Benefit Bicycle Rides in the
Capital Region and Adirondacks

Upstate New York will see a number of fundraising bicycle rides this summer. This is a popular way to increase awareness of health-related issues, while raising funds in a participation event. Benefit bike rides are great group rides and they support a good cause. Some events require a registration fee and collection of pledges and others charge a registration fee and donate a portion of their proceeds.

Some rides attract several hundred riders or more. It’s a great opportunity for families, friends and cycling enthusiasts to get together. If you’re not a bicyclist you can participate by volunteering. All of these events offer clearly-marked routes, sag support and refreshments. Most offer incentives to reward your fundraising efforts.

Billy Grey Ride for Research
The second annual Billy Grey Ride for Research will take place on Sunday, May 21, at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Saratoga Springs. Three rides of 50, 25 and 10 miles will be offered. This ride will commemorate Billy’s life with friends and family, as well as foster public awareness of brain tumors and continue to directly support the Billy Grey Research Chair. Billy Grey died of a brain tumor on July 13, 2001 – just short of his 13th birthday. It was Billy’s wish that research dollars would someday make a difference and give another the chance he didn’t have. Funding raised through Billy’s ride has been the primary source for over $250,000 in grants. Visit: www.teambilly.org.

ADA Tour de Cure
On Sunday, June 11, cyclists from around the region will gather at the start line at Stillwater High School in Stillwater to participate in the Tour de Cure, to raise money for diabetes, the nation’s fifth leading cause of death by disease. Last year, over 1,000 riders participated in the event. “This year we hope to attract even more riders and raise over $425,000 to support research for a cure,” said Chuck Dollard, Tour de Cure chair. There are five routes: 10, 25, 50, 75 (new) and 100 miles. Riders can register as an individual or team. The Tour de Cure is well-run with support from start to finish, fuel for the ride and cheering volunteers. Visit: www.diabetes.org.

North Country MS Bike Tour
The North Country MS Bike Tour on July 8-9 is a full-supported, two-day 150-mile bike tour. It will take you from Stillwater into the historic Hoosic River Valley, through the rolling countryside of Washington County, and then you’ll stay overnight in Lake George. On Sunday, you’ll return to Stillwater where you’ll pass over two covered bridges on the way. Sunday options include a 28-mile or a 62-mile ride staring and ending in Stillwater. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The money raised goes to research, to support educational programs and materials for those people living with MS. Over 200 riders from the Capital Region and surrounding areas are expected. Visit: www.msupstateny.org.

The Great Big FANY Ride
The 6th annual Great Big FANY Ride on Sunday-Saturday, July 23-29, will travel 500 miles from Niagara Falls to Saratoga Springs. The organizers will make a contribution to the Double “H” Ranch Camp in Lake Luzerne, a camp for children facing critical illness. A portion of each registration fee is automatically donated to Double H. FANY Ride is a fully-supported camping tour with hotel option, which averages 70 miles per day across the state. Visit: www.fanyride.com.

Ididaride! Adirondack Bike Tour
Brought to you by the Residents’ Committee to Protect the Adirondacks, this inaugural event will start and end in North Creek on Sunday, August 20. The ride, celebrating RCPA’s “sweet 16,” will showcase the recreational magnificence of the central Adirondacks while increasing awareness of the need to protect the resources. Options include a 75-mile loop or 20-mile ride with optional shuttle. There will be an après-ride party with food, music and prizes. Visit: www.ididaride.org.

Adirondack Spintacular Cycle
The fifth annual “Adirondack Spintacular” on Saturday, August 26, is a 5K, 12-mile, six-mile or one-mile bicycle, run or walk in Mayfield along the Great Sacandaga Lake. It raises awareness of hemophilia and organ donation and money for the Lawrence Madeiros Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is awarded annually to high school seniors living with a chronic disorder and continuing their education in college. Larry Madeiros, a hemophiliac who contracted HIV and hepatitis C as the result of blood transfusions, passed away in 2001 while waiting for a liver transplant. Visit: www.adirondackspintacular.com.

OTHER REGIONAL BENEFIT RIDES
Half-Century & Century Rides – Starting and ending in Lake Placid, the Sunday, May 28 ride will follow the epicenter of the earthquake loop. Proceeds benefit a worthy cause each year, offering two challenging rides along with great food and support. A late summer Half-Century and Century will be held on Saturday, August 26. It’s sponsored by Placid Planet Bicycles and several local businesses. Visit: www.placidplanetbicycles.com.

Get Your Guts in Gear – This ride for Crohn’s & Colitis is a 210-mile cycling tour from Friday-Sunday, June 9-11, through the Hudson River Valley from New York City to Saratoga Springs. It raises awareness and raises funds about Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and the needs of people living with ostomies. Riders are supported with a historic route, great food and camping. Visit: www.ibdride.org.

Vermont Lakes Region Cycling Weekend – On Saturday-Sunday, July 8-9, riders can enjoy one or two days of bicycling, culture and history in west central Vermont. All proceeds benefit Poultney community youth and education projects. Riders can choose from weekend self-guided or guided rides of 10-60 miles for all abilities. Visit: www.cyclingvermont.org.

Tour de Paws – On Sunday, July 9, there will be a scenic, supported 62-mile metric century, a 15-mile ride for families and a 4-mile family walk, leaving from Recreation Park in Manchester, Vt. All proceeds will benefit the Second Chance Animal Center. Visit: www.bikereg.com.

Gear Up for Lyme Mt. Equinox Uphill Bike Climb – A challenging 5.4-mile bike race up the scenic Mt. Equinox Skyline Drive in Manchester, Vt. on Saturday, August 5, benefits the Lyme Disease Association and Manchester Rotary Club charities. Awards: $5,100 prize list for overall and age groups. Visit: www.gearupforlyme.com.

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