Second annual Cross Out Cancer benefit ride scheduled for Oct. 22.
For the second time, Utah Cyclocross is sponsoring a Cross Out Cancer benefit ride at Wheeler Farm Oct. 22, with all proceeds benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and new this year, the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“We are adding the Huntsman Cancer Institute as a beneficiary—they will be splitting the donations we get with the LAF,” Utah Cyclocross spokesman Matt Ohran said. “Both organizations played a huge role in helping curing Conner’s cancer.”
Ohran was referring to Skyline graduate and USA Cycling National Team member Conner O’Leary, who was diagnosed last year at 19 with testicular cancer. He received help and support in his treatment from Lance Armstrong, the LAF and Huntsman’s, and created the COC event in response to his experience.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful to have the Huntsman Cancer Institute in our backyard. The care that Conner got there was phenomenal,” his father, Dave O’Leary said. “We are so grateful to John Huntsman [Sr.] for his generosity and foresight, to create something that is so needed. Conner is doing well. It has not been a fun year, with chemotherapy and complications, but right now Conner has no signs of cancer. I think we’ve beaten it.”
With a few extra events and an earlier date, the organizers of Cross Out Cancer hope to increase awareness and participation over last year’s event, including an added 5K fun run.
Not that the first COC ride wasn’t profitable—in fact, the first cyclocross ride for cancer raised $28,000 in funds, all given to the LAF to help in the fight against cancer. With less than a month to plan the maiden event, and a race day that turned out bitterly cold, only 150 bikers were on hand to participate. This year, they want to do better—the goal is to raise more than $30,000.
“This year, we took the second largest biking weekend and gave it to COC,” Ohran said. “We have had more time for publicity as well, and hopefully, we will have better weather and a bigger crowd.
Even with the difficulties associated with last year’s event, the results were successful and appreciated by the LAF.
“They were thrilled with our donation,” Dave O’Leary said. “They were very gracious, and amazed at what we were able to accomplish in so short a time. They are anxious for this year’s event as well.”
The main feature of the Cross Out Cancer event is a cyclocross bike ride. Cyclocross, a competitive bicycling sport for winter that is ridden on a mix of grass, dirt and pavement, is the fastest growing segment of cycling in the country. Races are shorter and include one or more barrier portions, requiring the rider to dismount and carry the bike a short distance.
There will be categories for bikers of all levels, even Kiddie Cross. In addition to the bike ride and a 5K run, there will be a raffle, silent auction and prizes for achievements in fundraising. The grand prize for raising $15,000 or more will be a new Cannondale Super X cyclocross bike.
Businesses or individuals who would like to donate items for the auction or raffle, or just donate cash, can contact Matt Ohran at 801-718-7165. For information on participating in Cross Out Cancer, go to utcx.net.
