Warthers to raise money to fight cancer on Pelotonia Bike Tour

Since riding a recumbent bike Dan Warther of Dover has learned something about himself. “There is not a hill out there that I can’t walk my bike up,” he said.

In August 2009, Warther participated in the first ever Pelotonia bike tour to raise money for cancer research. One hundred percent of all donations from the ride go directly to research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (The James). This year, Warther will be joined by his son, Cogan, 14, for the tour.

“Riding in the hills of Tuscarawas County helped prepare my legs. Fortunately, the first half of the ride, from Columbus to Amanda, is mostly flat. During the second half of the ride, the Hocking Hills offer some hills that are more challenging than any around here.”

“After the ride last year, my legs were sore for a day or two. Crossing the finish line was a great feeling for having raised $2,900 for The James Cancer Center,” said Dan Warther.

Warther enjoyed the 2009 tour. “Lance Armstrong gave a very motivational speech at (last year’s) opening ceremony. He spoke of his battle with cancer and the importance of helping out with the financial need of research centers like The James. After a short kickoff speech Saturday morning, he rode his bike to the front of the line and took the lead.”

This year Archie Griffin will be participating in the event. Griffin is a former tailback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and the first player to ever win two Heisman awards.

For Warther the fight against cancer is personal. “It’s hard to have a day go by without thinking of someone whose life has not been affected by cancer. My wife, Julie, is a four-year breast cancer survivor. I lost my brother, Dale, this spring to colon cancer. To prevent this for our children and future generations, we need to fight cancer head on.”

Cogan Warther is eager for the chance to help in the fight. “Last year, I went on a few training rides with my dad. When he got back from Pelotonia, he told me all the great things about this ride. I thought it sounded like fun and decided to join him. I would like to help out with cancer research because my mom (Julie) is a survivor of cancer,” said Cogan.

The Warthers goals are to each ride 100 miles and collect a combined total of $4,000 for cancer research. The father-son team’s training schedule has consisted of riding 15 to 20 miles about three times a week since June. “We started training earlier this year but have not trained as hard. We’re a little behind in total miles, but we will be ready to complete the Pelotonia on August 21,” said Dan.

To join the Warthers in the fight against cancer, go to www.pelotonia.org/ride/, click on “riders” on the menu, search for riders Dan Warther or Cogan Warther to find their information and make a donation.

“I decided to ride this year during last year’s Pelotonia ride. The support of the spectators camped out beside the road cheering on the riders was overwhelming and gratifying,” said Dan Warther. “There were many who held up signs identifying themselves as cancer survivors and thanking the riders for their efforts. I knew then that what I was doing was indeed worthwhile and appreciated, and vowed to be back next year.”

The Pelotonia ’10 is a grass roots bike tour with one goal: to end cancer. Driven by the passion of its cyclists and volunteers, and their family and friends, Pelotonia’s cycling experience is a place of hope, energy, and determination.