A seven-day, 600+-mile bike tour sounds grueling, even to those who love cycling. But enduring a personal challenge in the name of helping people with cancer is central to the mission of Fireflies West, a vibrant cycling community in Los Angeles (and globally). Fireflies West has raised over $5 million through their annual rides for blood cancer research at City of Hope.
“Fireflies is designed as a shared experience of cancer and the suffering, confusion, and uncertainty that the disease brings,” says Loni Perestere, whose first Fireflies ride was in 2010. “It is supposed to feel impossible.”
The tour isn’t a race or about who gets to the hotel fastest. It’s about being part of the community — finishing together. Quitting from exhaustion isn’t an option.
“The ‘ask’ is stressful, daunting and scary,” Loni continues. “But what you find along the way are individuals whose passion to live and, more importantly, to live for others, gets you through all the hard times. And despite suffering, when you look next to you, there are people who care about helping you along the way.”
A global community with European roots
Fireflies West is part of a global community that began with a cancer charity ride across the high Alps to southern France in 2001. Eight years later, a group in Los Angeles planned the first U.S. ride from San Francisco to LA.
Today, Fireflies communities are going strong around the world, including in the U.S., Europe and Chile. All Fireflies groups support cancer research in their own countries and share the same ethos of building a purpose-driven community. Fireflies even travel to other countries to participate in each other’s rides.
Fireflies West hosts weekly rides and social activities in LA, attracting about 100 people each year. Group leaders select 50 cyclists for the annual tour. Some riders are Fireflies West veterans, while others are embarking on their first long-distance tour. Many have personal experiences with cancer; last year, a beloved member succumbed to the disease. Most fireflies work in advertising, including co-founder Erik Press and current “director sportif” Rani Melendez.
Why City of Hope?
When Erik and a handful of other riders established Fireflies West 17 years ago, they wanted to support a local cancer institution rather than send donations to the European group’s charity.
Fireflies West donations support cancer research at City of Hope, an international leader in blood cancer treatments, including stem cell and bone marrow transplants. City of Hope’s Toni Stephenson Lymphoma Center develops immune-based, nontransplant therapies, many of which have already shown promise in City of Hope laboratories.
“We liked that City of Hope scientists were developing technology and treatment strategies and sharing their knowledge with other organizations worldwide as part of a global cancer-fighting effort,” Erik says. “Plus, City of Hope is right in our backyard. It was the obvious choice.”
Riders make a minimum donation to cover their costs, so every dollar raised from sponsors goes directly to City of Hope. Last year’s tour raised nearly $700,000. But it’s about more than riding bikes and raising money, Erik explains. It’s about being part of the Fireflies West community, whether by participating in weekly rides, spreading the word about Fireflies West, serving in leadership roles, or supporting the annual tour.
A ride that’s rich with tradition
Rani joined the Fireflies community in 2012 when he became one of a few people to participate in both the European and Los Angeles rides in the same year. As the 2025 director sportif, he will lead the 600+-mile ride with its 50 cyclists, a medic, a mechanic and a support team of about 10 volunteers. “For seven days, we become a living, breathing community united by our motto, ‘For those who suffer, we ride,’” Rani says. “We do it for those who can’t.”
Each day is intense, especially when cyclists face steep climbs. “The struggle is in the back,” Rani explains. “A few of our veterans ensure these riders get to where they’re going safely, even if it means returning down the mountain to help them. When the last cyclist finishes, we rest and prepare (together) for the days ahead. That’s the kind of spirit and community that sets fireflies apart. We like to say that if you want to ride fast, you should ride alone. But if you want to ride far and make an impact, ride with The Fireflies.”
Amid the struggle, Fireflies make room for laughter and fun. Each morning, the tour director bestows the “Banana Award” to a rider who committed the biggest faux pas on the previous day’s ride. Awardees embrace it as a badge of honor — and must wear a banana on their helmet all day long.
In addition, the previous day’s slowest rider presents a flowery bike basket to the most aggressive rider of the previous day. Many “winners” fill the basket with candy and fruit to share with other riders as a reminder to slow down and be part of the group.
When cancer is personal
Midway through the tour, riders gather after the day’s ride to talk about why they are there. Many reflect on their own experience with cancer or talk about a loved one who is battling the disease or has died from it. “These are typically quite emotional evenings, and I think it’s where you see the heart of the Fireflies,” says Erik. “It means a lot to all of us that our efforts help people at City of Hope, whether by supporting research breakthroughs or new treatments.”
Before starting the annual tour, riders are encouraged to include the names of the people they are riding for, which are printed in that year’s (custom-designed) jersey pockets.
“It’s our way of saying that we aren’t leaving them behind,” Rani says. “They are right there with us.”
Last year, Loni rode for his dad, Richard Perestere, who died of cancer in July 2024. Loni vividly recalls battling the elements on the tour, pushing his body to the limit of physical endurance and fighting the temptation to get off the bike. But he also remembers his fellow riders, who made a difference on the road and in their fundraising efforts. He says, “We offer our small amount of suffering in exchange for a small amount of hope and a belief that we can make a difference.”
The 2025 Fireflies West Tour is from October 4-10 from San Francisco to LA — the steep route. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Fireflies West City of Hope campaign page.