In 2003 cancer survivors Steve and Jeff Wood were looking for a way to give back to all of the people and organizations that helped them with their cancer journey. At the time there wasn't any bike ride only races in the North Country so they decided to give it a try and organize a bike ride to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Livestrong Foundation.
From the inaugural ride with 60 riders and just over $5,000 raised to the 20th Ride in 2022 with over 160 Riders and 12,000 dollars raised. The SpokerRide in 20 years has generated almost $170,000 from 2,400 riders and sponsors to benefit the American Cancer Society, Livestrong and our new partner the Volunteer Transportation Center. The Volunteer Transportation Center provides charity rides to cancer survivors to and from their medical appointments and provide major support for the ride.
One question we get asked frequently is the SpokerRide a ride or race? Well, it's both! We have a 10 mile family fun ride that is not timed and winds through the village of Sackets Harbor and the historic 1812 battlefield and along the shores of Lake Ontario. Take your time on this ride and enjoy the views! Next there is a 30 mile (intermediate ride) that riders can choose to either compete with others (or themselves) and be timed. The 30 mile meanders through the back roads of Southern Jefferson County. The 50 mile (advanced) ride is for the more advanced riders - or those that want to challenge themselves - and just like the 30 mile riders can chose to be timed or not. Road marshals are at all major intersections and safety of our riders is of the upmost importance.