By Mark Schmerling

 

The hill was the section of U.S. Highway 176 known as the Saluda Grade; the challenge was bicycling up and down the grade up to 10 times to raise money to help fight cancer and to help cancer survivors live longer and healthier lives.

 

Originally slated for Saturday, April 25, but moved to Sunday, April 26 because of abundant rain predicted for the original date, the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer, organized by local cycling enthusiast John Cash raised over $4,000 for the Gibbs Cancer Center’s Survivor program in Spartanburg.

 

“I hate cancer,” Cash told the cyclists assembled at the ride’s headquarters on the grounds of Caro-Mi Dining Room near the bottom of the Saluda Grade.

 

Cash lost both his parents to cancer, and fights it with the tenacity of a seasoned athlete that he is.

 

Some riders were sponsored by groups and individuals, who pledged a given amount per trip up and down the grade. Others made their own contributions. All enjoyed the companionship and fine riding conditions, especially with recent resurfacing of much of the downhill section of the grade.

 

Last year’s ride was to be in honor of Jenna Phipps, a brave young Green Creek woman fighting cancer. Phipps passed away the day prior to the 2014 ride. This year, Cash announced the event would be dedicated to Phipps’s memory. Appropriately, Cash rode his ten laps (80 miles with 8,000 feet of elevation gain) in some 5.5 hours) with a photograph of Phipps prominently displayed near his bicycle computer.

 

Those who helped make the event possible were owners of Caro-Mi, who allowed the group to use its parking area as headquarters; Rize natural energy products; Buck’s Pizza of Tryon, which donated pizzas; the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, which provided rider escort for the first trip on the grade; and the Department of Transportation, for making sure that critical parts of the road were resurfaced to ensure safer riding.

 

Those who wish to contribute to the cause can contact John Cash at Nature’s Storehouse, by calling 828-859-6356. Nature’s Storehouse is located at 427 S. Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782.

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