More than 225 people came out to support, celebrate, volunteer and ride with LIFEcycle as they put on their final Ride ‘Round Rhody (RRR) cycling event July 29 to aid cancer treatment and research.

Amid open fields of turf and flowers at the Farmer’s Daughter in Wakefield, visions of big white tents, cyclists head-to-toe in lycra, volunteers ringing cowbells in celebration and a sea of blue and red jerseys that couldn’t be missed.

Sounds of the light-hearted MC delivering encouraging words to riders as they peddled off on their multi-mile journeys and smells of a complimentary BBQ filled the air.  

Though 2016 previously held the title for highest rider attendance, seven on-site registrations brought the 2018 rider number to 168, marking the final ride LIFEcycle’s largest bike-a-thon.

LIFEcycle raised nearly $71,000 this year and expects more donations to come in prior to the fundraising deadline of August 31. From its inception in 2009, Ride ‘Round Rhody has raised close to $700,000.

“It was truly a remarkable day,” said Jacob Brier, Co-founder and Chairman of LIFEcycle, Inc. “To have seen our community pull together like this to close out the ride’s decade of success with our best all-around ride ever… it was really a special day.”

The camaraderie between teams who hail from different parts of the state at RRR has become the epitome of the community. Since it’s a ride, not a race, riders of all levels joined in on the mission to support local cancer treatment.

As more than one hundred 40-miler route riders took off arm in arm from the start as the biggest wave took off, that camaraderie was palpable.

“My brother and I crossed the finish line hand in hand 3 hours after the start,” said Katie McDonald, first time 40-mile rider and founder of ‘bnourished.’

“My foot numb, butt sore, face beet red, and pride in tact knowing that I both served the community and my need to move beyond mediocre.”

LIFEcycle’s future is uncertain; however, it will continue to operate and award grant money to local hospitals and organizations. Over the next year, the board of directors intends to strategically reevaluate its organizational needs, as well as a funding strategy to support its mission. Although it’s the end of RRR, LIFEcycle as a non-profit hopes to continue in some form, until there is a cure for cancer.

RED WAVE:

Cyclists congregate, buckle their helmets for the final Ride ‘Round Rhody (RRR) cycling event held July 29. (Submitted photo)