The Ride For Roswell Celebrates Start of 17th Season

(BUFFALO, NY) The 2012 season of The Ride For Roswell, Western New York’s largest one-day cycling event, kicked off today at Pettibones Grille in Buffalo, N.Y. Cyclists, volunteers and supporters from The Ride and staff from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center took part in the kickoff to celebrate past success and share new features of this year’s event.

Thousands of riders across Western New York and beyond will fundraise and train over the coming months in anticipation of the June 23 event in support of cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park.

The Ride 2012 will feature a brand-new Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 22. The Opening Ceremony will unite Roswell Park’s annual Survivor's Day Celebration and The Ride through a celebration of riders, volunteers, Roswell Park patients and survivors, sponsors and more. The Opening Ceremony will feature remarks from cancer advocate and former Buffalo Bills player Chris Spielman, as well as a performance by a nationally-recognized musical artist.

The Ride For Roswell will be held on Saturday, June 23. Riders can choose from a 3-, 8-, 20-, 14-, 30-, 33-, 44-, 62.5- or 104-mile ride. Plus, Extra Mile Club fundraisers ($1000+) have the chance to take part in the unique 12-mile Peloton ride that travels from Roswell Park’s campus on Friday evening to the Opening Ceremony at the University at Buffalo.

Last year, cyclists helped raise over $3.2 million for cancer research and patient care programs at Roswell Park.

Register today or read how-to tips and stories to help you fundraise or get a team started at www.RideforRoswell.org, or call 716-THE-RIDE. In-person presentations and recruitment kits also are available for any group interested in team participation.

Generous sponsors of The Ride include: BIG WHEEL: Wegmans; Praxair, Inc.; Superior Group; Sahlen’s; M&T Bank; Dunkin’ Donuts; WGRZ-TV; New Era Cap; University at Buffalo; LocalEdge. BREAK AWAY: 97 Rock; 103.3 The Edge; Mix 104.1; Bison Baseball; Eberle Sciandra; SterlingUnited; Flynn & Friends, Willson International. TEN SPEED: Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Buffalo; DuPont; FedEx; Ferguson Electric; Pactimo; Emedia Studios; Rite Aid; NFTA-Metro. FIVE SPEED: Bert’s Bikes & Fitness; Buffalo Athletic Club; BlueCross BlueShield of WNY; Cameron; Kmart.