VeloSano cycling event registration now open

Registration for VeloSano, the annual cycling event to raise money for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic, is now open to the public.

Cyclists can choose either a one- or two-day cycling experience. The one-day rides range from 25 to 100 miles, while the two-day rides total 173 to 230 miles and include overnight accommodations. Each cyclist will commit to raising between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on the length of the ride selected, and 100 percent of funds raised by participants will directly benefits cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.

Opening ceremonies will be held July 18, featuring a "Celebration of Cleveland" downtown. All riders will depart July 19. Routes will take all cyclists east along the lakeshore and through many of the scenic Cleveland Metroparks. The two-day ride will take cyclists into Erie, Penn., and back to Cleveland on July 20 with a stop at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva.

“Looking at the snow, it’s hard to believe we’re just six months away from the inaugural VeloSano ride when we expect to raise $3 million for cutting edge cancer research” said Stewart A. Kohl, co-Chief Executive Officer of The Riverside Company and event chairman of VeloSano. “Over that weekend, thousands of riders and volunteers will not just complete an amazing event; we will launch a perpetual revenue source for research. Anyone comfortable pedaling on two wheels or willing to roll up their sleeves to lend a hand and eager to fight cancer and save lives should join this movement.”

Since its inception in 1921, Cleveland Clinic has been at the forefront of cancer breakthroughs. Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists have developed new surgical techniques, discovered new treatments and uncovered key information about cancer cells that has resulted in significant changes in the way patients are screened, diagnosed and treated.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns in the United States. Approximately one in three women and one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Despite these statistics, government funding for cancer research has remained flat in recent years.

“Funds raised by VeloSano and its riders will help our physicians and researchers generate discoveries and explore novel therapies for treating cancer,” said Brian J. Bolwell, M.D., FACP, chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute. “We encourage all Northeast Ohioans to join the movement and consider participating in the event as a cyclist or a volunteer.”

For more information or to register as a rider, virtual rider or volunteer, log onto www.velosano.org.

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Volume 6, Issue 3, Posted 10:29 AM, 02.04.2014