More than 3,000 riders are expected to participate in the 2006 Ride For Roswell, set for Saturday, June 24. Last year, 2,900 riders raised a record $871,000 for breakthrough cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This year, the Ride will look to raise more than $1,000,000 for the fight against cancer, so that Roswell Park can share the words, Remission Accomplished, with more patients and families across Western New York.

As it has every year since it began in 1996, the Ride starts and finishes at picturesque Baird Point on the University at Buffalo’s Amherst campus.

The event offers riders a choice of four scenic routes: 9 miles, 20 miles, 33 miles and 62.5 miles. The 62.5- and 33-mile routes head east and north from UB and go through Amherst, Clarence, and Newstead. The 62.5-mile route continues on through Akron, Alabama and Wolcottsville before returning through Clarence and Amherst.

Both the 9-mile and 20-mile routes head west from UB along the Ellicott Creek bike path. The 20-mile route continues along the Canal Trail, Niawanda, and Two Mile Creek bike paths and along roads in the city of Tonawanda before returning to UB.

Each of the four routes has rest stops with snacks, water, and rest rooms. Safety and security are provided by volunteer route guides or fire police at almost all of the four routes’ more than 120 intersections. In addition, police, bike mechanics and sag vehicles help assure a safe, enjoyable ride for all. At the conclusion of the Ride, cyclists and volunteers are treated to a picnic at Baird Point with great food, live music and a spirited awards show.

The Ride is sponsored by Wegmans and presented by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation on behalf of Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

To register or volunteer, call (716) 845-8788, or go to the Ride website at www.RideForRoswell.org

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