`Bike Ride to Fight Cancer’ returns to Road America Aug. 20

Auto racing fans and cyclists from around the Midwest are anxiously awaiting the return of the Tour de Road America “Bike Ride to Fight Cancer” on Aug. 20, when American Le Mans Series drivers and their teams, fans and families, local cyclists, and cancer survivors take to the famous 14 turns and hills of the scenic four-mile Road America auto racing circuit to do their part in the fight against cancer.

The family-friendly fundraising ride begins at approximately 6:15 p.m., following the day’s auto racing activities. The ride is open to cyclists of all abilities, and all kinds of bikes. It’s the highlight of many cyclists’ summer – the chance to pedal a smooth track, with no traffic, as the sun sets over the scenic Kettle Moraine countryside of Elkhart Lake.

Professional race-car drivers rank Road America circuit as their track, whether they’re competing in their cars, or pedaling for a great cause.

The “Bike Ride to Fight Cancer” benefits the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, the official charity of the American Le Mans Series, as well as the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Sheboygan.

The track challenges drivers and cyclists with its turns and hills, but is still kid- and beginner-friendly enough for the entire family to participate.

“Some of our fundraisers are just starting out, and they might do just half a lap, or maybe just one fourmile lap,” remarked George Siegle, co-founder of the Tour de Road America Foundation. “But the experienced cyclists like it too because it’s a good physical challenge, and they try to see if they can make it to 10 laps (40 miles) before sunset.”

“Last year a dozen members of Robertson Racing participated in Tour de Road America in support of the Austin Hatcher Foundation,” recalled American Le Mans Series driver David Robertson. “I physically turned some laps and began to see how many of the areas around the track are uphill, more uphill than I could feel in the car. We all are looking forward to riding again.”

A silent auction of one-of-a-kind motorsports memorabilia, cycling gear, and local items will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, culminating just before the start of the American Le Mans Series feature race Sunday afternoon.

Although there are no advanced fundraising requirements, participants are strongly encouraged to do so, and can earn exciting incentives for reaching various fundraising levels.

For more information, to register for the ride, or to make a contribution, visit www.pelotonride.org.

The Tour de Road America – Bike Ride to Fight Cancer is organized by the Tour de Road America Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with an all-volunteer staff, and with assistance from the Austin Hatcher Foundation. Since 2004, the Tour de Road America has raised over $150,000 for event beneficiaries the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Sheboygan, and the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

The Tour de Road America is made possible by the support of Road America, the American Le Mans Series and other racing series, Delta Dental, Giordana Cycling Apparel, Gear Grinder, Bella’s Custom Design, Tria Design and Marketing, Marketing Acuity, and many other businesses and individuals.