Bicyclists to pedal for cancer research money

CLEVELAND - More than 350 bicyclists will embark on a journey from Cleveland to Cincinnati on Thursday in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society's Pan Ohio Hope Ride kicks off in Cleveland on Thursday and will send cyclists more than 300 miles over four days to Cincinnati on August 1. 

The Hope Ride will benefit the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodges as well as other programs that aid in the fight against cancer.

The ride will pass through the following cities in the next four days:

Thursday, July 29 - Cleveland, Lakewood, Strongsville, Medina, Smithville, Seville, Wooster (78 miles)
Friday, July 30 - Wooster, Millersburg, Mt. Vernon, Hartford, Westerville (96 miles)
Saturday, July 31 - Westerville, Dublin, Plumwood, Springfield (61 miles)
Sunday, August 1 - Springfield, Xenia, Morrow, Loveland, Milford, Cincinnati (84 miles)

Cleveland Ward 10 City Councilman Eugene Miller will be among the riders this week. Miller is participating in the ride in honor of his great-grandfather, who lost his battle with cancer and for a close friend who successfully overcame breast cancer.

"Those who face cancer go through many challenges," said Miller. "Participating in the Pan Ohio Hope Ride will challenge my mind, body and spirit, but throughout the course of the trip, thinking about loved ones who've taken on the disease will motivate me to pedal to the finish line. It is my hope that this journey will help others think about ways they too can support cancer research."

Bicyclists can choose to participate in one, two or all four days of the tour with a $200 registration fee.

Cyclists and volunteers can sign up for the event by visiting www.panohiohoperide.org or by calling the American Cancer Society at 888-227-6446 ext. 1222.

For more information about the American Cancer Society visit:  www.cancer.org .