Rider Spotlight

From Cancer Patient, to Survivor, to Empire State Rider

There are million different reasons to participate in the Empire State Ride. For Rick Bartlett, there is one that stands out. The avid cyclist was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the beginning of 2017. Due to early detection and... Read more

• May 11, 2018
• Blog, Rider Spotlight

We All Need A Little Adventure In Our Lives

In 2017, Peter Vollmer lost his cousin to throat cancer. On his way home from the funeral, he heard a radio commercial for the Empire State Ride. Peter felt compelled to participate in honor of all of those in... Read more

• May 7, 2018
• Blog, Rider Spotlight

First an Ironman, Now an Empire State Rider

Growing up as an athlete playing soccer, Buffalo native Katie Hamister had nothing but distaste for the sport of cycling. However, when she suffered an ACL injury, she realized the beauty of the sport. Today, she averages 120 miles... Read more

• April 27, 2018
• Blog, Rider Spotlight

Rider Spotlight: Scott Posner

“To win the battle, we need as many soldiers as possible.” Cycling enthusiast Scott Posner is always up for a challenge. So when he learned about The Empire State Ride, he knew he needed to be a part of... Read more

• April 11, 2018
• Rider Spotlight

“This is sick … I have to do it.”

Here at the Empire State Ride, we have all sorts of cyclists join our family. From experienced riders looking to complete a new accomplishment on their cycling bucket list, to retirees looking for a fun way to give back... Read more

• February 19, 2018
• Rider Spotlight, The ESR Experience, Why I Ride

Rider Spotlight: Melissa Delforte

The year 2018 will mark Melissa Delforte’s first Empire State Ride. She is a cancer survivor. She is a Canandaigua Road Warrior. She first learned about the Empire State Ride a few years ago when she saw a poster... Read more

• February 12, 2018
• Rider Spotlight

Rider Spotlight: John Heimback

On June 24, 2017, John Heimback was having lunch with his friend Mark and discussing one specific question: “Should we do the Empire State Ride?” “Are we doing this or not?” “Let’s do it!” Earlier that day, John found... Read more

• December 27, 2017
• Rider Spotlight, Why I Ride

Why should I register for the Empire State Ride?

How did you get here? (That wasn’t meant to be a philosophical question.) Did you come upon some of the inspirational photos from last year’s Empire State Ride? Did you find us because you are looking for an awesome... Read more

• November 15, 2017
• Rider Spotlight, The ESR Experience

Meet 2017 Empire State Rider Donna Bridges

Donna Bridges started bicycling after she lost her dad to cancer. She’s taken part in Roswell Park’s single-day bicycling fundraiser for the past seven years, and now, she’s ready for a bigger challenge. Q: How did you find out... Read more

• May 31, 2017
• Rider Spotlight

Meet 2017 Empire State Rider Guy May

One of Guy May’s friends was always known for asking, “What’s your next adventure?” Last month, that friend passed away after a battle with cancer. In her memory, Guy’s choosing the Empire State Ride as his next adventure —... Read more

• May 12, 2017
• Rider Spotlight