What will be the most enjoyable and meaningful eight, 16, 24 miles you’ve ever bicycled?

It’s the eighth annual Climb to Conquer Cancer, to be held on the Saluda Grade of Hwy. 176 on Saturday, April 23. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit the Gibbs Cancer Center’s Survivorship program in Spartanburg.

Ride with event organizer and local cycling standout John Cash, who plans to ride ten loops from the starting point at Caro Mi Dining Room, Rt. 176, between Tryon and Saluda.

The ride begins at 8 a.m. Caro Mi’s address is 3231 Hwy. 176, Tryon. Arrive by 7:30 to register.

Use the ride as a way to join old friends and meet new ones. Employ it for general fitness. Use it as a training ground for the Assault on Mt. Mitchell. The CCC provides eight–plus miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain per out and back. Ten circuits cover over 84 miles, with 10,000 feet of elevation gain.

Buck’s Pizza of Tryon, and Rize Nutrition will provide pizza and energy drinks, respectively.

Donations, made out to Gibbs Cancer Center Survivorship program, can be sent or delivered to Nature’s Storehouse, 427 S. Trade, Tryon, NC 28782. For more information, phone the store at 828-859-6356.

Cash notes that this year’s fundraising ride is aimed at cyclists, those touched by cancer, and those touched by the Gibbs Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivorship program.

“Come join me for one or all loops,” Cash invites riders.

Since 2006, Climb to Conquer Cancer has raised some $75,000-$80,000 to help cancer survivors lead more healthful and active lives.

“Every year,” noted Cash, “the energy of the ride shifts, from honoring someone to memorializing them.” Last year, noted Cash, “I rode in memory of someone who lost her battle.”

Not everyone with cancer loses that battle, as more and more survive, with help from fundraisers that help fuel research into cures, treatments and lifestyle recommendations.

Cash especially thanks Buck’s Pizza and Rize Nutrition for their contributions, as well as Caro Mi owners for allowing the use of their parking lot, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department for providing traffic control, plus escort during part of the ride.

To better raise funds for Gibbs, Cash and other local cycling enthusiasts are seeking donations from the community. Donations can be a flat amount or a certain amount per each loop their rider(s) complete.

Non-riders may also make donations.