'Ride Cincinnati' Cancer Benefit Slated for June 14

Cincinnati

—Warm weather is almost here, so it's time to dust off the bike and start pedaling for a good cause: cancer research.  

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels are invited to pedal across Greater Cincinnati for breast cancer awareness at the third annual 2009 Ride Cincinnati.  

Ride Cincinnati is an annual cycling event benefiting local breast cancer research conducted at the University of Cincinnati (UC). The family-friendly event takes place Sunday, June 14, at Yeatman's Cove/Sawyer Point.

Event organizers plan to donate all proceeds from the event to the UC Barrett Cancer Institute at University Hospital to support local breast cancer clinical, translational and basic research programs.

In its first two years, the event raised more than $330,000 for breast cancer research projects exploring a variety of topics, including basic science studies to develop novel antiestrogens in breast cancer and explore the role of vitamin D3 activation in adipocytes (fat cells) in breast cell development.

Ride Cincinnati was founded by Harvey Harris, DDS, Ronald Stern and Craig Cowit, three

Cincinnati men whose families have been touched by breast cancer. The event is dedicated to the life of Marlene Harris and all women who have been affected by breast cancer.

Ride Cincinnati cyclists and families can choose to ride distances ranging from 8.2 to 62.8 miles. All routes start at Yeatman's Cove, but at staggered times throughout the morning:

• 6:30 a.m.— 62.8-mile ride
• 7:30 a.m.—45.2-mile ride
• 8:30 a.m.—26- and 18.4-mile rides
• 9 a.m.—8.2-mile ride

Children up to age eight can participate in a one-mile Kids Bike Rally, starting at 11 a.m., and ride through Sawyer Point. After the Kids Bike Rally, each child will receive a participation medal and take part in free celebration activities including balloon artists, magicians, a jump house, goodie bags, food and music.

All registered riders are invited to attend a post-event celebration, where there will be live music, entertainment, massages and complimentary refreshments. The adult participant who raises the most personal sponsorship money will receive a Batavus Socorro Bike, courtesy of Gargoyle Cycling-Cincinnati. Children are also eligible for prizes based on fundraising goals.

For more information or to register, visit www.ridecincinnati.org. To volunteer at the event, e-mail ridecincyvols@fuse.net.