Safety tips for Ride Weekend

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Safety tips for Ride Weekend

Safety is the top priority at Ride for Roswell whether you’re riding five miles or 100 miles. You can take steps now to help make sure you and the people around you have the best Ride Weekend possible! Check out these safety tips for before and during your ride.

Pre-Ride Preparation.

Check your bicycle.

Pull your bike out of storage and check the tires, brakes and chain.
Get your bicycle tuned up at a local bike shop. Our team believes this is well worth the cost! If you’re unable to take your bike to a bike shop, consider having a skilled family member evaluate your bike before Ride Weekend.
Purchase a spare tube that fits your tires to bring with you on Ride Day so if you get a flat, it can be fixed faster.

Riding in a longer route? Now is the time to start training!

Our Ride for Roswell team encourages training if you’re riding anywhere from 44 to 100 miles on Ride Day. Remember, for the 100-mile Country Route, you must be able to ride 65 miles in 4.5 hours (15 mph).

Reminders for the 44-mile Canada Route.

If you’re riding in the 44-mile Canada Route, follow your email instructions to submit secure personal travel documents data on time. Proper documentation is essential to safely crossing the border during your ride.

Get familiar with the apps.

For Ride, there are two critical mobile device apps that you can utilize for route navigation and emergency aid. It’s a great idea to review and activate these apps this spring to make sure you’re comfortable with them by Ride Weekend!
- - TraQ Central
  - Ride With GPS

Don’t forget to pack …

One or two sports water bottles that fit into the cages on your bike. Loose spring water bottles can fall out and create crash hazards for others.
A fully charged cellphone.
A cycling helmet!
Your Ride for Roswell rider bib.
Personal ID packet in a waterproof bag.
- Driver license/ photo ID
- Health insurance card
- Emergency medical alerts
- Credit card or cash
- Travel documents (for Canada Route)

On the ride.

Remember, you are sharing the roads with cars. Ride to the right, on the shoulder with no more than two bicycles side by side. Be prepared to ride single file when cars need to pass you.
Follow the route guides! There are police, fire police and volunteer route guides at some intersections. Be prepared to stop as directed.
At intersections that have no police or volunteer staff, follow all traffic signs and rules.
On the start line, all riders start together. After a few turns, riders spread out and ride in small groups. No one is leading the Ride. Use your map, cue sheets, RWGPS navigation and follow the orange route arrows signs.
All routes “split” where longer routes keep going and shorter routes turn around. These route splits are marked with big mileage number signs and orange turn direction signs.
Dress for the weather in bright, high visibility clothing.

Ensuring the safety of riders is essential to continuing our mission to end cancer. We can’t wait to Ride with you this summer!

Ride for Roswell Spirit Week 2023: Everything you need to know!

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Ride for Roswell Spirit Week 2023: Everything you need to know!

What’s the best way to show your love for the Ride before Ride Day? Spirit Week!

Spirit Week runs from Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31. Activities include a 24-hour fundraising challenge, sharing Ride photos from years past and, of course, wearing your Ride for Roswell swag!

You won’t want to miss out on the excitement!

Here’s a breakdown of each day.

Monday, March 27: Matching Monday

This is a 24-hour Fundraising Challenge! The first 500 riders to raise $100 will receive a $100 matching gift courtesy of the West Herr Automotive Group. Don’t wait because this match will be over quick!

Tuesday, March 28: Team Up Tuesday

Are you ready for this Team Recruitment Challenge? Teams who recruit 10 or more members by Friday, March 31, will be entered to win a customized team T-shirt and Linde swag packs for all team members!

Are you a Roswell Park employee? Roswell Park teams that recruit 10 or more members by Friday, March 31, will be entered to win a catered team lunch! ID badge reels and cookie delivery will also start this day for employees who are registered.

Wednesday, March 29: Kickoff Wednesday

Join us at the Ride for Roswell Kickoff!

5 – 7 p.m. | Buffalo RiverWorks

All are welcome! Pick up your lawn sign at Kickoff if you’ve raised $100.

Also, if you hit $100 after March 29, you can pick up your lawn sign at one of the participating Tops Markets locations. See the full list here.

Thursday, March 30: Throwback Thursday

We want to see your favorite Ride photos from years past! Be sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

Friday, March 31: FUNdraising Friday

Wear your Ride for Roswell swag to participating local restaurants and breweries including Big Ditch, Hartman’s and SPoT coffee and receive 10% off your purchase.

Ride Season is gearing up, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Together, we are riding to end cancer.

See you on Ride Weekend!

Ride for Roswell lawn sign pickup

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

We know how hard every rider and team works to fundraise for cancer patients, and we want to celebrate your achievements!

Check out all of the amazing fundraising rewards here!

If you hit $100 after March 29, you can pick up your lawn sign at one of these participating Tops Markets locations:

Tops

5827 S. Transit Rd.

Lockport, NY 14094

Tops

7200 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Niagara Falls, NY 14304

Tops

3980 Maple Rd.

Amherst, NY 14226

Tops

355 Orchard Park Rd.

West Seneca, NY 14224

Tops

3865 Union Road

Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Tops

3035 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Amherst, NY 14228

Tops

4777 Transit Rd.

Depew, NY 14043

Tops

2351 Maple Rd.

Amherst, NY 14221

Tops

890 Young St.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

Tops

6150 South Park Ave.

Hamburg, NY 14075

Tops

1740 Sheridan Dr.

Buffalo, NY 14223

Signs will also be available at the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation office at:

901 Washington St.

Buffalo, NY 14203

Meet Maryann Salvadore: The 2023 Ride for Roswell Torch Lighter

Posted on March 2, 2023March 6, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Meet Maryann Salvadore: The 2023 Ride for Roswell Torch Lighter

Maryann Salvadore was diagnosed with end-stage cancer when she was 44. But even during the fight for her life, she has always strived to bring people together and create a safe space for the ever-growing community of those affected by cancer. That’s who Maryann is, and that’s one of the many reasons why she has been selected to lead us as the 2023 Ride for Roswell Torch Lighter.

Maryann’s journey.

It was 2009 when Maryann learned she had an aggressive form of multiple myeloma. She was a full-time business owner and mother to then 12-year-old Marcus. At the time of her diagnosis, the cancer had already metastasized throughout her body, attacking 90% of her bone marrow.

For the following nine months, Maryann spent every other day at Roswell Park, between six to 12 hours per day. She leaned heavily on her husband Mark, who took her to all of her appointments.

“We had never expected a medical center to be filled with such compassionate people,” she remembered. “It was so uncommon to come across somebody who wasn’t looking you in the eye, talking to you, calling you by your first name and treating you like you were a friend or family member.”

Fast forward to 2011, treatment continued. One day in early spring, as Maryann was undergoing chemo, she and Mark noticed signs for Ride for Roswell.

Per Mark’s suggestion, they decided to start a team. Once Maryann, Mark and Marcus registered, they sent out an email letting people know they signed up for Ride for Roswell.

“Before we even left chemo, people started joining,” said Maryann.

That first year, their team had 45 people. And so, the tradition was born.

Team Salvadore Pedal Power.

Every year, Team Salvadore Pedal Power averages between 60 and 80 members, but their team tent always has more than 100 people. That’s because Maryann has always wanted her team to be a community, a place where anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis can feel welcome.

“Our team is about letting people know that there’s hope,” said Maryann. “We all want to take away the power the cancer holds over the people we love, and I wanted people to feel comfortable sharing their stories.”

Since 2016, her team has also been responsible for enhancing one of the most impactful elements of the Ride – the finish line. Along the pavement, members of Team Salvadore Pedal Power write the names of every rider who has designated themselves as a cancer patient or survivor. In 2022 alone, that was 714 riders. It’s a visual representation of what bring us all together at the Ride.

“When you have cancer, so many things are taken away from you. This is something those riders can share with their friends and family,” Maryann explained with tears in her eyes. “Some people are in the middle of treatment on that bike, doing everything they can because it’s so meaningful to prove this is another thing cancer is not going to take away from them.”

Due to the type of cancer Maryann has, she’s never been able to actually ride, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming an integral part of what makes Ride for Roswell so special – a person who embodies inclusion and compassion.

Amplifying voices.

Over the last 13 years, Maryann hosted countless gatherings, fundraisers and picnics leading up to Ride for Roswell. She is a source of solace and support for many people living with cancer, caring for a family member or grieving the loss of a loved one.

“I meet so many phenomenal people who inspire me,” said Maryann. “Everybody knows someone they care about and love who has gotten a cancer diagnosis, and not everybody is as lucky as me.”

As the 2023 Torch Lighter, she wants to use her unique position to put a spotlight on a larger message.

“The information that we’re learning from the research that they’re doing at Roswell Park is making treatments easier on people. It’s giving people like me a decade more than I would have gotten anywhere else and at any other point in time, but the work is not done. There are so many people who deserve so much better.”

That’s why she is a part of the Ride: because every dollar raised drives research that will change lives.

“I’m so grateful to be here, and because I am here, I just want to try to figure out ways to make life easier for everybody else,” Maryann added. “If you know somebody who has cancer, you give them your love and support, but how you help all cancer patients – is you Ride for Roswell.”

Lindsey Gold, cancer survivor and registered nurse: Why I Ride

Posted on March 1, 2023March 1, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Lindsey Gold, cancer survivor and registered nurse: Why I Ride.

Few moments in life mirror the vulnerability of those spent at a chemo infusion center.

That’s where Lindsey Gold works as a registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. She’s the person who administers chemo, immunotherapies and other medical necessities for outpatient cancer patients.

With each visit, Lindsey brings her expertise, knowledge and compassion. But, she also brings deep understanding – because she’s been the patient in this scenario, too.

At 24 years old, Lindsey was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her cancer journey included chemotherapy and radiation. After eight months of treatment, she was cancer free.

“It’s sometimes hard not to wonder how I was lucky enough to go into remission. I have struggled with survivors’ guilt in the past. Especially with many close family members and friends who have battled cancer or lost their lives to this awful disease,” Lindsey explained.

Joining the fight to end cancer.

Channeling her gratitude into a movement, Lindsey started riding in Ride for Roswell in 2008.

“I felt I truly owed my life to Roswell. I wanted to do anything I could to repay them for my second chance at life.”

Lindsey also rides in memory of loved ones who passed away due to cancer, including her grandmother, father and uncle.

“My beautiful Grandma Pat who dedicated her life to helping others, also battled breast cancer. She was taken from us at only 60. She was a youth counselor for the Town of Tonawanda School System. When she passed, a young adult came up to me and asked if I was her granddaughter and proceeded to tell me, “Your grandmother saved my life.” Words I will never forget! That made me so proud of the person she was, and that will always inspire me in me my nursing practice with my patients.”

“My dad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 60 years old. Upon diagnosis he was immediately admitted to Roswell Park. He spent most of the next four months inpatient at Roswell. He passed away early on the morning of Ride for Roswell that year. Our hearts broke. We were given very little time to fully wrap our heads around losing him so quickly, and unfortunately never getting a real chance to say goodbye. He was a wonderful man, with the biggest heart. To know him truly was to love him.”

“Shortly after I was diagnosed, my Uncle Mark confided in me that he was battling esophageal cancer, and that he was given a short amount of time left to live. He was my closest uncle, and an unbelievable local musician and artist. He taught me his love for The Beatles, and how to be comfortable in my own skin. It still breaks my heart to know that I was somehow able to come out on the other side alive, while he was preparing to lose his life to cancer at the exact same time.”

Lindsey’s impact.

When Lindsey committed to Ride for Roswell nearly 15 years ago, she started a ripple effect. The weekend event has grown into an annual family tradition of making a difference in the future of cancer research.

“Every year my sister even flies in from California to ride by our side.”

Lindsey says over the last several years, she personally has raised more than $38,000 dollars. Her team, as a whole, has raised more than $124,000.

It’s the mission that keeps her coming back every Ride Season. She explained, “We Ride to fund new treatments for these patients to be given hope for a cure and a future without cancer.”

Message to other Roswell Park employees.

Lindsey’s main piece of advice to other Roswell Park employees considering getting involved in Ride for Roswell is to attend the Celebration of Hope the night before the Ride.

“Hear the patients’ stories, where the funds go, feel the passion and the emotion in the air that night. It is one of my favorite things about the Ride. It always is a firm reminder of exactly Why I Ride.”

She swears after one Ride Weekend, you’ll become a “lifer” like her – and love every second of it!

Keeping up the momentum.

When Lindsey was diagnosed with cancer, she never could’ve imagined the impact she would have in the lives of others dealt the same card.

As a nurse at Roswell Park, she sees why the Ride matters every day – and she knows there is still work to be done.

“I think of my patients who tell me their stories every day at work – how some of them are completely out of options.” She added, “The Ride helps to give you some power against cancer. I’m so grateful I am able to participate and pay my dues back to Roswell, ride my heart out for my family and friends this disease has taken from me, and to cry some tears that day knowing we are riding toward a future where cancer no longer exists.”

Gratitude in action: Kathy Caruso shares the story of hope behind Team ‘Otterly’ Phil

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Gratitude in action: Kathy Caruso shares the story of hope behind Team ‘Otterly’ Phil

Time means different things to different people. For Kathy Caruso of Humphrey, N.Y., time is a gift.

In life, the unexpected can happen; the challenges that remind us we don’t have control over how much time we get. But, it’s how we choose to spend that time, that makes the journey real, authentic and human.

As Kathy remembers her late husband Phil Stock, you can tell by her contagious smile, that the couple made every second count, even when their time was cut short.

“Cancer was with us all of our married life, but it never stopped us from living and loving and doing the things that we always wanted to do,” Kathy explained.

The beginning.

In 2003, Kathy and Phil became husband and wife.

“We just got married and we had all the hope and the
wonder.”

However, four months into their new chapter, Phil was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, one of the fastest growing and most aggressive cancers. The two had to pivot from planning for the future, to navigating a life-altering disease.

“It was devastating because it was a grim diagnosis. He just had the wind knocked out of his sails. He fainted in the office.”

Once they had the results, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center had a plan for Phil to begin treatment for the following Monday.

“That’s how quick it was,” Kathy emphasized.

Phil underwent enhanced radiation and chemotherapy and, while intense, Kathy praised the precision of the treatment.

“It was the therapy he needed. It was the treatment he needed. It was guided by the hands of the oncologist, the radiologist. I can’t say enough about those people. They saved his life.”

Three years after that initial diagnosis, Phil was recovering – both in health and spirit, and he was incredibly grateful.

Kathy added, “It was a miracle delivered through Roswell.”

Getting involved.

Kathy describes their role in Ride for Roswell as “gratitude in action.”

After Phil’s clean bill of health, in 2007 he bought a bike and decided to get involved. For Kathy and Phil, fundraising and riding in Ride for Roswell was their way of giving back.

“My gosh, that man rode that bike till the end of days and always in Ride for Roswell. That was his go-to.”

But in 2010, the couple got hit with another shock. Phil’s second cancer diagnosis. This time, it was stage IV colon cancer.

The last lap.

With Phil’s new diagnosis, Kathy said, once again, the staff at Roswell Park got right into action. It wasn’t until five years later that Phil had exhausted all treatment options, and turned to palliative care.

“Through palliative care, we got two more years, and that was a gift of time to do things we had wanted to do, to finish things up that we hadn’t done.”

Kathy explained the team at Roswell Park also helped Phil to say goodbye to friends and family and to hope in a different way. She added, “The doctors and the nurses were incredible and just so special.”

The summer leading up to his death, he visited with people in a gazebo he had previously built in their backyard. Even during the hardest times, his spirit and zest for life never faded.

“He was so grateful for every minute, for every day, for every year, for every time we walked out of Roswell Park and we got the go to live. Man, he just embraced it all,” said Kathy. “We had 15 years together and every minute of it is a gift.”

Kathy remembered one of the last conversations she had with her husband, in which he expressed he wished they had their own team at Ride for Roswell. Imagine the impact they could’ve made!

He died just days before the Ride in 2017, but in his honor, Kathy started a team the next year.

Team ‘Otterly’ Phil.

On the team page description, Kathy explained the meaning behind the name Team ‘Otterly’ Phil. She wrote in part:

“Phil and I once pondered what animal we would like to be. He chose the otter. He chose well. Otters are engaging creatures overflowing with positive energy. Intelligent and bright, they are also popular, eminently lovable and love the water! Otters mix easily with a wide range of animal personalities. Doesn’t that describe him to a tee?”

While the team started because of Phil, it has grown into something much bigger. After all, even during his life, Phil aimed to put others in the spotlight. Kathy believes that’s what made him such a wonderful teacher and human being.

“We ride under his name, because it’s what he wanted, but we ride for so many others,” said Kathy.

Making an impact.

Each of us has the power to make a difference, whether you ride, donate, volunteer or help spread the word. Kathy said her team’s philosophy is, “A penny or a pound, it’s all forward motion.”

When asked to describe Ride Weekend, Kathy said the experience, above all else, is hopeful.

Hopeful to end cancer. Hopeful for time.

“I know that there are many, many people in the world who are struggling with what he went through and I just pray to God that they have some part of the spirit that Phil had, and if I could do anything to help that go forward, that’s what I’d like to do. That’s why we ride.”

Finding the route for you

Posted on February 10, 2023February 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Finding the route for you.

So, you want to participate in Ride for Roswell, but aren’t sure which route to choose. No problem!

The mission to end cancer inspires people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities – and we want to make sure anyone who wants to ride, has an opportunity to.

With nine routes to choose from ranging from five to 100 miles, there is a perfect Ride Day route for everyone! Whether you’re an endurance cyclist or a casual rider, you can ride at your own pace.

All the routes, with the exception of Canada, start and end at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. Additionally, participants ages 1-17 must ride with riders over 18 years old.

Here’s a brief description of each route to help you select the best option for you.

5-mile River Route:

This recreational loop on the UB and Amherst bike paths runs along Ellicott Creek and through the woods, with no car traffic to worry about. There’s a rest stop at the halfway point to relax and regroup. This is great for casual riders but we don’t recommend children with training wheels take on this route. The start times are 10 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. View the route map here.

10-mile River Route:

Journey through paved roads, bike paths and parks. Enjoy the cool breeze off the river as you ride from UB to Ellicott Creek. On this route, there is one rest stop. The start times are 9 a.m., 9:20 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. View the route map here.

20-mile River Route:

Follow Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River to beautiful Niawanda Park, then back through the City of Tonawanda. You’ll see the Niagara River at one of its widest points while you ride flat roads and bike paths on the bed of the original Erie Canal. There are two rest stops on this route. The start times are 8 a.m., 8:20 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. View the route map here.

30-mile River Route:

Ride along roads and bike paths beside Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River through Niawanda Park and Isle View Park. Return on the Two Mile Creek bike path through the City and Town of Tonawanda, then through Ellicott Creek Park back to UB North. There are three rest stops on this route. The start times are 7:20 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. View the route map here.

34-mile Country Route:

On this route you will tour through historic Clarence Center and the farmlands of Newstead before heading back to UB North along tree-canopied roads in rural Erie County. There are four rest stops. The start time is 7 a.m. View the route map here.

44-mile Canada Route:

The Canada Route is back for the first time since 2019! Unlike the other routes, this one starts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and finishes at UB. Riders will travel along the Niagara Parkway with special lanes across both the Peace Bridge and the Rainbow International Bridge. Enjoy a river view from start to finish. There are four rest stops. The start times are 6:30 a.m., 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. View the route map here.

45-mile Country Route:

In this adventure, you’ll ride through Clarence, Newstead, and Akron for a tour of the rolling hills of the beautiful Western New York countryside. There are five rest stops. The start time is 6:40 a.m. View the route map here.

65-mile Country Route:

You’ll travel all the way out to Akron and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and back again. The rolling hills of the Western New York countryside make this a great route for any cycling enthusiast. There are six rest stops. The start time is 6:20 a.m. View the route map here.

100-mile Country Route:

Go for the extra miles and hills with this 100-mile Country Route! You’ll head east through the rolling hills and farmlands of Genesee County in a scenic loop toward Batavia. Rejoin the other country routes at Akron and enjoy the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. To participate in this ride, you must be able to complete 100 miles by 2:30 p.m. There are seven rest stops. The start time is 6 a.m. View the route map here.

See all available routes.

See avalable routes.

Ride Your Own Way.

If you’re unable to participate in Ride Day but still want to be a part of the movement – here is your solution! Ride Your Own Way throughout the summer.

Through Ride Your Own Way, you are in control of your Ride experience. You choose the date, distance, route and location. With this option, your Ride can even be on a stationary bike if that’s what you prefer!

Click here to learn more about how to get started and even check out some suggested places to Ride.

No matter how you Ride, you are helping us in our mission to end cancer.

Register today.

Get inspired.

Register today.

Get inspired.

Roswell Park ICU nurse Gabrielle Acosta shares her personal connection to the cause

Posted on January 31, 2023February 3, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Roswell Park ICU nurse Gabrielle Acosta shares her personal connection to the cause.

Gabrielle Acosta has experienced Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center through two different lenses: as an employee, working as an ICU nurse, and as the granddaughter of a patient.

Phil Pecoraro, Gabrielle’s “papa,” as she calls him, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2013, years before she started working at Roswell Park.

Initially, Phil was being treated at an outside facility, but then the family turned to Roswell Park.

“Everything was totally different. Roswell has completely, completely changed my grandpa’s life, and my family’s life,” said Gabrielle.

Team Papa’s Meatballs.

Turning their gratitude into action, Gabrielle and her family got involved with Ride for Roswell. She explained, “We started our team, which is called Team Papa’s Meatballs in honor of my papa.”

Gabrielle laughed when explaining the meaning behind the name. She said not only was Phil ‘famous’ for making meatballs, but he also endearingly referred to his grandchildren as meatballs.

“You know, big Italian family,” Gabrielle said with a smile.

While Phil never rode in the event, Gabrielle says he loved being a part of the Ride Weekend environment. “It was like the like a big party for him,” she added.

Phil passed away in August of 2021, and in lieu of flowers, his family asked that memorials be made to Roswell Park instead.

Even after Phil’s passing, Team Papa’s Meatballs is still as active as ever, raising critical funds for cancer research in his honor. Gabrielle knows the continuation of the team would make her papa proud.

“He was Roswell’s biggest cheerleader. He loved that place, and he was such an advocate.”

A message to other Roswell Park employees.

Employees who get involved in the Ride are a part of what we call Team Roswell, and they play a key role in the event’s success.

To her colleagues who are considering registering, Gabrielle says, “Don’t hesitate. Definitely sign up!”

She added that even if you’re not a cyclist, there’s no reason to be nervous, as there are people of all ages and skill levels. With nine different routes to choose from, ranging from five to 100 miles, there is a path for everyone.

And for employees who may not have experience with fundraising, you are not alone!

“Social media makes it so easy now, even if you just share a link to your fundraising page and post about what you’re doing, that’s a great start,” said Gabrielle.

Her favorite aspect of the weekend is the Celebration of Hope. “It makes me cry every year,” she added. It’s something so impactful she encourages all Roswell Park employees to experience it.

The big picture.

Since Gabrielle works on the frontlines of cancer care, she sees the dollars from Ride for Roswell at work every day.

“Since I have started at Roswell, there have been so many new cancer treatments and that is all because of fundraising and research.”

As she prepares for another Ride Season, she remembers why she joined the movement in the first place.

“Roswell Park gave us seven extra years with my grandfather, and we do the Ride so that our patients and other people can get more years with their families too.”

New to the 2023 Ride for Roswell!

Posted on January 20, 2023January 25, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

New to the 2023 Ride for Roswell!

On June 24, the Ride Community is coming together again for a common mission: to end cancer.

The 2023 Ride is the same incredible event, but with new opportunities and enhancements for you to enjoy.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

The return of the Canada Route.

The Canada Route is back for the first time since 2019! Riders will travel 44 miles along the Niagara Parkway with special lanes across both the Peace Bridge and the Rainbow International Bridge. Enjoy a river view from start to finish. For this experience, there is a $750 fundraising minimum.

This was one of the community’s favorite routes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are so excited to open it up to riders again.

Learn more about the Canada Route here.

We're moving across campus at UB!

Ride for Roswell has grown tremendously over the years, thanks to dedicated riders and community partners! To ensure the Ride experience is as positive and meaningful as possible, we are moving into a larger space on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus, and we will be utilizing the area at the intersection of White Road and Hamilton Road. The new layout will allow more room for participants to enjoy their Ride while taking in the experiences throughout the day.

You’ll see some changes to parking, check-in, the start and finish lines and Celebration of Hope. The new space on campus means a better start and finish line experience, team tent village close to the action, new vendors and interactive activities with plenty of room for expansion in years to come.

Signage and guest services will help you navigate campus upon arrival.

Earn new fundraising rewards!

For the 2023 Ride for Roswell, we’re introducing new rewards for your fundraising milestones!

When you raise $750, you can earn this Ride for Roswell camping chair.

Kickstart your fundraising with a self-donation and we’ll send you an exclusive post-it note pack.

Elevation of EMC.

Extra Mile Club (EMC) members go above and beyond to bring hope to patients at Roswell Park. Last year, EMC members accounted for 75% of total funds raised. That’s amazing!

We are excited to announce we have elevated the fundraising minimum for EMC to $1,500. EMC Silver will remain at $2,500. This change will lead to an even greater impact in fueling life-changing cancer research and patient care programs. We know that the Ride Community is up for the challenge and we’re here to help!

Riders who raise more than $2,500 will have access to the EMC Silver tent, along with one guest.

Learn more about why you should become an EMC member here.

Every year we aim to enhance the rider experience with new rewards and experiences, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of the Ride this season!

Search Ride for Roswell

Safety tips for Ride Weekend

Pre-Ride Preparation.

Don’t forget to pack …

On the ride.

Ride for Roswell Spirit Week 2023: Everything you need to know!

Monday, March 27: Matching Monday

Tuesday, March 28: Team Up Tuesday

Wednesday, March 29: Kickoff Wednesday

Thursday, March 30: Throwback Thursday

Friday, March 31: FUNdraising Friday

Meet Maryann Salvadore: The 2023 Ride for Roswell Torch Lighter

Maryann’s journey.

Team Salvadore Pedal Power.

Amplifying voices.

That’s why she is a part of the Ride: because every dollar raised drives research that will change lives.

Lindsey Gold, cancer survivor and registered nurse: Why I Ride.

Joining the fight to end cancer.

Lindsey’s impact.

Message to other Roswell Park employees.

Keeping up the momentum.

Gratitude in action: Kathy Caruso shares the story of hope behind Team ‘Otterly’ Phil

The beginning.

Getting involved.

The last lap.

Team ‘Otterly’ Phil.

Making an impact.

Finding the route for you.

5-mile River Route:

10-mile River Route:

20-mile River Route:

30-mile River Route:

34-mile Country Route:

44-mile Canada Route:

45-mile Country Route:

65-mile Country Route:

100-mile Country Route:

Ride Your Own Way.

Roswell Park ICU nurse Gabrielle Acosta shares her personal connection to the cause.

Team Papa’s Meatballs.

A message to other Roswell Park employees.

The big picture.

New to the 2023 Ride for Roswell!

The return of the Canada Route.

We're moving across campus at UB!

Earn new fundraising rewards!

Elevation of EMC.

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Copyright 2023.

Copyright 2023.