Fall is here, which means we welcome October and Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is one form of cancer we all can be proactive about and benefit from early detection if it finds its way into our bodies. While we never want to hear those dreaded words “you have cancer” we should never fear a cancer diagnosis since detection gives us our best chances against it spreading. 

Each year more people are diagnosed early and benefit from early detection. We know our bodies better than anyone else so we are the front line for detection and should take advantage and stay in tune with our bodies. If something doesn’t seem right, check it out and ask questions. If it’s nothing, great. If it’s a cancer diagnosis, then you’ve got an early start and increase your chances of fighting it.

Our Bike-A-Thon Organizing Committee is proactive as a committee, as individuals and on behalf of all of our riders, volunteers and supporters. While we focus on hosting a fantastic bike ride, our primary focus of attention is on cancer awareness and fundraising to support the fight against cancer. Entering our 54th year, Bike-A-Thon has raised more than $35 million in this fight. The tens of thousands of riders who’ve rider more than 6 million miles continue to be part of the front line in this fight. 

It’s is a rewarding feeling making a contribution, whether it is money, time or energy. One does not need to be a part of any committee to experience this sensation. Engaging and being involved in any fashion is sufficient. Riding, volunteering, fundraising or just spreading the word about the cause makes you a big part of this movement. For this, we cannot fully express our appreciation and gratitude. Countless individuals benefit from what each of us does in the fight. They too are eternally grateful, whether they know us personally or not. They know we are part of the effort to eliminate cancer and help them in their battle. Keep up the fantastic efforts. 

Sincerely,

Mark Feinman

The 2027 website for our ride is now open and if you signed up and took advantage of the early registration discount, you can set up your page and start your fundraising. If you took advantage and signed up you should have received a message on how to complete the registration process and take advantage of the discount for registering early. We have found that the fall is a great time for fundraising.

If you have not registered, go to the site and register to join the more than 350 people already registered for next year. After all, we are only 8 1/2 months away from the ride! For most, riding season is coming to an end. For those who ride year-round, we hope that the weather is conducive and better than what we have had recently. If you do not ride during the colder months, continue your conditioning by doing your indoor training, it will all pay off when springtime arrives, and you go back outdoors.

Our 2026 ride was a success due to the support of all of you. We raised in excess of $1.17 million continuing our tradition of raising more than $1 million each year for more than a decade other than the year of the pandemic. This is a testament to the commitment of all of our riders and supporters. Through this support, we are enabling many advances in the field of treating cancers across the board. There is still a long way to go to defeat this dreaded disease. However, the incremental achievements should never be overlooked or underappreciated. 

Our organizing committee has already been meeting and putting into place plans for our ride this year. We continue to strive to offer a five star experience and be recognized as a premier cycling event in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region. Riding and fundraising is but a part of what we do in supporting the cause. Many of our volunteers have participated in other events, such as Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer both of which are hosted by the American Cancer Society. They have also participated in other activities and events in our area such as the Philadelphia Distance Run, a half marathon and 5K. A number of our volunteers will be participating again as balloon handlers during the 6abc Thanksgiving day parade. These are just a few other ways that we can be involved and support the American Cancer Society. 

If you would like more information on ways that you can get more evolve, please feel free to reach out to us. Follow us throughout the season for updates and insights for the upcoming year. Until then, enjoy autumn and the multitude of colors that it brings.

Sincerely,

Mark Feinman