Have you already abandoned your fitness goals for 2021? Now is the time to bike into good health and raise money for UW cancer research by participating in “The Ride”. The Ride, a community event for both casual and avid bicyclists, is scheduled for Sunday, September 26, 2021, with distance options from 3.2 miles to 100 miles. The 2021 event also will feature a 5K walk and a 5K or half marathon run. Register for the McArdle/UW Department of Oncology Team (https://www.givesignup.org/Race/Register/?raceId=28060) by February 28, 2021 to receive 50% off all registration fees. A virtual option of all events will run from September 26-October 10, 2021.
The Ride was started in 2016 by two UWCCC scientists as a way to “accelerate cancer research and patient treatment”. All money raised support cancer programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. McArdle investigators Ahlquist, Burkard, Deming, Miyamoto, Sherer, and Weaver are among the scientists who have been awarded research grants funded by The Ride. Tao Wei (Lambert laboratory) received a student scholar award.
Kirsten Dennison, Assistant Researcher and Lab Manager in the Shull laboratory, has participated in The Ride since its inception and says, “it is always a well-organized, collegial, uplifting, and all-around great ride!” A casual cyclist and commuter for over two decades, Kirsten has become more serious in recent years. “I’m an avid cyclist (now) and have participated in several variations of the sport since 2015. As a member of the Shull Team I have participated in The Ride in 2016-2019 riding 30, 60, and nearly 100 miles, respectively. In the 2018 event, I had a mechanical failure at mile 75 and then attempted to complete my century again in 2019, only to have it canceled due to rain.” Kirsten hopes to participate and complete her 100-mile ride in 2021.
As a cancer researcher, Kirsten understands the importance of fundraising for cancer research and is happy to participate in an event that will support her colleagues at UW. “I’m drawn to The Ride because of the local focus and the mission to provide pilot funding for researchers investigating new approaches to cancer care and treatment.” To date, The Ride has brought in over $1.3 million in critical funding for UW cancer programs.
To learn more about The Ride and to join Kirsten and thousands of other cyclists, runners, and walkers in supporting cancer research, go to: http://therideuw.org. Remember to sign up by February 28 to take advantage of early registration discounts.