Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - More than 300 cyclists are pedaling more than 500 miles this week, from Staten Island to Niagara Falls, raising money for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The cyclists left Sunday. They are scheduled to arrive in Niagara Falls on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Terry Bougoise founded the Empire State Ride 12 years ago.
"In 2014, I did it by myself. We went from one to 10, to 60, then north of 100 and now we have over 300 people who will cross the finish line," he said.
WBEN Producer James Stelianou has been participating in the ride for the past six years.
Bourgeois said they have a slogan that they stand by.
"We start as strangers and end as family. And that is absolutely 100% true as it has changed so many lives."
Riders are here from all over the world. They range in age from 18 to 80.
They ride approximately 80 miles a day, taking breaks every twenty miles with physical therapists and a medical team. At night, tents are provided for each rider along with an air mattress and a chair.
The food, Bourgeois said, is second to none.
"We have a caterer from Virginia who follows us and gets local produce and cooks amazing food designed for endurance events."
Western New Yorkers are encouraged to help celebrate this monumental achievement by cheering riders on at the finish line on Old Falls Street this Saturday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
You can find more information about the Empire State Ride HERE.
"We start as strangers and end as family"
"We start as strangers and end as family"
