Fireflies West isn’t a cycling club. It’s a purpose-driven community of advocates and volunteers whose annual ride raises money for cancer research at City of Hope®.
Fireflies West may look like a cycling club, with its weekly rides in Greater Los Angeles and annual 600-mile challenge in the fall. But it’s about a lot more than cycling. Fireflies West is really a purpose-driven community whose mission is to raise money for cancer research.
Most Fireflies work in advertising, including co-founder Erik Press and current “director sportif” Rani Melendez. Here, they talk about the unique culture that allows Fireflies West to make an impact and change people’s lives.
How did Fireflies West get started?
Erik: Fireflies West is part of a global community that began in Europe almost 25 years ago. In 2008, a group of us in Los Angeles planned the first U.S. ride from San Francisco to LA. Since then, we’ve donated about $5 million to blood cancer research programs at City of Hope. About 100 people participate in Fireflies West’s weekly rides and social activities each year.
Fireflies is still going strong in Europe — each summer, they cycle over the Alps to southern France. We also have an incredible group in Chile called Fireflies Patagonia. Most Fireflies are from the advertising industry and share the same ethos of building a purpose-driven community. Many travel to other countries to participate in each other’s rides. You can go almost anywhere in the world and find a Fireflies connection.
Tell us about the annual ride.
Rani: Our leadership team hand-selects 50 riders for the annual ride each year. The tour also has a medic, a mechanic and a support team of about 15 volunteers. Our riders include professionals at the height of their careers and young people just entering the business. Everyone is equal on the bike.
This year’s ride is more than 600 miles, from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Sometimes people say to me, “You guys are crazy. I could never do a ride like that.” But I think that’s part of the challenge once you sign on. You have to fight through it, whatever it takes. You’re doing it for people who didn’t have a choice about facing cancer.
Many of our riders have personal experiences with cancer. Before we start the annual tour, we write down the names of people we are riding for and tuck the list into our jersey pockets. It’s our way of saying that we aren’t leaving them behind. They are right there with us. Our motto is, “For those who suffer, we ride.”
What are the expectations for Fireflies?
Erik: Riders need to make a minimum donation to cover their costs so that every dollar we raise from sponsors goes directly to City of Hope. Just as important, we expect Fireflies to be part of the community, whether by participating in rides, spreading the word about Fireflies West, serving in leadership roles or supporting the annual tour. We want them to be part of our culture, which is about making an impact and changing people’s lives.
How does that culture shine through during the annual ride?
Rani: You can see our culture in how we treat each other. For example, each day, we designate a few riders to be “angels.” They’re veterans and responsible for people who are struggling at the back of the ride. Angels ensure these riders get to where they’re going safely, even if it means going back down the mountain to help. It’s not a race or about who gets to the hotel fastest. It’s about being part of the community.
Where did the name “Fireflies” come from?
Erik: The legend is that during the first European tour, five riders were coming down a mountain in complete darkness. A follow-van was behind them with one broken headlight. As the group descended into a wooded area, they saw a little light. And another light. And another light. Next thing you know, it’s thousands of fireflies pinging off helmets, faces and glasses, lighting the way home.
The 2025 Fireflies West ride is from October 4 to October 10. For more information, visit Fireflies West.
“You have to fight through it, whatever it takes. You’re doing it for people who didn’t have a choice about facing cancer.” — Fireflies co-founder Erik Press