Derek Fettes is an 11-year proud supporter of the Ride for Roswell. As a Roswell Park patient, team captain and Extra Mile Club member, Derek knows that the Ride was made for everyone.
On his first ride, he remembers being invited by a friend. Their connection to the Ride stemmed from both losing loved ones to cancer.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I didn’t really know anyone who was actively doing it. But it was an easy yes for me, and I am glad I am doing it. I love it. I wouldn’t miss it now.”
Last year, the Ride became even more personal and meaningful to Derek as he became a patient at Roswell Park.
This year, Derek is excited about the five different Ride locations being offered.
“I like that there are so many different rides now, and different ways you can ride,” he said.
“People are always worried about the length of a ride, but there is a ride for everybody. I think sometimes, people get intimidated by the length of the Ride or they think it is a bike race, but it’s not. Just hop on your bike, go a couple miles and raise funds for cancer research.”
Derek is also part of a team, The Midnight Riders, and they go all out. One of his favorite Ride memories is when they went to UB and dressed up as the band Kiss and rode to “kiss cancer goodbye.” You may even see them this year representing the “force”- hint, hint!
As for his experienced rider pro tips, he recommends:
at the ride...
- Fundraise: “Don’t be afraid to ask people to fundraise... There isn’t anybody that hasn’t been affected in some way by it. It’s a great cause and they are doing great things at Roswell Park. It’s a great event to support.”
- Practice: Use practice rides as an opportunity to meet up with your team, and to get used to your bike
- Make an event of it: Get together the morning of the ride for breakfast, or ride to your location together, and celebrate together after a job well done – just make sure to continue to follow COVID-19 safety regulations!
- Make fundraising fun: Get creative with your fundraising. Create an event that all of your family and friends can enjoy “The memories you make from it, you talk about it all the time. It’s something we make part of our yearly routine. Quite honestly, for a lot of us, this is one of the events we enjoy and look forward to doing every year.”
Derek invites everyone to participate in the Ride for Roswell because it’s a day of fun and impact.
