Do you have a friend, co-worker, or family member who you want to ride in Pelotonia? We understand Pelotonia is a time commitment and that the fundraising responsibility can potentially be daunting at first. We also know what an inspirational experience Pelotonia Weekend is and that every additional member on the Greatest Team Ever makes a difference in funding cancer research.

With all of this in mind, below are the Top 5 anticipated concerns about riding in Pelotonia and responses you can thoughtfully communicate.

Pelotonia put together a Fundraising Toolkit that makes fundraising simple! All it takes is some planning and a little persistence. Go through the steps of the toolkit as early as possible for ultimate success.

Pro tip: don’t underestimate the power of social media. Asking from your online communities and creating Facebook fundraisers can go a long way in helping you reach your goal. You never know who in your friend list will feel inspired to give. There could be people you haven’t spoken to in years that are motivated to help end cancer. 

Kristen Troesch is a High Roller (Pelotonia participant who raises more than $5,000) who receives almost all her donations by posting on social media. She says, “Staying actively involved with Pelotonia throughout the year and sharing about it regularly shows my commitment to our One Goal and has not only pushed me over the top in fundraising and recruiting Riders, but has also helped open up more doors to fighting cancer.”

Finally, remember that 100% of the money you raise for Pelotonia goes toward cancer research. This is a unique model and will go a long way when you’re asking for donations.

Pelotonia is for everyone! Some people haven’t ridden a bike in years when they sign up. One of Pelotonia’s reviews on Google actually states, “I started cycling again because of this organization.” One of the One Goal podcast participants, Sam Schisler, got into shape because of Pelotonia. You can listen to his story on your favorite podcast platform.

The Pelotonia community provides many opportunities for training rides, so take advantage of those when you can. TeamCOPC is just one example of a Peloton that offers rides for all levels of cyclists.

Additionally, the Pelotonia website provides resources on stretching and nutrition to ensure that each Rider is as prepared as possible. Others have been in your shoes too and are happy to provide helpful tips as a first-time Rider.

Still on the fence? Rest assured, on the day of the Ride there are plenty of rest stops along the route that can help if you’re feeling tired or sore. Many Riders have even said that the atmosphere makes them feel motivated on a whole new level.

This is the perfect time to get a bike. There are several bike shops in Columbus that offer discounts to Pelotonia participants. You can see the full list in the Rider Perks blog on the Pelotonia website. A new bike is a great ask for a birthday present or an upcoming holiday. You could also start a bike fund and put away a few dollars each week, like one participant shared on social media.

Looking for a lower cost option? Facebook Marketplace is a great tool for finding used bikes. You could also ask a family member of friend to borrow theirs. If you’re riding the 25 mile to 45 mile routes, you won’t need as expensive or high-tech equipment; however, if you decide to reach higher miles the nicer bikes become more important.

Every person is a legend on the Greatest Team Ever. Each person can help mobilize the community and accelerate cancer research. Every dollar counts in the pursuit of our One Goal.

Safiya Khurshid, a Pelotonia Fellow (student who receives funding for cancer research) says, “I strongly believe that with extensive research and technological breakthroughs, we can make this world cancer-free.”

To date, Pelotonia dollars have funded 577 Pelotonia Fellowships, 175 Idea Grants, and 4 Statewide Initiatives. Learn more about Pelotonia’s Impact on the Impact page on the website.

Your fundraising also means the world to cancer survivors, those currently going through treatment, and all their loved ones. Think about the man who stands with a sign each year on the Pelotonia route that reads, “Thank you for saving my wife.” He is thankful for each Rider who passes him.

That’s okay! There are still lots of ways to be involved with the Greatest Team Ever. You can sign up to Volunteer during Ride Weekend or sometime throughout the year. You could also raise money as a Challenger; there are no spandex required and the minimum fundraising commitment is $100. Love to craft? Make a sign to cheer on Riders during the event. And if you’re able, attend a Rider’s fundraiser to offer support.

Every action in pursuit of Pelotonia’s mission to accelerate cancer research is valuable. This could be as simple as writing a Facebook post to let people know what Pelotonia is or to inform others about the research being done at The James. The Pelotonia community is here for you! Feel free to reach out to a member of our community for any assistance.  

We hope these responses are valuable in your conversations with your friends and family about participating in Pelotonia. Thank you for helping to bring new Legends into the Pelotonia community!