Behind The Scenes
2021 Pelotonia Ride Weekend Kicks Off August 6
By The Pelotonia Team|August 06, 2021
COLUMBUS, OH (August 3, 2021) – Pelotonia, a non-profit organization that brings a community of people together to accelerate funding for innovative cancer research, will host an in-person weekend of events beginning Friday, August 6. This year’s Ride Weekend will see the return of the Pelotonia Opening Ceremony on August 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. followed by two days of rides starting in Columbus on Saturday, August 7 and New Albany on Sunday, August 8.
For riders and volunteers, the 2021 Ride Weekend brings the return of a beloved community event with new one- and two-day route options. As in previous years, and with the support of major funding partners, 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants goes to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.
“The pandemic has created an urgent need for additional funding to support innovative cancer research,” said Doug Ulman, CEO of Pelotonia. “We are thrilled to bring the Pelotonia community together for Ride Weekend while pursuing our collective One Goal.”
The Pelotonia Opening Ceremony will celebrate the fundraising community with a legendary kick-off at Lower.com Field, the new home of the Columbus Crew. Food and drink will be available throughout the evening with a program slated to begin at 7 p.m. Two free tickets to Opening Ceremony will be provided to all registered riders as well as volunteers and challengers that raise a minimum of $1,250 by August 3.
On August 7 and 8, nearly 6,000 riders are expected to tackle a variety of routes ranging from 20 to 200 miles. New ride routes will bring riders through neighborhoods on the near eastside of Columbus including King-Lincoln Bronzeville, Franklin Park and Bexley for the first time and out to familiar roads in New Albany, Granville and Gambier. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on riders both Saturday and Sunday along all ride routes. Additional information for “Where to Watch” is available at pelotonia.org/cheer.
Pelotonia has also adopted a number of new practices this year to accommodate increased health and safety concerns. Those changes include:
- Traditional and Controlled Starting Line Options – Riders departing from downtown Columbus may select the traditional start near McFerson Commons and begin riding in waves every 30 minutes where masks will be recommended. The more controlled start at Columbus Commons will offer fewer riders in each 30-minute wave with space for social distancing and masks required in the chute. Riders may opt for the controlled start at any time and will not be required to register their preference in advance. Riders starting in New Albany will be offered both types of starts at the same venue.
- Mailed Credentials – All participants will be mailed their Ride Weekend credentials in advance.
- No Overnight Bike Storage/Accommodations or Finish Line Massages/Showers – Due to COVID-19 protocols, overnight bike storage and accommodations in dorm rooms as well as rider massages and shower facilities at finish lines will not be offered this year.
- Food and Beverage Availability – In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, food and beverages – including PB&J! – will be available and served to participants rather than provided in open buffets as previously offered.
- Transportation – Riders will have access to shuttles with socially distant seating protocols and masks required that will return from the finish line to the start area.
- Increased Sanitizing – Ride Weekend venues will offer more frequent sanitation efforts.
On Saturday, August 7, riders will head out on routes ranging from 20 – 100 miles:
- Riders tackling the 20, 50 and 100-mile rides will begin in waves every 30 minutes at McFerson Commons (traditional start located at 240 W. Nationwide Blvd. in Columbus) or Columbus Commons (controlled start located at 160 S. High St. in Columbus) beginning at 7 a.m. with the last wave starting at 11:30 a.m.
- Riders participating in the 80-mile route will begin at New Albany Schools (located at 177 N. High St. in New Albany) with both traditional and controlled starts at the same venue at 7 a.m.
On Sunday, August 8, riders will participate in the following routes:
- Both the 35 and 100-mile routes will begin at New Albany Schools with riders departing every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Traditional and controlled start waves will be offered.
- In preparation for Ride Weekend, all riders are encouraged to read the 2021 Event Handbook and re-familiarize themselves with safe ride practices, which are available to view on Pelotonia.org.
This year’s theme, Legends Unite, emphasizes Pelotonia’s legendary community and the numerous individual legends that comprise the grassroots effort. Since its founding in 2008, Pelotonia has raised over $227 million dollars for innovative cancer research.
For those still interested in participating in Pelotonia, registration is still available for the 2021 Challenger program where participants of any age can set their own goals and participate anywhere, at any time, with a commitment to raise at least $100. Additional fundraising incentive levels are also available for Challengers who want to aim higher. To read more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org/impact and pelotonia.org/institute.
About Pelotonia
Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund innovative cancer research. As a centerpiece of its year-round fundraising efforts, Pelotonia hosts a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. Since its founding, Pelotonia has raised over $227 million for cancer research. Thanks to its generous funding partners – American Electric Power Foundation, Huntington Bank, L Brands Foundation, Peggy and Richard Santulli, Harold C. Schott Foundation, Safelite AutoGlass, Cardinal Health, Diamond Hill Capital Management and Nationwide – Pelotonia is able to direct 100 percent of every dollar raised by its participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. For more information, visit pelotonia.org or tune in to our podcast ONE GOAL.
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