The Ride for Roswell to Celebrate 25th Anniversary in 2020

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Today, the Ride for Roswell, presented by the West Herr Automotive Group, launched registration for this summer’s 25th anniversary event, taking place on Saturday, June 27. Online registration is available at RideforRoswell.org.

Funds raised through the Ride benefit innovative cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, including clinical trials and immunotherapy studies.

“Our riders and volunteers can look forward to some memorable moments as we celebrate the first 25 years of the Ride,” says the event’s founder, Mitch Flynn. “We started as a grassroots event that attracted 1,000 riders and raised $100,000 in 1996, and since then have raised more than $53 million for cutting-edge research and patient care at Roswell Park. Every person who has ridden or volunteered during the last 25 years has made an impact. We’ve raised significant funds in our mission to end cancer and broken records along the way, but there’s still work left to do. I want to invite everyone to make a difference for our 25th anniversary by registering to ride, becoming a virtual rider, volunteering, or donating to someone you know who rides.”

The Ride offers routes ranging from 3 to 100 miles, including an international trip through Canada and multiple start times for the most popular routes. On many route options, participants riding different distances can depart from the start line at the same time, making scheduling easier for families and team members looking to start together.

The 2020 routes and start times include:

River routes (start at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus)

• 3-mile Family Route: 10:30
• 10-mile: 9:30 & 11 a.m.
• 20-mile: 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m.
• 30-mile: 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m.

Country routes (start at UB’s North Campus)

• 34-mile: 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
• 45-mile: 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
• 65-mile (metric century): 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.
• 100-mile (century): 6:15 a.m.

Canada route (start at Roswell Park)

• 44-mile: 6:30, 7 & 7:30 a.m.

To participate, riders aged 18 and over are required to reach the fundraising minimum of $200 ($500 for the Canada route) by Ride Day; riders aged 17 and under have a fundraising minimum of $50 for all routes.

In addition to riders, more than 2,000 volunteers are needed to support the event. Volunteer signup is now available for the most critical volunteer positions. The Ride also offers a virtual rider option for those who are volunteering or cannot be present on June 27 but want to support Roswell Park.

Ride Weekend kicks off on Friday, June 26, with the Peloton, a 12-mile route that is reserved for a qualifying group of top fundraisers who raise $2,500 or more. The Peloton riders will travel in two-by-two formation from Roswell Park to UB’s North Campus and join the Celebration of Hope, a moving and inspirational community rally in support of the fight against cancer. The Celebration of Hope is also moving back into its original location in the UB Stadium. After months of fundraising efforts, thousands of riders will embark on their routes from start lines at UB’s North Campus and Roswell Park on Saturday, June 27.

More than 10,000 riders and volunteers of all ages are expected to take part in this year’s Ride. Since the first Ride for Roswell was held in 1996, the event has raised more than $53 million for cancer research and patient-care programs at Roswell Park.The funds raised through the Ride for Roswell have helped Roswell Park researchers investigate new treatment options; facilitated clinical trials for both common and rare types of cancers; supported the costs of important medical testing not covered by insurance; and made possible quality-of-life programs that help patients remember that cancer doesn’t define them and assist with non-medical needs.

In addition, Ride Spirit Week will take place March 23-27, with the Ride Kick-Off event officially launching Ride season on March 25 at Buffalo Riverworks.

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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org.