This is a long-awaited cycling event in Columbus that lasts for two days (8/20 - 8/22) and 180 miles and is a
fundraiser benefitting
Ohio State's The James Cancer Hospital (one of the nation's top hospitals of its class).
Over 4,000 bicycle riders from all over Ohio and dozens of other states, even some other countries like Canada and China, participate by riding on various tours, or paths of their choice -- and you can go any speed you want (something I didn't know, because I would have signed up for Pelotonia then)! Or you even can do a virtual ride. The full length biking route goes from Columbus (OSU) all the way to Athens, OH on the campus of Ohio University. See the tour map below.
If you don't want to do either of those options, it's always fun to give to the cause for free by volunteering your time. Volunteer registration has already ended, but keep this in mind for 2011.
The Pelotonia kick-off party/ceremony will be held tonight, Aug. 20 from 3 pm to 9 pm on the Chemical Abstracts Services grounds , 2540 Olentangy River Rd., across from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, which includes a complementary dinner buffet for participants.
Counting Crows will be performing, as well as Augustana, and country music star
Pat Green will be performing on August 21.
Last year, at our city's first-ever Pelotonia, none-other than
Lance Armstrong was the honorary rider and master of ceremonies. This fundraising event was brought to Columbus in 2008 by
Dr. Michael Caligiuri, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (he's kind of a big deal).
(A photo from last year's event)
Some key corporate sponsors this year include, Huntington Bank, Limited Brands and Bob Evans (love love love their yummy breakfasts). This year's fundraising goal is $40 million!
Here's the
official Pelotonia blog.
Photo's courtesy of pelotonia.org, jamesline.com, columbuslocalnews.com
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