When I moved back to Florida in 2003, one of the first things I looked for was a bike ride to raise money for cancer research. Unfortunately, there was nothing even close. There were rides for other charities but I had a personal reason to want to raise money for cancer. Having lost my mother and both uncles to the disease, I wanted to do something to make a difference.

I had been fortunate enough to find such a ride in Massachusetts and rode in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) from 1998-2002. I found the ride to be inspirational, challenging, rewarding and always different. Indeed, the PMC was my inspiration and model for starting a similar ride here in Florida. 

The spirit of the PMC is one of selflessness, courage and even humor. In part, it’s about making sacrifices and overcoming adversity. The riders come in all shapes, sizes and abilities but one thing they all have in common is a passion to make a difference and find a cure for cancer. To that end, they have raised over $200 million dollars since the ride’s inception. Jack Gallaway and I shared a vision to bring a ride like the PMC to Florida.  To that end, he and I co-founded Cure On Wheels.  Jack lost his battle with cancer but his spirit and the spirit of the PMC has become the essence of Cure on Wheels.

You may not know it but, in order for a research facility like Moffitt Cancer to receive grant money from the federal government, they have to be able to demonstrate that they are working on a treatment that shows promise. Without the money to do the preliminary research, Moffitt would never have access to the substantial funds available from the government. My goal is for Cure on Wheels to help raise the “seed” money necessary for Moffitt Cancer Center to conduct this preliminary research. It is getting these results that will lead to a cure for this disease.

I like to consider ours to be a fundraising enterprise that happens to have a memorable and enjoyable weekend of cycling thrown in as a bonus. There are many ways you can participate from riding, to volunteering to “virtual” riding. I am personally committed to make this an experience you will want to be a part of for years to come and one that will fill you with hope and inspiration. I hope you will join us. 

Moving toward a world without cancer,

Bill Riddle
Co-Founder, Cure on Wheels, Inc.
A non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation
For the benefit of Moffitt Cancer Center