More than 250 cyclists are arriving in Weedsport today as part of the Empire State Ride, a weeklong, 500+ mile cycling journey across New York State.

WEEDSPORT, NY (607NewsNow) — More than 250 cyclists are arriving in Weedsport today as part of the Empire State Ride, a weeklong, 500+ mile cycling journey across New York State dedicated to raising funds for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo.

Now in its eleventh year, the Empire State Ride has become a powerful symbol of hope and progress in the fight against cancer. Participants from 28 states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, along with local riders from Syracuse and surrounding areas, each raised at least $3,500 to take part in the event. This year’s ride is projected to raise more than $2 million to support lifesaving cancer research.

Courtesy of Jackie McDonough from Roswell Park.

The Empire State Ride is more than a physical challenge, it’s a mission-driven event united by a single goal: to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity. The route spans seven days, taking cyclists through the Hudson River Valley and Mohawk River Valley before connecting with the Erie Canal corridor. Riders experience New York’s diverse and scenic landscape, stopping overnight in the Hudson Valley, Albany, Utica, Weedsport, and Spencerport. The journey will conclude on Saturday, August 2nd, with the riders completing their 563rd mile at the top of Niagara Falls.

Since its inception in 2014, the Empire State Ride has raised over $11 million for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park was the first institution in the world to focus exclusively on cancer research. Today, it remains at the forefront of innovative treatment approaches, using personalized medicine and immunotherapy to transform cancer care. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently renewed Roswell Park’s designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, a distinction held by fewer than 4% of cancer centers in the United States, awarding it the highest possible rating of “Exceptional.”

Among those available for interviews in Weedsport are Empire State Ride founder Terry Bourgeois, Roswell Park President and CEO Dr. Candace Johnson, and various riders, cancer patients, survivors, and event staff who can speak to the deeply personal motivations behind the ride.

Courtesy of Jackie McDonough from Roswell Park.

Today’s events are taking place at the Ferris Goodrich American Legion Post 330 in Spencerport, NY. Riders will arrive at camp around 4 p.m., followed by dinner and an evening program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For more information about the Empire State Ride, to support a rider, or to get involved, visit www.empirestateride.com.

To learn more about Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355), or email ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook for updates and stories from the front lines of cancer research.