Nearly 250 Cyclists Ride from New York City to Niagara Falls to End Cancer

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Empire State Ride (ESR) is a seven-day bicycling event with one mission: to end cancer. Nearly 250 riders from across the country embark on the adventure of a lifetime, from July 26 through August 2. Each rider commits to raising at least $3,500 for cutting-edge research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center — America’s first cancer center dedicated to research. 

Since its inaugural ride in 2024, ESR has raised more than $11 million for critical research and clinical trials. 

“When I went on my first solo ride across New York State more than a decade ago, I never could’ve envisioned all this event would become,” said Terry Bourgeois, ESR Founder. “We’ve created an incredible community of people from all different backgrounds committed to the mission to end cancer: patients, survivors, caregivers and adventure cyclists. Most importantly, though, we’ve saved lives and helped pave the way for the next generation of cancer care.” 

Riders begin their journey on Staten Island, New York City, travel through some of the most scenic parts of New York State and end at one of the natural wonders of the world: Niagara Falls. Along the way, cyclists can choose to ride the traditional Empire State Ride route or challenge themselves to additional bonus miles or a hillier, alternate route on select days for an added challenge. 

Funds raised through the Empire State Ride enable Roswell Park to launch new research programs and advance some of its most promising initiatives, such as:

• A first-of-its-kind brain cancer vaccine, SurVaxM, which was first developed at Roswell Park more than 10 years ago. It was granted Fast-Track Designation by the FDA in early 2024, a designation that provides more extensive and accelerated access to FDA resources for the development of the novel cancer trial. The FDA also expanded orphan drug status designation for SurVaxM to broaden the vaccine’s potential use from adult glioblastoma to any malignant glioma in children or adults. 

• The Roswell Park Liquid Biopsy, an innovative blood test that will change the way we treat cancer by giving doctors real-time updates on how a patient is responding to treatment. Two phase 1 studies, funded in part by donations, are already underway at Roswell Park.

ESR started as a personal challenge completed by event founder Terry Bourgeois in 2014 and has grown into a movement with a worldwide impact. 

               Learn more about ESR’s impact here.

You can get more information, register and donate to individual riders or the event at EmpireStateRide.com. Volunteer positions, including corporate teams opportunities and sponsorships, are also available.

Visit the ESR press kit for information on where the funds go, fast facts, logos, photos and more.

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About Roswell Park
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, America’s first cancer center dedicated to research, is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. 

Roswell Park is one of only 4% of cancer centers designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute and was recently awarded the highest possible rating — “Exceptional” — during its five-year Cancer Center Support Grant renewal. This recognition underscores the center’s commitment to providing incredible patient care and working toward the end of cancer as we know it.

Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org.