Julie Beckman‘s connection to cancer goes back to 1987. She was two years out of college when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her mother was gone within 90 days of her diagnosis at just 49 years old.

“Since then, I’ve had many friends, colleagues, and family members diagnosed with cancer,” Julie said. “Many who have survived and are thriving. And some that died far too young.”

When she discovered Pelotonia 15 years ago, the mission and the community it had built pulled her in immediately.  She considers it “life giving” in every sense.

“We are raising money to fund new research and treatments and prolong or save lives,” she said. “And it is life giving in that it creates community and connection for every one of us who participate.”

For Julie, that community within Pelotonia has a name: Girls with Gears. Through every training ride, laugh, tear, and climb, she is grateful to feel accepted. Her Peloton team members within Girls with Gears have embraced Julie for who she is, and she’s grateful for the friendships she’s made through this group.

For 13 years, Julie’s dad was at every Pelotonia finish line. He was always the first to hug her and hand her a Diet Coke. He drove to pick her up every time a storm rolled in during a training ride. He was the same man who held her tight when she came out to him in 1990 and who marched beside her at Pride parades. He passed away in 2025. But she’s clear about one thing: he’ll still be with her as she crosses the Pelotonia finish line this year. 

Reflecting on the intersection of the LGBTQ+ community and the mission to end cancer, Julie shares: “At the core of any fight for good is community, support, selflessness, belief in something better, and love.” 

That’s what Pride means to Julie within Pelotonia: not a separate thing, but proof of the same thing.

“Pelotonia is a powerful example of the good that we are all capable of doing together. Walks of life don’t matter. But curing cancer matters. Thousands of people unite in a cause that is more important than any of our differences.”

Her favorite memory on the course hasn’t changed in 15 years. Somewhere on the back half of the 100-mile route during Ride Weekend, there’s a man parked on the side of the road, trunk open, holding a handmade sign that reads: Thank you so much for saving my wife.

“I have cried every single time I’ve seen it,” Julie said.

Her advice to first-year Pelotonia Riders isn’t complicated. Get to the start line early, breathe in the morning air, look all around you, and realize you’re part of something huge.  

And if you’re still on the fence about registering to ride? “Sitting on the fence hurts your butt more than a bike saddle,” Julie said. “Save a life. Don’t get splinters.” 

Jeff Mead’s mom, Joanie, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in April 2013 at 55 years old. She partnered with her oncology team at the OSUCCC – James and did everything she could. On her 56th birthday that December, her doctor told the family there were no treatment options left. She died exactly eight months after her initial diagnosis. “No one should have to endure this,” Jeff said. “The patient, family, friends. No one.” 

He started riding in Pelotonia in 2014 seeking some meaning in that loss, and it worked in ways he didn’t expect. Jeff sums up what Pelotonia means to him in three words: remembrance, hope, and progress. 

“Pelotonia has given me a purpose, helped me to grieve losing my mom, and connected me to a whole community that understands the cancer journey.” 

Jeff sees the same thing in Pride that he finds special about Pelotonia: community.

He loves wearing the annual Pelotonia Pride T-shirt to Opening Ceremony and beyond. “It’s the perfect way for me to represent that we’re all members of so many unique communities, and Pelotonia brings us all together under a singular, united goal of Ending Cancer.”

He’s clear about what connects Pride and the fight against cancer, too.

“Cancer doesn’t care about what you look like, where you’re from, or who you love,” Jeff said.

“As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know that as humans we are all so interconnected and motivated towards the same goals. We all just want the best for our families, our friends, the wider world, and ourselves — including a cancer-free world!” 

As a 12-year participant with the Simply Community Peloton, Jeff brings his full self to Pelotonia, and he doesn’t take that for granted. His husband, Charlie, has been one of his biggest supporters from the beginning and knowing he’s waiting at the finish line keeps Jeff pedaling through every mile of Ride Weekend. Charlie has taken on the unofficial title of “camera crew” and takes the role seriously. 

Jeff’s favorite Pelotonia memory comes from his role as a Lead Volunteer. It was pouring rain at the Gravel Day finish line, and not a single Volunteer requested to get out of the rain. They stood there and made sure every Rider was individually handed their finisher medal. “They innately understood, regardless of the circumstances, the impact of being present and acknowledging every single Rider’s commitment as they arrived home to that finish line.” 

His advice to First-Year Riders is: be vulnerable enough to register, to commit to your mileage, to make the fundraising ask.

And to anyone who has yet to experience Pelotonia for themselves, Jeff promises that if you just sign up, you will not regret it.

“Whatever you think your Pelotonia experience will be like, your actual experience will exceed even your wildest expectations,” Jeff said. 

“You’ll quickly find that there is a whole community longing to support you, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.” 

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to recognize some of the incredible individuals who help make Pelotonia possible. Thousands of dedicated Volunteers give their time, energy, and passion to support the mission of Ending Cancer. From early mornings to long days on Ride Weekend and Gravel Day, they play a critical role in creating the unforgettable experience that defines Pelotonia. Below we highlight one of their stories.

Jennifer Hart is a six-year Volunteer with Pelotonia, a journey that began with a simple invitation from a friend in 2021. After returning the following year, she felt called to deepen her involvement and, in 2023, stepped into the role of Lead Volunteer for Sustainability at Kenyon College during Ride Weekend. For Jennifer, the opportunity to spend the weekend fully immersed on campus and contribute in a meaningful way has become something she looks forward to each year. 

What keeps her coming back is the powerful sense of community and connection to the mission. While she plays an important role behind the scenes, Jennifer is continually inspired by the Riders she supports. One memory, in particular, stands out. 

Her first year volunteering coincided with the first Ride Weekend following COVID. Stationed at luggage near the finish line, she remembers standing under the trees as Riders were announced one by one. 

That’s “what hooked me,” she shared. “It is truly inspiring to hear how people come from all over the country to participate in this event.” 

Now, as Lead Volunteer for Sustainability, Jennifer sees her role as twofold: supporting Pelotonia’s fundraising efforts while also helping reduce the environmental impact of Ride Weekend. It’s a responsibility she embraces, knowing that even small actions contribute to a larger purpose. 

She describes the Pelotonia community as one rooted in gratitude and shared impact. Despite the physical and financial commitment Riders make, she’s continually struck by how often they turn around and thank Volunteers. 

“My part is easy,” she said. “They’re the ones raising money and riding the distance. It amazes me that the 100-mile Riders are thanking me for being there to volunteer. It really shows that we all can make an impact no matter how ‘small’ we think our contribution might be.” 

For anyone considering volunteering, Jennifer offers simple but meaningful encouragement: just show up. 

“Cancer impacts all of us,” she said. And what’s special about Pelotonia is that “we all watch out for each other,” highlighting that Volunteers are part of something bigger the moment you arrive. 

Thank you to Jennifer and all of our dedicated Volunteers, whose commitment helps move us closer to Ending Cancer. This National Volunteer Week, and always, we celebrate your impact!

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to recognize some of the incredible individuals who help make Pelotonia possible. Thousands of dedicated Volunteers give their time, energy, and passion to support the mission of Ending Cancer. From early mornings to long days on Ride Weekend and Gravel Day, they play a critical role in creating the unforgettable experience that defines Pelotonia. Below we highlight one of their stories.

Nicole McGarity and Trevor McGarity are entering their fifth year as Pelotonia Volunteers, with a connection to the event that dates back to the very beginning. After volunteering at the first Pelotonia in 2009, they returned in recent years, inspired by the impact cancer research has had and the opportunity to be part of a community united by a shared goal. 

“We love volunteering together. Participation in the Pelotonia community is truly inspiring,” they shared. “Each individual — whether a Rider, Volunteer, Challenger, or supporter — is united in the collective mission to end cancer.” 

Their favorite moments come from being out on the course supporting Riders. 

“We love Ride and Gravel Weekend — they’re both such a blast, especially being out on the course to support the Riders in the most challenging of moments,” they said. 

One impactful memory from 2025 captures the spirit of Pelotonia. While stationed at a split on Gravel Day, they watched two Riders pause, share encouragement, and hug before heading in different directions. 

“It was really cool to see how they rode together but then each proceeded on their own to finish the ride.” 

As part of the First Aid Route Support (SAG) team, they take pride in contributing to the larger mission. 

“We truly appreciate being members of the SAG team and take pride in contributing, even in a small way, to the fight against cancer.” 

For Nicole and Trevor, volunteering is both meaningful and personal. 

“Honestly, we think of volunteering as a ‘date day’ for us.It’s a wonderful way to connect while supporting such a meaningful cause.” 

Their advice to new Volunteers is simple: “Choose any role — you won’t regret it. The Pelotonia team handles everything and makes volunteering or participating easy and fun.” 

Thank you to Nicole, Trevor, and all of our dedicated Volunteers, whose commitment helps move us closer to Ending Cancer. This National Volunteer Week, and always, we celebrate your impact!

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to recognize some of the incredible individuals who help make Pelotonia possible. Thousands of dedicated Volunteers give their time, energy, and passion to support the mission of Ending Cancer. From early mornings to long days on Ride Weekend and Gravel Day, they play a critical role in creating the unforgettable experience that defines Pelotonia. Below we highlight one of their stories.

Fulya Dos, alongside OneLove Cafe and Bike Shop, is in her third year as a Pelotonia Volunteer, bringing a unique perspective as both a Rider and a bike shop owner. Knowing how important it is for Riders to feel supported while riding, she was excited to provide mechanical support and peace of mind at rest stops. 

“As a Pelotonia Rider, I know how important it is to have peace of mind on Ride Day and to have a reliable bike mechanic at a rest stop,” she shared. 

Her passion for volunteering also extends beyond Ride Weekend. As a children’s mental health therapist, Fulya is deeply committed to helping young people find healthy outlets, making her involvement with Pelotonia Kids especially meaningful. 

What she values most is the people. 

“Surrounding myself with selfless, caring people who aren’t there for themselves, but for something much bigger is my favorite part.” 

Some of her most impactful moments come from watching that support in action, especially among younger Riders with Pelotonia Kids. 

“Seeing kids ride together, following pace line rules, calling out road hazards, and supporting one another during ride day is incredibly rewarding,” she said. 

She also recalls a moment at a lunch stop when her team helped a Rider experiencing a mechanical issue get back on the course, an experience that reinforced the importance of showing up for one another. 

Fulya continues to volunteer because she sees the difference it makes. 

“I continue to volunteer year after year because I can see the impact, I can see the growth in participation, and I can see how this mission is truly helping people.” 

She describes the Pelotonia community simply as “supportive, brave, and positive people with incredible energy.” 

Her advice to anyone considering volunteering is clear: “You will never regret it — and you’ll be counting down the days until next year.” 

Thank you to Fulya and all of our dedicated Volunteers, whose commitment helps move us closer to Ending Cancer. This National Volunteer Week, and always, we celebrate your impact!

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to recognize some of the incredible individuals who help make Pelotonia possible. Thousands of dedicated Volunteers give their time, energy, and passion to support the mission of Ending Cancer. From early mornings to long days on Ride Weekend and Gravel Day, they play a critical role in creating the unforgettable experience that defines Pelotonia. Below we highlight one of their stories.

Drew Grozenski is a 5-year Pelotonia Volunteer, first getting involved after joining Ohio State in 2022 as a way to connect with the Columbus community. Working in the Ohio State Sports Medicine Department, his role has grown from medical site lead to one of the medical directors for Gravel Day. 

For Drew, what stands out most is the atmosphere. 

“It always amazes me how positive and happy everyone is,” he shared. “I love how grateful the Volunteers, Riders, and those being represented throughout the event are.” 

One of his most memorable moments happens at the start of the Gravel Day ride each year. What begins as a quiet, peaceful morning quickly transforms into something powerful. 

“You get to the start line and see hundreds of people with their bikes, and the energy completely shifts,” he said. “It’s a really special moment.” 

That energy is what keeps him coming back. 

“I keep coming back for the atmosphere on event day: the positivity, the energy, and the camaraderie of working toward something bigger than ourselves.” 

He describes the Pelotonia community as incredibly generous, driven not only by fundraising but by the personal stories behind each Rider. 

“Many Riders are representing loved ones,” he shared. “People train and show up as a way to give their best for the people they care about.” 

For those considering volunteering, Drew keeps it simple: “Just sign up and show up. There are a variety of roles, and every one of them makes a meaningful impact.” 

Thank you to Drew and all of our dedicated Volunteers, whose commitment helps move us closer to Ending Cancer. This National Volunteer Week, and always, we celebrate your impact!

Join us at the Pelotonia office during Launch Week to celebrate the start of 2026!

• Wednesday, March 4, from 4-6pm
• Thursday, March 5, from 8:30-10am

• Pick up 2026 yard signs, car magnets, and stickers (free community giveaways!)
• Shop for brand new Pelotonia merch in collaboration with Homage
• Connect with fellow Pelotonia participants and community members
• Meet Pelotonia-funded researchers from the OSUCCC – James
• Enjoy light snacks and drinks with Pelotonia staff

We hope to see you during Launch Week 2026 at the Pelotonia HQ!

At The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), Eric A. Singer, MD, MA, MS, is leading efforts to transform care for patients facing kidney cancer. As director of the Division of Urologic Oncology at the OSUCCC – James, Dr. Singer and his team are working to develop treatments that are both more effective and easier for patients to tolerate. 

One of the division’s most promising studies is exploring “histotripsy,” a noninvasive technique that uses sound waves to destroy tumor tissue without surgery. The multicenter trial has already seen several successful procedures completed at the OSUCCC – James and could offer a less invasive alternative for some patients with kidney cancer. 

Another ongoing study, known as the Cyto-KIK trial, is testing a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in people with metastatic kidney cancer. In this approach, patients receive medication before undergoing surgery to remove the primary tumor and resume systemic treatment afterward. Researchers believe that exposing patients to medicines before the tumor is removed may help the immune system better recognize and attack the disease after surgery. 

Dr. Singer’s group is also leading a new trial combining medications for patients at high risk of kidney cancer recurrence after surgery, an approach that builds on earlier single-drug studies and could establish a new standard of care.  

In addition, the OSUCCC – James played a key role in a National Cancer Institute-led study that showed strong responses in patients with aggressive papillary kidney cancers using a similar two-drug combination. Dr. Singer was a senior co-author of the study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

Beyond research, Dr. Singer is expanding the Division of Urologic Oncology, recruiting additional specialists and leading a fellowship program to train the next generation of experts. Most recently, he was named chair of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Cancer Association, which has been supporting patients and providers in the kidney cancer community since 1990. 

Dr. Singer received Pelotonia funds for his research startup at the OSUCCC – James and is now a three-year Rider. He rides for his patients and for progress, embodying the connection between Pelotonia-funded research and discoveries that change lives. 

Read the full story on Health & Discovery here. 

For many people with cancer, traveling to receive the specialized care they need can be difficult. After the COVID-19 pandemic made telehealth more common, researchers at the OSUCCC – James are reimagining what’s possible for cancer patients everywhere. 

Each year, nearly 64,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Most are diagnosed only after their disease has advanced, which makes them ineligible for surgical options that could cure it in earlier stages. In recent years, oncologists have discovered that some pancreatic cancer patients can benefit from targeted smart drugs, which are precision therapies designed to attack only the specific genetic mutations that fuel a cancer cell’s growth. 

Building on these advances in precision oncology is Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and researcher at the OSUCCC – James. Dr. Roychowdhury’s new clinical trial takes the next leap forward: combining the power of genomic-driven treatment with the accessibility of telehealth. By connecting patients remotely with cancer experts and cutting-edge clinical research, his team is breaking down the geographic and logistical barriers that often prevent people from receiving advanced cancer care. 

Dr. Roychowdhury believes that telehealth represents an operational innovation — a cost-effective, far-reaching model of care that can extend beyond the walls of major cancer centers. He hopes this clinical trial will serve as a prototype for others, paving the way for more equitable access to research participation and the study of rare cancers. 

A 15-year Pelotonia participant, High Roller and Peloton Captain of Team Buckeye – Sameek’s Geeks, Dr. Roychowdhury has raised more than $69,000 for Pelotonia. In 2025, he participated in the 100-mile route at Ride Weekend and the 25-mile route and Trail Run/Hike at Gravel Day. He is also a multiple-time recipient of Pelotonia-funded Idea Grants, and his long-standing dedication to cancer research earned him recognition as the 2025 Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year awardee at the Night of Impact celebration. 

Listen to the full episode of The James Cancer-Free World Podcast on YouTube here.

This article appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

Every summer, the Pelotonia community unites around One Goal. Among those who make this mission possible, Ariel Corporation stands out, not only as a Funding Partner, but as a company that truly embodies what it means to show up with purpose. 

In 2025, Ariel rallied more than 100 Volunteers at the Kenyon College finish line. To say the Pelotonia experience in Knox County would not have been the same without Ariel’s Volunteer presence would be an understatement. This location has traditionally been one of the hardest to staff due to its distance from Columbus, yet Ariel’s local community turned that challenge into a triumph.  

Starting before sunrise and staying through teardown, the Ariel Volunteers enthusiastically greeted Riders as they crossed the finish line with cheers, water, and heartfelt encouragement. They also helped staff first aid and hydration stations, direct cyclists at intersections, and manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic. 

Founded in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Ariel Corporation is a family-owned company specializing in gas compressors, led by CEO Alex Wright. The Wright family’s connection to Pelotonia is deeply personal. After the loss of Alex’s brother, Hunter Wright, to colon cancer in 2021, Ariel became a Pelotonia Funding Partner in 2024. The company also committed a generous two-year donation (2024–2025) to colorectal cancer research led by Richard Fishel, PhD, at the OSUCCC – James. In 2025, the family endured another profound loss with the passing of Karen Wright, Ariel’s former CEO and Chairman, to cancer. 

“Ariel shows up for Pelotonia because supporting this mission is personal for our people and deeply connected to who we are as a company,” Alex Wright said. “When our community needs us, we believe in being there, fully, humbly, and together.” 

With their first official Peloton launched in 2025, Ariel’s Volunteers and Riders embodied Pelotonia’s spirit. Their generosity, enthusiasm, and deep-rooted community pride demonstrate that Pelotonia’s success isn’t measured by miles ridden or dollars raised, but in the people who believe in a world without cancer and take action to make it a reality. 

This article appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.