Annual 'Ride Cincinnati' Event for Local Cancer Research Slated for June

Cincinnati—Cyclists of all ages and skill levels are invited to pedal across Greater Cincinnati for breast cancer awareness at the 2008 Ride Cincinnati.   

The family-friendly event takes place Sunday, June 1, at Yeatman's Cove/Sawyer Point and is open to people of all ages.

Ride Cincinnati, a local nonprofit organization, plans to donate all proceeds from the event to the UC Barrett Cancer Center at University Hospital to support local breast cancer clinical, translational and basic research programs.

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.

In 2007, its inaugural year, Ride Cincinnati attracted nearly 950 riders and raised more than $132,000 to support cancer research at UC.

Initial funds were used to establish the Marlene Harris–Ride Cincinnati Breast Cancer Pilot Grant Program at UC. The program aims to increase local breast cancer research and encourage collaboration between basic science and clinical investigators.

Two pilot grants for basic science studies were recently awarded through this new program. Sohaib Khan, PhD, a professor in UC's cancer and cell biology department, will conduct a basic science study to develop novel anti-estrogens in breast cancer. Glendon Zinser, PhD, assistant professor in UC's surgery department, will explore the role of vitamin D3 activation in adipocytes (fat cells) in breast cell development. A third grant will be awarded in the near future.

Ride Cincinnati cyclists and families can choose to ride 10, 25, 40 or 62 miles. All routes start at Yeatman's Cove, but at staggered times throughout the morning:

• 6:30 a.m.— 62-mile ride
• 7:30 a.m.—40-mile ride
• 8:30 a.m.—10- and 25-mile rides

Kids can participate in the Kids Bike Rally, starting at 11 a.m., and travel over the Purple People Bridge. 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.

"To make it even more fun for the kids, this year we'll give any child (under age 12) who raises $500 a brand new bike," says Allison Gordon, the late Harris' daughter and event chairperson. "Kids over age 13 who raise $350 will get a bike jersey."

Adult registration can be made in advance of race day for $30 by calling Karen Niemeyer at (513) 941-0304 or at www.ridecincinnati.org. Child registration is $15. "Day-of" registrations will also be accepted for $40 (adults) or $20 (children). All riders will get a T-shirt and goodie backpack for participating.

All registered riders are invited to attend a post-event celebration, where there will be live music, entertainment, massages and complimentary refreshments from Montgomery Inn, Outback Steakhouse and Skyline Chili.

Breast cancer survivors who attend the event will be recognized with a special gift bag and be entered in a drawing to win prizes.

Ride Cincinnati 2008 is supported by title sponsors Western and Southern Life Insurance and American Financial and numerous other local businesses.