Historic Flooding Won’t Slow Colon Cancer Riders

In spite of mother nature’s wrath this spring, cyclists of all ages will take to the road on Sunday, June 16thto help raise awareness for colorectal cancer in the 9thannual Rollin’ to Colon (Nebraska) bike ride. The event helps support the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force mission of Education, Early Detection and Prevention.

“We held off making a decision on this year’sride out of respect for all the recovery efforts and ongoing flooding in the area of the ride,” notes Chis Snowardt, colon cancer survivor and Co-Director of this year’s event. “But after we discovered minimal damage to our planned route, and support from the city of Valley, we knew we had to have the ride.”

“Our goal is to get people talking about colon cancer, with the hope of increasing screening rates and eventually saving lives,” continues Snowardt. “And even as we were still debating the ride this year,a numberof people reached out to us to check to see if the ride was happening. So, clearly, this event has come to have a significant impact on survivors, care-givers and folks just looking to help with this cause.”

All ages and riding levels are welcome to participate. Multiple distances and routes have been charted, all starting at DC West High School in Valley, NE. Riders can choose from 10, 20, 30, or 40 mile rides, with the most adventurous winding their way around a 53 mile loop to Colon, NE.

Children are also welcome and encouraged to participate in a short ride around Valley, NE which guides them to the City Park and back.

Past events have drawn as many as 400 cyclists from the area. Organizers are hoping for continued support this year despite the impact of the flooding to the surrounding communities. “Every person who participates is helping us spread the word and educate the public. Colon cancer typically has no immediate outward symptoms, so it’s important to educate folks and talk about early screening,” Snowardt concludes.

Registration is open now through June 10! . Participants can register after June 10, up to the day of the ride, for a slightly higher fee. If you are unable to participate, donations in support of the event are welcomed online.