Riding for a Cause

July 29, 2014

When Alex Ray’s mother was gravely ill with colon cancer two years ago, the college student from Tabor City, N.C., found late-night and early morning bike rides helped him clear his head.

Those rides lead to his decision to ride Adventure Cycling’s van-supported Trans Am tour this summer in memory of his mom and to help raise money for the Colon Cancer Alliance. “I just thought it would be cool to give back and help people fighting the same fight,” Ray says.

Ray’s loss and his determination to raise $7,000 through his website, www.americabybike.com, struck a chord with his tripmates. On a layover day in Carbondale, Ill., eight of the 11 riders — including both leaders — decided to show their support in a bold way: by having their heads shaved.

“It’s too hard to sit by and do nothing when you watch others deal with cancer and its impact,” said Creed McPherson, an ACA Trans-Am leader who spearheaded the barber shop outing. In addition to raising awareness by linking to Ray’s website, the group has bonded over their lack of hair.

“I think it is awesome,” Ray says.

 Already donations have reached $1,100 from friends, friends of friends, and other cyclists through the link on his website.

Post by Adell Crowe | Photos by Christi Aguiar

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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team — Lydia, Darrah, Mike, Mandy, and Arlen — tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to the Adventure Cycling tours department. Check out our 2014 Guided Tours today!