Join us at the finish line, brought to you by Destination Niagara USA

Posted on June 1, 2023June 2, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

In partnership with

Watching 300 Empire State Ride cyclists cross the finish line on Old Falls Street is an experience unlike any other. In that moment, the road warriors will achieve their goal of riding 500+ miles across New York State while raising essential funds for cancer research. You can be a part of the unforgettable moment!

Join us in celebrating the ESR road warriors’ accomplishment by cheering them on at the finish line!

Saturday, July 29 @ 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be food trucks, live music and programming to honor the road warriors and congratulate them on completing their seven-day adventure. All ESR road warriors will cross the finish line around 4 p.m.

Here’s what you can expect:

Food trucks, including Dirty Bird Chicken N’ Waffles
Live music
Programming on the riders’ impact
Opportunity to purchase ESR gear
Awesome signs and plenty of cheering
Smiles as hundreds of road warriors embrace that finish line feeling
New this year: The Falls will be illuminated in the ESR colors, blue and orange, from 10 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.

What to bring:

Enthusiasm
Inspiration and willingness to create a sign
Spending money and appropriate gear for the weather

Parking:

Paid parking is available throughout the city.

Enjoying Niagara Falls USA!

After cheering on the ESR road warriors, make the most of your trip by enjoying this bucket-list destination.

Niagara Falls USA offers:

Nightly illumination and fireworks over Niagara Falls
Iconic attractions
A myriad of outdoor activities
Shopping
Art and culture
History and guided tours
Amazing food for every palate

View or download the Niagara Falls USA Travel Guide, or request a free printed guide delivered to you .

Visit the Niagara Falls USA website for travel planning information, or call 1-877 FALLS US to speak with a local expert.

“The best part of the whole thing? Seeing that finish line moment."

Caitlin Pietz

RSVP to the finish line celebration

Your $1 donation turns into $23 in cancer research funding

Posted on May 15, 2023May 30, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

There are many powerful ways to support Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s goal of freeing our world from the fear, pain and loss due to cancer. One of those ways is riding in or donating to the Empire State Ride. That’s because the funds raised by ESR road warriors and donors each year are put to work immediately, fueling cutting-edge cancer research for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Roswell Park has the best and brightest researchers and doctors who have come from around the world to dedicate their life to studying and treating cancer. Donations to Roswell Park through the Empire State Ride enable breakthrough cancer discoveries and bring new treatments from the bench (lab) to the bedside (patients).

We’re proud to say that for every dollar donated to cancer research, Roswell Park is now able to leverage an additional $23 from external grants toward that research. This is thanks to the support of ESR and the hard work of Roswell Park researchers.

How cancer research funding works.

Cancer research requires a lot of work, resources and investment. With the great wealth of talent among Roswell Park’s researchers and scientists, there are a lot of promising ideas brewing. Many of these discoveries are only able to move forward with the support of donations. Each year, Roswell Park scientists apply and compete for grants from the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation through the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The SAC process is led by Drs. Mukund Seshadri and Kirsten Moysich, who select an internal objective group of peers to sit on the committee based on expertise and areas of research. Reviewers are asked to thoroughly evaluate and consider the scientific promise of each application. The most promising grant applications are awarded with donor-raised funds to allow scientists to continue their cancer research. This seed money is used for researchers to obtain primary research data and, in turn, apply for larger national grants. The initiatives that receive support often lead to long-term funding from national organizations and new treatments.

Impact of fundraising at Roswell Park.

Since 2011, the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, with funds from the Empire State Ride and other related fundraisers, has awarded over $16 million to researchers through the Scientific Advisory Committee through 245 grants to 146 scientists. These grants have led to the publication of 167 papers, the start of at least 20 clinical trials based on homegrown science at Roswell Park and the investment of over $96 million in external grant funding. That means that for every dollar donated to cancer research, Roswell Park receives an additional $23 in external funding for cancer research. The dedication and commitment of riders, donors and volunteers is driving work in state-of-the-art labs that fuels discoveries that are changing the future of cancer.

Learn more about your impact

All Things Travel, brought to you by Destination Niagara USA

Posted on May 5, 2023May 24, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

In partnership with

Empire State Ride is an adventure unlike any other, and getting there and back shouldn’t be an added hill to climb! You may have questions about logistics, so we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know, including added fun after the finish line.

How Do I Travel with My Bike?

You’re not the first person to ask about this! The good news is you have some options if you want to travel with your bike.

Ship your bike: You can ship your bike with Bike Flights. Campus WheelWorks can unpack and rebuild your bicycle, and we will transport it to Wagner College on July 21. Bike shipping is at your own expense.
Take advantage of the bicycle shuttle truck: Another option for you is utilizing the bike truck, which takes shipped and local bikes from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center directly to the start line at Wagner College. More details are available in the ESR travel planner that is sent to you when you register.

What About Getting to and from Niagara Falls?

ESR road warriors come from all over the country. We know transportation can be a factor in your decision to join the adventure! Getting to and from Empire State Ride is your responsibility, but here are some suggestions to make it easier.

Take the charter bus from Buffalo, NY. This bus leaves from Roswell Park on Saturday, July 22 and takes you to Wagner College. You’ll get there at around 3:30 p.m., in time for all the first-night activities! Cost is announced in the ESR travel planner.
- Riders who are starting their trip from Buffalo are also welcome to drive and park their vehicles in the Roswell Park ramp for the week, free of charge.
- Alternatively, riders can be dropped off at Wagner College or drive there and park their car for the week, free of charge.
- ESR also offers a charter bus from Niagara Falls, NY, to Wagner College on July 30. Find further details in the ESR travel planner.
Prefer to fly? We encourage riders fly to Newark, LaGuardia or JFK airports in New York City, with ground transportation to Wagner College in time for orientation on Saturday, July 22.

If taking the train makes the most sense for you, you also have options! We recommend riders who prefer the train take Amtrack to Penn Station in New York City. Then, take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry. From there, they can ride a taxi or Uber/Lyft to Wagner College in time for orientation at Wagner College.

Extend your stay in Niagara Falls, NY!

Keep the adrenaline pumping and extend your stay on the other side of New York in Niagara Falls USA! Enjoy this bucket-list destination with the friends and family who cheered you on during your 500+ mile journey.

Niagara Falls USA offers:

Nightly illumination and fireworks over Niagara Falls
Iconic attractions
A myriad of outdoor activities
Shopping
Art and culture
History and guided tours
Amazing food for every palate

View or download the Niagara Falls USA Travel Guide, or request a free printed guide delivered to you here.

Added benefits:

You can walk to the Falls from the finish line and from many of the downtown Niagara Falls hotels. You can also walk across the Rainbow Bridge to Canada if you have a passport or approved travel documents.

Pro tip:

If you are organizing a family weekend and want to choose another hotel, it’s a good idea to check your hotel’s proximity to the Falls on a map. Several hotels advertise the Falls, but may be further away and require a car or public transportation.

Visit the Niagara Falls USA website for travel planning information, or call 1-877 FALLS US to speak with a local expert.

If you’re already registered, check your travel planner for more information!

If you haven’t registered yet, what are you waiting for?

Join the adventure

Camping at ESR

Four reasons you should camp at ESR

Posted on April 19, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Camp life is a core piece of the Empire State Ride adventure. From incredible programming to mouthwatering meals and weeklong bonding, you won’t want to miss this uniquely ESR experience.

“It’s part of the camaraderie that makes the ESR so special,” said Steve Mars, a longtime rider and volunteer.

We know there are many factors to consider when committing to this seven-day journey. That’s why Steve, along with a few other riders and ESR staff, are here to help set your mind at ease about camping.

1. Mission-based programming:

We strongly encourage riders to take part in evening programming. At each campsite, you’ll learn how you’re making a difference through engaging, personal and impactful programming. Some evenings you’ll hear from patients and doctors about the fundraising dollars at work. Other nights you may listen to riders about what the mission means to them – or even share your own story! Each evening is different, and altogether you’ll gain a greater understanding of the ESR mission.

“My first Empire State ride was 2016. I was a mountain bike person, and I said I’m going to do this ride as a way to honor my mother. I thought it was going to be a one-and-done experience, but it was the evening programming that told me that Empire State Ride isn’t just a cycling event. It’s a much bigger idea and bigger concept,” said Steve. “Cycling is the platform, but hearing people’s stories, hearing about the breakthroughs that are being done at Roswell Park – that emotional connection you get throughout the week really comes out in the evening programming.”

2. Meals:

Riding 500+ miles across New York State takes passion, dedication and a commitment to getting the work done. So does feeding the 300+ riders and staff members who set out on the Empire State Ride each July. Enter father-daughter duo Adam and Johanna Morrison of Two Trees Catering.

With the support of Empire State Ride staff and a catering team of seven others, Adam and Johanna make sure road warriors are well-fed and ready to tackle 60 to 100 miles each day.

Riders and staff members alike gather family-style for breakfast and dinner each day, with a focus on clean, whole foods and a few staples that riders need like pasta and protein.

“Nutrition is very, very important to our riders, and the food is great. There’s lots of it,” said Tom Johnston, ESR Operations Manager.

3. Convenience:

ESR is camping made easy! Comfy Campers, along with our volunteers and behind-the-scenes team, work hard to make sure when you arrive at camp after a long day on the road, you’re as comfortable as possible. Tents, air mattresses, camp chairs and clean towels are set up and taken down daily by the staff at Comfy Campers.

Each camp has a rider reception and services hub. Restrooms or portable restrooms and a traveling shower truck are available on site. Riders also have access to a bike repair team, electronics charging stations and so much more!

“After the riders leave at around 7 a.m., we pack up everything. Comfy Campers packs up 300 tents individually. They roll them up, put them in their trailers, drive an hour to the next place and unload them all,” said ESR Production Manager Katie Menke.

“Camping makes it easier because the shuttling back and forth is arduous. You’re doing it twice at every campsite. When you’re camping, you can roll out of bed, get dressed, go have breakfast, wheel your bag over the truck and you’re good to go,” said Steve.

4. Experience

ESR is an experience unlike any other, and that’s largely due to the camping environment and culture. But don’t take our word for it! This is what other road warriors have to say about camping:

“Everyone is so friendly and helpful – the energy! I got to meet some incredible people and talk to them about their why and share my why. There are some people who are retired. There are some professionals. There are some young people, so it’s pretty incredible being exposed to all of that diversity.” – Allison Joseph

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the ride. It’s about the funds raised. And it’s about hanging out at camp when you get there. Trust me, the beer tastes really good after a day of riding.” – Richard Noll

“I did my first Empire State Ride, hopped on the bus and off I went. I’d never camped. I was a Holiday Inn girl, but I learned to camp, and I’ve learned a lot of things about myself that I never thought that I would do or could do.” – Maria Thor

Still have questions?

Let us answer a few! Click here.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Empire State Ride team at empirestateride@roswellpark.org or via phone at (716) 845-3179. Our fundraising experts, Katie and Courtney, can answer any questions you might have.

We can’t wait to take on this adventure with you!

The Route

Register

Allison Joseph’s passion for cycling and the cancer cause

Posted on April 10, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Allison Joseph of Troy, New York is a lifelong lover of cycling. Over the years, while on her rides, she noticed something was missing.

“I didn’t see any women who looked like me. I thought about it, and I said, ‘There is no way I am the only woman of color who is interested in cycling.’ So, I set out to find my people,” said Allison.

She started the Capitol Region chapter of Black Girls Do Bike, an organization with 100 chapters worldwide.

Monica Garrison, the founder and executive director of Black Girls Do Bike, explained each chapter has naturally been drawn to different health causes.

“I think we all know that getting on the bike and cycling regularly can help stave off diseases and conditions that affect our community and people of color disproportionately,” Monica said. “It’s almost a no-brainer to want to do something to get in the fight and help these causes.”

That message resonates with Allison.

“Black Girls Do Bike is a community of women who encourage women, especially African American women and women of color, to cycle,” said Allison. “Whether it be for fun, function or fitness, we just want you to get on a bike and enjoy riding.”

Becoming an ESR Road Warrior

Allison has participated in other endurance cycling events and says she’s always looking for a challenge. When she found Empire State Ride, it was a perfect way to align two of her passions: cycling and the cancer cause.

“So many of my family members have been hit with cancer. I’ve watched them go through the struggle,” Allison explained. “This was my way of doing something.”

With an understanding of Roswell Park’s impact on the world of cancer research and treatment, Allison knows every dollar she raises is serving a greater mission.

“If it doesn’t help someone today, it’s definitely going to help someone tomorrow and in generations to come. It keeps the research going. Technology is constantly changing, and we need money to fund that research.”

It’s also been proven that for every dollar donated, Roswell Park can leverage an additional $13*** in new grant funding. For Allison, that’s even more reason to come back for #ESR23.

“It makes me more motivated to not only do this again but push myself and push my limits even harder to raise even more money.”

*** For years, we’ve told you that your $1 donation can turn into $13 in external funding for cancer research. Now, we’re proud to announce that your $1 donation is now creating $23 in funding. This is thanks to your incredible support and the hard work Roswell Park researchers put in every day to advance new discoveries. Read more about this change.

The ESR Community

No rider at ESR is alone. Allison experienced that firsthand during #ESR22. Last year, she joined the ride about halfway through in Albany. For 2023, she will be taking part in the entire seven-day adventure.

“There is a support system that is equal to none that I see,” said Allison. “The volunteers anticipate all your needs. For example, one day, I didn’t even notice that there were some screws loose on my bike, and I turned around and a volunteer was there to fix it.”

Allison also cherishes building relationships with riders from different walks of life.

“Everyone is so friendly and helpful – the energy! I got to meet some incredible people and talk to them about their why and share my why. There are some people who are retired. There are some professionals. There are some young people, so it’s pretty incredible being exposed to all of that diversity.”

Getting Ready for #ESR23

For people who might be nervous about joining the movement this year, Allison says, “Just do it!”

She encouraged utilizing Coach Charlie Livermore’s training plans customized to the ESR experience. Going into #ESR23, Allison says she plans to train longer and harder, with “attacking the hills” at the top of her agenda.

Allison hopes her involvement not only makes a difference in the mission to end cancer, but also sends a message to other women of color.

“Representation matters. For Black Girls Do Bike to be out here representing, it means a lot. It reminds people that we are out here, and black girls do indeed bike and black girls do indeed do a lot of the things that it’s typically believed we do not do.”

As she prepares to challenge herself again this summer, she’s keeping the cause close to her heart.

“Roswell Park has done so much for the community. It has done so much for cancer research, and this is my way of giving back.”

Join Allison at #ESR23

Meet First-Time Rider Justin Eveland

Get creative with fundraising!

Posted on March 29, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

When you sign up for Empire State Ride, you’re also committing to raising critical funds for life-saving cancer research. Through your fundraising, you can change the world from the seat of your bike.

As you decide how you want to solicit donations, feel free to lean on our fundraising tips and tricks to help you each step of the way!

Connect your fundraiser to Facebook:

One of the best tools to help with your fundraising is integrating your online fundraising dashboard with your personal Facebook page. This allows you to easily spread the word about your fundraiser and track your progress. You can also send updates on your progress, making it that much simpler to reach your goal.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to tag @EmpireStateRide on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels as well!

Use the ESR MyHub App:

Let the ESR MyHUB app supercharge your fundraising efforts and get you ready for your Empire State Ride adventure. The app allows you to personalize your fundraiser, accept in-person check donations, send texts or emails asking for donations and so much more.

Learn more here.

Ask your employer:

Matching gifts are a great way to double your donation. Many employers offer programs that match employee’s charitable donations dollar for dollar, so make sure to find out if your company has a matching gift program and ask your donors to check, as well.

Get creative:

Each rider comes to ESR with a different story. Not all fundraising efforts have to be the same! Use your unique gifts to make a positive impact. We encourage riders to personalize their fundraising strategy to their strengths and interests – making the journey fun and rewarding in more ways than one.

Here’s what other ESR road warriors are doing to fundraise:

Justin E.

“I wanted to make it as personal as possible,” said Justin E., a first-time rider. “I think what’s worked for me is sharing stories from loved ones and the folks that I’m riding for because, after each week, someone new would donate after reading a particular story.”

Justin leaned on the ESR Facebook group for unique fundraising ideas, and his main piece of advice is: “Don’t be afraid to ask.”

BillyTheKid K.

For #ESR23, BillyTheKid sought out an endowment from a local Jewish organization. He presented about the impact Empire State Ride has on cancer, and they offered a $3,000 donation. Now, he plans to raise his goal and keep going for a cause that’s helping other survivors and thrivers just like him.

“My grandfather used to say a dollar is made up of 100 pennies. That’s really kind of what Empire State Ride is, you know? It takes a lot of $25 bills to add up, but to just sit back and watch it grow is astounding. I choke up every time I think about it.”

The opportunities are endless! And if you need help coming up with ideas, we are here.

Ask the ESR Fundraising Team:

Fundraising is what we do! Courtney Helinski and Katie Kaplewicz are here to help you reach your goals. If you reach out to Empire State Ride at empirestateride@roswellpark.org or via phone at (716) 845-3179, you will be sure to reach one of their friendly voices. They will guide you to make the process as smooth as possible.

Road warriors pave the way for lifechanging new treatments, groundbreaking clinical trials and innovative research and discoveries. With support from your ESR community, fundraising doesn’t have to be another hill to climb on your journey. Instead, it can be an exciting part of the adventure! You’ve got this.

More Fundraising Tools

Why first-time rider Justin Eveland joined the cause

Posted on March 29, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

The bond between a father and son is incomparable, and that’s apparent in the admiration Justin Eveland has when sharing memories of his dad.

“The way I would describe my dad is someone who lived for today and not for tomorrow. He was always the life of the party and someone who could make you smile in your worst of times,” Justin stated proudly.

His father, Ken Eveland, worked in law enforcement for almost 40 years. Justin says he was the family organizer, always planning activities to bring people together, including an annual Buffalo Bills bus trip from their hometown of Geneva, New York.

“He had been bringing me to Buffalo Bills games ever since I was just a little guy.”

But, those games, along with other family adventures, would come to an unanticipated pause.

In 2017, Ken was diagnosed with stage IV renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer.

“What we thought was going to be an in-and-out procedure turned into a more elaborate and elongated issue for our family,” Justin explained.

By 2019, the cancer metastasized to his lung and then to his brain in 2020. Ken is still fighting today.

“For a long time, I have felt very helpless, like I can’t do anything for my dad. I can’t ease his pain,” said Justin.

Driven to make a change, Justin committed to a new challenge. This summer, he’s cycling more than 500 miles to end to cancer.

Becoming an ESR Road Warrior

The Empire State Ride is a week-long bike tour from New York City to Niagara Falls that raises funds to fuel cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Justin joined the movement as a first-time rider for #ESR23. With his dad in mind throughout his training, he’s prepared to push himself emotionally and physically along the way.

“I didn’t have a road bike prior to signing up for the Empire State Ride, nor have I really ever ridden probably longer than 10 miles on a bicycle at any given time,” he explained. “But this is what I’m doing to help fight against cancer and maybe one day find a cure.”

For others thinking about joining, Justin echoed the sentiment that riders are not alone.

“The support you receive from the Empire State Ride team and the Empire State Ride community is astounding. There’s a Facebook group, and there are people asking a ton of questions, with veteran riders helping new riders overcome any fear that they might have.”

Fundraising Made Easy

For some first-time riders, hitting the $3,500 fundraising minimum may be intimidating. However, using the tools available and the ESR team, it can be easier than expected. Justin is a great example of this.

By mid-March, four months before the ride, Justin had already raised more than $6,000 — with a personal goal of reaching $7,500.

He says utilizing social media, both Facebook and LinkedIn, has been extremely effective.

“I wanted to make it as personal as possible,” Justin added. “I think what’s worked for me is sharing stories from loved ones and the folks that I’m riding for, because, after each week, someone new would donate after reading a particular story.”

Justin leaned on the ESR Facebook group for unique fundraising ideas, and his main piece of advice is: “Don’t be afraid to ask.”

The Finish Line

Justin’s first Empire State Ride is fast approaching, and he’s eager to build friendships at camp and hear other people’s stories. Above all else, he’s already picturing crossing the finish line, alongside riders who share a common goal of ending cancer.

Riding for his father during ESR will be even more meaningful now that he is a dad himself. Justin has two sons: Jonathan and Bennett.

“Someday, I’m certainly looking forward to being able to share the experience with my sons when they’re old enough to understand,” said Justin. “When it’s easy to sit back and do nothing, I think they’ll be proud to know that their dad did something to make a difference.”

The ESR Impact

Sign Me Up

The Road to Empire State Ride, brought to you by Port X Logistics: Why volunteer at ESR?

Posted on March 2, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Presented by

You don’t have to ride 500+ miles to enjoy everything that Empire State Ride has to offer. Our volunteers play a key role in the community, bringing the event to life and encouraging our road warriors along the journey.

Some volunteers help on the road for the entire seven-day experience; others offer their assistance for a day or a few hours. Regardless of the role, each volunteer is essential to ESR.

Meet Your Volunteer Coordinator

“I would love for everybody to get to experience what the Empire State Ride truly is at its core. It’s people coming together for one cause,” said Ashley Gracie, senior volunteer coordinator. “To see that play out each day and then to hear these intimate stories that people share as their why is truly phenomenal. It really motivates you to want to do more.”

Among Ashley’s many tasks, she is responsible for building up the volunteer presence at ESR. 2022 was her first year on the ESR team, and it was also the first year of fully utilizing seven-day volunteers. They were integral to the journey from the kickoff all the way through the finish line, helping at rest stops and the campsites.

Ashley and the team also work to get people from each township involved along the way. Of the one-day volunteers, their reasons for getting involved varied. Some were riders in their own communities who wanted to learn more about ESR, others were former ESR road warriors who live in those respective areas and many were a part of organizations interested in giving back to the cause.

“If you have just a couple hours to share, I promise it’s going to be worth your while,” Ashley explained. “It’s something that stays with you, the experience itself. It’s why we have so many riders come back every year. It’s why we have volunteers come back every year.”

Hear From a Weeklong Volunteer

Janice Hetrick of Lancaster is a rider turned volunteer. She took part in ESR as a rider for the first time in 2017. Due to a knee replacement in 2022, still feeling compelled to be a part of the experience, she decided to take on a different role at ESR. Janice returned to the road as a volunteer for all seven days of the adventure. Along with her desire to give back, she brought an energy that kept the riders going.

Janice took on a variety of tasks while volunteering, from manning one of the rest stops to squirting riders with a water gun when they needed a cooldown and assisting at the HUB (Hospitality Updates and Beverages), which is the central spot for rider information. With each job, she made it fun!

“It’s captivating. It’s an uplifting experience,” Janice explained.

The experience was so impactful that Janice plans on returning as a volunteer for #ESR23.

Hear From a One-Day Volunteer

Gail Green-Anderson of New York City and her husband Rick are both one-day volunteers at ESR. Cycling is a part of the fabric of their relationship.

“My husband and I met while cycling. It was 1998, and we both went to the wrong starting point for a Five Borough Bike Club Labor Day Ride, and we spotted each other,” said Gail with a smile. “We eventually got married, and cycling is a really important part of our life.”

For ESR, Gail and Rick greeted riders as they came off the Staten Island Ferry, cheered them on and made sure they were headed in the right direction. It was the perfect way for them to get involved since they know the area well, both from living nearby and from riding their bikes all over New York City.

Gail explained seeing the riders embark on their journey was incredibly rewarding.

“What struck me were the big smiles on their faces,” said Gail. “Sometimes at the beginning of a big athletic event, people look anxious. These people did not look anxious. They knew why they were there. They had a sense of purpose. They had been prepared. They were on their way. I got to play a small role, saying, ‘Go that way!’”

For people who live in municipalities along the #ESR23 route who are considering signing up to volunteer, Gail says – “Just do it!”

She and her husband plan to help again this summer, and as she reflects on previous years, she says her volunteer experience has been worthwhile.

With tears in her eyes Gail explained, “For people who have sustained tremendous loss of loved ones to look that happy and that energetic doing something that addresses that loss – that’s pretty remarkable.”

An opportunity for you

Whether you have an hour, a day or a week – you can make a difference on Empire State Ride.

There are dozens of volunteer opportunities and multiple shifts available. Tasks range from camp setup, to greeting riders, cheering participants on at the finish line and more!

See the full list of opportunities here.

By giving your time as a volunteer, you’re fueling the ESR mission to end cancer.

“That’s why I fight. That’s why I put so much passion and dedication into making the best experience possible so we can get more and more people involved,” said Ashley.

Questions about volunteering? Contact Ashley Gracie at Ashley.Gracie@RoswellPark.org.

Sign up to volunteer

The Road to ESR: Meet the Operations Team

Fundraising tips for first-time riders

Posted on January 27, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Ready to become a road warrior?

When you sign up to ride with us across New York State, you’re committing to raising funds that pave the way for innovative cancer research and clinicals trials. Much like training for the 500+ mile adventure, becoming a fundraising master can also take practice.

The good news is you’re not in this alone!

Our Empire State Ride team is providing you with a wide variety of fundraising tools, including imagery ready for your social media feed, the ESR MyHub App and print materials like custom business cards. Read more about the fundraising tools available here.

As you’ll learn throughout your journey, your fellow road warriors can also be a great source of guidance. We asked registered riders in our private Empire State Riders Facebook group to share their advice for first-time fundraisers.

Here’s a look at what they had to say:

Thomas F: “Start now by leveraging social and business cards!!!”
Shelley A: “Start early … some will be happy to donate to your ride. Others need an incentive. If you can get a major prize, (TV, tickets to a game, etc.), then run a raffle. They love a chance to donate while having a chance to win something. Good luck!”
Dennis B: “Be creative – we are doing football squares, bowling. Some people are doing beer blasts. Key – be sure to tag people on Facebook when someone gives you a donation and thank them. That really helps your friends see it. Their friends see it, etc.”
Mark S: “A local brewery is letting me run a 50/50 during their trivia night!”
Steve M: “Some businesses will let you do a match event and donate a portion of proceeds to your ride. I did this twice with Chipotle. Invite friends/family on a specific night to get dinner at your local participating restaurant, and they donate 33%. Easy to do!”

Maria C: “My father said always just ask, You may be surprised, and I always keep my letters and cards with me. Ask everyone you know!”
Greg P: “March Madness contest. Get businesses to donate prizes. Then contestants make donations to ESR to get a ballot and play. We have a traveling trophy with names of winners from the previous 28 years.”
Chris H: “Don’t say their ‘no’ for them. If you don’t ask, then are you saying their ‘no’ for them. Don’t be shy. Don’t be discouraged by the no’s you get. But at least give them a chance to say ‘yes’ by asking.”

Marah C: “Tell everyone about the incredible event!”
Alan K: “You and your donors should check with their employer to see if they offer a company match for any donations made to ESR. My company will match up to $1,000 to any 501c3 charitable organization.”
Michelle Lynn B: “Always ask and give people the opportunity to give!”
Mark S: “If you do a 50/50 event, be sure to add a Venmo or QR code.
Jason M: “Be assertive. Lives depend on this mission.”

Want more fundraising tips? Check out last year’s advice to first-time riders.

More tips

Fundraising toolkit

Need more guidance?

Please contact the Empire State Ride team at 716-845-3179 or via email at empirestateride@roswellpark.org.

The Road to Empire State Ride, brought to you by Port X Logistics: Behind the Scenes

Posted on January 23, 2023May 20, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Presented by

Meet the Team

As you’re getting ready for your 500+ mile trek across New York State, so is our Empire State Ride operations team.

Every facet of Empire State Ride is mapped out months in advance, though ever-changing details require operations to pivot as the journey demands. The team thinks of all the elements, big and small, so that when you’re on the road, you can focus on the ride rather than the logistics.

Meet Megan, Ashley, Katie and Tom — the operations crew that works year-round to make this adventure possible.

“It’s like a big puzzle, like math. You’ve got to go in and figure out solutions to the problems,” said Senior Special Events Operations Coordinator Megan Maslach.

And to make sure the puzzle that is ESR is put together by July, it takes planning — a lot of planning.

“It’s a yearlong process. Even as we’re at a camp, I’m already talking to the venue about next year,” said Production Manager Katie Menke.

Once the team returns home to Buffalo, weekly meetings pick back up in full force to prepare for the upcoming ride. Still, when the weeklong event actually arrives, flexibility is key.

“Our team is really good at working on the fly and troubleshooting. We do an incredible amount of planning, but so many things happen when we’re out there, and our team is just so good at improvising,” said Katie.

Operations Manager Tom Johnston says the biggest obstacle is keeping an eye on all the moving parts.

He added, “Every site is different, and every site has its own flavor and challenges.”

Camp Life

In addition to the route itself, camp life is a key part of the ESR experience. Each camp has a rider reception and services hub, tenting area, dining and program tent.

Among her various duties, Katie handles campsite logistics. This includes “everything that goes into rolling into an empty field and building a small village for us for that day,” Katie said. She emphasized that it’s a team effort, with collaboration from members of the ops team, vendors, caterers and more.

While the existing infrastructure varies from one site to the next, riders will always have access to portable restrooms and a traveling shower truck. Booking those amenities is one of Megan’s many tasks.

“I enjoy figuring out what we need to make a space habitable for 350 people,” said Megan. “My favorite part is creating a one-day home for people at each spot.”

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the camp life at ESR is that each site is set up and taken down daily as the group rides across the state.

“After the riders leave at around 7:00 a.m., we pack up everything. The tent company packs up 300 tents individually. They roll them up, put them in their trailers, drive an hour to the next place and unload them all,” said Katie. “They even use a leaf blower to dry them out. They inflate air mattresses, they put a camping chair next to each tent and, somehow, they’re ready to go by 2 p.m. or so when the riders arrive after a day on the road.”

Adjusting to Scale

The first ESR took place back in 2014 when founder Terry Bourgeois rode solo from New York City to Niagara Falls on a pursuit to raise critical funds for cancer research at Roswell Park. Over the last nine years, his passion project has inspired hundreds of people to get involved.

Today, there are more than 200 people who join ESR on the road each year — and counting!

“As the event has grown, we’re always thinking about adjusting to scale so that we don’t lose that family-feel, but we also are able to deal with the larger numbers and be more efficient,” Tom explained.

Despite the size of ESR, riders, staff and volunteers alike often use the word “family” to describe the experience. Maintaining the special sense of community that is unique to this ride is essential. “It’s a big production, so much planning goes into it. There are lots of nuts and bolts and moving parts, but somewhere in there is that personal connection,” said Tom.

In recent years, the team has managed all operations in house for ESR. While there’s always room for growth, they say the process has been incredibly fulfilling and successful — creating a kind of synergy with everyone involved.

“I think what’s unique to our event is that it’s not just a bike tour. It’s very much about the cause and about fundraising and about everybody’s stories,” Katie added, “And our team is able to bring those concepts together for our week-long ride.”

Join the ESR Community

Of course, everyone plays an important role in Empire State Ride, including you!

Whether you want to get involved on the frontlines of the adventure as a rider or behind the scenes as a volunteer, members of the ops team say it’s a journey you truly have to experience to understand.

“It doesn’t take seven days to cross New York State. It takes seven hours, but you stretch it out and you see things. You see small towns. You see families who come out to help us. You connect with the community,” said Tom.

And after a year of planning, pivoting and preparing for this one-week-event, the result is an unforgettable journey, with memories to last a lifetime.

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