Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride Slated for June 15
SOUTH DEERFIELD — On Saturday, June 15, Bikes Fight Cancer (BFC) will host its fifth annual Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride, powered by Valley Solar, at Tree House Brewing Co. in South Deerfield.
The event caters to riders of all abilities, who can choose to participate in a 25- or 50-mile route. Event directors expect close to 600 cyclists and 100 volunteers to participate in the ride; they have raised more than $105,000 so far and expect to raise more than $150,000 for families impacted by cancer.
Post-ride activities include a raffle, food from Local Burger and Bueno Y Sano, and, of course, Tree House beverages. Kids of any age are welcome to bring their bike to join in the BFC kids’ ride around the Tree House property. There will also be additional activities like face painting and ice cream for kids to enjoy.
Bikes Fight Cancer started back in 2006 with a small group of friends from Palmer who began riding bikes and raising money for the Pan-Mass Challenge. One had recently lost his dad to esophageal cancer, and another was in remission from neuroblastoma. By riding their bikes and raising money for cancer research, they felt empowered in the fight against cancer. Over time, the group expanded into a powerhouse of like-minded, fundraising athletes, and in 2023, they became a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run charity with a goal of using cycling to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis.
The Bikes Fight Cancer team recognizes that the impact of cancer extends far beyond the diagnosis and affects the patient and their family in every aspect of their lives — physically, mentally, and financially. With this in mind, and knowing that cancer can make people feel powerless, they created the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride to empower a community to participate, donate, and fundraise in the fight against cancer.
This year’s ride beneficiaries include Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and its Cancer Care Patient Fund in Northampton; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston; CHD Cancer House of Hope in West Springfield; and Cancer Connection in Northampton.
The ride organizers are grateful to partners like Valley Solar, Magic for Maddie, Easthampton Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, and Greenfield Savings Bank. Help from these partners ensures that 100% of rider-raised dollars will support families impacted by a cancer diagnosis through organizations that offer valuable cancer-care services to patients, families, and caregivers, as well as by funding hospitals focused on advancing cancer research.
The event is focused on making charity cycling fun and attainable. “I am excited to be joining Bike Fights Cancer for their charity ride again this year,” participant Karen Minott said. “No matter what level of cyclist you are, this event is for you. No matter what route you choose to ride, you will not be disappointed.”
To ride, volunteer, or donate to the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride, visit www.bikereg.com/bfc.