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But if you love to torture yourself on major hills, there's plenty of that too.
By Katie O'Connor
Road races, whether by bike or by foot, are fundraising fixtures every fall.
But rare are events that manage to combine intensely challenging terrain close to home, 100% cash-to-cause and family friendly options that don't require you to leave the kids behind-or be ready to turn pro.
The annual Cazenovia Hillbender Cycling Festival this Sunday, Sept. 14, at Chittenango Falls State Park is one of those.
Riders will help support local families like the Willis family of Fayetteville whose 12-year-old twins Jack and Nolan suffer from a devastating genetic disorder called Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
"Every dime that we make on the race goes to Two Smiles, One Hope," a non-profit organization that raises money for research and support into Duchenne, said race director and local investment advisor Rick Cote.
There is still plenty of time to register using the easy online form . The entry fee is $50 until Sept. 12 and then $60 day-of. Kids are $20.
Two Smiles, One Hope is one of many smaller charities that help fund larger national initiatives for Duchenne research to make a true impact. It means there is a "critical mass of funds that come from non-profits like ourselves," Cote said.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of nine types of the genetic disorder and one that mainly affects boys. While quality of life and life expectancy are increasing due to research and improvements in medical management, the disease still cuts lives incredibly short. Experts say only recently have those with Duchenne begun to live beyond their teen years, an unimaginable burden for families to shoulder.
"They are making great strides, but with kids like Jack and Nolan, it's race against time," Cote said.
Alison Dwyer Willis, the boys' mother, welcomes everyone to join her family this weekend.
"Ride or race for those who can't," she said. "Please help us continue our fight, not only for my sons, but for thousands like them where time is not on their side."
Learn more about Jack and Nolan in their MDA Telethon clip.
Syracuse Bicycle is a proud sponsor of the Cazenovia Hillbender Cycling Festival along with many great local organizations. Please take a minute to read through our sponsor list here!
Here's what you need to know about the race:
Race Date & Time
- The festival is Sunday Sept. 14
- Starting at Chittenango Falls State Park
- 38-mile race starts @ 8 am
- 19-mile ride & family 8-mile ride starts @ 8:30am
- Kids loop starts @ 8:45am
- Day of registration starts @ 6:45 - 7:50
Course Map
Registration link
Entry Fee
- $50 until 9/12, $60 day of.
Awards
- There will be awards for the 38-mile race only.
- Overall Male and Female prizes.
- $250 team prize (top 4 rider times from each team registered).
- Age Group winner prizes.
Ready for more already? Go you! You can also join us also at the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on Oct. 4th at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville. We need people to help out with course marking, packet pick up, day-of registration, sales, food set up/clean up, and aid stations.
Email here to volunteer!
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