Pace Day is Oct. 16 with more than 400 cyclists expected to take to the streets to raise money for cancer research.
Cyclists will begin at two different spots Saturday. Those on the 100-mile and 50-mile courses will leave from Augusta University’s Summerville Campus at 7:45 a.m. while those cycling 25 miles will leave from Harlem High School at 9 a.m.
All riders will go along their respective routes to a finish line set up at the Columbia County Amphitheater where a day of festivities is planned according to Martyn Jones, president and executive director of Paceline, the group hosting the event.
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The first Pace Day was in 2019. After more than two years since a physical event was held, Jones said it’s almost like the Paceline team is starting over. One year didn’t give the entity time to get established. Last year, it was virtual.
Some people are going unchained again this year, meaning they are participating in Pace Day virtually.
The campaign is a grassroots effort to “cure cancer faster,” he said.
So far, Paceline has raised more than $330,000, with all of it going toward cancer research at the Georgia Cancer Center, he said. Funding has gone to five different projects including one to investigate the disparities in breast cancer treatment in different racial groups.
While the event is local, its impact is not.
“Donors attached to the riders are from all 50 states,” he said. “Every state in America has donors. The scope of this goes beyond Augusta.”
Not only are all 50 states represented but pledges are also coming in from people in other countries as well, he said. Some of the cyclists have friends and family in other countries who are pledging their financial support.
In addition, not everyone receiving treatment at the Georgia Cancer Center is from Georgia; they come from other states as well, he said.
Pace Day isn’t a race; it’s a community ride. All of the riders will have the chance to be cheered on through the finish line in the parking lot near the Columbia County amphitheater behind the library.
At the celebration event, there will be live music, cancer stories and speakers.
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Other Paceline-related activities have been held in conjunction leading up to the grand event Oct. 16.
An additional fundraiser included the brewing of a beer called Happy To Help. The beer sold out. It was brewed locally at Savannah River Brewing Co. and sold at area retailers and restaurants. Also, there were smaller rides to promote the day.
Although the event is only a couple of days away, Jones said they will be taking registrations until the “11th hour.”
To find out more about Paceline, visit pacelineride.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
