Pelotonia celebrates 15 years of cycling toward a cancer

The magic of grassroots organization Pelotonia is all in the name — derived from the French term “peloton.”

“(‘Peloton’) means a group of cyclists working together, and working together they can do more than an individual cyclist could do alone,” said Alida Smith, the nonprofit’s chief marketing officer.

And this weekend, over 6,500 cyclists are doing just that, travelling from all over the world for Pelotonia’s Ride Weekend in the largest single-event cycling fundraiser benefiting cancer research in the United States. Representing all ages, backgrounds, kinds and creeds, participants returned to Columbus for the event’s 15th anniversary in support of “One Goal”: funding innovative cancer research and cycling toward a cancer-free future.

Since its founding in 2008, the organization — based out of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richad J. Solove Research Institute — has raised more than $258 million in funds toward cutting-edge cancer research.

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“Over the years, it’s become more and more difficult for (cancer) researchers to get funding for their work, especially if it’s an early-stage idea. And so, Pelotonia funding really helps researchers who’ve got this great idea do their initial round of work … then go out and get some of the larger grants or government funding that can sustain that work,” Smith said.

Immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer, targeted therapy for the most aggressive form of brain tumor and addressing depression among lung cancer survivors are just a few of the many studies Pelotonia funds support, according to its website.

Pelotonia, led by President Joe Apgar, a cancer survivor and longtime cyclist himself, follows a 100% model — meaning every single dollar of funds raised goes directly toward cancer research. After registering for their ride, each cyclist commits to a fundraising goal that correlates with the distance of their route, from the 24-mile route spanning Downtown Columbus to Pickerington to the 101-mile route, taking two-wheelers from Downtown Columbus all the way to Gambier.

Under this personalized funding model, cyclists can cultivate impact in their own communities.

“People are conveying their passion to their networks, and their networks expand beyond Ohio, across the country and across the world,” Smith said.

Susan Schoepf, a nurse at Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital, rides with Team Buckeye — one of the organization’s largest networks that has raised over $2 million in donations this year alone. She’s been involved with Pelotonia for 10 years, working towards their “One Goal” in support of her mom, dad, sister and countless others in her life who’ve been affected by cancer.

This weekend, Schoepf is riding the 50-mile route from Downtown Columbus to New Albany.

“The first 25 miles will just be taking it all in. … This is actually the first year I’m not nervous!” Schoepf said with a smile.

She’ll ride alongside her friend, Marri McAndrews, who also works as a nurse at James Cancer Hospital. McAndrews is sporting a neon pink polka-dotted jersey as part of Stefanie’s Team of Hope, a subset of Team Buckeye organized in honor of Stefanie Spielman, who died in 2009 after an 11-year battle with breast cancer.

Spielman’s legacy is carried on through the world-class breast cancer care at Ohio State’s Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center.

McAndrews has worked at James Cancer Hospital for over 15 years and considers Pelotonia an invaluable opportunity to support her patients.

As she surveys the parade of two-wheelers all in their respective, multi-colored team jerseys, McAndrews’s eyes well up with tears.

“I see it every day. … I work with 3-month-old to 97-year-old patients,” she said. “Seeing all these people, it’s incredible knowing the impact.”

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While some groups, like Team Buckeye, are born out of working relationships, other teams have formed simply by a group of friends coming together for a common cause.

Lima-based crew Gears and Beers is one of those teams. Having started as two friends riding in Pelotonia 11 years ago, Gears and Beers now hosts 20 cyclists, with many tackling the challenging 101- and 184-mile routes this year.

Todd Clark, one of the founding members of the cycling group, joined Pelotonia’s cause nearly a decade ago in support of his parents, who both died of cancer. Photos of his parents are featured on the back of custom turquoise and orange jerseys, along with dozens of photos of all the other loved ones the team is cycling for this weekend.

Adam Troy, cycling this weekend as captain of Team Linden, is also outfitted in something monumental: the inaugural Wheels of Color jersey, which features the logos of seven Pelotonia teams comprising Black and brown cyclists.

After joining Pelotonia as part of Team Linden last year, Troy and his fellow cyclists “all began to realize the exponential impact of cancer on Black and brown communities,” he said. “So, the ‘Wheels of Color’ name was evergreen.”

Troy is cycling in Pelotonia’s 15th anniversary Ride Weekend on behalf of his grandma, Willie Bell Taylor; his uncle, J Frank Troy; and “the families and individuals across the Linden community who’ve been impacted by cancer.”

The weekend will culminate in a number of finish line celebrations at the end of the various routes, including festivities at New Albany Schools in New Albany and at Kenyon College for those finishing their rides in Gambier.

Those interested can learn more about Pelotonia on its website, www.pelotonia.org.

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