Pelotonia organizers aim to break record number of riders
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The 16th Pelotonia Ride Weekend may still be five months away on Aug. 3 and 4, but the fundraising and recruiting has already begun.
"We opened up registration yesterday at noon. We've had our best registration that we've ever had," said CEO of Pelotonia Joe Apgar.
He's been with the organization for about eight years but is in his first year at the helm as Chief Executive Officer.
He's aiming high for the 2024 ride. Around 6,500 riders participated in last year's ride. He wants more this year.
"We're shooting for over 7,000. I'd love to have 75,000 this year, would be amazing,” Apgar said.
Apgar said they're aiming for a new fundraising record, too. The record is $27.4 million. He said if they reach that 7,000 rider mark, the goal is in sight.
For those who missed the launch party in Columbus Friday, there's no reason to worry. Apgar said people can sign up throughout the year.
"We have people sign up until the day of the event. So, registrations open now, but it goes through, really, Aug. 2. It's the opening ceremony, Aug. 3 and 4 is our ride weekend. Then we've actually got a fall event we're doing for the second time this year. So, Sept. 28 is Gravel Day. It's on gravel, dirt trails, sort of getting offroad. It's a different style of cycling, a whole different style of bike. It's hills and climbing, it's adventurous," Agpar said.
Kathleen Green is entering her 15th year as a Pelotonia rider. She's now a team captain and helps recruit new riders and spearheads fundraising efforts. A lot of times, she said that's the toughest part.
"Most people say they're intimidated by the fundraising. I always tell them, it's not about you. You're not putting the money in your pocket. And if you don't ask people you're making the choice for them," Green said.
As for the actual bike riding, participants can choose a route that works for them come race weekend. There are routes starting at 20 miles all the way up to the two-day 155 mile route.
"It's just like riding a bike. You just get on and you ride what you can, you do what you can, and you build your base and before you know it you go from 20 to 100 miles," Green said.
Green started riding 15 years ago after her brother died of colon cancer. Then in 2020, cancer struck again.
"In 2020, I lost my boyfriend to glioblastoma, and we met through cycling. So now that's primarily who I ride for is in his memory. Since I lost my boyfriend to glioblastoma, his doctor is actually part of a research team that is making strides in treating glioblastoma. So I like to think that I've had a part in that," she said.
All the money raised by Pelotonia goes to fund cancer research at the James Cancer Hospital at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
"It's one of the best cancer research programs not only in the country but in the world. We have it right here in our own backyard," said Apgar.
Jim Coleman is a longtime Pelotonia rider as well. He's participated in every ride since the inception 16 years ago.
"It seemed like a great idea, and I had no idea when I did it how it would grow and how it would become such a big part of my life," Coleman said.
He rode for a long time because he enjoyed cycling and he wanted to support cancer research. His story became more personal in the last couple years.
"Cancer showed up on my front porch. And it was just really different at that time. What's amazing is the people I've been riding with, friends or just acquaintances all came to our aid. And really were amazing," Coleman said.
The Pelotonia community became a family.
"They were riders, they were friends, they were family. And then we kind of all became this huge community of people fighting for this common cause," said Coleman.
Now, he's helping recruit more riders as a team captain for Team Ruscilli.
"We're finding new people that either, they love cycling or the cause is very personal to them. I have two first time riders in the first 36 hours on Team Ruscilli,” Coleman said.
More information on how to join a team or to give to the cause can be found at Pelotonia.org.