Category: Community Stories
Inspiring participant and team stories from the Pelotonia community
Community Stories
Every Fabulous Mile: Tanny Crane’s Coast-to-Coast Cycling Odyssey to Raise $100,000
| May 4, 2024
16-year Rider and 16x High Roller, Tanny Crane, is taking on a personal odyssey to make a significant impact on Ending Cancer. With a goal to raise $100,000 for Pelotonia 2024, Tanny will embark on a 49-day coast-to-coast cycling trip to ride 3,400 miles through 15 states. Her journey begins on May 5 with a dip of her back tire into the Pacific Ocean just south of Los Angeles in Manhattan Beach, and then seven weeks later, she plans to reach Revere Beach in Boston, where she will dip her front tire into the Atlantic Ocean on June 21.
Tanny has completed 2,800 miles of Pelotonia Ride Weekend routes since the first one in 2009, not to mention the many miles in training with her peloton team, Girls with Gears. As a High Roller for the past 15 years, Tanny starts off this journey as the 15th highest all-time fundraiser for Pelotonia, raising more than $434,000 from 2009 through 2023. Tanny’s impact will continue to skyrocket as she aims to raise even more for innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James this year. Note: as of today, the day before her cross-country ride begins, Tanny has already raised more than $59,000 (and counting)!
We sat down with Tanny just a few days before her big ride. Here are highlights from an inspiring, authentic conversation as she reflected on her Pelotonia experiences, the motivation behind this “bucket list” ride, and her mixed emotions as she takes on this exciting challenge.
When asked how she was feeling, as the countdown is now just days away, Tanny said, “I feel ready. I am fully packed. I’m so excited and horribly nervous.”
Tanny is CEO of Columbus-based investment company, The Crane Group, and her out of office replies are set as she steps completely away from her inbox for seven weeks. She has been planning for this ride for two years, but had dreamed of it for even longer. “This has been on my bucket list for 13 years,” Tanny said. “A dear friend of mine completed a similar coast-to-coast trip, and I promised him I’d do it someday. Four years later, he died. It’s hard to find the time to embark on such a journey, but in recent years, it’s been weighing on me and I knew I just had to do it.” Tanny even convinced three friends to join her, who will be among the 28 riders on this epic experience.
In January, Tanny started a 10-week intense endurance training schedule that included up to 6-7 days of cycling per week to physically prepare for the ride, which has been much different than her Pelotonia training. “I am more of a fair-weather trainer for Pelotonia; I am typically just getting my bike out this time of year, and then my training gets more intense through the summer,” Tanny admits. She is registered to ride the 190-mile route on August 3-4, but Tanny had to start training earlier, more frequently and more intensely this year as she prepares to ride an average of 80 to 100 miles daily for 49 days.
She has also focused on her nutrition. “At Pelotonia, the peanut butter sandwiches are great; they make it easy for the two-day Ride Weekend endurance. This longer ride is more focused on the electrolytes and a consistent regimen for nutrition,” she added.
For Tanny, this experience is about more than logging miles; it’s a personal quest for self-discovery and connection. “I’m hoping to gain the attitude of being present,” she says. “What I want to get out of this journey is a spiritual sense of really getting to know myself. This is something I’ve wanted to do for so long that it feels important to enjoy the moment.”
Tanny has also been mentally preparing for her 3,400-mile ride, researching each day’s route. She appreciates knowing what to expect, which will include everything from long stretches of flat to hills with up to 5,000 feet of elevation climb — and from roads to highways. She will get just five days of rest along the ride, and she is excited that some family and friends have plans to come visit her in those locations. Plus, Tanny plans to get a massage on each rest day.
Throughout her ride, Tanny looks forward to meeting new people and sharing more about Pelotonia. “Even though I ride with a peloton team, you often ride up next to somebody else you don’t know,” she explains. “You have the most amazing conversations as you listen to someone else’s story — especially with Survivors. I am always in awe of their stories. I’m really eager to share the story of Pelotonia with others during this journey.”
Similar to the incredible community of spectators and supporters along the routes for Ride Weekend, Tanny said that she has heard some of the towns along this ride will have people cheering and holding signs, as well as police officers lined up to support and thank the riders. “That reminds me a lot of Pelotonia,” she said.
Tanny rides in Pelotonia every year in honor of her father, who died after a battle with lung cancer more than 30 years ago. She also adds new names to her list of people she rides for each year as more loved ones have cancer; this year is no different.
“My Pelotonia mantra has always been about the Survivors. They have been through so much more pain than what I feel climbing up the hill on Reynolds Road, my nemesis. What they’ve been through mentally and physically far surpasses anything that I am doing,” she said. “That’s why Pelotonia is so important to me; we need to keep up this fight. I have a friend going through breast cancer treatment right now. It is unbelievable what she’s going through, yet she has such a positive attitude. It really drives me.”
But the advancements in cancer research made possible through funding from the Pelotonia community excite Tanny, especially when it comes to immuno-oncology and immunotherapy. “I was at the Pelotonia Research Center a couple weeks ago listening to the researchers. The continued progress we’re making is remarkable,” she said. “I love this shift to Ending Cancer. I truly feel that we’ll make huge progress in my lifetime. But if we’re not relentless, it won’t happen.”
As Tanny embarks on her coast-to-coast journey, she carries with her the hope of Survivors, researchers, and all who are affected by cancer. With every fabulous mile (“EFM” as Tanny calls it) that she pedals and every single dollar she raises, the Pelotonia community will rally behind her as we collectively work toward our shared goal of Ending Cancer.
What’s next for Tanny after she completes this odyssey ride? She told us she has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Shasta, and the Grand Teton – which is undeniably impressive. But it sounds like Pelotonia Gravel Day could be next on her list. “I’m thinking about trading in my mountain bike for a gravel bike,” she said. “And pickleball; I can’t wait to play pickleball again.”
You can follow Tanny’s cycling journey at her personal blog, TCsBigBikeRide.com.
Go Tanny! The entire Pelotonia community is cheering you on.
Coast-to-Coast for Cancer Research
Thousands of Miles and More than $273,000 raised
Read the post-ride story about Tanny Crane’s cross-country cycling journey in this updated post. She far exceeded her fundraising goal, raising more $273,000+ for cancer research.
Community Stories
What is a High Roller?
| March 15, 2024
High Rollers are Pelotonia’s top individual fundraisers. This community sets big goals, challenging themselves and their supporters to make a significant impact through a higher fundraising level. Each High Roller commits to a fundraising minimum of $5,000, with 100% of every dollar raised going directly to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James.
In 2023, the 625 High Rollers that participated in Pelotonia raised $6 million of the $25+ million total community-raised funds for groundbreaking research – curating an incredible impact that is bringing brighter outcomes to individuals impacted by cancer every single day.
High Rollers receive perks for going above and beyond in their individual fundraising. This includes a special High Roller jersey, and, new this year, an exclusive event invitation during launch week of the following year!
All High Rollers from the previous year will be invited to the High Roller Evening of Appreciation to kick off Pelotonia Launch Week. At this year’s inaugural event, attendees enjoyed food from top local restaurants, received first access to new Pelotonia merchandise, heard exciting Pelotonia news and research updates firsthand, and celebrated their annual fundraising impact on research at the OSUCCC-James as a collective group.
Are you interested in furthering your Pelotonia impact by becoming a High Roller in 2024? You can register as a High Roller during the registration process at pelotonia.org/register. Current registered participants can commit to being a High Roller within their personal profile at any point during the fundraising period for 2024.
We’re grateful for the efforts of High Rollers on Pelotonia’s mission to date, and for the incredible contributions this community of top fundraisers will continue to make on funding cancer research initiatives that are extending and saving lives around the world.
Community Stories
2023 Pelotonia Awards
| December 11, 2023
Pelotonia Legacy Award: Michael Schoen
14 years ago, Michael Schoen rode in his first Pelotonia, raising nearly $60,000 for cancer research for the OSUCCC-James. Since that first Ride, Michael has continued to passionately share the Pelotonia mission with his family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who would listen and has consistently finished as a Top 5 fundraiser each year. In 2023, Michael became only the second person in Pelotonia history to cross the $1.1M lifetime funds raised for Pelotonia, a truly remarkable accomplishment and testament to his dedication to our collective One Goal!
Volunteer of the Year: Matthew Rausenberg
Matt is a 15-year Lead Volunteer who has led and developed the SAG program from day 1. He has recruited, trained, and led this team over the years from planning training sessions to providing on-site instruction, preparing vehicles and supplies, and receiving and dispatching all support requests. Beyond this, Matt does anything and everything needed to make Ride Weekend safe and successful. This year alone, he single-handedly swept significant portions of the route from fresh gravel and chip seal to make the route safe for Riders, organized additional variable message boards as needed across the route, and more. Matt has been instrumental in the planning for our inaugural Gravel Day event, driving routes to test radio coverage, creating a personnel & equipment plan to best access all areas of the remote routes, and assisting with route support and communications recommendations. Matt’s passion for Pelotonia is unmatched, as was evidenced by the best thank you message left at Pelotonia HQ after this year’s Ride Weekend. We couldn’t do it without him!
First-Year Rider Award
Christian Jeric, Adrenal Team Maria: Christian rallied his family and friends to create the Adrenal Team Maria in honor of his sister, Maria. Maria was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, Adrenocortical Carcinoma, at the young age of 25 in April of 2022. Through Christian’s leadership, the Peloton has raised more than $24,000 for innovative cancer research this year with 5 members, creating tremendous impact within the Pelotonia community!
Julia Tolloty, Team Granville Spokesman: Julia participated in her first Pelotonia ride this year in honor of her younger brother, Tristan Tolloty. Tristan was diagnosed with leukemia at 15 months old and lived cancer-free for 15 years. Due to the aggressive treatment at such a young age, he passed away in March of 2023. Julia’s passion for Pelotonia has been fueled by Tristian, and her impact has been remarkable. Julia is not only one of the top fundraising first-year Riders, she is the youngest fundraiser in the top 50 list at the age of 20 years old, raising more than $16,000 for cancer research!
Mary Hyatt Courage Award: John Heuer
John, known as Jack by his friends and family, first joined the Pelotonia community in 2020 after he was treated at the James for Sarcoma, a very rare form of cancer. Through his journey, John not only courageously fought to be cancer-free, but has also inspired countless community members to join him in his efforts.
John leads Team Jack, which is made up of friends and family from across the country. His leadership over the past three years has resulted in more than $192,000 raised by the Peloton. John has been a fierce advocate in the Pelotonia community by sharing his cancer journey at several events to inspire others to join us in our movement, and he has had a tremendous impact on the Pelotonia mission.
Researcher of the Year Award: AK Eisfeld, MD
Dr. Ann-Kathrin Eisfeld is a tenure-track Assistant Professor and physician-scientist whose research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) genetics, and how age-, gender- and race-associated differences uniquely impact cancer patients. Dr. Eisfeld originally received Pelotonia funding in 2011 as a Post-Doctorate Pelotonia Scholar and has gone onto receive four Pelotonia Idea Grants to support her research, as well as many other prestigious international cancer research awards.
Her diligent mentorship and collaboration is evident throughout the OSUCCC-James, including with her undergraduate mentee Isaiah Boateng, who received a Pelotonia Scholar Award in 2022! Dr. Eisfeld, or AK as her colleagues often call her, serves as director of the Clara D. Bloomfield Center for Leukemia Outcomes Research at The Ohio State University, which leads large-scale AML correlative studies directed at discovering associations between patient outcomes, genetic/genomic features, and clinical/demographic characteristics. The Center is dedicated to the long-term friend and mentor of AK and countless Leukemia researchers and clinicians, Clara Bloomfield, and was established in 2020 to carry on her legacy. She is a steadfast champion of Pelotonia throughout the community, and a respected mentor, colleague, and physician. Learn more about AK’s research here!
Community Stories
Like a Kid Again: Eric Tippett’s Story
| September 25, 2023
When Eric Tippett started his Pelotonia journey fifteen years ago, he wasn’t a seasoned cyclist. In fact, he’d just bought his first bike. But that didn’t stop him from riding 50 miles for a cause he believed in – cancer research. He got his first taste of all that gravel riding offered just four years later, completing the ride on the same bike he’d ridden in at the very first Pelotonia. He was hooked.
“The whole thing was just fun.” he says, “Somebody even brought a drum set out to play for the riders. I had a blast!”
Since his first gravel ride, Eric has found a deep love for the sport.
“The terrain challenges you in different ways,” he explains. “The scenery and the spirit of gravel just fits with my style as a cyclist.”
He’s spent years forming friendships, honing his cycling skills, and exploring beautiful Ohio backroads.
And his love for Pelotonia has continued to grow.
“I always say Pelotonia is the second best day of the year, right behind Christmas. The community is incredible and I love that every single participant really gets to feel like a hero for a day.”
In late 2022, Eric heard that Pelotonia was considering hosting a gravel ride. He reached out right away. “I emailed the Pelotonia email address and heard back from Joe almost immediately. I said ‘I want to be a part of this’ and he asked me to join the community advisory committee.”
For Eric, this opportunity was a dream come true. He’s had the opportunity to work alongside a group of gravel cyclists, bike experts, and long-time Pelotonia participants sharing their expertise with the Pelotonia team, all in the hope that Gravel Day can become as much of a mainstay for gravel cyclists as Ride Weekend is for road riders.
“I’m a map nerd, so working with Nick Tepe to design the routes was a lot of fun,” he said, “and it’s been cool to share some of my passion and my knowledge with the Pelotonia team.”
And he feels the Gravel Day routes have shaped up nicely. “The scenery is absolutely the best part. The routes are challenging, but the views are worth it. You get to the top of a climb and look around and think ‘wow’. It’s real, authentic, rural Ohio that many people don’t even know exists.”
Gravel Day Riders will see Eric taking on the 50+ mile route and he’s looking forward to crossing the finish line at another inaugural Pelotonia ride — on a much better bike this time.
“I love gravel riding because it makes you feel like a kid again.” he says. “I’m excited for my own kids to ride alongside me at a Pelotonia event someday.”
Community Stories
Honoring Mason Fisher’s Giving Spirit
| May 5, 2023
Mason Fisher’s giving spirit touched countless people throughout his life, including his friend and classmate Matthew Marquardt — a two-time Pelotonia Rider and professional triathlete — who shares Mason’s personal passion for helping cancer patients. This year, Matthew will ride in Pelotonia in memory of his friend Mason, who he says, “pushed us to do better things than we’ve ever done before.”
To honor Mason’s memory and legacy, Matthew, Mason’s family, and Castelli Cycling have collaborated on a custom-designed cycling sun sleeve (worn from wrist to bicep) featuring symbols of Mason’s many loves – God, family, friends, his country, the Buckeyes, the Spin Doctors, and, of course, cancer research.
The Pelotonia community is invited to purchase and wear this custom sun sleeve in recognition of Mason Fisher and his dedication to helping others. Sun sleeves will be ready prior to Ride Weekend and Gravel Day so that the community can wear them at these events in a show of support and love.
All proceeds from the sleeve will support the fundraising efforts of Team BSR-Spin Doctors, a Peloton of OSU College of Medicine students, as they give back by participating in Pelotonia’s 15th year.
Create a login or use your existing Castelli account to view the order page. Supporters can purchase one unisex sleeve for $20 or two for $35. Orders can be picked up in person in early August.
Emails with exact pickup dates and locations will be sent after orders arrive.
“Everyone just really wants to honor Mason in any way possible,” Matthew says.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Volunteer of the Year, Sarah Buckley
| December 13, 2022
About Sarah
An 11-year volunteer and rockstar fundraiser, Sarah is well-known for being kind, reliable and hard-working. Whether it’s rolling posters, packing stewardship envelopes, or managing food and beverage at different sites, her dedication as a Lead Volunteer has created a profound impact on the Pelotonia community.
What does this cause mean to you?
It’s an opportunity for the whole community to come together. Cancer has taken so much from so many families, including mine, and this is a way to give back, knowing that 100% of the funds raised go directly to research.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
I love being able to support the riders who spend so much time training and fundraising. From seeing hundreds of them launch in the morning to cheering them through the finish line, I want to make sure their Ride is an amazing experience!
What else would you like to share with the community?
I’m a huge college football fan! I’d also love to start traveling more.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Research of the Year, Dr. Maria Mihaylova
| December 13, 2022
About Maria
Dr. Maria Milkova Mihaylova is being recognized for her outstanding achievements as a Pelotonia-funded researcher whose research focuses on understanding the effects of diet and aging on cellular metabolism. She has garnered many prestigious early career grants recently including the prominent Pew Scholar Award and a V Foundation Award, among others. Dr. Mihaylova has participated in Pelotonia since 2019 and she says she keeps coming back to show her gratitude for all the people who support scientists pursuing innovative research.
What does this cause mean to you?
Like many families, ours has also been affected by cancer. One of the reasons I wanted to go into cancer research was because of my grandmother, who passed away at an early age from metastatic breast cancer. She lived in a time and place where cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments were not an option. We have come such a long way and yet, there is so much more left to do. Organizations like Pelotonia allow researchers to think outside the box and do more innovative work that may not be funded by traditional mechanisms.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
I will not forget my first experience with the Ride itself. As scientists, we are almost always behind the scenes, on the research bench and rarely interact with patients that our research may impact. It is amazing to experience an opportunity to do so! The togetherness, support and gratitude from survivors and their families during the ride weekend is both very moving and motivating to keep doing the work that we and our trainees do!
What else would you like to share with the community?
My family moved quite a bit when I was a kid and, as a result, I got to live on three different continents by the time I was a teenager. I think that gave me a good perspective on the ways of life across different cultures. I love that science brings so many people together from diverse backgrounds, which facilitates the exchange of ideas and the appreciation of different perspectives.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Mary Hyatt Courage Award, Monda DeWeese
| December 13, 2022
About Monda
Monda and her family have participated in all 14 Pelotonia Ride Weekends as Lead Volunteers. They have been there from the first routes that came through their town of Nelsonville, to recent years downtown. Prior to Monda’s first year as a Lead Volunteer, she remembers sitting in the Pelotonia office for many nights planning routes, trying to determine what on earth a Water Monster was and the appropriate ratio of Gatorade mix. She has often said that Pelotonia fuels her. Without question, Monda keeps returning because of the camaraderie of the Pelotonia family.
What does this cause mean to you?
I grew up in a multigenerational family where we took care of each other. Growing up, seven of my family members battled cancer. Then my husband, Bill, began his fight of 17 recurrences of bladder cancer in 15 years, and then my Melanoma battle began in 2015. My passion and commitment come from my family, it’s just how I learned to be truly present during the fight. That is not all of my why – our family has long known that research is where it‘s at. We participate so that our daughter, Parker, doesn’t have to fight, so our future grandchildren and the generations of our family we won’t ever even get to meet don’t have to fight.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
Once many questions have been asked and answered, just before the first riders are moved from staging into the chute, I sneak away and head to the top of a parking garage and look out. I look out at all the Riders as far as I can see, Volunteers making sure the Riders’ experience is the best they can make it, and the Pelotonia staff ensuring a smooth Ride – and what I see is the very best of humanity, the potential of what we can be if we all worked together for One Goal. I challenge anyone who looks out over the start line to believe our goal to end cancer is unattainable.
What else would you like to share with the community?
I retired after 31 years as the Executive Director of a correctional facility. Before that, I co-owned and operated a photography studio and camera shop for seven years. I have served three terms as the President of the Athens Herb Guild – personally growing herbs for culinary and crafting uses. My hobbies are photography, scrapbooking, paper crafting, and preserving stories for those who follow.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Pelotonia Legacy Society, Dale Darnell
| December 13, 2022
About Dale
13 years ago, Dale joined the Pelotonia community for the first time in support of his wife, Debbie, who has since passed away from a courageous 24-year battle with cancer. In the years since his first Ride, Dale has raised more than $120,000 for cancer research, but his efforts go far beyond his fundraising. Dale has fearlessly served as the leader for the 4 THE Cure Peloton. Each year, they host six signature events that invite new community members to learn about Pelotonia’s mission while supporting the Peloton’s fundraising efforts. These efforts have generated nearly $650,000 in six years. Many agree, this impact would simply not be possible without him.
What does this cause mean to you?
Early July 2010, at a global manager meeting in Rome, Italy, I had a discussion regarding Pelotonia with Suzanne Bednarchik. She rode in Pelotonia’s first year, 2009, and raved about the event, which planted a seed in my mind. Three weeks later, back home in Ohio, I made the decision to participate in the Ride. Although I had just three weeks to prepare, I was confident that I could do the 180-mile ride. I was looking for a way of supporting Debbie’s cancer challenge… Pelotonia was it.
Since that first ride, I have remarried, helped start and grow Team 4 THE Cure, and raised over $120,000 for Pelotonia. Throughout this journey, the support I’ve received from my wife Janice has been tremendous and has helped me retain my focus.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
My favorite part of Ride Weekend is the early part of the Ride with my wife, Janice, when everyone is pumped up and ready to go, proudly wearing their team jerseys. I love seeing the heartfelt personal messages people share.
What else would you like to share with the community?
I am finishing my 11th year on The James Foundation Board. I’m also a huge traveler – formerly flew frequently for work, now I prefer to drive, including to Florida and to Alabama, where my daughter lives. Plus, I can throw my bike on the back of my car!
Community Stories
2022 Awards: First-Year Rider Award, Steve Johnson
| December 13, 2022
About Steve
This was Steve’s first year participating in Pelotonia. He got involved in Pelotonia through David White, who had a vision of seeing 50 black cyclists riding 50 miles. After some planning, strategizing, and connecting with several fellow cycling clubs, the two formed one large Peloton, Wheels of Color, for this year’s ride. Steve would like to give a big shout-out to Black Girls Do Bike, Steady Pedaling, Trailblazers, Major Taylor Cycling Club, and Columbus Blackstar Cycling Group for helping to make Wheels of Color happen. He hopes to make Wheels of Color bigger and better in 2023, with more volunteers and riders covering all routes.
What does this cause mean to you?
In 2016, my dad passed away from prostate cancer. This has brought a new level of awareness to me. We all hear and know about cancer, but when it hits you or someone in your inner circle, it takes on a new meaning. Just knowing that the money I raise will help find a cure for this deadly disease. I am riding for those who can’t ride and “reaching people one pedal at a time”.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
My favorite part of ride weekend is the morning of the event. I love seeing the smiling faces, talking to people, and hearing their stories. There’s no politics, no division, no competition, and everyone is so cheerful. At least for a short time, we all seem to be equal. I wish we could bottle this up and distribute it around the world.
What else would you like to share with the community?
I love spending time with my family, my four grandkids, and friends. I love hunting and anything that has to do with the outdoors. I enjoy our Wheels of Color Monday evening rides, when even people that haven’t ridden a bike in years come out to ride anywhere from two miles to 102 miles. Just seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing the excitement in their voices after the ride is over, that’s what brings me joy. My two favorite sayings are: “It takes a cycling village,” and, “A mile is a mile, no matter how fast or slow you ride it. At the end of the day, it’s still a mile.”
