We had 326 registered riders. Together we raised over $30,000 for research at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information visit
http://courageride.shutterfly.com/
for pictures from the event.
The 2009 Amish Tour to Cure Cancer Bike Ride (the Courage Ride), a splendid and colorful ride through beautiful Amish country in the fall, this year will gather at the Iowa Mennonite School (IMS), the home base for the ride. The site is nestled in the gently rolling hills of Iowa Amish country near Kalona.
The Courage Ride, in honor of Seth A. Bailey, raises money for researching Synovial Sarcoma and other forms of cancer. Many businesses support this ride through generous donations. Proceeds from ride registrations and donations go to the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Proceeds from 2005-2008 are as follows: 2005 = $34,462; 2006=$19,811; 2007 = $62,940, and 2008 = $52,906. The first two years, money went to the Sarcoma Foundation of America and since 2007, money has gone to Holden.
This year's ride starts and ends at the Iowa Mennonite School where Seth Bailey played basketball, post-diagnosis. Seth later went on to train for the Para-Olympics in Denver. IMS is a natural gathering place and hub of activity for rural communities and school officials have been supportive and generous. This community setting is a natural choice.
In November 1995, seventeen-year-old Seth Bailey was passionate about sports. A junior at Iowa the school, he was surprised when a sore leg turned into something serious. A diagnosis of soft-tissue Synovial Sarcoma (a more rare form of cancer) came as a shock to all who knew Seth. After a valiant fight, he died in 2003 at age 25. This ride was organized as a tribute to Seth and to others who have been diagnosed with cancer.
In 2005, spear-headed by his parents, fiancé, and friends, this event was organized and executed by an all-volunteer team with the support of local businesses, including the flagship sponsor Hills Bank. Many families, affected by cancer, raised money and participated in this and subsequent rides.
In 2007, the Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC) met with the Baileys and combined their fall ride with this one, enhancing the ride and providing energy and expertise to the event. BIC volunteer participation continues to be a crucial element in the ride’s success.
The Courage Ride is for amateur and experienced bike enthusiasts alike! Prior rides were centered at City Park in Hills, Iowa. This year, the ride was moved and re-routed because of major construction. Riders will choose to ride 16, 24, 39, 67, or 95 miles. The day begins with Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast. Riders will also enjoy snacks along the route at several well-stocked rest stops. For those riding longer routes, lunch will be included at Wellman. Riders on shorter routes will have lunch at IMS. Showers are available at the school.
Spend a part of your day with us riding through glorious country, eating lunch and snacks along the way and listening to the music of local artists at rest stops and the Iowa Mennonite School. Whether you want to raise money for the cause, or just register and ride for the sheer joy of it, this ride is for you.
Read the story of Seth A. Bailey >>
MAPS from 2009 ride:
More on this year's Courage Ride
