TOP NOTES Bike to Beat Cancer

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Bike to Beat Cancer

photos provided by Norton Healthcare

Next week, nearly 1,000 adults, children and families will pedal their way to Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro in an energetic fundraising effort that builds momentum year after year. It’s not too late to join Bike to Beat Cancer, benefiting Norton Cancer Institute, on Saturday, Sept. 10, and help fuel local cancer prevention and treatment.

It’s the one-day cycling event that provides benefits that last a lifetime. In 14 years, the annual Bike to Beat Cancer event has raised more than $5.2 million in support of Norton Cancer Institute. This huge number is due not only to the merit of the cause, but also to the success of the event that provides a fun, healthy challenge for both inexperienced riders and serious cyclists alike. There are options to fit all fitness levels. For those looking for a family outing and a taste of cycling, the Family Ride is the right speed. It costs $10 per rider, follows a relaxed 5-mile route around Norton Commons and ends at the Family Fun Zone at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, where riders enjoy free food, games, bounce houses and face painting. There’s also an hourlong spin ride and a virtual ride for those who can’t get out on Sept. 10. More serious riders can choose from 15-, 35-, 65- or 100-mile routes, each with their own fundraising requirements, pit stops, motor

support and safety teams. Participants in the 35- to 100mile courses must raise $400, while those riding 15 miles are required to raise $200. (Survivors are asked to raise $100 and $50, respectively.) “The event is a celebration of those who are impacted by cancer, and it remains a solemn event for the many who ride, volunteer and participate,” said Joseph M. Flynn, D.O., MPH, FACP, chief administrative offi cer, Norton Medical Group, and physician-in-chief, Norton Cancer Institute. “An act of riding bikes together can serve as a symbol of hope, validation and perseverance. It’s another way of bringing people and our community together.” In addition to the thrill of the ride and the satisfaction of contributing to lifesaving cancer initiatives, dozens of community sponsors will provide plenty of perks. As riders gather at the starting line at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, they’ll enjoy free breakfast from Chickfi l-A and, once they return to cross the fi nish line, they can feast on food from Qdoba and enjoy stretches with KORT rehab specialists. Riders of the 65- and 100-mile courses also get a special free lunch from Morrison Healthcare Food Service served at Camp Hi-Ho. Another standout feature of this popular fundraiser is that riders are able to designate where the money they raise goes — choosing from options that include Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare Brain Tumor Center, Norton Healthcare Breast Health Program, patient fi nancial assistance and even specifi c hospital locations. Of course, all participants get a free T-shirt or jersey, great exercise and the satisfaction of being part of a massive effort that supports a cause that touches every one of us. •

If you go:

Bike to Beat Cancer takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10th, at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro. For more information or to register, visit BikeToBeatCancer.org or call (502) 629-8060.

BIKE TO BEAT CANCER PIT STOPS

Here are the pit stops along the routes where fundraisers can safely rest and hydrate:

• Norton Commons, Goldberg Simpson building • Pewee Valley Fire Department • The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Oak Grove picnic area • Camp Hi-Ho (lunch stop for 65- and 100-mile riders) • Gallrein Farms • Dover Baptist Church • New Hope Baptist Church • Anchorage Trail