Dolphins Cycling Challenge Recruits New Riders In Fight Against Cancer
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – CBS4 News and the new CEO of the Miami Dolphins teamed up Tuesday night to register riders who will take to South Florida roads in November for the annual Dolphin Cycling Challenge.
The mega charity event will roll out from Sun Life Stadium on November 2nd and 3rd in an effort to raise money for cancer research.
CBS4 anchor Summer Knowles, meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez and CBS4 General Manager Adam Levy attended Tuesday night's event at Duffy's in Coconut Grove.
"It was really the personal commitment of the Dolphins that really excited us to get involved," said Jason Emmett, the senior vice president of Duffy's, adding, "We just hope to do our small part to get the word out, raise some funds, drive some excitement and get more ridership."
New Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel was also there and spoke about why this is such an important event for him and the team.
"It's just something that has grown tremendously and its really about supporting Sylvester hospital and supporting the effort against cancer and everybody has been affected by cancer in one way or another, certainly my family has, and that's really what it's about for me is continuing to support that effort," said Garfinkel.
The two-day challenge consists of seven different routes that bikers can take, throughout the tri-county area.
There are more than 1,100 riders already registered which is double the number at this point of registration in 2012.
At this pace, ridership will reach the projected goal of 2,500 riders by the weekend of the challenge.
"We're trying to get as many riders as we can to get as much money as we can to fight cancer," said Garfinkel.
CBS4, a corporate sponsor of the event, has a team which includes GM Adam Levy, Summer Knowles, anchor Eliott Rodriguez and meteorologist Craig Setzer.
The Dolphins Cycling Challenge has raised $3.8 million since its first race three years ago.
One hundred percent of the money raised goes to research at the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The DCC will also pay tribute to late Fins great Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich.
The Dolphins launched the cycling challenge in 2010 to honor Mandich as he was battling bile duct cancer.
Bikers will start at Sun Life Stadium and then ride for 170 miles over the next two days. There's also a 30 mile leg for those wanting a shorter ride.
CBS4's Summer Knowles asked Garfinkel how long he plans on riding to which he responded, "170 miles might be a lot for me without much training leading up to it, but I'll get in there and do my part."
If you'd like to sign up for the DCC or just donate, click here.
DCC IV Cyclists will be honored on field at the Carolina Panthers v Miami Dolphins home game on November 24th at 1pm at Sun Life Stadium. The check representing 100% of rider raised funds will be presented to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at that time.
