The first annual Cure On Wheels is over but the memories will last a lifetime. In March, we set a goal of 50 riders for our inaugural ride. We reached that and then some with 54 fabulous riders!  Our thanks to each and every one of you that rode to help raise money for cancer research. We also had the support of a wonderful group of volunteers, lead by Kyra Mohren, our ace volunteer coordinator. Our riders were truly pampered by these great people and we are so appreciative of their involvement. With volunteers, riders and family, we had approximately 150 people involved.  These are people who supported our mission of funding research to cure cancer.

There were many stories of courage, hope and inspiration over the weekend. Team Gallaway, lead by Grace Gallaway, somehow managed to shepard their group of riders around the course for the two days. This group will tell you themselves that they are hardly riders, yet they wanted to pay tribute to Jack Gallaway and made the commitment to do Cure On Wheels. Jack helped start Cure On Wheels and this ride was dedicated to him. Their positive attitude and determination is what Cure On Wheels is all about.

We had an impressive number of riders from Baxter Healthcare. Thanks to Brian Mayte and Nikki Smith, they stepped up early committing to put a team together and raise money for our cause. Baxter matches the amounts their employee’s raise, which makes a huge difference, and they even got their riders Baxter bike shirts!  One Baxter rider, John Biewer, even went the long route when he was promised an extra $5/mile for his ride.  Way to go, John!  Moffitt Cancer Center was also well represented with a number of riders and volunteers. We are looking forward to having these teams grow with us in future years.

Friday night was the first night of the event with riders checking in and having a delicious meal of lasagna, Caesar salad, fruit salad, pasta salad and garlic bread. Armand Boutin & Barbara Riddle planned the menu and prepared most of the food with the help of Rose Bock. Jack Bevilacqua brought his famous ziti to help carbo-load our riders. The evening was filled with inspiration as Bill Riddle, Geoff Lanier and Michelle Del Rosario-Brown told their moving and heartfelt stories about why they were involved in this ride.

Saturday the riders were given a nutritious breakfast with help from Richard Spayde Barbara Riddle and others. At last, the moment was upon us when the ride would begin. Before sending the riders on their way, 14 year old Julie Riddle sang the Star Spangled Banner acappella in one of the weekend’s most moving moments. Finally the riders were sent out to the Rolling Stone’s “Start Me Up”. There was even a bagpiper to greet them at the end of a long, steep climb. 

The riders ranged in age from 14-69, including 5 cancer survivors, which was nearly 10% of the participants. One rider, who had not trained at all for the event and even had to borrow a bicycle to participate, somehow managed to complete nearly the entire 62-mile ride. Geoff Lanier and Brian Nutillo, of Suncoast Trailside Bicycles, came to the rescue.Manny Mirabel from University Bicycle and Rez Smith also helped monitor the course. There were many riders who said this was the longest they had ever ridden in their lives.  This is the spirit of our ride.  The spirit of grit and determination. 

Riders who were riding on Sunday were treated to a relaxing massage by our three wonderful masseuses, Rebeka Rudie, Alex Retana and Precious Resch. Many took advantage of Saint Leo University’s lovely campus and even cooled off in the pool. Saturday night featured a delicious dinner of chicken and rice generously supplied by the Columbia Restaurant. It was a time to reflect on the day and hear the stories of others.

Sunday, the riders got an early start and nearly all were back before noon. Once again, our volunteers had prepared a delicious meal, this time with wings, beans and slaw from Hooters.  Coca Cola supplied our soft drinks and PowerAde while Zephyrhills donated bottled water and SYSCO bananas and oranges. Even the Red Bull truck paid us a visit passing out their energy drinks. Special thanks to the wonderful folks at Saint Leo University, especially Vicki Fredrickson, Rich Vogel and Fran Reidy.   

There are so many people that deserve the credit for an enjoyable and successful weekend. Riders like Scott Bock, Jack Bevilacqua and Rich Lush who went the extra mile to help in any way they could. Along with Kyra Mohren, the list of super volunteers is a long one and many got up at 3 and 4am to come help. Donna Cosenzo, Brenda Gordon, Sharyn Jaxheimer, Betsy Valencia, Jan Rust, Brittany Bevilacqua, Sharon Masters, The Morelli Family and Diana Rarer were just some of the many that made a huge difference.Some spent all day Saturday and Sunday doing what they could to help out.