The Ride For Roswell Kicks Off 16th Season

Fundraising and training begins in support of research and patient care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

(BUFFALO, NY)--The 2011 season of The Ride For Roswell, Western New York’s largest one-day cycling event, kicked off April 7 at New Era Cap in Buffalo, N.Y. Thousands of riders across Western New York and beyond will fundraise and train over the coming months in anticipation of the June 25 event in support of cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This year’s kick-off event allowed new and returning riders to hear from an inspirational speaker; learn from Roswell Park researchers what the funds raised will accomplish; share training, fundraising and bike maintenance tips; and bolster their team spirit in anticipation of the June 25 event.

The Ride For Roswell is a family-friendly event held at the University at Buffalo in Amherst, NY. The Ride features ten cycling routes, including a new route this year, for riders of all ability levels. Riders can choose from a 3-, 8-, 20-, 22-, 30-, 33-, 44-, 62.5- or 100-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 to the main event at the University at Buffalo. Cyclists, volunteers and supporters can take advantage of a post-Ride celebration featuring live music, child-friendly entertainment and other attractions.

The Ride has raised more than $13.8 million for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center over the past 15 years. In 2010 alone, more than 7,000 riders and 1,500 volunteers helped raise $2.8 million for cancer research.

Register today (save $5 online) 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.

The Ride For Roswell Big Wheel sponsors include LocalEdge, New Era Cap Company, Praxair, Inc, Sahlen’s, Superior Group, The University at Buffalo, Wegmans and WGRZ-TV Channel 2.

The Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, founded in 1991, is a 501(C)(3)not-for-profit organization formed to receive and administer funds supporting scientific and clinical research, state-of-the-art medical care, and patient-related activities at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. Roswell Park is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit Roswell Park’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or e-mail AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org.