Being a first-time rider in the Empire State Rider can feel overwhelming. The what-ifs come fast:
“What if I’m not ready?”
“What if I can’t keep up?”
“What if I don’t belong?”
That’s exactly why the ESR mentors are here to help. Our mentors are seasoned riders who were once standing in your shoes, carrying the same nerves and questions. They’re here to answer anything you’re wondering about, share training and fundraising tips and ride beside you during those hard miles. For ESR 2026, we’re lucky to have 12 incredible mentors. We spoke with each of them to hear how their ESR journey began, what they wish they’d known as new riders and how they help their mentees feel confident and prepared for a week on the road.
Maritza Torres-Rivera
4th Year Riding
I found Empire State Ride at a turning point when a friend’s cancer returned and our plans to walk El Camino de Santiago changed. I saw an ESR ad and knew I could ride for her. What started as one emotional finish line became a mission. I started Team Borikén, became an Excelsior rider and have gained a second family.
You don’t have to be the fastest or strongest to belong, just show up, pedal and remember your why. Lean on the community, start fundraising early and have fun. You’ll be amazed how far support (and snacks) can take you.
As a mentor, my goal is simple: No one feels alone. I help new riders find their why, share it confidently and feel empowered every step of the way — from fundraising tips to pep talks to what to pack.
Tom Flynn
9th Year Riding
I got involved with Empire State Ride when a friend’s wife was diagnosed with colon cancer — he encouraged me to join, so I bought a bike and started riding. I really enjoy the camaraderie and mission.
Be prepared with an elevator pitch that tells the ride story and your story. Cancer is connectable with most people. Bonus: Start riding as much as you can.
This is my first year as a mentor, but I will make sure to help in whatever way I can.
Jane Eshbaugh
7th Year Riding
In 2022, I became a patient at Roswell Park, so everything we supported at Roswell suddenly became even more important to me! I know firsthand how hard everyone at Roswell works to give patients excellent care and even more importantly, how hard the researchers work to come up with new treatments and ultimately cures.
Look around at all the riders and volunteers to see how dedicated everyone is to funding research! We’re all in this together for a common cause.
As a mentor, I communicate with my mentees mostly via email and just try to encourage them, reassure them and give them ideas for fundraising.
Jason Maher
8th Year Riding
I’ve often said if you don’t laugh, sweat and cry a little each of the seven days, you missed the full experience. I found ESR after losing my mom to cancer, and it’s been a journey of healing, growth, mentorship and leaving the world better than I found it.
Prioritize sleep and gear. A 35L Sea to Summit eVac Dry Bag keeps a queen pillow, sheet, sleeping bag and liner dry and cozy — no trash bags or tiny camp pillows needed after 90 miles!
As a mentor, I host Zoom calls, send daily tips via group text leading up to orientation and ride with any mentee who wants it, always matching their pace.
Christine Standish
4th Year Riding
I look forward to ESR for so many reasons. I get to support Roswell and the incredible work being done to cure cancer (a cause that means a lot to me) while training and riding alongside the most supportive, passionate people. I first got involved after Ride for Roswell, with encouragement from ESR alumni like my brother-in-law, Geoff.
The ride can feel daunting, but start early with fundraising, training and bike prep. Once the ride begins, the support will absolutely blow you away.
As a mentor, I check in before, during and after the ride — answering questions, riding when I can and offering support. It’s mentally and physically challenging, but with the right planning, it becomes the hardest ride you’ll ever love. Welcome to the family. 😊
Harold Bolton
7th Year Riding
I found Empire State Ride on social media, loved the challenge and signed up with my wife’s support. I knew by the second water stop this would be something I’d do for as long as I could. ESR 2026 will be my 7th ride and being part of Terry’s vision (especially riding alongside cancer survivors and patients) is truly life-changing.
Don’t overthink it. Each day is just four 25-mile segments.
As a mentor, I help new riders understand what to expect, encourage them not to overthink it, connect them with veteran riders and remind them it’s a ride, not a race.
Phil Zodda
9th Year Riding
I got involved after a chance meeting with Steve Mars and later dedicated my ride to my niece who passed from breast cancer. Over the years, I’ve watched ESR grow from a small group to an incredible community, and I started the Dragon Slayers team to help keep that spirit strong.
Try camping instead of staying in hotels, at least once. There’s so much you gain socially and emotionally by being at the campsites with other riders.
As a mentor, I focus on real conversations — phone calls, Zooms and riding together when possible. On the road, I make sure no one feels left behind and remind riders that most limits are mental, not physical. My goal is to help every new rider feel confident, prepared and part of the ESR family.
Jim Cairns
4th Year Riding
I first saw ESR on social media and thought, that would be cool to do, but I waited a year to prepare. Once I committed, I went all in, and now I can’t imagine not riding. The friendships and camaraderie make it the best week of the year. What started as a personal challenge became something bigger; by year three, I was focused less on myself and more on supporting others. Truly life-changing.
Pack each day’s kit in ziplock bags, including post-ride clothes, so everything is easy to grab. Bring binder clips to hang your gear to air out, simple tricks that make life on the road much easier.
As a mentor, I focus on listening to riders’ concerns and reminding them they’re not alone. Whatever they’re nervous about, there are resources and people ready to help long before the ride begins.
Harvey Bondar
& Button 🐶
4th Year Riding
After completing the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coastal Challenge, I was looking for something similar in a different location. As a native New Yorker (Brooklyn) and alumnus of Buffalo State and UB, riding in my home state was especially meaningful. It’s become a ritual for my partner, Patty, and me. Along the way, I reconnect with family and old friends and over the years, we’ve also built lasting friendships within the ESR community.
Bring earplugs, particularly on the first night when we are sleeping on Saturday Night Fever Boulevard. 🙂
As a mentor, I first like to know each rider’s story. I then listen and answer their questions about the ride. After that I check off the few things I think were not covered including: Charging, terrain, training basics, food, weather variability/ preparations and social milieu of the ride.
Juliette Reashor
3rd Year Riding
I can’t say enough positive things about ESR. From the moment my sister, Janice, and I set foot on the Wagner College campus for our first ride in 2024, we could feel how special this community and mission were. The week was lifechanging in so many ways and we were hooked!
ESR is incredibly well organized, staffed and supported by a thoughtful team. Whatever you need along the way, they’ve already thought of it — so leave your worries behind and enjoy the ride.
As a mentor, I like to help put riders’ minds at ease by addressing any questions or concerns they may have. It’s been fun talking with them and hearing their personal stories about why they’re riding. I like to remind them that we’re all in this together, to ride at their own pace and to soak up every mile of this fulfilling journey.
Steve Wasserman
4th Year Riding
I first signed up to celebrate a milestone birthday and challenge myself in a meaningful way. Training with Steve Mars and other alumni is when I truly went all in. What began as a personal goal quickly became something much bigger, impacting me physically, mentally and emotionally. Beyond pushing my limits and meeting incredible people, it’s the mission of funding cancer research and giving real hope to patients that keeps me coming back year after year.
Remember this isn’t a race—it’s a journey. Take in the scenery, the camaraderie and the shared purpose of funding cancer research.
As a mentor, I start with a welcome message and a call to answer questions, then stay connected through training rides, check-ins and encouragement. Building community and confidence is my top priority.
Colleen Regan-Kreuz
4th Year Riding
I first heard about ESR from rider Lynn DiMarco, who planted the first seed. After losing my brother, Larry, to cancer in 2021, my family and I did the Ride for Roswell in his memory, where we met another ESR rider who shared how special this event is. That planted the next seed, and soon after, a chance meeting with ESR founder Terry Bourgeois and Maria Coccia-Bourgeois sealed the deal. What started as a “one and done” turned into something so meaningful that our whole group is now coming back for year four.
Don’t stress about the ride itself — just follow your training and remember support is always available. The Boost Bus is there at the start, and there’s a ride at the end if you need it. Just be prepared to spend time with what might be the BEST GROUP OF PEOPLE you’ve ever been with!
As a mentor, I want to make myself available to answer questions, offer support and connect my mentees with other new riders with other amazing people in the ESR family. If possible, I’d love the chance to ride with them ahead of time.