The 4th Annual Love Cures Bike Tour in Salado, TX benefiting the Robert S. Love Foundation invites you to join their ride on Oct 1st, 2011 starting at Scott and White Salado Clinic located at 3525 FM 2484, Salado, TX.
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Chelsea Loafman to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why Join Love Cures?
The Love Cures Bike Tour offers a well supported scenic ride through the country that participants are sure to enjoy. A king and queen of the hill will be crowned and awarded medals for the first male and female to reach the top of the hill on the course. Help support cancer research programs at Scott and White Hospital while enjoying the company of fellow cyclists along a beautiful route.
How long has the event been around?
The Love Cures Bike Tour began in 2008.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
Loves Cures is a series of athletic events during the month of October that includes the bike tour, a golf tournament, a tennis tournament, a 5K walk/run and then a final banquet dinner and auction. The goal is to get people active and raise awareness for the importance of cancer research to be able to find a cure in the future. Money raised at the events benefits the Robert S. Love Foundation that supports Scott and White Hospital Cancer Programs and cutting edge cancer research. The foundation was established by a friend of Robert Love after he passed away on August 27, 2002 following a 9 year battle with liposarcoma (abdominal tumors). The only known treatment for this type of cancer was surgery to remove the tumors and the tissue they had attached to. Robert underwent lengthy surgery about every 10 months to combat the tumors over those 9 years. The foundation was established a few years after Robert passed away and the Love Cures event series was created. All money raised stays in Central Texas to promote and support cancer research programs. Love Cures is committed to finding a cure for cancer.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Watching the community come together and the comradery of the individuals during the ride. There are very few people today that have not had their lives touched by a cancer diagnosis in a friend, loved one, or even themselves. There is fantastic support shown to the foundation and among the participants as they share stories of triumph over cancer or the unfortunate loss from it. Everyone feels compelled to get involved and enjoy the day.
What is the average number of participants per year?
Last year we had about 150 participants and we are looking to set a new record this year as the event continues to grow!
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
The best way to support the event is to sign up and participate. You don’t have to be a competitive cyclist to ride. We have routes of varies distances for all levels of comfort. Dust off the old bike, bring the family and have a fun day of riding through the beautiful countryside. For those looking for more of a competitive ride, you can race to be the first to the top of the hill and be crowned the king or queen of the hill in the longer distance courses. If getting on a bike isn’t your thing, we would always love to have volunteers to help in the organization of the event and to support the riders throughout the course at the intersections and rest stops. Donations can also be made directly to the Robert S. Love Foundation through lovecures.org.
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Last year we experienced the most glorious weather the day of the tour making the ride even more enjoyable. We are hoping for a repeat of the weather this year and for more participants to come out and enjoy the day with us!
Thanks Chelsea Loafman for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the 4th Annual Love Cures Bike Tour