Connecticut Challenge Bike Ride Seeks Riders, Volunteers

FAIRFIELD — More than 1,000 cyclists including many cancer survivors, across Connecticut are expected to ride in the seventh annual Connecticut Challenge. The ride funds unique cancer survivorship programs throughout the state.

“We hope that riders and volunteers from each and every town and city in Connecticut will join us on July 30 in Westport to ride in support of cancer survivors, making it a truly great statewide event and a great day for Connecticut,” said Bob Mazzone, executive director.

Since the Connecticut Challenge’s inception in 2005, the organization has been proudly funding cancer survivor programs throughout the state.

“There are now more Survivorship Programs in Connecticut than anywhere else in the US today and we are proud to be providing support to many of them,” Mr Mazzone added. “The Connecticut Challenge Bike Ride makes it all possible.”

Proceeds from the ride support a growing statewide network of hospitals that have cancer survivorship programs and create special programs for cancer survivors.

By screening for long-term health and psychosocial effects from the disease and treatments, the mission of the Connecticut Challenge is to educate and empower survivors to take back control of their lives from cancer and improve their quality of life.

The organization raises money primarily through the Connecticut Challenge charity bike ride, with this year’s event scheduled for Saturday, July 30, starting and ending at the Fairfield Hunt Club in Westport.

Riders of all ages and skill levels can register for a 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100-mile ride and raise funds from personal sponsors to support their efforts.

Registration is open for the 2011 Connecticut Challenge. Anyone interested in riding, putting a team of riders together, or volunteering for the Connecticut Challenge is encouraged to visit the event website at http://bike.ctchallenge.org.