Pelatonia, a bike tour through Southeastern Ohio, has kept the spirit of Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong campaign alive despite the bright yellow bracelets devolving into a passing fad.
The tour, which is in its third year, raised more than $12.3 million in its first two years. All of that money was donated to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“It’s definitely very fulfilling to be a part of,” said Morgan Dominique, Pelotonia’s volunteer coordinator and an OU alumna. “Riders and volunteers are in and out of our offices every day, and everyone has a story of why it’s important to them.”
Pelotonia will come through Athens Aug. 20 and 21. The tour offers four routes, one of which ends in Athens. The city will also serve as the overnight stop for the tour’s longest route, a 180-mile round-trip from Columbus to Athens and back.
“It’s so exciting to watch people at the finish line (in Athens), because they are all so happy and proud,” said Meredith Erlewine, co-owner of Athens Bicycle. “It’s very moving.”
Last year, Athens Bicycle hosted six training rides to help people prepare for the event. Erlewine said both services will be offered again this year. The first training ride will be 10 a.m. Saturday, and though they are marketed through Pelotonia, Erlewine said anyone can join.
Riders pledge to raise a certain amount based on their route when they register.
According to the organization’s website, more than 2,360 people have registered to ride this year, and more than $1 million has already been raised. Although registration is still open, Pelotonia is currently looking for volunteers.
“There are a lot (of volunteer opportunities) in Athens,” Dominique said, adding that people could help riders find their way around Athens or manage bikes
and luggage.
After riders arrive in Athens, they can either catch a shuttle back to Columbus or — for those who plan to complete the 180-mile route — stay overnight in residence halls on West Green. The following morning, riders will bike back to Columbus.
Dominique and Jennifer Shaw, a fellow OU alumna who has volunteered in the past, both said volunteering is a rewarding experience.
Shaw said she is hoping to volunteer in Athens this year after volunteering in Columbus and Amanda last year.
The evening before the tour, Pelotonia hosts an opening ceremony featuring guest speakers and musical artists. Although there are no official plans for this year’s ceremony yet, Lance Armstrong was the keynote speaker in its first year, and last year’s concert featured Counting Crows.
Dominique said the event is not only for serious cyclists, stressing that it is a ride, not a race, and that there will be no timers running. Shaw added that the cause is the most important part.
“It’s so emotional seeing everyone come in. Some are survivors, others are riding for someone they know or knew. There are posters everywhere and T-shirts saying things like, ‘I’m riding for my grandpa who died of cancer,’” Shaw said. “It’s just an amazing experience.”
For more information on the Athens Bicycle Pelotonia rides, go to athensbicycle.com. To sign up to ride or volunteer, go to pelotonia.org. Interested volunteers can also contact Morgan Dominique at mdominique@pelotonia.org.
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