Fueled by compassion to make an impact in children’s cancer research, The Great Cycle Challenge USA is underway to spur modern cyclists everywhere to ride and raise funds.
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Starting today, riders can register for the month-long fundraiser this June and track their progress and fundraising milestones all with the ease of an app.
“The beauty of the app is that it opens up the event beyond a traditional cycling event. We’ve opened up a fitness challenge,” said Greg Johnson, Great Cycle Challenge Founder.
And with the sport’s current popularity, Great Cycle Challenge chose correctly. According to data from FitBit, cycling is the top exercise method for baby boomers and the second for millennials and Generation X-ers. Great Cycle Challenge follows that data trend with 77% of users in the 36-65 age range.
Why cycling? Cycling offers the same cardio benefits as running but with lower impact and strain on the body.
Last year, the Great Cycle Challenge’s 12,500 participants raised $1.68 Million for Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The stakes are great, 15,700 American children are diagnosed with cancer each year, making 2016’s goal of $2.2 Million an important one for cancer research.
Founder Greg Johnson, who hails from Australia where Great Cycle Challenge originated, felt moved in 2014 to bring the Challenge to the States after hearing Zach Sobiech’s viral story.
“During that time Zach Sobiech’s story blew up on YouTube and caught our attention from the other side of the world,” Johnson said. “Children’s Cancer Research Fund told that story and that aligned with how we want to tell stories of those experiencing a cancer diagnosis.”
If you can pedal, you can ride with Great Cycle Challenge. And they take that very seriously. The youngest rider was a 16-month old who pedaled a push-bike alongside family members. Team members of the Children’s Cancer Fund even picked cycling to join the fundraising efforts. Jim Leighton’s Vice President of Events & Partnership at Children’s Cancer Research Fund rode 100 miles last June and is ready for what 2016 has it store.
Your biking challenge is your challenge. Riders can do as much or little as you they desire. The goal remains the same, to activate your network to rally around your personal riding journey and donate in support.
Need more motivation to start riding? Participants who register by April 22 are entered into a drawing to win a Podium Vitesse Bicycle valued at $4.500.