Sign Up for Bike Ride for Cancer Research

While there are a lot of events supporting charities in Port Washington, never before has one combined an enjoyable bicycle ride with raising money for cancer research. The Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation (LSLF) and Port Washington Bicycles have teamed up for the first annual Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation Ride for Research Bike Tour that will take place on Sunday, May 6. 

The ride will begin and end at Soundview Marketplace on Shore Road and will last an hour or less, depending upon the age and health of the riders. There are two length courses: the long course will start at 8:00 a.m. and the short course will start at 9:00 a.m. Since the $25 registration fee is a charitable donation, it is fully tax-deductible. The day of the race, the fee will increase to $35 so register beforehand.

Both rides are relatively easy, with the shorter one having just a few small hills so it’s perfect for the whole family. (Note that tricycles, bicycles with training wheels, scooter and skateboards are not permitted.) Rider start times will be staggered to ease bicycle congestion.

All riders will receive an event T-shirt and are invited to an after-ride celebration of food and beverages, and to drop their race wristband in a bowl to win a great raffle prize.

All proceeds will be used for research to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease, myeloma and other allied cancers. Port Washington resident Lauri Strauss lost her battle with leukemia at the young age of 26. Several years later, her parents, Evelyn and Herb Strauss founded LSLF. Their events have raised millions of dollars for cancer research and bone marrow transplants. Evelyn and her daughter, Julie Safran, continue to work tirelessly on many initiatives on behalf of the Foundation. Both Evelyn and Julie live in Port Washington and work for Daniel Gale Real Estate.

In addition to rider registration donations, the event has secured generous monetary and in-kind sponsorships from local businesses and foundations. “The overwhelming support we are receiving from the community is very heart-warming,” said Evelyn Strauss, committee co-chair. “Particularly given that this is our first year, we are so grateful to have received such extensive contributions.”

Event sponsors are: Carbon Frame Sponsor Peter and Jeri Dejana Family Foundation; Wheel Sponsor Training Station; Tire Sponsors Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International, the Froccaro Family, Greco Integrated Communications, Port Washington Bicycles & Fitness Equipment, and Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate North Shore Group; Saddle Sponsors Arizona Iced Tea, Chief Printing, Finer Touch Printing, Harbor Deli, Minuteman Press of Port Washington, Poster Signs, and Wildwood & Soundview Apartments; Pedal Sponsors Painting with Flowers, Pepe Rosso, Shine Hair Studio.

Ralph Intintoli, owner of Port Washington Bicycles, grew up in Port Washington and has been actively involved in a multitude of fundraising activities for leukemia and other blood cancers for years since his wife, Laura Ann was diagnosed with multi myeloma in 2001. She passed away in 2009. Ralph continues to devote much of his time to raising money, advocating and generating awareness in an effort to find a cure.

The other Bike Tour committee members are: Cynthia Wrobel, who has worked with the LSLF year-round for eight years taking care of all administrative and bookkeeping responsibilities; Evelyn Kannatt, who serves as LSLF’s treasurer, along with Board member Herman Kannatt; Debbie Greco Cohen, who is helping to coordinate the event overall in addition to developing the marketing and publicity; Marvin Rostolder, who, at the young age of 70, is a long-distance bicyclist and dedicated a 1,500-mile bike ride from Vancouver to San Francisco to his late friend and noted Port Washington volunteer, Barbara Goldstein; Christine Panico, who epitomizes what a Port volunteer is all about – in addition to raising five children ranging in age from 10-17, she is involved in myriad local causes with her most noted work being co-chair of the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life’s” Port Washington team.

“I have always wanted to own a bicycle store and have been involved with many bike rides and other events for leukemia and lymphoma,” said Ralph Intintoli, owner of Port Washington Bicycles and committee co-chair. “Organizing this event in my home town of Port Washington brings together two very important elements: bicycle riding for health and pleasure and helping to raise money for cancer research. It’s a great event for a great cause. I hope everyone rides on May 6.”

Visit www.lslf.org/biketour or call 767-1415 for more information. Enjoy a great ride while helping to find a cure at the same time!