time Band, which performed many popular covers, including “Love Hurts” and “Keep Your Hands To Yourself.” The band has become an event regular in its own right, the go-to band for many years.

Family Matters

A sentimental moment of brotherhood in the club - East Coast Kruzers Autism Run - Denver, NC - April 18th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

If the club represents anything, it is the ideals of found family. East Coast Kruzers proudly consists not just of members who have been around since the start or joined along the way, but also of those born into the club. It was hard not to notice a proud father holding the club's newest member. When asked about what their favorite experience is with the club, one of the fathers looked back on his time at Florida Clubhouse with his son in diapers. In response, his son noted that he remembers the first time, early in life, he had “Bob” painted on his arm, showing how much he looked up to the club even at a young age. Bob is a symbol of the club; members get him tattooed on their arms to show their belonging.

East Coast Kruzers Autism Run - Denver, NC - April 18th, 2026

Another member spoke on how he joined the club shortly after his brother had passed away. To him, the club was “the beginning of a beautiful family”. He went on to say that every time they're together, it feels like a movie being made. Many of the day's attendees were from the Florida chapter, and they mentioned that even the ride up to NC was special to them. The club's newest prospect wrapped this together well with his hopes to share just as many memories.

Autism Speaks

With April being World Autism Month, it is fitting that the ride be held then. The organization they’re supporting, Autism Speaks, works to enhance the lives of autistic individuals in many ways. Much of their mission is aimed at inclusiveness, helping not only to ensure quality of life but also to research better solutions going forward. It was founded in 2005 and now consists of a merger of itself and three other major organizations in attempts to get the resources and support this community needs.

Reach Out to East Coast Kruzers

East Coast Kruzers Autism Run - Denver, NC - April 18th, 2026

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If you’d like to speak with, join up with, support, or donate to the East Coast Kruzers, you can reach out to them by phone at (347) 506-5425 or at www.eastcoastkruzers.net.

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North Carolina Press Association Member

East Coast Kruzers Ride For Autism Speaks

Organization History

The 2026 East Coast Kruzers Autism Run

Family Matters

Autism Speaks

Reach Out to East Coast Kruzers

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