Thousands to Participate in Inaugural Obliteride Bike Ride Party

Fred Hutch’s new movement to obliterate cancer comes out big and bold the first year

Look for Obliteride Bike Riders in Redmond till October 1

SEATTLE, Aug. 6, 2013 – The first-ever Obliteride is expected to draw large crowds of people to Gas Works and Magnuson Parks this weekend. Cancer survivors, cyclists, and musicians are all gathering in support of a common goal: to accelerate local cancer research to save lives faster and ultimately end cancer.

Michael Franti & Spearhead will perform at Obliteride’s kick-off celebration at Gas Works Park at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. “I'm proud to be playing at the Obliteride party,” Michael Franti said. “Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is doing amazing work each day finding new and unique ways to prevent, treat and detect cancer.” All riders registered to participate in Obliteride will receive two complimentary tickets to this exclusive party. Famed Seattle chef Tom Douglas is catering a delectable salmon dinner for the event. “It's not too late sign up,” Franti said. “So come on out and ride the ride that saves lives!”

“We’re trying to raise over $2 million for cancer research at Fred Hutch through the inaugural Obliteride,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We have a ways to go, so register to ride and support the incredible research going on right here in our state. Riders still have nearly two months to fundraise. We’re not done till Oct 1.”  Read More >>

Riders will pedal out of Seattle’s Magnuson Park on at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Community members are invited to come to the park and cheer on the riders and enjoy a free finish line festivalwith live music and entertainment for all ages. The Nowhere Men, playing music of The Beatles; ‘80s Invasion; and a Radio Disney Kid’s Zone will contribute to the celebration. Parking is limited at Magnuson Park so people are encouraged to take a free shuttle from the University of Washington E1 parking lot. 

“Obliteride will be an epic weekend with fun parties, delicious food and scenic bike rides,” Lavin said. “We’re urging people who don’t normally cycle to come join the fun, volunteer, or ride and raise money to help us end cancer. Nearly anyone can do the 25-mile route.”

Community members are also invited to get involved by lining the routes and cheering on riders as they come through neighborhoods throughout Puget Sound. Bring signs honoring loved ones or friends who have battled cancer or are in the fight today. Maps of the four routes make it easy to support the riders. Obliteride’s generous donors, like University Village, are making it possible for 100 percent of every dollar to go directly to research at Fred Hutch, so join Obliteride and ride to end cancer. Register at obliteride.org/register. 

About Obliteride

Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide effort to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. It culminates in a fundraising bike ride Aug. 9-11, 2013 that will be quintessentially Northwest. Thanks to anchor sponsors University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and other inaugural sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to breakthrough cancer research at Fred Hutch. Join us. Ride. Donate. Volunteer. Tell others. Ending cancer starts at Fred Hutch. obliteride.org