Last year was our first Less Cancer Ride, and we were hooked from the start. This past weekend, we hitched up with the Less Cancer Ride crew for another big weekend of riding bikes and saving lives.
Cancer prevention doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Between 60 and 70% of cancers are preventable; that means well over half of the lives affected by cancer don’t need to be. It’s a mission that doesn’t get the support- or the funding- it deserves. A cure would be amazing, but until then, we can save more lives by keeping cancer at bay through prevention.
Our role in the Less Cancer Ride is really pretty easy. Just like last year, we hooked up with the riders taking on a 150 mile ride from Midland to Traverse City and made sure they had everything they needed to keep rolling. We cleaned out the famous Adventure Hub to carry the dozen bikes, gear, spares, and kit for the riders. Leaving at the crack of dawn Saturday morning, we had no trouble getting all the gear downstate, only to unload and join the riders in their about-face north.
The ride was simply spectacular. With perfect weather, a generous tailwind, and a strong group, we made steady progress. Much of the route stuck to the Pere Marquette Trail, a rail trail that runs from Midland to our turn-off near Cadillac. The final few hours were on quiet roads through rolling hills, and the temperature steadily rose. We were never short of water or snacks, however, with dozens of volunteers leap-frogging the riders with all the food and drinks we could as for.
We made Saturday’s leg at a flying 22 miles per hour, rolling into East Bay Park right on time for the paella party! Riders and support crew dove deep into a pan of homemade paella, reliving the day’s efforts and preparing for Day Two.
Sunday’s ride called for the whole cycling community to join up, and we had over 115 riders support the Less Cancer cause. Ranging from 15 miles to 100, all the routes for the day catered to anyone willing to get involved. Luckily, the weather cooperated; the forecasted rain held off until all the riders were off the roads and back at Cowell Family Center to hear Less Cancer founder Bill Couzens and others speak. The picnic, now celebrating its 32nd year, invites and honors cancer survivors to share their experiences and triumphs. There’s no better way to cap off a weekend of cancer prevention that by getting a very personal, touching reminder of why these efforts matter so much.
The numbers? Big. Our crew rode 250 miles in two days, putting in twelve hours of riding and raising nearly $80,000 for LessCancer.org. You can still help; consider donating to cancer prevention here, and make sure you join us for Less Cancer Ride 2020 next summer!