Ridin’ for a Reason

Charleston’s growing cadre of cyclists are out riding for all sorts of reasons—for transportation, for fun, for exercise, for camaraderie, and for an unbeatable way to explore our lovely Lowcountry landscape. And next Sunday, cyclists of all stripes, from all over the region, will come together to ride for all of the above, but mostly, they’ll be riding for hope. Riding for the hope of beating cancer, to give hope to those affected by the disease, and to raise money to support local cancer charities.

On October 14th, the fifth annual Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope will take cyclists on a 100K ride, a 30-mile ride, or a family ride, and once again, Greenville’s George Hincapie will come down from the Upstate to chaperone the riders along the beautiful country roads of Awendaw and the Francis Marion Forest. One of the most recognized professional cyclists in the world, Hincapie has gutted out the brutal Tour de France 15 times, and in seven of those 15, he escorted Lance Armstrong to victory. Next weekend, Hincapie will slow down his usual breakneck pace and ride as wingman and chief cheerleader for the Ride for Hope bicyclists, and this year he’ll be joined by female professional cyclist Robin Farina.

The Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope is a charity ride that honors all those who have battled cancer, including Zucker—the Charleston businessman and philanthropist who died of brain cancer in 2008—as well as both parents and mother-in-law of Ride founder and director Dawson Cherry. “Cancer touches so many people. It’s really gratifying to see the big-hearted bicycling community come together to do our part to further the ongoing fight against cancer,” Cherry says.

This year, thanks to the generous support of event sponsors and individual cyclists who raise or donate a minimum of $500 to ride, the Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope will surpass the $500,000 mark of funds donated to local cancer charities. “These are organizations, like Share Our Suzy and Camp Happy Days as well as Hollings Cancer Center and Roper St. Francis Cancer Care, that have direct impact on local cancer patients,” says Cherry.

It’s not too late to get your tires pumped up, register for the ride, and send out an e-mail or Facebook blast to raise a little dough for a great cause. In addition to the satisfaction of riding and supporting a great cause, all participants get a swag bag, including a custom Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope Hincapie jersey, valued at $200.

To register, view the sponsors and course map, and see all the details, click here.

For information on the 2012 Giving Back Awards—where the Jerry Zucker Lifetime Achievement Award will be among the honors presented—on Friday, November 16, click here.

For more upcoming events, click here.