Author: The Pelotonia Team
In the News
Pelotonia Gravel Day Returns on September 21 with New Weekend Experiences
| September 19, 2024
Second Annual Event Adds Friday Night Community Gathering and Overnight Camping at Snow Fork Event Center
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 19, 2024) – Pelotonia will host its second annual Gravel Day on September 21 at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio. Riders will experience an adventurous cycling challenge on Southeast Ohio gravel roads while continuing to raise funds for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. More than 225 Riders, 200 Volunteers and countless Spectators are expected to participate this year.
Pelotonia launched its inaugural gravel ride in 2023, a first-of-its-kind event for the organization which offered a unique cycling experience and was enthusiastically received by participants. New weekend experiences have been introduced for the second annual Pelotonia Gravel Day in 2024, including overnight camping for participants in tents and RVs plus a Friday Night Community Gathering to kick off the weekend for Riders, Volunteers, and Spectators.
Gravel cycling is riding on unpaved roads, and it has been one of the fastest growing segments in cycling in recent years. Bikes specific for gravel riding are recommended for the rough terrain and tires with a minimum 35mm width are recommended to ride in Pelotonia Gravel Day.
“Gravel Day provides the Pelotonia community with a challenging ride through the stunning hills of Southeast Ohio. Participating in last year’s inaugural event was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had on a bike, and I’m excited for more people to join in,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO and cancer survivor. “This year, we’ve enhanced the Gravel Day weekend experience based on participant feedback. But the highlight remains connecting as a community of people and partners passionate about accelerating innovative cancer research.”
Gravel Day Routes
Gravel Day routes include intense climbs as Riders cycle through Athens County, with elevation gains from 1,400 to 4,700 feet. Riders will embark on 22, 30 and 52-mile looped routes, departing from the start line on Saturday, September 21, at 9:30 a.m. Each route starts and finishes at Snow Fork Event Center, featuring unpaved roads and rolling hills, showcasing Southeast Ohio’s picturesque landscape. All routes feature an optional extension along a portion of the Baileys Trail System, single track trails in the Appalachian foothills.
Finish line celebrations are open to participants and guests to enjoy food, beverages, photo opportunities, live music, and more. Musical entertainment from 11:30am through 5:30pm will include: The Wildmans, Graham Good & The Painters, Ten Hearts and Parker Louis.
Spectators are encouraged to join the send-off and finish line celebrations to cheer on Gravel Day Riders throughout the day on Saturday. Details for spectators, including driving directions and parking information for Snow Fork Event Center, are available at pelotonia.org/cheer.
Friday Night Community Gathering: September 20, 6-9pm
Pelotonia will host participants and guests on Friday evening for a community gathering to kick off Gravel Day weekend. The Friday Night Community Gathering is Friday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Snow Fork Event Center. The community will enjoy acoustic music from Douglas MacArthur & Friends as well as food, drinks and s’mores, to come together ahead of the Saturday morning gravel ride.
Camping at Snow Fork Event Center: Friday through Sunday
Based on community feedback from the inaugural Gravel Day in 2023, Pelotonia introduced overnight camping at Snow Fork Event Center as part of the Gravel Day 2024 weekend experience. Campsite reservations were open to participants and supporters, including RV and tent camping options, from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. In collaboration with Hocking Hills Outdoors, camping and outdoor equipment rentals and setup was also available.
Gravel Day would not be possible without the valuable time and hard work of more than 200 Volunteers who serve in a variety of critical roles. Volunteers offer medical and first aid services, provide mechanical support, coordinate bike management, run merchandise sales, support Riders at rest stops along the routes, and so much more.
Pelotonia’s signature two-day road cycling event experience, Ride Weekend, just wrapped up its 16th ride on August 2-4, 2024, with more than 10,000 participants including 7,000 Riders, 3,000 Volunteers and countless spectators.
Registration for Gravel Day Riders as well as Challengers, or virtual participants, is still open at pelotonia.org/register.
Fundraising for all Pelotonia 2024 participants continues through October 15.
To learn about the impact of Pelotonia dollars on accelerating innovative cancer research, please visit pelotonia.org.
Community Stories
M/I Homes to Host Pelotonia Kids Ride and Community Block Party on September 19
| September 6, 2024
Pelotonia funding partner, M/I Homes, will host the its first Pelotonia Kids event in Plain City on Thursday, September 19. This Pelotonia Kids event, which the team has named Building Brighter Futures, will be from 4-6pm at the Darby Station M/I Homes community. Children ages 5-12 are encouraged to participate with check-in at 4pm and the kids ride starting at 5pm.
Pelotonia Kids is a series of kids cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
M/I Homes: Building Brighter Futures is organized by a group of passionate M/I Homes associates and active Pelotonia participants on the M/I Homes – Columbus Peloton team including: 11-Year Rider and Peloton captain Jeannine Kranchick, 7-Year Rider Lauren Kuhn, 7-Year Rider Andy Moult, 3-Year Rider Natalie Powell; First-Year Rider Cecilia Smoyer, and Challenger Kat Keber.
“Most kids, including my own, understand the impact of Pelotonia on cancer research and I’ve seen how they want to contribute to the mission in their own ways,” Jeannine said.
“Pelotonia Kids gives children a way to honor those they love with cancer. In the past, they’ve could participate by making signs, wearing Pelotonia t-shirts, or cheering on family members. Now, kids can be Pelotonia Riders, and they’re going to be really excited about that.”
This is the first Pelotonia Kids ride organized by one of Pelotonia’s funding partners and corporate Peloton teams but will not be the last.
Adding a kids ride is the latest way that M/I Homes has set out to continue making a significant impact on innovative cancer research. The company expanded its long-term relationship with Pelotonia to become a funding partner in 2023. In its 11th year, the M/I Homes Super Peloton is made up of 17 Peloton teams that represent M/I Homes regional markets from all over the nation.
In 2023, through the M/I Homes Pelotonia Benefit Homes program, M/I Homes built 15 homes across the U.S. with the proceeds of $3.2 million going to Pelotonia. This year, they have once again committed to 15 Benefit Homes in various markets around the country to continue to raise critical funds for innovative cancer research, including the Benefit Home in the Darby Station M/I Homes community where this Pelotonia Kids ride and neighborhood block party will be hosted.
“At M/I Homes, we wanted to organize this Pelotonia Kids ride to focus on families: both the families of our associates and team members as well as the families of our customers who reside in M/I Homes communities – including those who live in Darby Station, which proudly is a Columbus area neighborhood featuring one of our 2024 Pelotonia Benefit Homes and the location of our first-ever Pelotonia Kids ride,” Jeannine said.
Riders can register to participate at this link with a $10 registration fee through an online donation here or at the event via cash or check.
The route will consist of a loop around the neighborhood, prioritizing safety for Riders. Participants between the ages of 5 and 12 are eligible to ride. All Riders will receive a Pelotonia Kids medal, youth t-shirt, sticker sheet, and more after they cross the finish line.
A community block party will follow the ride with pizza, ice cream, yard games, giveaways, and more fun for the entire family!
Community Stories
Pelotonia Kids Linden on September 14 Brings Together Fun, Philanthropy, and Safety
| September 4, 2024
Summer may be coming to an end, but there are still two Pelotonia Kids youth rides remaining in the 2024 season. Next up on the schedule is a brand-new ride in the city of Columbus, Pelotonia Kids Linden! The Linden community kids ride on Saturday, September 14 at Maloney Park (Joyce & E. 17th Ave.) is for children ages 4 to 14. Rider check-in begins at 9am with the kids ride starting at 10am.
Pelotonia Kids is a series of kids cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
Planning for Pelotonia Kids Linden is led by 3-year Rider, Captain of the Team Linden peloton, and cancer survivor Adam Troy, alongside Donna Hicho, both from the Community of Caring Development Foundation in Linden.
Several partners are supporting the event including: Big Lots, Columbus City Council – Office of Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, Columbus City Schools – Linden Elementaries, City of Columbus – Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Public Safety, Dwight Smith and Thanks Be to God Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, New Salem Baptist Church and SOS Ministry, and St. Stephen’s Community House.
“Events like these are possible in Linden thanks to many generous partners and organizations coming together to make it fun and invest in the youth of our community,” Donna said. “We’re excited to bring Pelotonia Kids to the city of Columbus and the Linden area.”
Pelotonia Kids Linden aims to promote health and safety through cycling, encouraging kids to focus on fitness while also fostering community as they come together to raise funds for innovative pediatric cancer research and build a brighter future for Columbus youth. Community leaders are encouraging Linden youth to also participate in Pelotonia Kids to understand the positive difference they can personally make through philanthropy.
“We are raising the next generation of philanthropists in the brown and black community. Pelotonia Kids gives children in Linden the opportunity for peer-to-peer impact, as their efforts will directly benefit other kids,” Adam said.
“Events like this give us hope for a brighter tomorrow, laying the groundwork not only for philanthropy in our youth, but also to inspire them to be future community organizers and teaching them the value of service above self.”
Rider registration for Pelotonia Kids Linden is free. Donations from Riders and families are encouraged but not required for participation. Riders can check-in upon arrival beginning at 9am prior to the start of the kids ride at 10am.
There will be two route options for Pelotonia Kids Linden Riders, with distances based on age groups: a shorter route for younger Riders and a longer route for older Riders. Both routes will be on the paved path within the park. There will be route marshal volunteers along the route to direct Riders, provide water rest stops, and cheer them on!
Pelotonia Kids Linden will feature free food trucks, music from a DJ, and bounce houses. The event is also part of Public Safety Week which takes place from September 8-14 and is organized by Columbus City Councilmember Remy. There will be a Public Safety Resource Fair from 10am to 2pm on Saturday during the kids ride featuring a Bike Safety Rodeo, Nationwide Children’s Hospital PlayStreets, public safety resources, giveaways, and drawings for great prizes!
All Riders will receive a Pelotonia Kids medal, youth t-shirt, sticker sheet, and more after they cross the finish line.
Participants can register for Pelotonia Kids Linden at this link.
In the News
Pelotonia Community Rallies Around Ending Cancer for Ride Weekend 2024 on August 2-4
| July 31, 2024
Clubhouse to headline Opening Ceremony on Aug 2; New routes, finish line celebrations and spectator experiences bring excitement to signature road cycling event on Aug 3-4
COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 31, 2024) – Pelotonia will host its annual Ride Weekend on August 2-4, 2024, kicking off with Opening Ceremony on Friday evening followed by two days of road cycling with routes ranging in distance from 20 miles to 190 miles. This year, Pelotonia expects more than 10,000 participants throughout Ride Weekend including 7,000 Riders, 3,000 Volunteers and countless spectators.
Since 2009, Pelotonia has raised more than $295 million for innovative cancer research at 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. In 2023, the annual fundraising total was $25 million.
“Each year, the incredible Pelotonia community comes together for a weekend filled with inspiration and hope, and we work hard to make Ride Weekend an unforgettable experience for all,” said Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia and cancer survivor. “Every Pelotonia participant has a connection to cancer, which brings us together to ride, volunteer and fundraise to accelerate critical cancer research and invest in new, innovative ideas to fuel breakthroughs. Pelotonia-funded research at the OSUCCC – James is extending and saving lives of patients in Ohio and around the world.”
Pelotonia’s funding partners provide operational support, allowing the organization to direct 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to innovative cancer research. New funding partners in 2024 include Ariel Corporation, Barbasol and The Haslam 3 Foundation. Longtime and returning funding partners include American Electric Power Foundation, Bath & Body Works, Huntington National Bank, Peggy & Richard Santulli, Victoria’s Secret, M/I Homes, Safelite, Cardinal Health, Diamond Hill, Nationwide Insurance and Pharmavite.
“We are so very grateful for the continued hard work and generosity of the Pelotonia community. Every dollar raised by Pelotonia participants is directed to innovative research that is resulting in better methods of diagnosing, treating and preventing cancer,” said Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, FACS, Director of the OSUCCC, Pelotonia Board member and cancer survivor. “We know that research holds the key to ending cancer. The philanthropy from the Pelotonia community year over year is significantly moving us closer to a cancer-free world.”
Opening Ceremony, August 2
Opening Ceremony will take place at McFerson Commons and North Bank Park in the Arena District on Friday, August 2, from 4 to 8 p.m., with early check-in available for participants to pick up credentials and drop off bikes starting at 11:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy a dinner buffet, beverages, vendor expo, kids zone, and more. A pop-up shop for sales of new branded merchandise will also be onsite. All registered Ride Weekend and Gravel Day Riders receive two tickets. Additionally, Challengers and Volunteers who have raised $1,250 by August 2 will receive two tickets to the event. Additional tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate.
Opening Ceremony Headliner: Clubhouse
This year, Pelotonia is thrilled to announce that Clubhouse, an Ohio-born, feel-good indie-pop band, will perform as the headliner act for the community celebration. Band members include Max Reichert on lead vocals plus twin brothers, Ari and Zak Blumer, on guitar and drums, who have been playing together since middle school.
Top songs from Clubhouse include “Ohio,” “NO WAY!,” “Weekend” and their most recent release, a cover of “Big Jet Plane.” The indie-pop band has played sold-out shows all over Ohio, shared the stage with groups like The Revivalists, Twenty One Pilots, Chance the Rapper and Young the Giant, and performed at notable venues including Lower.com Field for the Columbus Crew and music festivals like Firefly Festival, Bunbury and Wonderbus. Originally from Pataskala, Clubhouse performed at the Kenyon finish line celebration for Ride Weekend 2017, and is excited to return to Pelotonia on a bigger stage and with a close personal connection to the mission.
In 2019, Max was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and has since battled multiple cancer recurrences in his lungs, leg, and now shoulder. He recently had surgery and is currently undergoing treatment, including care at The James and Cleveland Clinic.
Clubhouse is set to perform starting at 7:00 p.m. following the inspirational stage program which begins at 6:30 p.m. Then on Saturday morning, Ari, Zak, and the Clubhouse band managers will ride the 20-mile Pelotonia route in honor and celebration of Max.
For more details about Opening Ceremony, including the full event schedule, important driving directions and parking garage information, visit pelotonia.org/opening-ceremony.
Ride Weekend, August 3-4
Starting the morning of Saturday, August 3, 7,000 Pelotonia Riders will embark on all-new routes, starting at McFerson Commons/North Bank Park in downtown Columbus for the 20, 50, and 100-mile routes and at New Albany Schools for the 65-mile route. The 20-mile option is the shortest route distance in Pelotonia history, which concludes with a celebration at a brand-new finish line location at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in New Albany. The 50-mile finish line is at New Albany Schools, and both the 65 and 100-mile routes conclude with a finish line celebration at Kenyon College in Gambier.
On Sunday, August 4, two-day Riders depart from Kenyon College in the morning, after having the option to stay overnight onsite at the college on Saturday evening, for a 90-mile route to New Albany Schools. There is also a 30-mile Sunday loop that starts and finishes at New Albany Schools.
Ride Weekend would not be possible without the valuable time and hard work of 3,000 Volunteers who serve in a variety of critical roles. Volunteers offer medical and first aid services, provide mechanical support, coordinate bike management, run merchandise sale, make the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Riders, and so much more.
Registration for Ride Weekend 2024 is still open at pelotonia.org/register.
New this year, nursing mothers participating as Riders, Volunteers or spectators can access private lactation areas at Opening Ceremony and at all start and finish venues. Breast pump and equipment transportation is also available for Riders from start to finish venues.
Spectators are encouraged to come out and support Pelotonia Riders by cheering at start and finish venues as well as along the routes on both Saturday and Sunday. New designated spectator experience areas include a downtown cheering location for 20, 50 and 100-mile Riders at Broad Street Methodist Church (501 E Broad Street), and at Newark Town Square in conjunction with Newark Summerfest, presented by the City of Newark and The Midland Theatre (20 South 2nd Street), for 65 and 100-mile Riders. For spectator information and specific driving directions to keep the roads as clear of cars as possible, visit pelotonia.org/cheer.
Gravel Day, September 21
Following Ride Weekend, Pelotonia Gravel Day returns for its second year on Saturday, September 21, following the inaugural gravel ride event in 2023. This unique cycling adventure takes participants on the gravel roads of southeast Ohio with 22, 30 and 52-mile route loops. A community gathering will kick off Gravel Day Weekend experiences with acoustic music, food, drinks, and s’mores by the campfire on Friday, September 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. Gravel Day participants may also camp onsite at Snow Fork Event Center from Friday evening through Sunday morning, with campsite reservations now open for car and tent spaces or RV spaces. Riders and Volunteers can register now to participate in Gravel Day 2024 at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio at pelotonia.org/register.
For more information on participating and to learn about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org.
In the News
Letter to the Pelotonia Community: Ride Weekend 2024
| July 31, 2024
Letter to the Pelotonia Community: Ride Weekend 2024
Dear Pelotonia Community,
The collective excitement is building as we are now just two days away from the best weekend of the year. The effort you have put in over the past few months to help us recruit and fundraise has been incredible. We can’t wait to gather together for Ride Weekend 2024 very soon.
Opening Ceremony on Friday will set the tone with an evening of celebration, impactful programming, and entertainment. During the stage program at 6:30pm, you will hear from community members about their personal experiences, the power of community, and the impact of investing in research.
The headliner act is one element you won’t want to miss. Clubhouse is an indie-pop band from Ohio with a fun, feel-good sound and very personal connection to the Pelotonia mission. Lead singer, Max Reichert, is a cancer Survivor currently undergoing treatment. Clubhouse is set to perform starting at 7pm, and the rest of the band will ride the 20-mile route the next morning alongside many of you.
We are expecting more than 10,000 participants throughout the weekend, including 7,000 Riders, 3,000 Volunteers and countless spectators. We are excited for Riders to experience new routes on Saturday and Sunday, including a very approachable 20-mile route which is our shortest Pelotonia distance to date.
Safety remains our top priority for all Riders, Volunteers, and spectators. We hope you’ve been able to review the safety resources and handbook to be familiar with protocols for inclement weather and to help you prepare for a safe, positive experience. Please note, to ensure safety of all participants, that we are coordinating logistics to ensure that all Riders finish by 6pm on Saturday, August 3, and 4pm on Sunday, August 4.
Heat awareness and protocols are always a top priority and I wanted to share some of the preparations we are making for this weekend. We will have truckloads of ice throughout the event to use for hydration, cooling bags, and immersion as needed. To keep cool, there will be access to misting fans, air-conditioned tents, and indoor spaces at rest stops, air-conditioned shuttles, as well as tens-of-thousands of cold towels. Just like in prior years, all spectators will have access to hydration as well. We encourage all participants, including spectators, to stay hydrated and take precautions to prepare for the heat.
It is going to be an unforgettable weekend. We are honored to share this experience with you. Thank you for all that you do to further our mission of ending cancer. Every mile you ride and every dollar you raise is making an impact. See you soon!
One Goal,
Joe Apgar
Chief Executive Officer
Cancer Survivor
Community Stories
SpokesKIDS Hosts Pelotonia Kids Ride for Ages 8-14 in Granville
| July 25, 2024
Just one week before Ride Weekend, SpokesKIDS will host a Pelotonia Kids ride to engage children between the ages of 8 and 14. This youth cycling event will take place on Saturday, July 27 in Granville, with the ride starting at 11:30am.
Pelotonia Kids is a series of kids cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
SpokesKIDS is one of the original kids rides that has seen success before the Pelotonia Kids program launched this year. It was started in 2015 by Calvin Schnaidt, son of the late David Schnaidt, who started Team Granville Spokesman and was deeply passionate about Pelotonia’s mission. Inspired by his father, Calvin (Cal) wanted to give other kids the chance to get involved in Pelotonia, too.
SpokesKIDS targets an older age range of kids, offering a longer route and an emphasis on fundraising for youth participants.
Fast forward to this year, and Cal is currently attending Ohio University and has passed on the leadership role for the SpokesKIDS ride to new organizers. Kelly Clarry, 7x Rider and member of the Victoria’s Secret & PINK peloton team, and Brittany Smith, a community volunteer in Granville, are organizing SpokesKIDS 2024.
Kelly’s husband, Yuri, passed away in 2017 from stage IV metastatic lung cancer. Kelly saw the kids ride as an opportunity to give her sons, Oliver (14) and William (12), a chance to feel supported by a community through their experience with cancer.
“It’s so much more than a ride. Pelotonia Kids shows that these kids can really make a difference. It gives them a voice and instills the value of philanthropy at a younger age,” Kelly said.
“I was always looking for an outlet for my kids to have support and build community, helping them navigate everything children go through when a parent has cancer. It has been really gratifying to be part of SpokesKIDS.”
After being approached to help lead SpokesKIDS prior to last year, Kelly asked her neighbor, Brittany Smith, to join her in planning SpokesKIDS 2024. Brittany was eager about the Pelotonia Kids ride, as her sons, Gavin (13) and Lucas (10), had previously been involved in SpokesKIDS Jr.
Brittany and her family’s lives have also been personally impacted by cancer. Brittany’s husband, Tim Smith, is a cancer Survivor. Tim is a medically retired 16-year firefighter who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2018. He is Living Proof, taking a daily oral chemotherapy that Brittany says is working.
SpokesKIDS participants are asked to register as a Pelotonia Challenger, which includes a minimum $100 fundraising commitment, with 100% of funds raised by each participant directed to cancer research.
To date, SpokesKIDS has raised over $55,000 for innovative cancer research!
“Pelotonia Kids gives a child the opportunity to show their support for their classmate, neighbor, or family member with cancer,” Brittany said. This gives kids the opportunity to really do something. They can say, ‘I’m riding for you,’ which is powerful.”
The event is on Saturday, July 27, and Pelotonia Kids Riders should meet at the starting location of OneLove Café and Bikes (415 S Main St) in Granville. Rider check-in will begin at 10:30am with the ride starting at 11:30am.
Participants will ride on the T.J. Evans Trail for an 8-mile route, with four miles out and then four miles back, experiencing the scenic route through downtown Granville – similar to the Ride Weekend experience, which is a favorite for Pelotonia Riders – along the route.
Before the ride begins, there will be volunteers checking kids bikes and tires for safety. Granville Police Department supports the ride with a bike officer leading the kids ride, and the Granville Fire Department follows the last riders for EMS support.
After the ride, there will be a celebration to commemorate all of the participants’ hard work. The top three fundraisers will be recognized and receive an award. Event highlights also include Kona Ice and Donatos Pizza!
The SpokesKIDS ride is open to participants ages 8 to 14 from around central Ohio, including residents from areas outside of Granville.
Registration is now open at: https://granvillerec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=937
Follow updates on the Pelotonia social media channels, SpokesKIDS on Facebook, and @spokeskids on Instagram!
Can’t make it? You can read more about the Pelotonia Kids program and upcoming rides here.
Or you can donate to the SpokesKIDS fundraising page here to support innovative pediatric cancer research!
Please note: There are two Pelotonia Kids events on July 27 in Granville! This ride, SpokesKIDS for ages 8-14 and SpokesKIDS Jr. for kids in pre-K to 3rd grade.
Community Stories
First-Year Rider Nathaniel Hopping Organizes 8th SpokesKIDS Jr. Ride on July 27 for Pelotonia Kids
| July 25, 2024
First-Year Rider Nathaniel Hopping Organizes 8th SpokesKIDS Jr. Ride on July 27 for Pelotonia Kids
SpokesKIDS Jr. is the next Pelotonia Kids ride for youth participants this summer. On Saturday, July 27 in Granville, SpokesKIDS Jr. is designed for children between pre-K and 3rd grade.
Pelotonia Kids is a series of youth cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
SpokesKIDS Jr. is one of the original kids rides that has seen success before the Pelotonia Kids program launched this year. This will be the 8th annual ride, hosted by 14-year-old and founder of this kids ride, Nathaniel Hopping.
Nathaniel is not only the Pelotonia Kids ride lead organizer for SpokesKIDS Jr., but he is also a First-Year Pelotonia Rider registered for the 20-mile route for Ride Weekend 2024!
Nathaniel is a member of the Team Granville Spokesmen peloton along with his father, 16x Rider, Jeremy Hopping.
At age five, Nathaniel believed kids should have the opportunity to enjoy the fun that he witnessed as a spectator cheering on his dad at Ride Weekend. Encouraged by his father to take action on his idea, then kindergartener Nathaniel wrote a letter to Doug Ulman, Pelotonia CEO at this time back in 2015, to plead his case for a kids ride.
Doug received his letter, and wrote him back, ecstatic about Nathaniel’s vision and determination. Doug asked Nathaniel to come to a meeting at Pelotonia HQ to talk about it. Wearing a Pelotonia green tie, five-year-old Nathaniel met with Doug and the Pelotonia team at the office to discuss his ideas (shown in the photo at the top of this page). This visit marked the beginning of SpokesKIDS Jr., which became a reality with the first ride in 2016 (when Nathaniel was just a first grader).
From the start, Nathaniel wanted to follow Pelotonia’s 100% model, where every single dollar raised by participants goes to innovative cancer research. Every year, Riders pay a $20 registration fee which is entirely donated to innovative cancer research, thanks to the support from generous sponsors and partners.
“This year, I’m excited that the money we raise through SpokesKIDS Jr. will be donated to pediatric cancer research. It’s really cool that kids can help other kids just like them through our ride,” Nathaniel said.
To date, SpokesKIDS Jr. has raised over $9,000 for innovative cancer research in its first seven years.
This year’s SpokesKIDS Jr. event will take place on July 27 at Wildwood Park (785 W Broadway) in Granville. Rider check-in will begin at 10:00am with the ride starting at 10:30am. Riders can choose between two route options, either one- or three-mile distances, both traveling along the T.J. Evans Trail.
This Pelotonia Kids ride will be led by chaperones, including Nathaniel, and both routes will include a Pelotonia style rest stop with water, sports drinks, and fruit. Riders will finish at the College Town House, where Riders and their families will enjoy a finish line celebration.
Registration is now open at: https://granvillerec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=938
Please note: There are two Pelotonia Kids events on July 27 in Granville! This ride, SpokesKIDS Jr. for kids in pre-K to 3rd grade, and SpokesKIDS for ages 8-14.
In the News | Research Stories
The Haslam 3 Foundation Donates $2 Million to Pelotonia for Cancer Research
| July 23, 2024
Investment will fuel Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) research at the OSUCCC—James
COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 23, 2024) – Pelotonia today announced a $2 million donation from Dee and Jimmy Haslam and The Haslam 3 Foundation to accelerate the scientific research on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), supporting Pelotonia’s mission of ending cancer.
“I love Pelotonia’s mission and it is an honor to be able to positively impact their efforts,” said Dee Haslam. “We have all been touched by cancer and that is why awareness and research is so important. The way that Pelotonia brings the entire community together for such a critical cause has been tremendous and we are inspired by their transformative work.”
Dee and Jimmy Haslam are managing partners of Haslam Sports Group, a sports and entertainment group with ownership of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, operating rights to Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew, co-ownership of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and investors in the WNBA. The Haslam 3 Foundation is the family’s philanthropic foundation which gives back to community organizations in Ohio and Tennessee.
“Pelotonia offers hope for so many people impacted by cancer, including my own family,” said Haslam. “Everyone is affected by cancer. My hope is more and more people get involved in Pelotonia – whether they ride on their bikes or make donations. I get excited thinking about all of the ways you can participate. I hope our gift inspires others to support Pelotonia as well.”
This donation will directly fund CLL research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James) as well as operational support for Pelotonia, adding The Haslam 3 Foundation as a new funding partner. Pelotonia’s funding partners allow the organization to direct 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to innovative cancer research.
“As I’ve spent time with Dee and Jimmy over the last few years, they were eager to understand how Pelotonia was making such a big impact not only on research but in engaging the community in such meaningful ways. They wanted to be a part of it,” said Doug Ulman, Vice Chair of the Pelotonia Board and cancer survivor.“I’ve been honored to get to know them as people. It’s clear they are big thinkers and have a vision for the difference they want to make. The collective Columbus community is grateful for their impact on our city and beyond. We are thankful to have the Haslams as part of the Pelotonia community and for their investment in furthering our mission of ending cancer.”
Investment for CLL Patients Today and the Future
CLL is a cancer involving a type of white blood cell called a B lymphocyte which affects the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. The most common form of adult leukemia in the Western Hemisphere, CLL accounts for about one-quarter of new cases of leukemia in the U.S., and the average person’s risk of a CLL diagnosis is about 1 in 175.
“I have a family member with CLL who is very symptomatic and know others who are fighting through this disease, so my hope is that our investment through Pelotonia helps the research for CLL treatment go quicker,” said Haslam.“I learned that Pelotonia-funded research at the OSUCCC—James is working to find new and novel therapies for CLL. Doug and Pelotonia made the introduction for us to Dr. Woyach and Ohio State. It was remarkable to learn about the CLL expertise and breakthroughs in treatments right in our backyard in Columbus. Getting to know Dr. Woyach is such a gift. CLL is her passion; it’s what drives her. If you’re going to invest in research for something that you really care about, you want it to be done by someone with the background and qualifications that she has.”
The Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies Research Program at the OSUCCC—James, a global leader in research and treatment for hematologic cancers including CLL, is the recipient of this Pelotonia funding from the Haslam 3 Foundation. Jennifer Woyach, MD, a hematologist-oncologist at the OSUCCC—James, professor in the Division of Hematology, and co-leader of the Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies Research Program, will lead the work. Woyach is a Pelotonia-funded researcher through both an Idea Grant and Fellow, who was named Pelotonia’s 2021 Researcher of the Year for her exemplary work in CLL research and patient care.
“At the OSUCCC—James, we are very excited to use this investment both to strengthen our current work in advancing CLL research and to allow us to go into new directions to benefit CLL patients,” said Woyach. “There has been remarkable progress in CLL over the past decade, but there remain areas of unmet clinical need. This funding will help us launch clinical trials for frontline CLL to try to optimize therapy for all patients. As well, we are expanding our research program in immunotherapy for CLL, and this funding will greatly accelerate this work.”
Advancements in CLL Treatment with Pelotonia Funding
The American Cancer Society estimates 20,700 Americans will be diagnosed with CLL in 2024 and about 4,440 will die from CLL. While incurable, new targeted drugs – including ibrutinib, acalabrutinib and other versions of this targeted therapy that work by inhibiting a protein essential for the growth and spread of CLL cells – make it manageable to live with CLL.
A $100,000 Pelotonia Idea Grant in 2013 helped fund the groundbreaking clinical trials that resulted in the development of ibrutinib, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. Approved for use in 100 countries, ibrutinib has been used to treat more than 270,000 patients worldwide and has dramatically changed the prognosis, rate of remission and quality of life for CLL patients. Acalabrutinib, a second-generation version of this targeted therapy that minimizes side effects, was approved by the FDA in 2019. Both breakthrough CLL therapies were developed largely through research by the OSUCCC—James scientists and physicians, including Dr. Woyach and her team, with Pelotonia funding support.
“Pelotonia has been instrumental in the transformation of CLL treatment. The philanthropy that fuels Pelotonia allows us to do novel work that otherwise wouldn’t be funded,” said Woyach. “Pelotonia enables research with higher risk but higher reward. In this case, the risk really paid off and we have the reward of great therapies for patients at The James and around the world.”
One patient who was enrolled in a clinical trial involving ibrutinib then later acalabrutinib was Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, FACS, who is a surgical oncologist at The James, Director of the OSUCCC and Pelotonia Board Member. Dr. Pollock credits his survivorship to these targeted therapies that were not available to CLL patients a decade ago.
“As a cancer surgeon and CLL survivor, I am humbled by this donation from the Haslam 3 Foundation to Pelotonia that will help discover the next frontiers in CLL treatment,” said Pollock. “I am deeply grateful to the Haslam family and The Haslam 3 Foundation for their investment in this critical science. Philanthropic donations power cancer research and lead to breakthroughs like the CLL treatment that saved my life.”
Future of CLL Treatment through Research
The focus for the future of CLL treatment is in creating more novel therapies that are better targeted to a patient’s individual cancer. Under Dr. Woyach’s leadership, the OSUCCC—James is positioned to continue to make significant advancements in CLL research by exploring areas that include overcoming patient resistance to therapies, working with companies to test new therapies preclinically, performing lab work to identify novel targets and studying new immune therapies. This critical research that aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for CLL patients today and that will be diagnosed in the future is accelerated through Pelotonia funding and donations like this from The Haslam 3 Foundation.
“The beautiful thing about Pelotonia is that the community can participate in ways most meaningful to them. Not only is CLL deeply personal to the Haslam family but it is a very promising area of cancer research in which the OSUCCC—James is a global leader,” said Ulman. “We could not be more grateful for the incredible support of Dee, Jimmy and the Haslam 3 Foundation. This donation is going to change and save lives.”
To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, including the work of The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, visit pelotonia.org/impact and pelotonia.org/institute.
Watch the video announcement on the Pelotonia YouTube channel!
In the News
Clubhouse to Headline Opening Ceremony 2024
| July 19, 2024
Clubhouse lead singer, Max, is a cancer Survivor receiving treatment at The James. After performing on stage Friday night, bandmates, Ari and Zak, will ride the 20-mile route on Saturday morning for Max, who is Living Proof.
Clubhouse songs make people want to dance and enjoy the moment, which makes them a perfect act to headline the Opening Ceremony program on August 2 and hype up Pelotonia Riders, Volunteers, and spectators for the best Ride Weekend yet on August 3-4!
Band members include Max Reichert on lead vocals, guitarist Ari Blumer, and Zak Blumer on drums. Ari and Zak are twin brothers, but the three friends have been playing music together since they were in middle school in central Ohio.
From playing sold-out shows all over Ohio and sharing the stage with groups like The Revivalists, 21 Pilots, Chance the Rapper, and Young the Giant to performing at notable venues including Lower.com Field for the Columbus Crew and music festivals like Firefly Festival, Bunbury, and Wonderbus, Clubhouse is making its mark in the indie-pop scene. Some of their top songs include “NO WAY!,” “Weekend,” and their most recent release, a cover of “Big Jet Plane.”
Clubhouse may be a familiar sound to long-time Pelotonia participants as the band performed at the Kenyon finish line celebration during Ride Weekend 2017. Clubhouse is excited to return to Pelotonia in 2024, this time on a bigger stage and with an incredibly personal connection to our mission of Ending Cancer.
Central Ohio Roots
“Ohio” was released on August 4, 2023 – which will celebrate one year since its release during Ride Weekend 2024. This song has been described by the band as a “love letter to home” which they created while living more than 2,600 miles away in LA. The lyrics talk about missing their hometown and the “Ohio” music video was filmed in rural Ohio (not unlike the scenes many of our Riders will experience on August 3-4 along their routes).
“And I don’t wanna give you up
But I just gotta find a ride home
All the way back to Ohio.”
Max met brothers Ari and Zak at a wrestling camp in third grade in Pataskala, Ohio. The friends grew up five minutes apart and started playing music together in the Blumers’ basement in middle school, and never looked back.
After graduating from Watkins Memorial High School, the three attended Ohio University in southeast Ohio, where they began playing live gigs as a band. Creating music together with a feel-good indie pop style, these performances in their college years were just the beginning for Clubhouse.
A Cancer Diagnosis and Living Proof
After graduating in 2018, the band was ready to make their dreams for bigger musical success a reality. With sights set on moving to Los Angeles, Max was given the news that no one wants to hear: at 23, he was told, “You have cancer.”
Three short months after graduating from Ohio University, Max was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, following the discovery of a 9-centimeter tumor in his left femur. He underwent a year of chemotherapy at The James Cancer Hospital and then surgery performed by Dr. Joel Mayerson and his team to remove the tumor, which led to a full knee replacement and replacement for half of his femur.
Following treatment, Max and his Clubhouse bandmates moved to Los Angeles in 2019. Since moving to the West coast, Clubhouse has made it a long way from central and southeast Ohio, and their personal journey has continued to be filled with ups and downs.
Max has battled multiple cancer recurrences in his lungs, leg, and now shoulder. He is currently undergoing treatment at both The James and Cleveland Clinic, and had surgery recently.
Throughout this time, Max still continued doing what he loves: creating music with his two best friends.
This six-year cancer Survivorship journey for Max and the band has been a hard-fought battle, one that he continues to fight, supported by loved ones, Clubhouse fans, and even more broadly by the Pelotonia community.
2024 Opening Ceremony
Each year, Opening Ceremony kicks off Pelotonia Ride Weekend on Friday with an evening of celebration, impactful programming, and entertainment.
Previous Opening Ceremony musical acts have included Andy Grammer, Sheryl Crow, Counting Crows, Michelle Branch, and more.
Entry gates will open at 4:00pm for Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 2, and the inspirational program will begin at 6:30pm on the Pelotonia stage. Clubhouse is set to perform starting at 7:00pm.
This year’s event will be the perfect way to welcome Clubhouse back home to Ohio. Opening Ceremony will not only build up the community’s collective excitement for Ride Weekend and celebrate all of the hard work put in to date, but will also remind each one of us why we’re here – and who we ride for.
On Saturday morning, Ari, Zak, and their band managers will ride the 20-mile route from downtown Columbus to the brand-new finish line celebration at Abercrombie and Fitch Co. in New Albany. As First-Year Riders, they are riding for their bandmate and best friend, Max, and the countless more Survivors like him.
For more details about Opening Ceremony, including the full event schedule, important driving directions, and parking passes and garage info, visit pelotonia.org/opening-ceremony.
Listen to Clubhouse
Preview music from Clubhouse before Opening Ceremony by listening on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Soundcloud.
Community Stories
Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington Hosts its Third Annual Kids Ride on July 6
| June 28, 2024
Coming up during July 4th weekend, the next Pelotonia Kids ride of 2024 is Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington! This youth cycling event will take place on Saturday, July 6 at Jones Middle School in Upper Arlington for kids of all ages, featuring course options for Riders with varying experience levels to ride and fundraise.
Pelotonia Kids, is a series of kids cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia Riders. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington was one of original community kids rides organized as fundraisers by Pelotonia volunteers that inspired the creation of the Pelotonia Kids program launched in May. This Upper Arlington ride is organized by Sarah Jane Germain, longtime Pelotonia supporter, and Paul Germain, 11x Rider and captain of the Germain East Peloton. Their peloton team proudly surpassed the $1 million fundraising milestone in 2023, and shared that they have seen employee retention numbers triple for associates who actively engage in Pelotonia.
The idea of hosting a kids ride started in the Germain family’s backyard years ago. Leigh Germain was a passionate two–year old who adored the Pelotonia experience from watching her father and other adult family members participate. Leigh would often ask her parents to “play” Pelotonia, and the Germain family would set up a scooter course in their backyard, complete with a Pelotonia-style finish line. As she completed each ride, Leigh would have her parents put Paul’s Pelotonia Rider medal around her neck to celebrate each finish!
Around this time, Sarah Jane’s mother and Leigh’s grandmother, Joanie Dugger, was diagnosed with and underwent treatment for ovarian cancer. The Germain family had already been involved with Pelotonia prior to Joanie’s diagnosis in 2017, but got even more involved as the mission impacted them more personally. Joanie believed so deeply in Pelotonia, and she loved how much her granddaughter was already invested in the experience that was driving such a meaningful impact for survivors. Prior to her passing from cancer in 2019, Joanie had often suggested that Leigh’s birthday party theme should be Pelotonia. That idea ultimately planted the seed for Sarah Jane and Paul to start the kids ride in Upper Arlington.
Fast forward to 2022, and with support from the Pelotonia team, Pelotonia Kids in Upper Arlington held its first kids ride. In its first two years, there have been more than 450 youth participants and the event has raised over $40,000 for innovative cancer research!
Leigh is now a nine-year-old with two siblings, Lucy and Gordy, who join her as Pelotonia Kids participants in the Upper Arlington ride that she inspired as an enthusiastic, playful two-year-old. Their parents are very proud of the entire family’s involvement in the Pelotonia mission – from their youngest riders to their extended family – and that it’ll continue to expand in the community with the Pelotonia Kids program.
“When we started Pelotonia Kids, we hoped that one day the funds raised by kids would benefit kids, and this year, that becomes a reality,” Sarah Jane said.
“We are thrilled about the partnership with Pelotonia and the OSUCCC–James, which enables all funds raised by Pelotonia Kids to benefit research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Cancer research today is undoubtedly going to have a tremendous impact on our children’s health in the future, and it’s incredibly special that the funds raised through Pelotonia Kids will benefit research for kids who are being impacted by cancer now.”
The event on July 6th will consist of a various activities for community members of all ages. The morning will kick off at 9:00 am on the Jones Middle School track, where children under 5 are invited to ride bicycles, tricycles, scooters, or strollers around the track. Older children will then line up to ride on the street around the school that has been closed for the event. These big kids are encouraged to ride at their own comfort level around the street loop and for as long as they’d like, whether that is one lap or twenty!
Each Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington participant is encouraged to fundraise through a pledge form, where donors can commit to a specific dollar amount per lap – which also helps them practice with goal-setting and tracking. Donations are also accepted at the event, which is free to register thanks to generous sponsors, with 100% of all dollars raised benefiting pediatric cancer research.
“Pelotonia is a uniquely wonderful experience, whether you’re a Rider or a spectator. Kids feel the positive energy as they watch their parents ride, and they really want to be a part of it, too. That’s why we created Pelotonia Kids,” Sarah Jane said. “The Pelotonia leadership team is unbelievable, and we’ve been so fortunate to have their unwavering support and vision to grow Pelotonia Kids to expand participation for so many more kids and families.”
Participants can register for Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington at www.pelotoniakidsua.com.
Follow updates on the Pelotonia social media channels and @pelotoniakids on Instagram!
