Pelotonia riders hit the rocky road for cancer research at new Gravel Day event
Pelotonia's road warriors kicked off a new tradition at the inaugural Gravel Day event, forging a new path in Ohio State's quest to create a cancer-free world.
Nearly 200 riders hit the road in Nelsonville, OH for the new addition to the Pelotonia season, which includes the annual August ride that's raised more than $250 million for research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
"The idea behind Gravel Day was to try to give additional people the opportunity to be a part of the Pelotonia movement and contribute to life-saving cancer research," Pelotonia CEO Doug Ulman says. "That's why we started this new event."
Through its first 15 years, the August Pelotonia ride has become an Ohio institution, bringing thousands of riders, donors and volunteers together to support the OSUCCC – James' experts through groundbreaking initiatives like the Pelotonia Idea Grant and Scholars programs, and high-tech research organizations and facilities, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology and the Pelotonia Research Center.
Click here to learn more about Pelotonia-funded research at the OSUCCC – James.
To expand Pelotonia's reach, Ulman and his team turned to a growing trend in the cycling community.
"Gravel cycling is the largest growth segment of cycling at large," he says.
The event appeals to new riders as well as many long-time Pelotonia participants, who embraced the opportunity to try something new while continuing to raise funds for their favorite cause.
"It's a completely different sort of feeling when you're out gravel riding," Pelotonia President Joe Apgar says. "There are way less cars, and you feel like you're just out in nature — it's almost like you're enjoying a fun hike."
Pelotonia’s impact on Ohio State's cancer care and research is unmatched, supporting doctors, researchers and patients at the OSUCCC – James and across the world through new treatments, clinical trials, support programs and much more.
“We can't do what we do to create a cancer-free world without the support that Pelotonia provides,” OSUCCC – James interim CEO David Cohn, MD, MBA, says. “The funding for the research that we do goes to help our patients today and tomorrow.”