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Pelotonia to wheel through Groveport and Canal Winchester
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - August 23, 2009)
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Riders will hop on their bicycles Aug. 28-30 to help fight cancer when they join in the inaugural Pelotonia cycling tour, which will pass through Groveport and Canal Winchester.
"The purpose of Pelotonia is to raise money for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute with the end goal of curing cancer," said Libby Topel associate director of publicity and communications for Pelotonia. "It's important because funding for cancer research is flat and the occurrence of cancer is rising. Meaning we need more funding to keep up with the rate of cancer growth."
Topel said the goal for Pelotonia is to raise $4 million in its first year and $40 million in the next five years.
"One hundred percent of this will be donated to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute," said Topel.
The word "peloton" is a French term that means a bullet or pellet.
"In cycling a 'peloton' refers to a group of cyclists riding as a group, drafting off of each other, using less energy and ultimately making it easier for a single person to win," said Topel. "The word 'Pelotonia' signifies individuals coming together as one to reach the end goal of ending cancer."
Pelotonia route
Cyclists have a choice of routes to ride of 25, 50, 100 or 180 miles.
"The 25 mile and 50 mile routes take place on Aug. 29 and each have a fundraising minimum of $1,000," said Topel. "The 100 mile route also takes place Aug. 29 and has a fundraising minimum of $1,500."
The two day, 180 mile route, with an overnight stay at the Ohio University dorms, starts Aug. 29 and ends Aug. 30.
"This route has a fundraising minimum of $2,000," said Topel.
"There will be numerous water stops along the route that will provide water, snacks, bathrooms, medical staff and anything else a rider might need," added Topel.
Pelotonia begins at Chemical Abstracts in Columbus near Ohio State University on Olentangy Road. From there the 25 mile route finishes in Groveport. From Groveport the route progresses to Amanda for the 50 mile finish and the lunch stop.
Next the route heads southeast past Clear Creek Metro Park to Logan and then to Nelsonville finishing the last 13 miles on the Hocking Adena Bikeway that leads to Ohio University in Athens.
The full 180 mile route finishes in Canal Winchester on Aug. 30.
Riders will pass through Groveport on Aug. 29 from approximately 8 a.m. and on. On Aug. 30, cyclists riding 180 miles will end at Slate Run Metro Park, south of Canal Winchester from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pelotonia in Groveport
There are plans to welcome the cyclists as they pedal through Groveport.
"Our goal is to get folks out along the bike route into Groveport and to see spectators lining the streets starting at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 29. We'd also like to see people come out at the Groveport Recreation Center to cheer on the bikers coming through this first leg of the trip," said Christine Boucher of the civic organization Go Groveport.
Celebrity Pelotonia riders may include Lance Armstrong, Ohio State President Dr. E. Gordon Gee, Ohio State Football Coach Jim Tressel, Columbus Blue Jacket Rick Nash, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, former Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel, Dr. Caliguiri - CEO of the James Cancer Hospital, Dan Rosenthal - Office of the Chairman of NetJets, and others.
"The folks at Pelotonia told us that some, like Coach Tressel, will end their trip here (in Groveport), but others like Gordon Gee and Lance Armstrong might not stop and just continue on after biking through the first stop," said Boucher.
The Pelotonia bicycle tour will pass through Groveport the morning of Aug. 29. and include world champion bicycle racer Lance Armstrong.
According to Groveport Police Lt. Kurt Blevins, about 2,250 cyclists are expected to pass through Groveport via Rohr Road to Walnut Street then east on Main Street to Groveport Park.
For information on Groveport and Pelotonia call Go Groveport at 836-7939 or visit www.gogroveport.com.
For information on Pelotonia and for detailed information on the route, call (614) 221-6100 or visit the Web site at www.pelotonia.org. To sign up to ride in Pelotonia, click on the header "Ride." To volunteer click on the header "Volunteer."
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