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Meet Empire State Ride’s Team Borikén

Posted on by j.schifferle
Two cyclists wearing helmets and jerseys smile for the camera, standing beside their bikes. More cyclists and a truck are in the background on a sunny day.

¡Léelo o eschúchalo en español!

If you’ve been to the Empire State Ride finish line these past few years, chances are, you’ve seen a Puerto Rican flag flying proudly from the sea of excited spectators on the sidelines. In 2024, a crew displayed their hometown pride in anticipation of the big moment when Maritza Torres-Rivera and Marian Arcelay of Team Borikén, crossed the Empire State Ride finish line after seven days on the road. When the flagbearers spotted Maritza and Marian on Old Falls street, tears streamed.

Maritza, a Puerto Rican native or Boricua, started participating in Empire State Ride two years ago as a way of honoring a friend. At the time, Maritza and two close friends had planned to embark on El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage in Europe that culminates in a visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Right before the trip, however, one of those friends received the devastating news that her cancer had returned. Treatment would begin right away.

Honoring Her Friend’s Cancer Journey

Having seen an ad for Empire State Ride in Adventure Cyclist Magazine, Maritza decided to pivot and register for the weeklong bike ride to end cancer. This would be her way of standing in solidarity with her friend during her journey. So, she committed to the fundraising and training and successfully made it through 500+ miles across New York State. At the 2023 finish line, both friends greeted Maritza with wide smiles as they waved the flag — one of them enjoying a newly clean bill of health.

“For the 2023 ESR event, they flew to Niagara Falls, and you can imagine what it was like,” Maritza recalls. “I’m always like smiling and sunshine, but at that moment when I saw them, I was crying like a baby. And it was an emotional but super happy memory because she was there, and she was healthy again.”

Maritza describes her first Empire State Ride as unforgettable. It sparked a renewed sense of purpose and meaning inside of her, the cause becoming deeply personal. The people she met and the stories she heard during Empire State Ride have inspired her to take an even stronger stand against cancer.  

“My friend was the first person that I thought of when I did ESR, but after that first year, I’ve been meeting so many people, even in my family on both sides: survivors and those who already left us,” she says. “Now Empire State Ride is a mission, and I plan to do it as often as I can until I cannot do it anymore.”

Since her first ride in 2023, Maritza has been a vocal advocate for Empire State Ride, organizing community-based fundraisers and spreading the word to others interested in riding their bike across New York State. In fact, Maritza has stepped up her commitment to the cancer cause in two major ways: first, by growing Team Borikén, and secondly, by committing to fundraising for Empire State Ride.

Two smiling people hold signs thanking participants for supporting cancer research at the Empire State Ride. They wear casual clothes and hats, standing behind a barrier with a colorful "Ride On!" sign for the 500-mile cycling event.
A man in a blue shirt and cap holds a sign saying, "Thanks for riding! You're changing the state of cancer research for good." He is taking a photo with his phone. A crowd is gathered around in an outdoor setting with greenery.
Three people smiling while holding a large Puerto Rican flag. They stand outdoors with a tall observation tower visible in the background. One person is wearing sunglasses and a cap.

Empire State Ride’s Team Borikén

A group of cyclists gathers for a ride. A person in the front, wearing sunglasses and a helmet, smiles widely and sticks out their tongue, holding a blue bicycle. Others in biking gear chat in the background.
A group of cyclists posing together, wearing matching jerseys with "Empire State Ride" and "Excelsior" logos. They are smiling and holding bikes, with trees in the background and other cyclists visible.
Two cyclists wearing jerseys and helmets smile for the camera during a cycling event. They are holding phones and standing in a sunny outdoor setting with other cyclists and a truck in the background.
A woman in a cycling helmet smiles with a temporary tattoo of a bicycle and the words "Empire State Ride to End Cancer" on her cheek. The number 260 is on her helmet. She's outdoors with a background of trees and blurred objects.
A cyclist wearing a medal and a red bandana stands smiling next to a young man in a black shirt. Other cyclists and parked bikes are visible in the background.
A cyclist triumphantly holds a bicycle overhead, standing on a bridge with a scenic view of distant tall buildings and a waterfall. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a cycling outfit.
A cyclist smiles while holding a blue and white bike, surrounded by other cyclists in a group setting. They wear a helmet, sunglasses, and a cycling jersey with "MISSION" and logos on it. The background includes trees and more cyclists preparing to ride.
A cyclist in a bandana and cycling gear triumphantly holds a bicycle overhead with one hand. They overlook a misty landscape with a cityscape in the background. Two water bottles are visible on the bike.
Two cyclists in colorful gear smile for the camera. One wears a headband and sleeveless jersey; the other sports a helmet and sunglasses. They're outdoors on a clear day, with greenery in the background. Both jerseys display "Empire State Ride" logos.
Two people smiling and holding signs at a charity cycling event. One sign reads, "Thanks for riding! You're changing the state of cancer research for good!" Another says, "You're making a difference in the lives of cancer patients!.
A man in a blue shirt and cap takes a picture with his phone while holding up a sign that says, "Thanks for riding! You're changing the state of cancer research for good." A crowd is gathered around him, and greenery is visible in the background.
A cyclist stands on a gravel path, smiling with their back to the camera. Their shirt is decorated with colorful names and drawings. They hold a bike helmet and a water bottle, with a grassy area and trees in the background.

Maritza’s passion for Empire State Ride is palpable; evident in all she does and the way she talks about the cause. Inspired by this passion, almost ten people have been moved to join Team Borikén on the road this July, and many of those riders call Puerto Rico home. Borikén is the native and original name of the island of Puerto Rico, and those born on the island are known as “Boricuas.” It was only fitting that Maritza give this name to her team as a symbol of her hometown pride — a pride shared across her team.

Among the riders on Team Borikén will be Maritza’s two brothers on either side of her family who met for the first time in preparation for this adventure.

One of her brothers, Luis Manuel (also know as Manolo), had this to say about riding in Empire State Ride with his hister: “Para mí, va hacer una experiencia muy buena. Lo haré … porque mi hermana va a hacer esto, y será algo bien interesante, y pasaremos un tiempo muy bonito.”

“For me, it will be a good experience. I will … because my sister is going to do this, and we’ll have something really interesting to do and have a really nice time.”

Luis "Manolo" Manuel

Miosotis, a new member of Team Borikén for 2025, said that she has three reasons to ride: “Número uno, representar a mi país. Yo estoy bien orgullosa de mi bandera, de mi isla. Número dos, el [poder] demostrar que tengo la capacidad de cumplir mis sueños y mis metas. Y en tercer lugar, el [hecho] de que tengo la capacidad de ayudar a otros, aunque yo tengo mi edad, mis propias condiciones [de salud], pero dentro de mis limitaciones, sé que puedo hacer siempre un poquito más.”

“Number one, to represent my country. I am really proud of my flag, and my island. Number two, to prove to myself that I have the capacity to accomplish my dreams and my goals. And thirdly, is that I have the ability to help others. Although I have my age and my own [health] conditions, within my limits, I can always do a little bit more.”

Miosotis, member of Team Borikén

Above all, Miosotis says that this year on ESR, she’s carrying the message that Boricuas really like to give from the heart. “Para mí es porque estoy llevando el mensaje de que nosotros, los boricuas, realmente nos gusta dar de corazón.” 

A group of four cyclists, three women and one man, are smiling and posing together outdoors. The women are wearing cycling jerseys and headbands, while the man wears an orange jacket. Bicycles and trees are visible in the background.

 

Of course, not everyone on Team Borikén is from Puerto Rico. Maritza has also added an honored addition to the team: BillyTheKid! A fellow lover of all-things Borikén, Billy was one of the first people to donate to Maritza’s fundraising efforts in 2023. At the time, he was just a stranger. Now he’s a fast friend and honorary team member. Maritza calls him “a star” among ESR riders and looks forward to new memories ahead with him and their growing team. There’s also Alesha Telvick, her bike buddy from Ohio, who will join ESR for the first time, too. Alesha’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2024. Maritza’s cousin, Solmarí, a cancer survivor, will also be on the road. 

Fundraising for Empire State Ride

With a growing team underway, Maritza has big plans for fundraising in 2025. Last year, she managed to raise more than $10,000 for the cause. This year, she hopes to exceed that amount and make an even bigger impact in the fight to end cancer.

Read more about Maritza’s fundraising initiatives >>

In the meantime, Team Borikén is gearing up for 2025 and hopes you’ll join them in supporting this cause!

“Each member of Team Borikén has faced their share of adversity. Time and again, we’ve tackled challenges head-on, bringing an infectious optimism that lights up any space. This is the energy we bring to the Empire State Ride: an unstoppable force of passion, camaraderie and genuine love for others that transcends the miles,” Maritza says. “Our team may still be small, but our hearts are bigger than the open road we conquer.”

Maritza Torres Rivera on Team Borikén
A cyclist wearing a white jersey with colorful names and messages stands on a gravel path. They are holding a water bottle and wearing a headband. In the background, tents and trees are visible under a cloudy sky.

Join Maritza on the road today

Next Team Spotlight

Conoce al Team Borikén del Empire State Ride

Posted on by j.schifferle
Two cyclists wearing helmets and jerseys smile for the camera, standing beside their bikes. More cyclists and a truck are in the background on a sunny day.

Read or listen in English

Si has estado en la línea de llegada del Empire State Ride en los últimos años, es probable que hayas visto la bandera puertorriqueña ondeando orgullosamente entre el mar de espectadores emocionados en las líneas laterales de recibimiento. En el 2024, un grupo de familiares y amigos mostraba orgullo por su tierra natal en anticipación al gran momento en que Maritza Torres Rivera y Marian Arcelay, del Team Borikén, cruzarían la línea de llegada del Empire State Ride después de siete días en la carretera. Cuando los portadores de la bandera vieron a Maritza y a Marian en la calle Old Falls, las lágrimas comenzaron a correr.

Maritza, una nativa puertorriqueña o Boricua, comenzó a participar en el Empire State Ride hace dos años, como una forma de honrar a una amiga. En ese momento, Maritza y dos amigas cercanas habían planificado llevar a cabo El Camino de Santiago, una peregrinación en Europa que culmina con una visita a la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela en España. Sin embargo, justo antes del viaje, una de esas amigas recibió la devastadora noticia de que su cáncer había regresado. El tratamiento debía comenzar de inmediato.

Honrando el viaje contra el cáncer de su amiga

Habiendo visto un anuncio del Empire State Ride en la revista Adventure Cyclist, Maritza decidió cambiar el rumbo y registrarse para el recorrido ciclista de una semana, que buscaba acabar con el cáncer. Esta sería su forma de solidarizarse con su amiga durante su travesía. Así que se comprometió a la recaudación de fondos y al entrenamiento, y logró completar más de 500 millas a través del estado de Nueva York. En la línea de meta del 2023, ambas amigas recibieron a Maritza con amplias sonrisas mientras ondeaban su bandera, una de ellas disfrutando de un recién otorgado estado de salud óptimo.

“Para el evento ESR 2023, ellas viajaron a Niagara Falls, y puedes imaginar cómo fue,” recuerda Maritza. “Siempre estuve sonriendo y llena de alegría, pero en ese momento cuando las vi, lloré como un bebé. Es un recuerdo emocional pero muy feliz porque ella, mi amiga, estaba allí, y estaba sana de nuevo.”

Maritza describe su primer Empire State Ride como inolvidable. El evento encendió un renovado sentido de propósito y significado en su vida, convirtiendo la causa en algo profundamente personal. Las personas que conoció y las historias que escuchó durante el Empire State Ride la han inspirado a tomar una postura aún más fuerte contra el cáncer.

“Mi amiga fue la primera persona en la que pensé cuando decidí hacer el ESR, pero después de ese primer año, he conocido a tantas personas, incluso en ambos lados de mi familia: sobrevivientes y aquellos que ya nos dejaron,” dice. “Ahora el Empire State Ride es una misión, y planifica hacerlo tan a menudo como pueda hasta que ya no pueda hacerlo más.”

Maritza Torres Rivera
Two smiling people hold signs thanking participants for supporting cancer research at the Empire State Ride. They wear casual clothes and hats, standing behind a barrier with a colorful "Ride On!" sign for the 500-mile cycling event.
A man in a blue shirt and cap holds a sign saying, "Thanks for riding! You're changing the state of cancer research for good." He is taking a photo with his phone. A crowd is gathered around in an outdoor setting with greenery.
Three people smiling while holding a large Puerto Rican flag. They stand outdoors with a tall observation tower visible in the background. One person is wearing sunglasses and a cap.

Desde su primer viaje en el 2023, Maritza se ha convertido en una defensora vocal del Empire State Ride, organizando eventos comunitarios para recaudar fondos y difundiendo la voz entre otros interesados en recorrer Nueva York en bicicleta. De hecho, Maritza ha intensificado su compromiso con la causa del cáncer de dos maneras principales: primero, haciendo crecer su Team Borikén, y segundo, comprometiéndose a continuar recaudando fondos para el Empire State Ride.

El Team Borikén del Empire State Ride

A group of cyclists gathers for a ride. A person in the front, wearing sunglasses and a helmet, smiles widely and sticks out their tongue, holding a blue bicycle. Others in biking gear chat in the background.
A group of cyclists posing together, wearing matching jerseys with "Empire State Ride" and "Excelsior" logos. They are smiling and holding bikes, with trees in the background and other cyclists visible.
Two cyclists wearing jerseys and helmets smile for the camera during a cycling event. They are holding phones and standing in a sunny outdoor setting with other cyclists and a truck in the background.
A woman in a cycling helmet smiles with a temporary tattoo of a bicycle and the words "Empire State Ride to End Cancer" on her cheek. The number 260 is on her helmet. She's outdoors with a background of trees and blurred objects.
A cyclist wearing a medal and a red bandana stands smiling next to a young man in a black shirt. Other cyclists and parked bikes are visible in the background.
A cyclist triumphantly holds a bicycle overhead, standing on a bridge with a scenic view of distant tall buildings and a waterfall. The cyclist is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a cycling outfit.
A cyclist smiles while holding a blue and white bike, surrounded by other cyclists in a group setting. They wear a helmet, sunglasses, and a cycling jersey with "MISSION" and logos on it. The background includes trees and more cyclists preparing to ride.
A cyclist in a bandana and cycling gear triumphantly holds a bicycle overhead with one hand. They overlook a misty landscape with a cityscape in the background. Two water bottles are visible on the bike.
Two cyclists in colorful gear smile for the camera. One wears a headband and sleeveless jersey; the other sports a helmet and sunglasses. They're outdoors on a clear day, with greenery in the background. Both jerseys display "Empire State Ride" logos.
Two people smiling and holding signs at a charity cycling event. One sign reads, "Thanks for riding! You're changing the state of cancer research for good!" Another says, "You're making a difference in the lives of cancer patients!.
A man in a blue shirt and cap takes a picture with his phone while holding up a sign that says, "Thanks for riding! You're changing the state of cancer research for good." A crowd is gathered around him, and greenery is visible in the background.
A cyclist stands on a gravel path, smiling with their back to the camera. Their shirt is decorated with colorful names and drawings. They hold a bike helmet and a water bottle, with a grassy area and trees in the background.

La pasión de Maritza por el Empire State Ride es palpable; es evidente en todo lo que hace y en la forma en que habla de la causa. Inspirados por esta pasión, ya más de diez personas se han sentido motivadas a unirse al Team Borikén en la carretera este próximo año 2025, en julio, y muchos de esos ciclistas llaman a Puerto Rico su hogar. Borikén es el nombre nativo y original de la isla de Puerto Rico, y aquellos nacidos en la isla son conocidos como “Boricuas”. Era lógico que Maritza diera este nombre a su equipo como símbolo de su orgullo por su tierra natal, un orgullo compartido por todo su equipo.

Entre los ciclistas del Team Borikén estarán los dos hermanos de Maritza, cada uno de un lado distinto de su familia, quienes se conocieron por primera vez en preparación para esta aventura.

Uno de sus hermanos, Luis Manuel (también conocido como Manolo), dijo esto sobre la oportunidad de participar en la aventura con su hermana:

“Para mí, va a ser una experiencia muy especial. Lo haré … porque mi hermana va a hacerlo conmigo, y será algo bien interesante, y pasaremos un tiempo muy bonito.”

Luis "Manolo" Manuel, Team Borikén

Miosotis, otro nuevo miembro del Team Borikén para el 2025, dijo que tiene tres razones para participar:

“Número uno, representar a mi isla. Yo estoy bien orgullosa de mi bandera, de mi Tierra. Número dos, el [poder] demostrar que tengo la capacidad de cumplir mis sueños y mis metas. Y en tercer lugar, el [hecho] de que tengo la posibilidad de ayudar a otros, aunque yo tengo mi edad, mis propias condiciones [de salud], pero dentro de mis limitaciones sé que puedo hacer siempre un poquito más.”

Miosotis, Team Borikén

Sobre todo, Miosotis expresa que para este año en el ESR, ella está llevando el mensaje de que “… a  nosotros, los boricuas, realmente nos gusta dar de corazón.”

A group of four cyclists, three women and one man, are smiling and posing together outdoors. The women are wearing cycling jerseys and headbands, while the man wears an orange jacket. Bicycles and trees are visible in the background.

Por supuesto, no todos en el Team Borikén son de Puerto Rico. Maritza también ha agregado un miembro honorario al equipo: ¡BillyTheKid! Un compañero amante de todo lo relacionado con Borikén, Billy fue una de las primeras personas en donar a los esfuerzos de recaudación de fondos de Maritza en el 2023. En ese momento, él era solo un extraño. Ahora es un gran amigo y miembro honorario del equipo. Maritza lo llama “una estrella” entre los ciclistas del ESR y espera con ansias crear nuevos recuerdos junto a él y a su equipo en crecimiento. También está Alesha Telvick, su compañera de ciclismo de Ohio, quien se unirá al ESR por primera vez. La madre de Alesha fue diagnosticada con cáncer de mama a principios de este año. La prima de Maritza, Solmarí, una superviviente de cáncer, también montará en bicicleta como parte del Team Borikén. 

Recaudación de fondos para el Empire State Ride

Con un equipo en crecimiento, Maritza tiene grandes planes para recaudar fondos en el 2025. El año pasado, logró recaudar más de $10,000 para la causa. Este año, espera superar esa cantidad y tener un impacto aún mayor en la lucha para acabar con el cáncer.

Lee más sobre las iniciativas de recaudación de fondos de Maritza

Mientras tanto, el Team Borikén se está preparando para el 2025 y espera que te unas a ellos apoyando esta causa.

“Cada miembro del Team Borikén ha enfrentado su parte de adversidades. Una y otra vez, hemos enfrentado desafíos de frente, manteniendo un optimismo contagioso que ilumina cualquier espacio. Esta es la energía que llevamos al Empire State Ride: una fuerza imparable de pasión, camaradería y amor genuino por los demás que trasciende las millas,” dice Maritza. “Puede que nuestro equipo sea pequeño, pero nuestros corazones son más grandes que la carretera abierta que conquistamos.”

Maritza Torres Rivera sobre Team Borikén
A cyclist wearing a white jersey with colorful names and messages stands on a gravel path. They are holding a water bottle and wearing a headband. In the background, tents and trees are visible under a cloudy sky.

Únete a Maritza en la carretera

Próximo enfoque en el equipo

Maria Coccia-Bourgeois’ seven mountains: from ESR to surviving cancer

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Maria Coccia-Bourgeois’ seven mountains: from ESR to surviving cancer

Maria being interviewed about ESR

It only takes one meeting with Maria Coccia-Bourgeois before she forms some sort of connection with you. She’ll likely know your name, greet you with a contagious smile, ask how you’re doing and genuinely care to hear your response. Maria’s gift and love for people is undeniable. Her outlook on life, especially as a cancer survivor, is equally as admirable. 

Perhaps the best way to describe Maria comes from a story she shared about her first Empire State Ride in 2017. On the third day of the seven-day adventure, Maria found herself off track.

“They wanted to flag me in. And I’m like, ‘No, I really don’t want to. I really, really, really want to do this ride.’ I wanted to pedal every mile that day, and I did,” said Maria. “I was the last one in, and there was Terry [the founder of Empire State Ride] at the top of the hill. I came in on my bike and Terry was standing there with his hands in his pocket just waiting for me. Everybody was cheering. He gave me the biggest bear hug, because the last person made it home.”

Maria could’ve been picked up that day; she could’ve decided to take the last miles of the day as a loss. But that’s not what she did.

“You don’t give up. You don’t give up,” she echoed. That memory from the road also serves as a metaphor for the way Maria has approached each obstacle in her life: the death of both her parents, a lifelong struggle with dyslexia and her own hard-fought battle with cancer.

How Maria Learned about ESR

Physical fitness has always been important to Maria. Indoor cycling was the first exercise she really loved before discovering the world of outdoor cycling.

“I used to spin six days a week at the gym. Get up, spin. I was blessed to have the time to do this. I truly believe we have one temple. We’ve got to take care of our temple: mind, body and spirit.”

Then, one day a friend asked Maria to join her on the 65-mile route at Ride for Roswell, one of the nation’s largest cycling fundraising events based in Buffalo, New York.

“I can still remember back then. I did it with some friends from the gym, and I’d never cycled outside, never. I just did it that year. After I did that first 65, I was exhilarated. I could have kept going. I’m like, ‘I want to go more. Let’s do this again!’”

And she did. The next year, she signed up for the 100-mile route. When she later learned about Empire State Ride from a friend and met ESR founder Terry Bourgeois at a different 100-mile cycling event, Maria sprang into action.

“And I flipped my life in two weeks to do the Empire State Ride.”

So began a new chapter for Maria.

Maria on the road at ESR in 2021
Maria riding at ESR

Becoming an Empire State Ride Road Warrior

The mission behind Empire State Ride is what had Maria hooked from the very beginning. She lost both her parents to cancer.

“My parents were A & G, Angelo and Gloria. They were an amazing couple, amazing parents. The love that they had … you can’t measure it.”

She was also drawn to the idea of a community of riders that become, in some ways, like family. And remember Maria’s natural gift with people? That absolutely shines through as a road warrior.

“I think there’s a magnetic component of her personality; she has become part of what makes the Empire State Ride a great experience,” said Terry. “With her fundraising, she sends out literally 300+ personal letters to 300 people. And every single donation she gets, she doesn’t send a text, she doesn’t send an email to thank them. She picks up the phone, and she calls them. She does that same thing with her fellow riders. She goes out of her way to make sure that people feel welcomed and loved.”

Maria has become not only a cheerleader for other riders, but some would even think of her as a mother figure on the road.

A person with a shaved head sits on a hospital bed, looking pensive. The room is softly lit from a window, showing medical equipment nearby. It's a monochrome image conveying a contemplative mood.
A healthcare worker in a mask and scrubs tends to a seated woman with a bald head, gently administering a medical procedure. The black and white image conveys a sense of care and medical treatment in a clinical setting.

Maria’s Cancer Diagnosis

Maria prides herself on taking care of her body and being mindful of any warning signs that something could be off. During the 2021 ESR, she noticed she didn’t feel quite herself. Her stamina wasn’t what it used to be, and she started having trouble going to the bathroom.

She reached out to her doctor right away and sought to get to the root of the problem. After a sonogram and a CT scan, Maria received a phone call that no one ever anticipates. 

“I was on my bicycle spinning, riding my bike like I always did. And I got a call and she [the doctor] just said, ‘There’s a fatty mass and we need to get you at Roswell Park right away.’ I just lost it. I called Terry, and I told Terry what was going on. Boom, my life changed. I remember walking in the door at Roswell Park that Friday. I blessed myself and I said, ‘Jesus, you have the wheel.’ I threw my hands up and started my journey.”

A Cancer Battle of Seven Mountains

Maria was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that grows
in the smooth muscles. The treatment plan in front of her was aggressive and uncertain.

“I had 430 hours of chemo, a ten-hour surgery. I had a cantaloupe-sized
tumor, my left kidney and part of my large intestine removed.”

This was 2021, still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maria
could only have two people by her side throughout the duration of her
treatment.

By this time, Terry had become an incredibly close friend. He
would be one of those two people. Her niece Rebecca stepped up to be the second person as soon as she heard the news.

“Aunt Maria has such a huge family. And it’s not even just the Coccia kids that are her family,” said Rebecca. “It’s the Roswell family. It’s
the Empire State Ride family. It’s all of those people who have truly impacted her … I know for a fact that so many other people wished and wanted to be there. It’s not blood that makes family. If anybody is a true testament to that, it’s my Aunt Maria.”

Maria broke down her cancer treatment into what she called, “Seven Mountains.” Each mountain represented a different milestone in her journey: five rounds of initial chemo, a ten-hour surgery and one last round of chemo.

“I rang the Victory Bell in May and in  June I was on my bicycle. I wanted to be on the Empire State Ride. I accomplished all those goals – and the Seven Mountains,” said Maria. “We are so blessed, and yes, it changed me. This whole journey changed me.”

Maria Bell Ringing
Maria at Empire State Ride after cancer treatment.
Terry and Maria with friends at the 2022 finish line
Terry, Maria and friends at the finish line at ESR.

The Urgency Behind Empire State Ride

Today, Maria believes she is lucky to be alive. First and foremost, she thanks God, and then she thanks the medical team at Roswell Park. Every four months she goes for body scans and monitoring. The fear of her cancer coming back always lingers.

“Honestly, for a week before the scan, I’m a hot mess. A lot of praying. The night before you break down because you don’t know what they’re going to say. And then when, praise God, they say that it’s clear, then I’m just doing a happy dance.”

But, despite the amazing progress made in recent years thanks to events like ESR, Maria’s treatment was not one of the new, breakthrough advancements. Instead, it was incredibly invasive and toxic for Maria’s body.

“It’s hard to talk about reality sometimes,” said Terry. “But Maria’s reality is that because she had 430 hours of chemo, she’s reached her maximum allowable dosage of those drugs. If that cancer comes back again, what would be the next step? Once again, we don’t know for sure. But, if there is a light, it’s the light of what’s currently being worked on at Roswell Park with cellular therapy. There are known targets that the team has identified for sarcoma, and in my mind, that adds a huge sense of urgency to what we’re doing.”

With her parents still at the forefront of why she rides, knowing she’s pedaling for a breakthrough that could help her if her cancer were to return, fuels a new motivation for Maria.

Terry added, “We’ve got work to do. And the beautiful thing is, we have a path to go down.”

More Life to Live After Cancer

The end of Maria’s cancer treatment marked the beginning of a new adventure. While cancer has left her forever changed, her appreciation for life has only grown. Still, she’s made it back to ESR each year. Even when an injury prevented her from riding her own bike, she and Terry took on the statewide trek together on a tandem bike.

She’s also found love. Her friendship with Terry evolved into a wonderful relationship, and at the finish line in Niagara Falls at ESR 2022, Terry asked Maria to marry him. Their story, which in some ways bloomed out of adversity, is a reminder that getting to the top of the mountain is always something worth fighting for.

That’s true for Maria’s personal battle with sarcoma, and it’s true for the greater cause that brings us all together: ending cancer.

Support Maria’s ESR fundraiser

10 years of impact

Maria and her partner stand on a sandy beach at sunset. The man, in a blue suit, and Maria, in a blue and white dress holding a bouquet, gaze into each other's eyes. The sun sets over the ocean behind them, casting warm hues across the sky.

Coach Charlie Livermore: 10 things I love about Empire State Ride

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough

By Coach Charlie Livermore

More about Charlie Livermore

The Empire State Ride is lucky to have the support of professional cycling coach Charlie Livermore as an advisor and friend. Charlie is a training consultant on our adventure across New York State. He offers his expertise and tips to all ESR riders and joins us on the road each July to ride 500+ miles.  

2024 marks a milestone in Empire State Ride history: the historic 10th anniversary ride. To mark the occasion, ESR Pro-Level Cycling Coach Charlie Livermore put together a list of his 10 favorite things that he loves about Empire State Ride (ESR). Check it out!

1. The week.

I love that this is a weeklong event. It’s hard to describe in words why this is such an amazing week in my life every year, but I can tell you that at the end of seven days, I’m always wishing for seven more.

2. The opportunity to teach and help.

I love teaching and helping participants find ways to make the challenge a little easier and more fun. I give coaching sessions on select nights and am always available for questions.

3. The cause.

I’m a cancer survivor and experienced a positive outcome from my treatment in a clinical trial. The end goal is to eliminate cancers, but along the way, Roswell Park is developing less intrusive treatments to survive this disease.

Charlie Livermore on the road at ESR
Charlie Livermore alongside other ESR riders
Charlie taking a selfie with other riders at ESR

4. The Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Team.

The passion and organizational skills from this team put this event at the top of well-run events I have done.

5. Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat.

Everything is provided so that all you have to do is focus on eating, riding and sleeping. It’s really an adventure vacation.

6. Evening program.

The inspiration, camaraderie and education of the post-dinner evening program sets this event apart from any other. You’ll laugh, cry and go to sleep every night inspired!

7. Volunteers.

ESR has the most committed, fun, energized and helpful volunteers you’ll experience at any event.

8. Food, rest stops and festivities.

Great breakfasts and dinners, plenty of well-stocked rest stops along the routes and fun evening festivities!

Charlie Livermore and other ESR riders eating at a rest stop
Charlie Livermore holds sign with friends at halfway point.

9. Community.

You’ll experience the most interesting, welcoming and inclusive community at ESR.  Everyone is respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing all aspects of their identities. Everyone shares a sense of belonging here.

10. Friendships.

You will meet and make friends for life here.

Check out Charlie's training plans

Register for ESR today!

Meet the Long Island Rough Riders

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough
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On Empire State Ride, you’re never alone in the mission to end cancer. That feeling is amplified when you ride with a team.

The Long Island Rough Riders have consistently been one of the top fundraising teams at Empire State Ride (ESR). Still, members say they’re defined not solely by the dollars they raise but also by the family they’ve created.

“All skill levels are welcome. It’s not a race. We all finish together. We ride together. We look out for each other,” said Steve Mars, co-chair of ESR and longtime member of the Long Island Rough Riders.

Fellow rider Steve Wasserman added, “This group of about twenty is made up of some very special people who have ridden this ride and have helped raise funds for anywhere from two to nine years. It’s an astonishing group with a common bond.”

While each of their reasons for riding is personal, the Long Island Rough Riders all come together for one shared purpose: raising funds for critical cancer research.

The Team’s Early Days

Like many first-time riders, when Mars signed up for ESR, he didn’t know anyone else on the adventure. He was a mountain biker and had never taken on a ride quite like this one.

Mars explained, “I signed up for this as a way to honor my mother and others impacted by cancer, and I thought it would be a one-off. I bought a road bike and learned how to clip into the pedals. I trained by myself and learned a lot about cycling and then I went on the ride, and I realized what an incredible life-changing experience it is.”

That “one-off” ride turned into eight ESRs, going on nine. He credits the decision to come back each year largely to the people he met along the way — like Richard Noll, John Downey, John Arfman, Mike Simms and Alan Kurtz the founding members of the Long Island Rough Riders.

“It’s interesting because I met and bonded with amazing friends who live in surrounding towns on Empire State Ride. I had to ride across the state to meet people who live one town north or one town south,” said Mars.

The name ‘Rough Riders’ is inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, who has strong ties to Long Island and is also a source of influence for ESR Founder Terry Bourgeois.

Over the years, the Rough Riders have continued to welcome new members from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.

Riders on the Long Island Rough Riders
Group photo of the Long Island Rough Riders

Why Ride with a Team?

Regardless of your why for participating in ESR, being a part of the community is likely a perk of the decision, if not a draw. By riding with a team, you’ll form that community faster.

Wasserman learned that firsthand in 2023.

He explained, “When I first signed up, I did not know anyone else doing the ride. I found out that there was a local group called the Long Island Rough Riders which I joined to help me in training and to answer questions that I had about the ride.”

The Rough Riders meet up for rides leading up to the weeklong event to help all ESR participants get in their training.

“The physical benefits of riding with a team obviously make the physical challenges a bit easier since you can share the work and take turns pulling along the long stretches of road,” said Noll, a veteran rider.

The preparation for ESR isn’t just about the physical ride, either. It also entails learning about fundraising, nutrition, hydration, teamwork and safety. That’s why having people to lean on before you even start the adventure can go a long way.

Group photo of the Long Island Rough Riders
Group photo of the Long Island Rough Riders
Group photo of the Long Island Rough Riders

Friendships Before, During and After ESR

No matter the road warrior, one theme seems to be reoccurring when riders talk about Empire State Ride: the bonds they make on the road.

“Our team is an amazing family of dedicated riders and fundraisers. Through ESR and the Rough Riders, I have found lifelong friends whom I can count on for so much more than cycling,” said Noll.

Mars, who is also a cancer survivor, agrees. When asked about the most impactful memories with his team, he shared a story that will stick with him forever.

“Coincidentally I had finished my radiation at the beginning of August and when I crossed the finish line on the 10th anniversary of completing my treatment, that was a moment for sure, and I grabbed a couple of close friends and told them,” Mars said as he began to tear up. “ESR is also the first place I raised my hand and said I was a survivor.”

In many ways, ESR provides a platform for people to share how cancer has impacted them, and it gives them an outlet to do something about it. Moments like the one Mars shared are part of what makes the connections formed on the road so special.

Noll added, “My brothers and sisters are always there for me in cycling and support me in every aspect of my life: business, emotionally and socially. I have met people who have faced true adversity and struggle and who have taught me how to persist and push myself further than I otherwise would think possible.”

After just one year on the road, Wasserman feels the same.

He said, “We all inspire and motivate each other for a common purpose to end cancer.”

Statewide and Worldwide Impact

It’s no secret that the Rough Riders are a team of dedicated and persistent fundraisers. They share their personal stories, lean on the resources provided by Roswell Park and educate themselves on where the funds go to better inform their donors.

“My initial why for partaking in the Empire State Ride was the physical challenge of the 560-mile journey. However, I learned about Roswell Park, the work being done and the amazing people involved. So, my why quickly changed and has grown over the last seven years to supporting an amazing organization that benefits all of us and our loved ones that battle cancer,” said Noll.

Over ten years of ESR, the event is on track to hit a collective $10 million raised for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is America’s first cancer center dedicated to research. 

Learn more about where the funds go here!

While Roswell Park is located in Buffalo, New York, the funds raised have a worldwide impact, and that includes downstate on Long Island.

Mars explained, “They have a cancer care network that partners with hospitals across the state, and the innovative research is shared with all the major cancer centers in the U.S. To know that the breakthroughs that are going on at Roswell Park are actually helping my neighbors, it’s one of the things that just keeps us moving forward and saying we’re going to beat this thing together.”

And as the Rough Riders gear up for the tenth anniversary of ESR, they reflect on the impact their team has made over the years: a journey that started with a few riders from Long Island, that’s grown into a family with ties all over the country.

Meet the Regulators