Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope set Oct. 14

On Oct. 14, cyclists from around the Lowcountry will gather for the fifth annual Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope.

The Ride for Hope is a charity bike ride through the scenic Francis Marion National Forest, and all ride proceeds go to support local cancer charities. This year, the Ride will reach the $500,000 mark in dollars returned to the community to support patients and families dealing with cancer.

The Ride for Hope includes a 100K route for serious cyclists, a 30-mile ride and a casual family ride. Live music and lunch donated by Carrabba’s awaits riders afterward at Awendaw Green, the begin and endpoint of the ride.

The courses are clearly marked, with police escort and sag-wagons and rest stops along the way. Helmets are required, and bicycle riders of all ages and abilities are welcome.

The Ride for Hope honors all those who have battled cancer, including Zucker, a Charleston businessman and philanthropist who died of brain cancer in 2008, and also including both parents and mother-in-law of the Ride founder and director, Dawson Cherry.

The ride is made possible by sponsors and by individual fundraisers. All participants either ride as part of a sponsor’s team or commit to raising or donating $500 to the cause.

Riders receive a custom George Hincapie bicycling jersey along with other “swag,” all valued at $200.

The Ride for Hope benefits local cancer charities such as Share Our Suzy, Camp Happy Days, Hollings Cancer Center, Roper St. Francis Cancer Care, Lutheran Hospice and many others that have direct impact on local cancer patients.

To register or for moreinformation, visit the Ride for Hope website at www.charlestonrideforhope.com.