2016 Pelotonia a bike ride, concert and so much more

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Over the course of its seven rides, Pelotonia, the grassroots nonprofit that began in Columbus in 2008, has raised more than $106 million for cancer research.

The three-day event not only includes cycling, but offers a weekend full of entertainment, as well as volunteer opportunities.

This year’s Pelotonia, Aug. 5-7, will feature new additions that make the ride not only a standout event for those who participate, but for their families, friends and visitors as well.

The weekend kicks off around 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5 with an opening ceremony at Columbus Commons. Riders are welcome to stop by, check in and pick up their gift bags.

“Three different bands will be playing, and we’ll have some speakers there to talk about the impact of the (cancer) research, but there will also be some inspirational remarks from a few other people,” says Pelotonia President and CEO Doug Ulman.

While the bands and speakers had not been finalized by mid-July, Ulman says Pelotonia has reached out to prolific members of the medical community. With the start of the summer Olympics, Pelotonia has also invited Olympians who have strong connections to cancer, whether they have battled cancer or supported a loved one in his or her own battle.

The opening ceremony lasts until about 9 p.m.

“It’s a time for the teams to gather and be a part of the community, and get excited,” Ulman says, adding there will also be an exposure for local organizations and businesses.

The three separate rides kick off in downtown Columbus around 7 a.m. A new addition this year is a second 50-mile route. The first 50-mile route goes from downtown Columbus to New Albany. The second does from New Albany to Kenyon College in Gambier, northeast of Columbus. The 25-mile route ends in Pickerington.

“We’ve always had one (50-mile route),” Ulman says. “Historically, the 50-mile route is the most popular one. This allows people to try something new.”

At the end of each route, Ulman says, the tradition of having a big celebration at the finish line will continue.

“Last year, the 50-mile finish line in New Albany had about 8,000 people,” Ulman says, adding that the celebration at Kenyon historically has the biggest celebration, lasting until 8 or 9 p.m.

Those who choose not to ride but still want to be a part of the event often volunteer, Ulman says. Some 3,000 volunteers help out over the course of the weekend.

“Not surprisingly, the event would and could not happen without volunteers,” Ulman says. “They do anything from handing out gift bags to processing the registration, to manning the water spots, making sandwiches and driving the support vehicles in case anyone gets a flat tire.”

Ulman says many volunteers come in with groups of colleagues or friends and find the experience to be a great team-building activity.

While the clear goal of Pelotonia is to raise funds for cancer research – which go directly to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Care Center – Ulman also wants to remind riders, supporters and visitors alike of some of the additional impact.

“The measurable success is the lives saved and affected,” he says. “For us, it’s really important that we focus on the impact of the dollars. How many young scientists we are able to invest in … those are the stories we want to tell and talk about.”

Ulman adds that the city of Columbus has been extremely supportive of Pelotonia’s mission.

“It’s very unique,” he says. “I’m not sure that other cities would embrace, support and drive us the way Columbus does. We’re humbled and grateful for the support. It’s just phenomenal. Our organization would not be possible without it.”

Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Pelotonia by the numbers:

  • $6+ million 2016 funds raised
  • 7,000+ riders
  • $111+ million raised in Pelotonia’s first seven rides
  • 3,000 volunteers
  • 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

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