100 Miles for a Cure: Cycling in the RiverRide 100
Introducing the first nation-wide
RiverRide 100 bike riding challenge
, created for riders of all skill levels, anywhere in the nation! Founded by Jeff Krakoff in 2013, this year’s RiverRide 100 is open to anyone, anywhere, with any level of bike-riding ability, and all proceeds from the challenge benefit the Arthritis Foundation to help:
Don’t have a bike? Don’t like to ride outside? No problem – spin class and stationary bikes are welcome. These miles can be counted towards your goal!
No matter where you live in the United States, as long as you are committed to riding 50, 75 or 100 miles in either one day or throughout the month of August, you can participate in the RiverRide 100 and help make a difference. The amount and pace is up to you. If you are unable participate by biking in August, you still can help by making a donation to the RiverRide 100 .
Jeff Krakoff is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 22 years ago, when he was 30, it would have been easy for him to say No to being active – especially to physical challenges.
However, Jeff began to manage his RA with biologic medications, and continued to play sports over the years, acting as a high school soccer official and playing soccer in adult leagues. Several years ago, some of his soccer friends also began biking together on the weekends as another way to stay in shape while preserving their joints, as some of them have osteoarthritis.
In 2013, Jeff and a group of his friends found a way to make a difference with their cycling hobby. They planned a multi-day bike ride along the 330-mile long trail from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C, and used the event to raise awareness for arthritis and funds to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.
“Biking is a great, low-impact activity for people with arthritis,” says Jeff. “It helps to reduce body weight and can help alleviate stress on the joints. It was a no brainer for me that the best type of fundraising activity to raise critical funds for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission would be one that was not only fun, but could also help improve some of the symptoms of arthritis.”
In 2014 and 2015, the event evolved from five days into a one-day “century ride,” cyclist lingo for a 100-mile ride that is completed in one day. The group termed the trip the RiverRide 100 , as it covers100 miles along the Great Allegheny Passage trail, from Rockwood, Pennsylvania, to downtown Pittsburgh, paralleling and crisscrossing the Casselman, Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers. In the first few years of the event, RiverRide 100 raised more than $17,000 for the Arthritis Foundation!
This year, Jeff and his friends will still ride the 100+ miles from Rockwood to Pittsburgh on Saturday, August 20, but now anyone can participate, regardless of conditioning level. As long as you track the amount that you ride, you can help! And because the event has grown in outreach and size, Jeff hopes to triple the amount raised in previous years.
“We hope that the flexibility will encourage riders of all skill levels to participate,” says Jeff. “The avid rider can take on the challenge in one day, or a less-strenuous option is to spread it out over many days throughout the month. It’s really up to you. The important thing is to get out and exercise while raising money for those who may not be as fortunate or able to ride a bike.”
To register or donate to RiverRide 100, visit www.riverride100.com and complete the information on the online form. The event is free to participate.
To learn more about RiverRide 100, email info@riverride100.com or watch this video for more information.
- Raise funds to support advocacy efforts and improve access to arthritis care
- Provide tools and resources to help people with arthritis live better
- Fund critical research to investigate new diagnostic tools, treatments and ultimately, find a cure for arthritis
Don’t have a bike? Don’t like to ride outside? No problem – spin class and stationary bikes are welcome. These miles can be counted towards your goal!
No matter where you live in the United States, as long as you are committed to riding 50, 75 or 100 miles in either one day or throughout the month of August, you can participate in the RiverRide 100 and help make a difference. The amount and pace is up to you. If you are unable participate by biking in August, you still can help by making a donation to the RiverRide 100 .
How RiverRide 100 Was Born
Jeff Krakoff is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 22 years ago, when he was 30, it would have been easy for him to say No to being active – especially to physical challenges.
However, Jeff began to manage his RA with biologic medications, and continued to play sports over the years, acting as a high school soccer official and playing soccer in adult leagues. Several years ago, some of his soccer friends also began biking together on the weekends as another way to stay in shape while preserving their joints, as some of them have osteoarthritis.
In 2013, Jeff and a group of his friends found a way to make a difference with their cycling hobby. They planned a multi-day bike ride along the 330-mile long trail from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C, and used the event to raise awareness for arthritis and funds to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.
“Biking is a great, low-impact activity for people with arthritis,” says Jeff. “It helps to reduce body weight and can help alleviate stress on the joints. It was a no brainer for me that the best type of fundraising activity to raise critical funds for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission would be one that was not only fun, but could also help improve some of the symptoms of arthritis.”
In 2014 and 2015, the event evolved from five days into a one-day “century ride,” cyclist lingo for a 100-mile ride that is completed in one day. The group termed the trip the RiverRide 100 , as it covers100 miles along the Great Allegheny Passage trail, from Rockwood, Pennsylvania, to downtown Pittsburgh, paralleling and crisscrossing the Casselman, Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers. In the first few years of the event, RiverRide 100 raised more than $17,000 for the Arthritis Foundation!
This year, Jeff and his friends will still ride the 100+ miles from Rockwood to Pittsburgh on Saturday, August 20, but now anyone can participate, regardless of conditioning level. As long as you track the amount that you ride, you can help! And because the event has grown in outreach and size, Jeff hopes to triple the amount raised in previous years.
“We hope that the flexibility will encourage riders of all skill levels to participate,” says Jeff. “The avid rider can take on the challenge in one day, or a less-strenuous option is to spread it out over many days throughout the month. It’s really up to you. The important thing is to get out and exercise while raising money for those who may not be as fortunate or able to ride a bike.”
Register or Donate to the RiverRide 100
To register or donate to RiverRide 100, visit www.riverride100.com and complete the information on the online form. The event is free to participate.
- If you are registering, click on “Set Up Your Fundraiser” to create your own fundraising page. Then let your friends and family know you’re participating, so you can ask them to ride along or to make a donation towards your efforts!
- To donate, simply click on the “Donate” button and follow the instructions.
To learn more about RiverRide 100, email info@riverride100.com or watch this video for more information.
