Riding for a Cure: My Ninth September with the Great Cycle Challenge

By Erik Sietsema

Throughout the month of September, cyclists all over the United States, including me, are riding to raise money to fight childhood cancer. Over the past nine years I have participated in eight Great Cycle Challenges, missing only 2023, when I broke my wrist. In that time I've raised more than $9,000 for the Children's Cancer Research Fund. This year my fundraising goal is $2,500, though I would love to exceed it.

The Great Cycle Challenge was established eleven years ago and has grown into one of the largest cycling events in the country. Riders from every state have taken par...