Riders Raise Over $1 Million for Cancer Research at Roswell Park

Participants of the 2019 Empire State Ride (ESR) in early August crossed their finish line in Niagara Falls, USA, completing their seven-day cycling journey from New York City to one of the natural wonders of the world.

In total, 178 riders rode more than 500 miles across the Empire State, raising more than $1 million for cancer research.

Their trip began in Staten Island July 28, with a ferry ride to Manhattan before setting off on a 57-mile ride to Stony Point. From there, the ESR journey took them through some of New York state’s most beautiful landscapes, with daily rides ranging from 74 to 92 miles, daily elevation climbs as high as 4,300 feet and overnight stops in the Hudson Valley, Schenectady, Utica, Syracuse and Rochester.

“Every year I am amazed and inspired by these riders and their passion. Because of them, we can continue to develop new treatments, help more patients and save more lives. I’m so grateful to the riders and everyone who made a donation to support them, and for the record-breaking $1 million they raised for Roswell Park,” said Roswell Park President and CEO Candace Johnson, Ph.D.

The ESR began in 2014 with a one-man journey made by event founder and Roswell Park supporter Terry Bourgeois. Bourgeois wanted to create a signature annual event that would draw people from all over, both to ride and to raise funds for cancer research.

“We’ve all been affected by cancer somehow, and this is an important way for us to make a difference,” said Bourgeois. Any difficulty we go through on this journey pales in comparison with what it takes to get through cancer treatment, or how terrible it is to lose someone to the disease.”

Each full-week rider raised a minimum of $3,500 to participate. Twenty became Excelsior riders by raising more than $10,000. The ESR is fully supported, with riding marshals, a professional cycling trainer and staff to ensure that riders have everything they need — from meals and rest stops to a support vehicle and camping accommodations — for a safe and successful journey across the Empire State.

Registration for the 2020 Empire State Ride will open in the fall. You can register by filling out a form on empirestateride.com.