SpokerRide – North Country Against Cancer

North Country Against Cancer, organizer of the annual SpokerRide, has announced the ride will return for its 21st year.

The SpokerRide – a cycling event that benefits the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and the Volunteer Transportation Center – began in 2003 when Jeff Wood and his brother Steve, both cancer survivors, were looking for a way to give back to all of the people and organizations that helped them during their individual cancer journeys.

In keeping with the desire to help organizations that help those with cancer, the funding from SpokerRide for the VTC was earmarked for those the nonprofit transports to and from cancer treatments and related services. Last year, the SpokerRide saw more than 150 riders participate. The event saw great enthusiasm with its in-person return, raising approximately $12,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society and the VTC. That tradition continues today, offering two competitive courses: a 50-mile advanced course and 30-mile beginner/intermediate course. A 10-mile novice course, which is not timed, is also available for those who want to participate but not race.

This year’s SpokerRide will return on Saturday, July 29. The 50-mile race will start at 8:30 a.m., 30-mile race at 8:45 a.m. and 10-mile ride at 9 a.m. Packet pickup and race day registration starts at 7 a.m. at the Third Alarm Building (Public Safety Building), 411 W. Washington St., Sackets Harbor, located near the entrance to the Sackets Harbor Battlefield.

Lunch will be provided for all riders after the ride. There will be food available for purchase by non-participants as well, and there are many area restaurants open on race day. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the ride. All riders are eligible for the grand prize, with a drawing to be held at the award ceremony. There will also be awards for the intermediate and advanced courses for fastest in each age/sex
category. Additionally, there are numerous door prizes and giveaways during the awards ceremony. In addition to in-person participation, a virtual participation option will again be offered. Those who want to participate will be able to do so at their leisure until Aug. 12, when timings recorded through verified apps like Strava or MapMyRide will be due to organizers for review.

Participants registered by Friday, July 7, will receive a free T-shirt with a guaranteed size. T-shirts will be included in late and race day registrations this year, though sizes will not be guaranteed. Registration for each race is $50 per person until Friday, June 30, at which point the cost for registration increases to $55 per person until online registration closes Thursday, July 27. On race day, registration will be $60 per person. The event is also a designated Operation Yellow Ribbon event, with those who are active duty members of the military or veterans being able to register for $45 until June 30, $50 until July 27, and $55 on race day. The support of the community for this event is important to both the American Cancer Society and the VTC.

Those interested in sponsoring or participating this year’s SpokerRide may visit www.spokerride.net. Registration may be completed on the website or by printing the registration form, completing it and sending it with payment in care of “VTC Foundation” to North Country Against Cancer, c/o Volunteer Transportation Center, 24685 State Route 37, Watertown, N.Y. 13601. For more information, to register, or to sponsor the SpokerRide, contact organizer Jeff Wood at 315-783-6258 or spokerride@gmail.com.