The Courage Ride is for amateur and experienced bike enthusiasts alike! 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.
In November 1995, seventeen-year-old Seth Bailey was passionate about sports. A junior at Iowa, he was surprised when a sore leg turned into something serious. A diagnosis of soft-tissue Synovial Sarcoma 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 our 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, 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 2009 Amish Tour to Cure Cancer Bike Ride, a splendid and colorful ride through beautiful Amish country in the fall, launched from the Iowa Mennonite School near Kalona, Iowa. 326 riders took place in this event and raised over $30,000 for the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
