Cancer has been present in Sioux Thompson‘s life for a long time, and in more than one way. Her mother died from lung cancer roughly four decades ago — her first close experience with cancer. Then her wife’s best friend died from colon cancer.

And Sioux has her own story. She is a kidney cancer Survivor. Her urologist and surgeon called renal cancer a “silent killer” because it often grows undetected until it is beyond intervention. Sioux is fortunate to have benefitted from research and advancements in early detection.

“I think about my mom’s awful struggle all the time,” she said, “and wish she could have benefitted from early treatment. 

Pelotonia is an active, tangible way I can help future cancer patients lead full, healthy lives.”

Sioux was a First-Year Rider in 2025, joining the Girls with Gears Peloton, and she rode mostly out of curiosity. At 73, Sioux wondered if she could prepare, train, and finish a Ride Weekend route.  

She and her spouse of 31 years, Betsy Gressler, had recently relocated to Ohio, and Pelotonia felt like a positive way to engage in the community.

“To me, Pelotonia means hope, community, and positivity. I am so impressed and encouraged that all these people – Riders, Hikers, Volunteers, staff, medical professionals – come together, work together, and sweat to improve our world!”

Betsy supported Sioux in all of her training and was there along the course to cheer her through every mile of that first ride. Biking toward the finish, she heard the announcer call her name, and it was the best surprise.

“It was such a complete rush to be announced to the finish line. I was grinning from ear to ear those last 100 yards.”

As soon as she finished and caught her breath, Sioux was so elated that she made up her mind in that moment that she’d do it again the next year. As a Survivor, she knows better than most what it means to be on the other side of something. 

For Sioux, Pride isn’t a celebration layered on top of her Pelotonia ride. It’s woven into her reason for being there. 

“Every mile feels like a small act of defiance against helplessness and invisibility. It’s a way of saying that this time, we show up. We fight. We are not alone.

Not just a rainbow flag on my jersey or on my bike, but the weight of memory and my stubborn insistence on hope.”

Steve Newsome came to Pelotonia the way many do: through a balance between the loss of many people he loved and the hope from seeing early detection save a loved one’s life.

All four of his grandparents died from cancer. He only ever met one of them, who passed from lung cancer when Steve was six years old. Then, about a decade ago, his dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“They caught it early, which saved his life — along with the cutting-edge treatment he received from The James at Ohio State,” Steve said. “Seeing the work of Pelotonia and the researchers at The James up close made me want to start volunteering and ultimately participating.”

Steve first joined Pelotonia as a Volunteer for Rider Check-In at Ride Weekend. Ringing a cowbell when a cancer Survivor came to the table was his favorite moment from that experience. Volunteering gave Steve a front-row seat to the scale of the event, and what struck him most was how many Riders keep coming back, year after year.

When the Trail Run/Hike was added to Gravel Day in 2025, Steve was in. Now he is getting ready for his second year as a Gravel Day Runner.

“If riding is not your style, come run with me!” he said. His advice for first-year participants is simple: relax and have fun. “We’re not doing this to win a medal. We’re here to make an impact, big or small, and make friends along the way.” 

To him, Pelotonia most importantly means community.

“Pelotonia is a great community and honestly it is fun. People are so creative in their fundraising and the events are well balanced between programming, activity, and inspiration,” Steve said.

“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The party is one of the most fun in town and you will absolutely get out of it what you put in.”

As a gay man, Steve sees parallels between Pride and Pelotonia — and has intertwined these communities in a meaningful way in his life.

“I often feel like I bring Pelotonia to Pride more than Pride to Pelotonia,” he said.

“You see the Pelotonia arrow on someone’s car and it’s akin to the Human Rights Campaign equal sign for me. I know I can talk to that person and we’ll have a shared experience we can bond over.”

He wears his bib boards when he races and his Pelotonia Pride T-shirt everywhere, including to the parade.

“Pride is about visibility and acceptance. We bring so many walks of life together under a very big tent and collectively say: you’re safe here. We’re safe together. Pride to me lately is a chance to re-energize and fight back.”  

“Among LGBTQ+ people, healthcare is the most underserved category of life and that disproportionately affects black and brown people in our community, and even more so if they are trans,” Steve said.

“Outcomes improve when we talk about issues.”

He sees that openness as life-saving, too. His dad is alive because his cancer was caught early, so Steve talks about the importance of health screenings every chance he gets. “Knowing your status saves lives,” he said, “including your own.” 

Like so many in this Pelotonia community, Steve keeps coming back each year in the hope that one day no one will have to. Every parade, every race, every conversation is a chance to show up, be in community, and fight for hope.

High Rollers, Pelotonia’s top individual fundraisers who commit to raising at least $5,000, are known for setting ambitious goals and rallying their communities around the mission of Ending Cancer. But their impact extends well beyond fundraising totals. 

In honor of the 2025 High Rollers, Pelotonia donated brand-new children’s bicycles, presented during the 2025 Pelotonia Kids Linden ride. Pelotonia Kids is a series of cycling events designed 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% of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar is directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

Through this donation, the 2025 High Rollers helped create a meaningful connection between the Pelotonia mission and the community it serves. The gift reflects a belief that cycling can empower young Riders while building a stronger and healthier community. For many of the children who attended, receiving a bike was more than a surprise, it was an opportunity to experience the confidence, independence, and excitement that comes with getting on their own two wheels for the first time. 

Adam Troy, a 4-year participant, Team Linden Peloton Captain and Pelotonia Kids Linden co-founder, captured the meaning behind the moment.

“The High Rollers’ gift is more than a donation — it’s a statement of faith in our community’s future.” 

The bike donation also reflects something central to the Pelotonia ethos: this purpose is about people coming together to make a difference in cancer research, in their neighborhoods, and in the lives of others. 

Through this gesture honoring their dedication and generosity, the 2025 High Rollers didn’t just provide bikes, they helped spark possibility and in doing so, passed forward the same spirit that fuels Pelotonia every year: community, hope, and the shared belief that together, we can achieve a world free from cancer.  

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

The next Pelotonia Kids Linden ride is scheduled for August 12, 2026. Register your young Rider for Pelotonia Kids today!

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.” 

Jim and Beverly Loomis never chased fame or fortune. For 43 years, they built a quiet, loving life together in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts — Jim working in radio, Beverly in various jobs including a beloved stint as a server at Friendly’s Restaurant. Both believed deeply in education and lifelong learning, and while they never had children of their own, they poured that love into their niece and nephews, treating them as if they were their own. 

Their niece, Beth, married Ed Albertson, bringing him into the warmth of the Loomis family. In 2011, Ed began riding with Pelotonia, and Auntie Bev, as Beverly was affectionately known, became one of his most loyal supporters. Cancer had greatly affected their family; Beth died of stomach cancer in 2017, and Beth’s two brothers also died from cancer. These losses became a source of inspiration for Ed to continue participating in Pelotonia each year. Several years later, after reconnecting with a high school classmate, Ann, the two married. When Ann moved to Ohio to be with Ed, she was quickly introduced to Pelotonia and felt an immediate connection to its mission, shaped in part by her own experience of losing both of her parents to cancer.  

“Pelotonia is a part of us,” they agreed. “Every year, somebody we know personally gets cancer. It’s everywhere, and it’s awful.” 

When Auntie Bev passed away in August 2023, Ed — who had served as her Power of Attorney and Executor — and Ann saw an opportunity to honor her life. In her final weeks, Auntie Bev had shared a quiet sadness: she had no children and worried she would leave no legacy. Ed had made a silent promise to fix that. The answer, they agreed, was Pelotonia. After engaging Pelotonia for options on how they could create a meaningful memorial gift, Ed and Ann made a generous donation from Auntie Bev’s estate funding two Pelotonia Graduate Scholars at The Ohio State University in the names of Jim and Beverly Loomis. Their donation is covering tuition and fees, enabling the Scholars to focus fully on advancing cancer research without financial burdens.

“I can write a check to another organization, but I don’t know who gets that check, I don’t know what they do with that check, and it’s gone,” said Ann. “But we know through Pelotonia where our contribution has gone to. That’s the way it should be.” 

Ed, drawing on his army days, called Pelotonia a force multiplier. “One person can’t do as much as a number of people unified together. The idea that we could sponsor two young, brilliant researchers — wow! Maybe they’ll go out and have their own labs. Maybe they will cure cancer.“ 

Ed and Ann met the two Pelotonia Scholars who were the recipients of their gift in February 2025. For Ann, it was unforgettable. “I just kept looking at them and envisioning their future,” she said. “It was a warm feeling. We think of them often.” 

As for what Auntie Bev would think of this gift? Ed and Ann instantly agreed she’d say: “That’s just perfect.” 

Auntie Bev worried she and Jim would leave no legacy. She was wrong, and thanks to her loving family, their legacy is helping to end cancer.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

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.” 

For nearly two decades, Gisela Chang has been a dedicated member of the Pelotonia community. An 18-year participant with the Cardinal Health Peloton, she has supported the mission in many ways — as a Rider, Volunteer, and Challenger. Even after moving to Ireland eight years ago for a work assignment that eventually became a permanent home, Gisela continues to champion Pelotonia’s mission from across an ocean as a Challenger. 

Her commitment is deeply personal. In 2004, Gisela’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, he enrolled in a clinical trial at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). The trial extended his life for more than a year — an outcome that gave Gisela’s family more precious time and memories together. 

Years later, when Gisela saw a billboard for Pelotonia, she knew she had found a meaningful way to give back to the community that had supported her family. That decision became even more significant when her cousin was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at just 28 years old. After receiving care at the OSUCCC – James, her cousin is now cancer-free. 

“I chose to be a part of the Legacy Society to guarantee my support for Pelotonia and The James lives on. My family was greatly supported by the men and women of The James through research and staff, and I want to make sure other families feel the same support and comfort we did.” 

After seeing two immediate family members benefit from both cancer care and support at the OSUCCC – James, Gisela chose to include Pelotonia in her estate plans so her giving wouldn’t end when she can no longer participate. Through her pledge to the Pelotonia Legacy Society, Gisela ensures a lasting impact, helping fund innovative research and giving other families the same hope and time that her father’s clinical trial once gave hers. 

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

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!