Tag: cycling

Pick up your Ride for Roswell lawn signs

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Ride for Roswell Lawn Signs

Display your Ride for Roswell pride in your neighborhood! Once you raise $200, you’ll earn a Ride for Roswell lawn sign.

Here are the places where you can pick up your sign lawn.

A yard sign on grass reads, "Ride for Roswell to end cancer, presented by West Herr New York," with "Proud Fundraiser" at the bottom.

Roswell Park Locations

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Main Hospital Lobby)

Elm and Carlton Streets

Buffalo, NY 14263

 

Roswell Park Alliance Foundation

901 Washington Street

Buffalo, NY 14203

 
Care Network Member – Park Club Lane

199 Park Club Lane

Williamsville, NY 14221

Care Network Member – Orchard Park Road 

3041 Orchard Park Road

Orchard Park, NY 14127

 
Care Network Member – Lockport

6000 Brockton Drive

Lockport, NY 14094

 
Care Network Member – Niagara Falls Boulevard

10175 Niagara Falls Blvd

Niagara Falls, NY 14304

 

Care Network Member – Wehrle Drive

2150 Wehrle Drive

Buffalo, NY 14221 

Beers & Gears

Beers & Gears is a happy hour series designed to help you boost your Ride for Roswell fundraising. These events are held at breweries across Western New York throughout Ride Season. Rally your friends, grab a drink and pick up your lawn sign before heading home.

See the Beers & Gears schedule
Ride for Roswell Beers and Gears

Lawn Sign Delivery

If you have raised $200 and live within a 25-mile radius of Roswell Park, a member of the Ride team can deliver your lawn sign. Keep an eye out for a text from the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation at 410-42 asking if you’re interested in having someone bring a sign out to your house.

See all the great fundraising rewards

Advice From Team Captains To Team Captains

Posted on by Maryalice Skutnik

Advice From Team Captains To Team Captains

Every team captain begins their Ride for Roswell journey with the same goal: to make a difference in the fight against cancer. From first-time captains to those who return year after year, each team brings its own story, motivation and approach. These reflections capture what it means to lead, fundraise and ride together.

Check out the advice from some super team captains! ​

A group of people in blue shirts walk in a parade as proud partners, holding colorful balloons with "Linde" and "Team Roswell." Spectators watch from behind barriers, with trees and buildings in the background.
Linde volunteers and employees at Ride for Roswell

Christine Kleinmann — Linde

As the official Ride for Roswell Team Sponsor, Linde plays a vital role in supporting our mission by bringing employees, families and the community together to raise critical funds for cancer research and patient care.

“As team captains and leaders, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to build a culture where people feel welcome, supported, and inspired. When team captains create that environment, people naturally want to join,” said Christine Kleinmann. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s remind our coworkers why this Ride matters. Let’s celebrate every survivor and honor every fighter. Because together, we’re pushing closer to a world without cancer. Thank you for being part of this mission. Let’s make this year’s Ride one our team will never forget,”

Adam Draudt – MAD About Cancer

Ride for Roswell fundraising directly supports cancer research and clinical trials, creating an impact that extends far beyond Ride Day.

“If you are just starting out — being that a lot of Ride for Roswell funds go into research that funds clinical trials, whether you raise $200 or $20,000 just know that you are making a difference in the lives of people not only right now but for many generations to come,” said Adam Draudt.

Two men smiling outdoors; one in a gray "Mad About Cancer" T-shirt, the other in cycling gear with sunglasses and a helmet, celebrating hitting your $200 fundraising minimum. Trees and people can be seen in the background.

MaryAnn Salvadore – Team Salvadore Pedal Power!

Sharing a personal connection to the cause can help others understand the importance of the mission and encourage them to take part.

“Make it personal and let everyone in your world know why fighting cancer is so important to you and why Roswell Park deserves their time and investment. Then, invite them to join in. Riding and raising money is a way for people to take away some of the power cancer has over the ones we love. We can all feel powerless at times in the fight against cancer; your team is the way we fight back,” said MaryAnn Salvadore.

Geneva Locke – Wheel Strong

A strong sense of purpose can unite people regardless of team size or fundraising totals.

“Five years as captain of Team Wheel Strong, my role has evolved with our team’s growth. Today, I ride with the goal of spreading the Wheel Strong love as far as it can possibly reach. Support, Hope and Heart. As captains my dad and I simply support our team and riders achieve their fundraising goals, while also holding space for those in our community who are in the fight. We ride with hope, for healing, for strength, for better days. I end with heart because that’s what’s behind it all.  Heart is showing up.  Riding for others, who need a reason to keep going equals compassion in motion. We carry this mile by mile, together,” said Geneva Locke.

Two ride team members in matching red and white cycling jerseys kneel and point at engraved bricks on a walkway, smiling at the camera. Other people stand in the background.
Lori with bike

Lori Runk – Fighting Irish Fighting Cancer

Creating a central gathering space can strengthen team connections and enhance the Ride Day experience.

“The BEST thing we did for the team was to get a tent! It created a place we could gather, safely leave our stuff and share stories after the Ride. Without a tent, we were just a bunch of riders on many different routes. With it, team members actually got to meet each other,” said Lori Runk.

Pete Somerville – Big Wheels Bike Club

Team engagement, communication and fun play an important role in building momentum throughout the season.

“Social media makes it so much easier. Involve as many as you can on your team. Get your team together as often as you can for Beers and Gears and other social events,” said Pete Somerville. “Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask. Ask people to be on your team, ask people to donate. If you don’t, someone else will! Above all else — have fun!”

Three older adults in colorful cycling outfits stand together, smiling after hitting your $200 fundraising minimum. Two wear matching yellow jerseys with blue bikes; one holds a bicycle. The third sports a multicolored jersey with “Kids just want to have FUN!” on the front.

Ride Teams Pave The Way

From fundraising tips to team-building ideas, these team captains prove that there’s no single way to lead, only a shared commitment to ending cancer. Whether you’re riding for the first time or your fifteenth, your efforts help power lifesaving research and care at Roswell Park.

Ready to lead your team?

Learn about your impact

Choosing the Route for You

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Whether you’re a novice cyclist or a beginner, there’s a route for you at Ride for Roswell. Routes range from four to 100 miles, and the variety is wide. From scenic country roads and river views to a route through Niagara Falls State Park, your Ride Day can be truly what you make it.

It’s important to think through all the options when registering for Ride for Roswell, and we’re here to help guide you in your decision.

See the routes
Ride for Roswell participant

Go the Distance (that’s right for you)

All routes focus on fun, not timing; riding, not racing. Ride for Roswell fundraisers are encouraged to choose a route that best aligns with their cycling abilities and training commitment.

A man and a young child wearing helmets enjoy a safe ride together on a bicycle during a cycling event. The child sits in a front-mounted seat, waving, while other cyclists ride in the background. Both wear white event t-shirts.

Family Route

The shortest mileage offered at Ride for Roswell is the four-mile Family Route. This is a path along the UB and Amherst bike trails, so riders don’t have to worry about car traffic. With one rest stop, this is the perfect route for beginners, children and families riding together.

Middle Mileage

River Routes are available in 10, 20 or 30 miles. These routes go along Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River. Depending on your experience level, each of these river options require some level of training — especially the 30-mile route.

Raising the Stakes

Looking for even more of a challenge? Check out the 34- or 45-Mile Country Routes. These paths go through historic Clarence Center and the farmlands of Newstead before heading back to UB North. Both options feature earlier start times and longer distances, offering a rewarding test of endurance while still getting you back to campus in time for lunch.

Rolling through Niagara Falls

New this year: Ride alongside Niagara Falls, through Niagara Falls State Park, in this all-new 44-mile route. Fundraisers start and finish at UB and take on a scenic loop around Goat Island, with opportunities for unique photos along the way. Picture yourself or your team getting the perfect photo with the falls behind you! The opportunity to ride around Goat Island isn’t available every day so take advantage of this special opportunity and be part of the inaugural 44-mile Niagara Falls route.

This route has a $750 fundraising commitment and stays entirely in the United States, so passports are not required.

Ride for Roswell fundraiser
Ride for Roswell fundraiser
A smiling cyclist wearing a helmet and sunglasses poses with one hand making a peace sign and the other holding a drink, surrounded by other cyclists ready for a ride on a cloudy day.

Extra Miles & Hills

Long-distance cyclists looking for a challenge are encouraged to register for the 65 or 100-mile routes. Both of these options are Country Routes, which travel through the rolling hills of Western New York’s countryside. These distances require consistent training and preparation leading up to June 27 in order to have the best Ride Day experience.

Check out the training plan

Notes for All Routes

Ride for Roswell is a welcoming community event where riders of all ages and experience levels come together at UB to cross the finish line. As you ride, please stay aware of your surroundings, follow guidance from our Ride volunteers, and share the road respectfully with fellow riders and local traffic. Working together helps ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Ride Day safety tips

Post-Ride Experience

After crossing the finish line, riders are invited to celebrate at UB. Take time to visit the “Why I Ride” wall, ring the Victory Bell to honor a milestone in your cancer journey and enjoy lunch in the meal tent. Food, beverages and music will be available in the finish line area until approximately 2:30 p.m. The liveliest post-Ride celebration takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Riders who finish outside of peak hours may have a different experience than the participants who arrive earlier, with offerings adjusted to accommodate the crowd size. However, there will still be food and water available all participants who cross the finish line.

Looking for a Different Option?

If none of the Ride Day routes work for you or you’re just trying to change up your Ride for Roswell Experience, consider Ride Your Own Way! From creating your own route, to volunteering or getting involved throughout the summer, Ride Your Own Way gives you the opportunity to be a part of the Ride Community in a way that fits your schedule and skillset.

Ride Your Own Way
Ride for Roswell finish line

Out-of-the-box fundraising: Baking with Gusto!

Posted on by j.schifferle
Lauren, her mom Lisa, sister Katie and friend Michelle stand in a kitchen for their Baking with Gusto! fundraiser.

Out-of-the-box fundraising: Baking with Gusto!

Lauren and her mom, Lisa, smile widely in winter jackets.
Lauren and her friend, Michelle, stand in a kitchen surrounded by baking tools.

For Lauren Latona, the Ride for Roswell goes beyond just a summer bike ride. Her mother, Lisa, is fighting stage four stomach cancer and visits Roswell Park often for treatments. Since her diagnosis, Lisa has always decided to mirror her life after one motto: Live with Gusto! The mantra is a simple reminder to make the most out of every day and to bring vigor and enthusiasm to all she does. 

Taking a page out of her mother’s playbook, Lauren decided to give back to Roswell Park and the Ride for Roswell by “Baking with Gusto!” All proceeds from her planned bake-a-thon would be donated to a cancer center that’s close to her family’s heart. For weeks, Lauren took orders from people in her network —quiches, cookies, cheesecakes and more. Then, she got down to business. With the help of her friend, Michelle, she baked for two days straight while checking orders off her list.

When all was said and done, the baking duo raised more than $600 for Roswell Park. Then, Lauren’s company, Sirius XM Radio, matched all donations for a total of $1,230 toward cancer care and research.

Lauren’s mom (and her sister, Katie) couldn’t be more proud of her efforts. Here’s what her mom had to say:

“Bake with Gusto! was born from the hearts of two warm and generous bakers — my daughter Lauren and her friend Michelle. They were looking to give back to RPCI for the great care I’m receiving, so they came up with a fantastic idea to bake for friends and family in return for donations. I still tear up when I think they were able to donate over $1200 to RPCI. Bake with Gusto! — a passion project close to my heart.”

Thank you, Lauren and Michelle, for all your efforts!

What out-of-the-box fundraising have you been trying? Share your ideas with us on social!

Facebook
Instagram
Team Lisa's Legion

Featured Team: Team Shuno

Posted on by Matt.Kianka

Why does your team ride in the Ride for Roswell?

When we started as a Team of 8 in 2018, it was a few years after my sister in law underwent treatments for Breast Cancer and my mom started her battle with Lung Cancer. In the summer of 2014 we lost my uncle Ralph to Throat Cancer. In October of 2015, on the same day that we learned of my wife’s Breast Cancer diagnosis, my mom went to the hospital with what would be the spread of her cancer to her brain. Shortly after that, with my mom and my wife dealing with their surgeries and treatments, my dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. In the spring of 2017 my friend Susan Tanner lost her valiant battle with metastatic Breast Cancer. Needless to say, it was a rough few years. With all that had happened we felt the need to do something to not only celebrate those that were still with us and honor those that we lost, but also to do something to help the cause in some way. The Ride For Roswell was the perfect opportunity and we have been riding and growing as a team ever since! This year we will have 15 riders from Buffalo, Olean, Rochester and Vermont!

What does leading a team mean to you?

I feel a tremendous sense of pride to be able to organize our families and do something to help this cause that has affected us in such profound ways.

What is your favorite part about Ride weekend?

There are so many things I love about Ride weekend. At the top of the list is the Celebration of Hope. It’s a chance to slow down from all the prep and remember why we are riding. Although it’s always a very emotional event, it is also incredibly uplifting and empowering.

Team Page

Bob and Julie Furminger Talk Tradition

Posted on by j.schifferle

For Julie and Bob Furminger, the Ride for Roswell is a quarter-century tradition that keeps getting more meaningful with time. It all started 25 years ago with a gift. A dear friend of the Furmingers gave them a racing bike shortly before he passed away from cancer. The couple saw that as an opportunity to honor their dear friend and put the bike to good use by participating in their first-ever Ride for Roswell.

The Beginning

That first year left a strong impression on the Furmingers. They rode through pouring rain and got soaked to the bone pedaling down cobblestone streets. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

One image remains with them to this day:

“We stood outside the hospital and waved to the people in the windows at Roswell Park,” Julie says. “Then, everybody got on their bikes and left with a bag pipe player. It poured rain, and we were soaking wet right through. That was not easy, but it was a very memorable thing to be at the hospital with all those people in the windows.”

Twenty-five years later, the Furmingers are still riding strong for everyone affected by cancer at Roswell Park and beyond. Despite the normal obstacles of everyday life, they commit to riding year after year. Even their most recent challenge — Bob’s hip surgery — couldn’t stop them from participating in a tradition they love.

Through the Years

According to the couple, the Ride for Roswell has gotten even better with time, bringing new traditions, bigger celebrations and different ways to ride. This included the formation of their team, the Clarence Christian Crusaders. When the Furmingers shared their enthusiasm for the Ride for Roswell with their church, the entire community rallied behind them and decided to ride together. Since the pandemic, the team has leaned into the Ride Your Own Way Option, which has given them the ability to ride from anywhere and chart their own course while supporting the same great cancer cause.

This year, they plan to cover 25 miles with 30 other church members riding or cheering them on. A few preschool kids will also join them for a shorter ride to a local ice cream shop. Their parents see this as a teaching opportunity, showing their little ones that helping the community matters (while giving them a sweet treat).

On Fundraising

The Furminger’s team isn’t the only thing that’s grown over the years — their fundraising has, too. The Clarence Christian Crusaders has managed to fundraise thousands of dollars for cancer care and research at Roswell Park over the years with more than $21,000 raised last year alone. They’re hoping to match that number again this year. The Furminger’s fundraising efforts are eclectic with some donations coming directly from their church community and others coming from their friends and loved ones and friends of loved ones. They write personalized letters each year to the people in their lives, explaining what they’re doing and asking for donations. Last year, they sent out between 50 and 75 letters, and almost all of them came back with donations.

“It doesn’t have to be a large donation,” Bob says. “It can be a small amount of money, but the more people who donate, the more money we’re going to get. And that’s what it’s all about — getting enough to keep the research going.”

As times passes, more people in the Furmingers lives have been affected by cancer, including friends and team members. This year, the Furmingers will be riding for their daughter-in-law, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and began treatment at Roswell Park. This experience has brought a renewed sense of urgency in their fundraising for clinical trials and research.

“I have lost so many friends [to cancer], and if I can do anything to slow that down or stop it, I would consider my efforts successful,” Bob says.

Final Thoughts

Thinking back on her 25-year journey, Julie had one last sentiment to share.

“A long time ago, I met a lady from Barcelona, Spain,” Julie recalls. “She was given a scholarship to come to the famous Roswell Park hospital. She had just graduated from medical school, and it was the fifties. She impressed me, and I thought, ‘Gee, that’s really an important place down there.’ I still feel that way about Roswell Park. I just feel good about helping.”

Join the Furmingers at the 2022 Ride for Roswell today.

Register to Ride

Featured Team: Andrea’s Army

Posted on by Matt.Kianka

The Ride for Roswell is very meaningful to my family. We’ve had many experiences with cancer through numerous family members. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Grandchildren, young and old, so many have experienced cancer in one way or another. The team, Andrea’s Army, is named after my sister Andrea who battled Stage 4 Kidney cancer at the young age of 28 years old. She put up an extremely courageous battle against cancer and never gave up. We like to raise money and ride every year in her memory to continue her fight against cancer. Her generous and joyous spirit lives on in us and in this event.

What does leading a team mean to you?

Leading Andrea’s Army is very bittersweet for me. I wish my sister Andrea were by my side to lead her team herself. I feel her energy through the love and support I have received over the past 9 years from friends and family alike.

What is your favorite part about Ride weekend?

Waiting at the start line is always my favorite part. The excitement from the community of people around me is always overwhelming! Then, when I push the pedals and take off, riding through the crowd of supportive strangers cheering and ringing their bells is such a wonderful feeling. I am so happy to be part of this event year after year.

Team Andrea's Army

Featured Team: Cycling for Sue

Posted on by Matt.Kianka

Why does your team ride in the Ride for Roswell?

2019 was Team Cycling for Sue’s first year riding. The previous fall after only five months we lost my wife Sue and my children Kody and Teal’s mom to the horrible disease of lung cancer. My brother Jeff suggested to me that we ride in her memory. It was and still is a very emotional event to participate in as all the memories of her come flooding back. While originally riding for her, hence the name Cycling for Sue, since then we have lost a number of friends and family to some type of cancer and it has opened up our eyes to see how so many are effected by Cancer. While the team is still Cycling for Sue, we ride in memory of all those that we have lost and for those that are fighting to survive.

Team Cycling for Sue

What does leading a team mean to you?

Leading the Cycling for Sue team gives me comfort that quite possibly the funds we raise might save someone’s life and have someone advert the loss of a loved one. Sue was about helping others. Whether it was with a meal, a friendly call or a shoulder to cry on she was always there for others. I know she is looking down on us and smiling for all that we are doing for others.

               

What is your favorite part about Ride weekend?

My favorite part of the Ride Weekend is that it gets so many people together for such a great cause. While tears flow with the memories the ride also teaches us that so many are helped at Roswell and that it is Roswell that gives someone the chance to ring the bell!

Featured Team: Team Skoden

Posted on by j.schifferle

For Whitney Ann Henry, forming a Ride for Roswell team marked the realization of a goal she set nearly two years ago. Along with her coworker and team co-captain, Josie Raphaelito, Team Skoden came to fruition. Skoden is a slang term used in the Indigenous community to mean “Let’s go then!” or “Let’s get after it.” The name aligns perfectly with their goal to support their department: the Center for Indigenous Cancer Research (CICR) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Whitney Ann, the Indigenous patient navigation coordinator, and Josie, a research project coordinator, are both passionate about furthering the CICR’s mission of reducing cancer’s impact on Indigenous communities. They are also committed to bringing awareness within the Indigenous community of the resources available through the CICR.

CICR - Center for Indigenous Cancer Research Team

CICR Resources

A few examples include:

  • Colorectal cancer screening education classes
  • The Indigenous and Rural Patient Navigation Program: a free, non-clinical service for cancer care
  • Student internships
  • The Native CIRCLE Library, a virtual hub for culturally appropriate health education materials for Indigenous communities, scholars, researchers and educators
  • The Talking Circle, a podcast that focuses on Indigenous health and wellness
  • The Talking Circle webinar series featuring health and wellness experts and topics that are most important to Indigenous communities. Check for upcoming webinars or catch up on previous topics, including April’s talk featuring David R. Wilson, PhD, Director of Tribal Health Research Office, who discussed his work with building a unified presence between the National Institutes of Health and tribal leaders across the nation.

    Watch the webinars.

About Team Skoden

Whitney Ann and Josie have opted to have the funds they raise for the Ride for Roswell directly benefit the CICR to continue these efforts and advance the critical research and community services that will reduce the cancer burden within Indigenous communities. Cancer is one of the top leading causes of death for Native Americans in Western New York, so the work done through the CICR is critical.

Team Skoden has grown to include 14 riders with a goal to collectively raise $10,000 through the Ride for Roswell. Together, the team looks forward to joining thousands of other riders committed to making a positive impact.

“I’m riding for my whole reservation,” Whitney Ann says. “We always have Indigenous communities in mind, and we do it for them.”

Join Team Skoden or create your own team for the Ride! No team is too big or too small to make a meaningful difference.

 

 

Register to Ride