“It’s a fabulous, one-of-akind event,” said Lori Young, a Ride Across Maryland Foundation volunteer.
“When people take part in the event, they’ll never forget it. It’s a fun weekend, but it’s a very emotional weekend as well.” The ride, which includes departure locations throughout the state and concludes at the resort motel, is designed to draw awareness to the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the weekend’s activities will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Last year, the program donated $225,000 to the Maryland affiliate of the Komen foundation, which brought the grand total raised in the past eight years to $1.5 million. The opening ceremonies for the ride will begin at around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, at The Mall in Columbia, the main departure point. The pack will then head toward Ocean City and pass various sites along the way so additional bikers may join the ride. Approximately 1,100 riders traveled to the resort last year, more than 200 of whom signed up the day of the event. Cars are also welcome to participate. Most riders will arrive at the Francis Scott Key between noon and 2:30 p.m., Young said. There will be food, entertainment, prizes, vendors, activities, bike shows and giveaways at the West Ocean City venue. In excess of 900 people have already pre-registered online for the ride, and depending on the weather, Young expects about 1,200 participants in 2009. Many breast cancer survivors also take part in the ride, she said. Registration will take place at the Francis Scott Key following the ride. The cost to participate is $30 but organizers ask those interested to raise an additional $70 for a total of $100 per person.
A diverse ensemble with similar interests was formed — it included doctors, lawyers, bankers, police officers, social workers and judges — and soon it had an advisory board of approximately 35. It chose the Susan G. Komen organization because “nearly everyone knows someone who has been touched by breast cancer,” Gelfman said.