“Have bikes, will contribute” could be a theme of the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer, organized by local cyclist John Cash, to benefit the Gibbs Cancer Center’s Survivorship Program in Spartanburg.

That up-close and sometimes all-too-personal experience with cancer is among the motivators for Cash, who’s held this benefit since 2008, and who pulled off another successful ride on Saturday, April 23, raising $6,900 (and counting, as donations may still be made), 100 percent of which goes right to the Gibbs Survivorship Program.

Another motivator, not only for Cash, is the chance to share the road (in this case the Saluda Grade on U.S. Hwy. 176) with some of the area’s most accomplished riders and most generous individuals.

The CCC is a win-win effort that brings people together to help others who need a little boost.

“Thank you all so much for attending our CCC ride,” Cash gushed, following the event. “I love you guys so much. We had a great turnout from the local riders, and Richard White brought his Freewheelers training group.”

Among the local riders were Jim Mitchell, Rudy Meiracker, Shana Williams, Tim Williams, Roder Dehnel, Mark Schmerling, Jim Bell, Kirk Alford, Ralph Sherer, Paul Zimmerman, Richard North and Dennis Crain.

“I hope I didn’t miss anybody,” Cash stated, “as we were scattered all over the mountain.” Other riders came from elsewhere in the region to participate.

Cash and at least one other rider completed ten up and down circuits, totaling 80 miles and 10,000 feet of vertical gain. Others completed fewer circuits, but spent lots of time on the mountain—sometimes with a break for pizza or a RIZE drink. The ride covered all of Hwy. 176 between Caro Mi and four miles up the mountain.

Cash also thanked the Polk County Sheriff’s Department for providing motorized escort for the first loop, and providing other rider protection; the owners of Caro Mi Dining Room on Hwy. 176, where the ride was headquartered, for their hospitality; Buck’s Pizza, RIZE Energy and Counter Culture Coffee for contributing pizza, energy drinks, and organic coffee respectively.

Dr. Jeffrey Hendricks, an accomplished athlete and founder of RIZE Energy, assisted in distribution of his products, and also climbed the grade. Gibbs Survivorship Program director, Stacy Kindall, was on hand, with Gibbs materials, advice, and her usual optimism.

Cash told assembled riders that two stages of cancer include being told one has cancer, and surviving it, as cancer is no longer a death sentence.

Referring to Kindall, Cash said, “She helps people with the afterward.”

To the riders, who were ready to tackle the climb multiple times, Cash noted, “The main thing is you’re here.”

Saturday’s riding conditions were nearly perfect, with clear sky, mild temperatures— not overly hot for climbing, and not too cool for descents.

Donations, made out to Gibbs Cancer Center, may still be delivered to Nature’s Storehouse, 427 South Trade, Tryon, NC 28782 or mailed to the store. Call 828-859-6356 for more information.