Riding Toward a Cure: Why WKYC and I Are Proud to Support Velosano

By Frank Macek

Every September, something extraordinary happens in downtown Cleveland. The city’s heartbeat quickens—not just from the whirring of bicycle wheels on pavement, but from the shared passion of thousands who come together for a single, powerful cause: curing cancer. That event is Velosano: Bike to Cure, and I’m proud to say that WKYC is not only covering it—we’re part of it.

If you haven’t heard of Velosano before, let me introduce you to what I believe is one of the most impactful and inspiring efforts taking place in our region. Velosano—which means “swift cure” in Latin—isn’t just a bike ride. It’s a movement. Organized by Cleveland Clinic, it’s a massive fundraising effort that has already raised over $80 million since 2014 to support life-saving cancer research. What sets it apart is that 100% of the funds raised go directly to research. No overhead. No middlemen. Just pure, powerful impact.

The main event, Bike to Cure, takes place this year on September 6, 2025, with a kickoff celebration on the evening of September 5. Riders can choose from a range of courses—from a six-mile city loop that winds past Progressive Field and over the Hope Memorial Bridge, to a full 100-mile ride that challenges even the most seasoned cyclists. It’s an inclusive event, welcoming riders of all ages and skill levels, and giving everyone a way to contribute, whether on two wheels or from the sidelines.

For us at WKYC, Velosano is more than a news story—it’s a cause close to our hearts. Many of our own teammates have been touched by cancer, either personally or through family and friends. So when we show up to cover Velosano, we’re not just reporting—we’re participating. We’re riding. We’re fundraising. And we’re helping to spread the word to you, our viewers and readers, because we believe in the mission and the momentum it brings.

You may have seen our coverage on 3News leading up to the big weekend. Mike Polk Jr. recently aired a fantastic preview that captured both the energy and emotion behind the event. It was a great reminder that this isn’t just a weekend fundraiser—it’s a community rally that shines a spotlight on what we can achieve when we work together.

WATCH | WKYC'S MIKE POLK HAS A PREVIEW OF THIS YEAR'S EVENT:

Over the years, WKYC has been proud to field its own Velosano team, made up of staff from across the station. We ride in honor of those we’ve lost, in support of those still fighting, and in celebration of the survivors among us. And we invite you to be part of our journey.

So how can you help?

There are several meaningful ways to get involved. The most obvious is to register as a rider. You don’t need to be a competitive cyclist—there’s a route for everyone. Whether you choose to ride the six-mile loop or go for the 100-mile challenge, you’ll be making a difference. Even better, you can register as a virtual participant if you can’t be in Cleveland on ride weekend. You can walk, run, or ride in your own neighborhood, and still raise funds for cancer research through your personalized fundraising page.

If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still play a vital role by donating to a rider or team. WKYC’s team page is live and accepting donations, and every dollar truly matters. The money you give doesn’t just go into a general fund—it fuels real, groundbreaking research happening at Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Children’s. It’s helping to discover treatments faster. It’s helping to save lives.

You can also volunteer. Velosano depends on hundreds of volunteers to help with registration, setup, water stations, rider support, and crowd engagement. It’s an energizing way to experience the event up close and meet others who are just as passionate about the cause.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO DONATE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:

And of course, sharing the message is incredibly powerful. Watch our coverage on WKYC. Follow along on social media. Use the hashtag #VelosanoCleveland to join the conversation. Tell your friends and family why this matters—and why now is the time to get involved.

For me personally, Velosano is a reminder that hope is alive and well in Cleveland. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of something like cancer. But Velosano gives us a way to take action—real action—that pushes us closer to a cure. It’s empowering to see the community come together, from survivors who share their stories at the kickoff party, to first-time riders who train all summer, to donors who quietly give what they can because they believe in the cause.

It’s also a reminder of the power of local journalism. At WKYC, we’re not just here to deliver the news. We’re here to serve our community. We use our platform to lift up the stories that matter, and Velosano is one of those stories. It’s a privilege to spotlight the people who are making a difference—and to be one of them ourselves.

I hope you’ll join us. Whether you donate, ride, volunteer, or simply help us spread the word, you’re part of something bigger. You’re helping Cleveland lead the charge in finding a cure for cancer. And I can’t think of a better reason to get involved.

Let’s ride together. Let’s raise together. Let’s cure together.

To learn more, register, or donate, visit https://www.velosano.org. And be sure to watch WKYC’s continuing coverage as we get closer to ride weekend.

Together, we’ll keep moving—swiftly—toward a cure.