Taking to the streets of Los Angeles on two wheels can offer an eye-opening look at the city; and on Memorial Day, it also will help cancer researchers search for cures.
ThinkCure invites staff, faculty, friends and supporters to participate in the Acura LA Bike Tour on May 25 and raise money for cancer research. The official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers, ThinkCure backs collaborative studies at City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles that aim to end the disease.
 City of Hope abounds with cyclists such as Leticia Dominguez, left, and Janelle Rodriguez (Photo by Alicia Di Rado) |
The nonprofit group recently was named one of the official charities of the Los Angeles Marathon and the Acura LA Bike Tour. As part of the effort, it is rallying cyclists to ride for ThinkCure.
To be a ThinkCure rider, participants are asked to raise at least $200. “Participants can easily reach that goal in a variety of ways by asking friends for modest support,” said Janet Clayton, president of ThinkCure.
In return, cyclists will get an up-close view of the neighborhoods of Los Angeles in a way seldom seen: without any cars, buses or red lights. ThinkCure riders also will receive a unique ThinkCure T-shirt, discounts at designated bike shops and access to the ThinkCure VIP tent. In addition, anyone who raises $1,500 or more also will be invited to watch a game at Dodger Stadium in a ThinkCure suite.
The 22-mile ride on the closed course starts at 5 a.m., before the marathon begins. The ride starts and ends near the University of Southern California campus. Cyclists may ride any bicycle to participate, from a beach cruiser to a road bike, but they need a helmet and water bottle. The entry fee for the bike tour is $40 and all finishers earn a medal.
Maps, registration and ride details are available at www.thinkcure.org.