Category: In the News
Announcements and highlights from Pelotonia about the organization, events, staff, and more
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
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.
In the News
New Gravel Day Weekend Experiences Announced for 2024
| June 27, 2024
Pelotonia Gravel Day was introduced with an inaugural ride in 2023. This unique cycling adventure takes participants on the gravel roads of beautiful southeast Ohio! Riders and Volunteers can register now to participate in Gravel Day 2024 at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio.
Today we’re introducing new, exciting experiences for Gravel Day. Details are below. We hope to see you there!
Friday Night Community Gathering
New in 2024, join us on Friday evening for a community gathering as we kick off Gravel Day weekend. The gathering will be on Friday, September 20 from 6-9pm at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio. The community will enjoy acoustic music, food, drinks, and s’mores by the campfire to come together ahead of the Saturday morning ride.
Camping at Snow Fork
This year, we’re excited to offer Gravel Day Riders and Volunteers the opportunity to camp on-site at Snow Fork Event Center from Friday through Sunday. You can make your campsite reservations online here. Each campsite is primitive, so there will be no power available or access to water. There will be porta johns in the camping area and a shower trailer nearby. Two campsite options are available based on your camping style:
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Car and Tent Camping (20’x20’ campsite for $25 per night): Pull your vehicle right up and set up a tent within the allocated space. One vehicle is permitted per campsite, but you can fit as many tents and friends as space allows within your site. Small pop-up campers or trailers are permitted as long as both the camper and vehicle fit within the campsite.
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RV Camping (20’x50’ campsite for $50 per night): One RV, motorhome, or vehicle with camper is permitted per campsite. Tents and awnings can also be set up, as long as they fit within the space. Please note: there are no electricity or water hookups.
Campsites will be available for check-in after 3pm on Friday, September 20, and must be packed up and vacated by 11am on Sunday, September 22. Reserve your campsite here! Campsite reservations must be made by September 6.
If camping is not your style, no problem! For those who prefer to stay off-site, there are plenty of great hotels and vacation rentals within the Nelsonville area and Hocking Hills region. Check out this recent Gravel Day Overnight Accommodations blog post for more information to make your reservations.
Camping Equipment Rental
Our friends at Hocking Hills Outdoors offer camping and outdoor equipment rentals! They have a limited number of camp setups available for rental during Gravel Day weekend. Their team will even handle equipment setup onsite for you, so it is ready when you arrive!
To reserve camping equipment, please fill out this request form and a representative from Hocking Hills Outdoors will contact you directly.
Gravel Bike Rental
Ready to ride in Gravel Day but need a gravel bike? Registered Riders can rent a gravel bike to use for training and Gravel Day weekend through Pelotonia’s bike fleet.
Inventory is limited and availability is first come, first serve. Email pelotonia@pelotonia.org to secure your gravel bike!
Gravel Riding 101
If you are new to the gravel riding experience, we’ve got you covered! For an informative and fun overview of gravel riding, watch this Gravel Riding 101 video to learn more about this growing segment of cycling and things to know to ensure you have a safe and fun Gravel Day ride!
REGISTER for Gravel Day 2024 as a Rider or Volunteer today!
In the News | Research Stories
Pelotonia Kids Launches in Collaboration with the OSUCCC – James to Accelerate Pediatric Cancer Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
| May 29, 2024
Series of Youth Cycling Events will Engage Next Generation of Pelotonia Participants
COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 29, 2024) – Pelotonia today announced the launch of Pelotonia Kids, 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.
The program launches with five kids ride events beginning in June with plans to add more this year. Each will be organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance provided by the organization, including planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events will vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
Prior to this launch, children under 14 years old could register to fundraise as Challengers but were unable to participate as Riders in Pelotonia’s annual cycling events, Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. This new program gives children the opportunity to participate in Pelotonia event experiences through both fundraising and cycling at a younger age.
“Children in the Pelotonia community are among our most enthusiastic spectators and fundraisers, and the launch of Pelotonia Kids gives them the opportunity to be more actively engaged participants,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO and cancer survivor.“Pelotonia Kids is a collaboration with two of the most renowned hospitals and research centers in the U.S. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside both the OSUCCC – James and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, who are leading the way in scientific research and care to save and extend the lives of cancer patients, including children.”
Funds will be directed to research that could improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for pediatric cancer patients by leading investigators and physicians at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The OSUCCC—James has a collaborative agreement with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to broaden the study of childhood cancer and accelerate the transfer of key research findings to the clinical setting. The relationship between institutions is stimulating novel research and developing collaborations in pediatric cancer-related studies that will also have applications to adults.
“The OSUCCC—James is proud to collaborate with Pelotonia to launch youth cycling experiences for a meaningful impact on creating a cancer-free world,” said Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of OSUCCC and cancer survivor. “Breakthroughs in science happen faster when there is a shared goal and collaboration. Pelotonia Kids leverages the long-standing relationship between the OSUCCC—James and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to accelerate research on innovative and alternative treatments for childhood cancer patients and survivors.”
There are more than 500,000 childhood cancer survivors in the U.S., and 47 children are newly diagnosed with cancer every day. Through research advancements, prognoses have improved dramatically for some pediatric cancer types and cancer mortality rates among children have decreased in recent decades. However, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children today, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,800 kids each year in the U.S.
“Not only will this collaboration with the OSUCCC—James and Pelotonia create a fun, new program, it will make a real difference in the lives of children,” said Tim Robinson, Nationwide Children’s Hospital CEO. “Pelotonia Kids will help accelerate Nationwide Children’s groundbreaking research, making an impact on patients in central Ohio and around the world.”
Though critically needed, childhood cancer research is significantly underfunded by the federal government. Organizations like Pelotonia help address that gap through investing in innovative ideas and talented researchers that may otherwise go unfunded. Pelotonia Kids dollars may go toward accelerating clinical research as well as studies on the psychosocial factors of pediatric cancer. The Center for Childhood Cancer Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is part of The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, one of the top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded free-standing pediatric research facilities.
Prior to this launch, Pelotonia community teams have hosted youth rides as fundraising events. Four existing rides are returning in 2024 within the new Pelotonia Kids program, and the fundraising done by participating children will now go toward research for childhood cancers.
“The many community members who have supported the original kids rides within the Pelotonia community used creativity and intention to engage youth in fundraising. Their efforts laid the foundation for this new Pelotonia Kids platform, inspiring our youngest advocates to take action in advancing our mission of ending cancer,” said Apgar.“We look forward to seeing others embrace this experience as new hosts step up to organize kids rides and bring the grassroots Pelotonia experience to children across various communities.”
Youth participants can register for 2024 Pelotonia Kids rides at pelotoniakids.com, including:
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June 15: Pedal for Pancakes, Capital University in Bexley (hosted by Team Bexley)
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July 6: Pelotonia Kids UA, Jones Middle School in Upper Arlington (hosted Sarah Jane and Paul Germain)
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July 27: SpokesKIDS Jr., Wildwood Park in Granville (hosted by Team Granville Spokesmen for a Cure peloton members)
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July 27: SpokesKIDS, Newark to Granville (hosted by Team Granville Spokesmen for a Cure peloton members)
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TBA: Building Brighter Futures, Plain City (hosted by M/I Homes, Inc.)
Donors can give to Pelotonia Kids to support innovative pediatric cancer research at pelotoniakids.com.
In the News
Ariel Corporation and Barbasol Join Pelotonia as New Funding Partners; Safelite AutoGlass and Cardinal Health Renew Partnerships
| May 15, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 15, 2024) – Pelotonia today announced new funding partnerships with Ariel Corporation and Barbasol, and the renewal of its funding partnerships with Safelite AutoGlass and Cardinal Health. Pelotonia’s generous funding partners provide operational support, allowing the organization to donate 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to groundbreaking and impactful cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
“Our community continues to be inspired by and immensely grateful for the commitment of the generous funding partners that make it possible for 100 percent of funds raised by Pelotonia participants to go directly toward innovative cancer research that has fueled progress, driven breakthroughs and saved lives,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO. “It’s because of new and long-time funding partners that Pelotonia can continue its significant impact and help save even more lives.”
Ariel Corporation, the largest manufacturer of separable reciprocating gas compressors worldwide, will join the Pelotonia community for the first time in 2024 as a new supporting funding partner. A family-owned business for more than 50 years, Ariel Corporation’s global headquarters is located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, near the Pelotonia 100-mile route finish line in Gambier at Kenyon College. Additionally, Ariel will contribute a corporate donation directly to cancer research at OSUCCC – James as part of their partnership commitment.
“At Ariel Corporation, we believe that our people and community are central to our success, and we have consistently invested in the health and wellbeing of our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism,” said Alex Wright, Ariel Corporation CEO. “The team at Ariel Corporation has long admired the dedication of the Pelotonia community to its critical mission of ending cancer. This mission is near to our hearts, and we’re proud to support both this incredible grassroots movement and their world-class research partners.”
Barbasol, America’s #1 brand of shaving cream, will add to the organization’s Pelotonia relationship as a new notable funding partner in 2024. Family-owned as part of Perio Inc. in Dublin, Ohio, Barbasol’s commitment will go beyond a traditional funding partnership to also include a co-branded shaving cream can. The Barbasol Soothing Aloe can features a Pelotonia takeover design including the organization’s signature green and arrows. Customers may purchase the co-branded Barbasol and Pelotonia cans starting this summer at participating retailers, including Big Lots, Giant Eagle, Meijer and Kroger.
“This partnership with Pelotonia is a natural alignment for our community work through The Barbasol Foundation. Cancer touches far too many lives, but I’ve seen firsthand the inspiring impact of the Pelotonia community on ending cancer through my personal experience as a long-time participant,” said Barbasol COO Andrew Fast. “At Barbasol, we are excited to partner with Pelotonia in accelerating innovative cancer research both as a funding partner and through co-branded products that will bring additional awareness to Pelotonia’s mission.”
Safelite AutoGlass will also extend its commitment as a supporting funding partner, which began in 2021. To date, Safelite employee participants have raised $713,816 for cancer research through Pelotonia.
Cardinal Health will continue its funding partner relationship with Pelotonia that began in 2010. Beyond funding partner support, Cardinal Health participants in Pelotonia have raised more than $3.7 million since 2010.
Pelotonia’s current funding partners — Ariel Corporation, Barbasol, 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 — help make Pelotonia’s inspiring event experiences possible. The 2024 Pelotonia events will include Opening Ceremony on August 2, Ride Weekend on August 3 and 4, and Gravel Day on September 21.
Registration is now open for Riders, Volunteers and Challengers interested in participating in Pelotonia 2024 at pelotonia.org/register.
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.
In the News
Pelotonia to Open 2024 Registration on February 29
| February 28, 2024
Ride Weekend and Gravel Day Events Offer Cycling, Volunteer and Community Experiences to Raise Funds for Ending Cancer
COLUMBUS, OH (February 28, 2024) – Pelotonia will launch registration for the 2024 Ride Weekend and Gravel Day on Thursday, February 29 at 12 p.m. EST. The 2024 Pelotonia events will include Opening Ceremony on August 2, Ride Weekend on August 3 and 4, and, following an incredible inaugural year, the return of Gravel Day on September 28. Riders, Volunteers and Challengers can register at pelotonia.org/register.
Now in its 16th year, Pelotonia has raised more than $283 million, directing 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants, with the support of generous funding partners, to accelerate innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
“Registering for Pelotonia is not just a commitment to raise funds for groundbreaking research at Ohio State. It’s the chance to join an inspired community committed to ending cancer – a disease that affects us all,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO.“Every single Rider, Volunteer and Challenger who registers for Pelotonia 2024 is important to continue the momentum of this movement. The efforts of Pelotonia participants are fueling real, tangible progress for cancer patients and families throughout the country and around the world.”
Pelotonia introduces a new campaign annually as registration opens. The Pelotonia arrow is a brand mark that has evolved into a unifying symbol for the Pelotonia community and is painted on barns, tattooed on participants and displayed on vehicles. The 2024 arrow design uses a gradient of green to create a glow and convey forward progress, hope and optimism. This year, Pelotonia also revealed a new tagline, “Ending Cancer,” in this video. The phrase represents the evolution of the organization’s founding mission to end cancer; it also celebrates significant progress toward that goal. “Ending Cancer” means the funds raised by Pelotonia participants are resulting in significant scientific advancements and breakthrough discoveries in cancer research that is happening now.
Ride Weekend
The 2024 Ride Weekend will epitomize the iconic Pelotonia ride experience with route distances ranging from 20 to 190 miles and fundraising commitments starting at $1,250. Ride routes and start/finish lines will continue to offer incredible new experiences alongside community favorites. One-day ride options range from 20 to 100-mile routes. Those interested in the two-day rides of 155 or 190 miles will have the option of an overnight stay at Kenyon College. Route overviews and estimates are listed below; final route distances and specific locations will be communicated in the coming months.
Saturday, August 3:
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20-Mile Route: Downtown Columbus to New Albany
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50-Mile Route: Downtown Columbus to New Albany
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65-Mile Route: New Albany to Gambier
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100-Mile Route: Downtown Columbus to Gambier
Sunday, August 4:
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35-Mile Route: New Albany Loop
Two-Day Routes:
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155-Mile Route: Saturday 65-Mile Route and Sunday 90-Mile Gambier to New Albany Route with overnight stay at Kenyon College
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190-Mile Route: Saturday 100-Mile Route and Sunday 90-Mile Gambier to New Albany Route with overnight stay at Kenyon College
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Any Saturday Route and 35-Mile Loop
Second Annual Gravel Day
With the highly successful debut of Gravel Day last year, the 2024 event will again offer three route options sharing the same start and finish location. The 22, 30 and 52-mile routes ride through the stunning landscape of Southeast Ohio, each with a minimum fundraising commitment of $1,500. The gravel riding experience, a different challenge than traditional road riding, offers new and seasoned Pelotonia Riders a more adventurous opportunity to get involved and is the perfect complement to Ride Weekend. Saturday, September 28:
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22-Mile Route: Nelsonville Loop; More than 1,400 feet total elevation gain
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30-Mile Route: Nelsonville Loop; More than 2,600 feet total elevation gain
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52-Mile Route: Nelsonville Loop; More than 4,700 feet total elevation gain
Volunteers
More than 3,000 Volunteers support Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. Roles include bike management, first aid, food and beverage, merchandise sales and more. To learn more about Volunteer opportunities, a full list of role descriptions and opportunities is available on Pelotonia’s website.
Launch Party, March 1
To celebrate registration opening, Pelotonia will host a 2024 launch party that will be open to the public on Friday, March 1 from 5 – 8 p.m. at The Kee, 225 Neilston Street in Columbus. Those interested in learning more about how to get involved can join the Pelotonia community at this free event. In addition to Ride Weekend and Gravel Day registration information, attendees will enjoy food and games while connecting with others passionate about ending cancer. New Pelotonia merchandise including apparel for adults and youth will also be available to purchase onsite. Attendees may also pick up 2024 Pelotonia arrow car magnets and yard signs at the event.
Riders, Volunteers and Challengers interested in participating in Pelotonia 2024 can sign up once registration opens at pelotonia.org/register.
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.
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About Pelotonia
In 2023, Pelotonia celebrated 15 years of One Goal, accelerating funding for innovative cancer research, with its signature series of iconic and impactful events with cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism experiences. This year’s events included the Opening Ceremony and Ride Weekend in August and a new Gravel Day event in September. To date, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $283 million. With support from generous funding partners – 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 – Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.
This year’s signature events will include Opening Ceremony on August 2, Ride Weekend on August 3-4 and Gravel Day on September 28, 2024.
To learn more about Pelotonia, visit pelotonia.org.
In the News
Ending Cancer: Pelotonia 2024 Campaign Launch
| February 14, 2024
Each year kicks off with a new arrow, theme and creative campaign to support your fundraising efforts and rally together as a community of tens of thousands of Riders, Challengers, and Volunteers committed to accelerating innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James.
This year’s campaign introduces an evolved tagline: Ending Cancer.
Since the first Ride in 2009, you’ve been focused on a singular goal. The challenge the Pelotonia community has been working toward is to end cancer. This remains the mission, and the remarkable thing about Pelotonia is that it’s working. The research funded by the Pelotonia community is powering significant scientific advancements and breakthrough discoveries in cancer research that are extending and saving lives.
Ending Cancer is more than a goal. It’s the real, tangible progress that the Pelotonia community is fueling. This phrase is simple yet it means so much. It means that we’re actively doing it. It’s no longer a faraway goal with an unclear path on how to get there. That’s because of the unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and uniquely compounding impact of the Pelotonia community. It’s because of YOU.
The 2024 Pelotonia arrow features a gradient glow.
The arrow has become a unifying symbol. It represents motion, action, and progress. It reminds the world: Together, we move forward toward our mission of Ending Cancer. Embraced by the Pelotonia community, the arrow is painted on barns along ride routes and tattooed on the arms and legs of Participants.
This year’s arrow features a gradient of green that flows lighter to darker from left to right, representing that the work and progress is ongoing. The artistic glow aims to convey hope, optimism, and positivity. It captures the spirit of Pelotonia with a simple, intentional design element.
Core to the Pelotonia brand, the 2024 campaign uses shades of green.
From the signature, vibrant Pelotonia green to the additions of dark green and mint green to the brand palette, the campaign creative incorporates various shades of the color green.
Through the years, Pelotonia campaigns have included new colors tied to the annual theme. As this year’s campaign theme is a simple yet significant evolution of the idea that Pelotonia was founded on, the colors intentionally center green, which has been central to the Pelotonia brand identity from the start.
Watch and share the 2024 Campaign Launch Video here.
2024 is going to be one of the best years yet for this movement because of you, the Pelotonia community. This campaign reinforces commitment to the Pelotonia mission of Ending Cancer while celebrating progress that is saving lives. But there is still work to do.
Join us in Ending Cancer by participating in Pelotonia 2024. Registration opens February 29!
Joe Apgar
Cancer Survivor
Pelotonia CEO
Pelotonia 2024 Key Dates
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Registration Opens: February 29 at noon EST
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Opening Ceremony: August 2
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Ride Weekend: August 3-4
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Gravel Day: September 21
You can access the 2024 community asset kit for resources to share the new campaign elements in your fundraising communications and on social media here.
2024 car magnets and yard signs are now available for pickup at Pelotonia HQ!
In the News
Letter from Doug: An Exciting Update for Pelotonia’s Future
| January 31, 2024
One of the things I love most about the Pelotonia community is our collective desire to reach audacious goals.
Whether we are setting fundraising targets or inspiring the newest Rider on our Peloton to sign up for a challenging route, no dream is too big. We have ambitious goals and we achieve them together. This bold spirit is echoed by our partners at The OSUCCC – James, who invest in the most innovative cancer research every day.
Pelotonia’s goal of ending cancer has guided our trajectory for 15 years, and we are excited to announce a new leadership structure that will deepen our impact and facilitate our next phase of significant growth.
Effective today, I will take on a new and expanded leadership role at Pelotonia, serving as Vice Chair of the Board and Senior Advisor to current President Joe Apgar, who will become Pelotonia’s next CEO. In my new role, I will remain an actively engaged leader while focusing on new partnerships and strategic initiatives designed to significantly increase our fundraising and impact. As CEO, Joe will drive forward a vision to grow our impact and oversee all day-to-day aspects of our operations. I have been honored to work alongside Joe for many years and can personally attest to his passion for our mission and his phenomenal leadership accomplishments.
During my nine years as CEO of Pelotonia, I have never been as excited as I am now about our potential to change the landscape of cancer research – and in doing so, to positively impact the lives of individuals affected by cancer. I believe the future is brighter than ever, and that is because of you. You powered Pelotonia to raise more than $283 million for cancer research since 2009. You helped launch the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, and you made the opening of the Pelotonia Research Center possible. Because of you, we are closer than ever to our goal of ending cancer. Both Joe and I are honored to serve alongside you in this new capacity.
On behalf of the Pelotonia Board of Directors, thank you for your commitment to our mission. Countless patients and families are inspired by and depend on the Pelotonia community. We look forward to our most impactful year yet!
One Goal,
Doug Ulman
Cancer Survivor
Vice Chair, Pelotonia Board of Directors
You can read the full press release announcement here.
