A new charity bike ride, the “Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off,” is
set for Saturday, October 13, at 8 a.m. The event will raise money for
treatment-resistant breast cancer research at the University of Florida and
Shands.
The “Pedal-Off” kicks off at the UF Cancer and Genetics
Research Complex (near the intersection of Archer Road and Gale Lemerand
Drive). Cyclists may choose between 20-, 40- and 55-mile routes traversing the
UF campus, Gainesville’s historic southeast district, local lakes and habitats
and the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail. Proceeds go directly to the CSCRB
(Collaboration of Scientists for Critical Research in Biomedicine) to fund
important research against aggressive treatment-resistant breast cancers that account
for 25% of all breast cancer deaths.
The CSCRB (www.cscrb.org) has
already contributed more than $50,000 to UF & Shands to fund this research,
primarily through proceeds from previous “NuNu 5K” races and the Pink Ribbon
Cycling Jersey (www.cancer.ufl.edu/pinkjersey).
The “Pedal-Off” is part of UF & Shands’ annual community
outreach event called the “Pink Pumpkin Fest”. This free festival raises
awareness about breast cancer and about the many cancer care services available
through UF & Shands. Participants may pick a pink pumpkin from the “patch”
and decorate it to honor a loved one affected by breast cancer. There will be
music and vendor booths on hand as well as a “Pee Wee Pedal-Off” for children
ages 12 and under. Kids can decorate their bikes, ride in the Pee Wee Parade
and compete for prizes.
