As you being to explore the re-launched Pelotonia website, you’ll notice that there are a few changes to Pelotonia 16, but don’t worry – the PB&J’s and our AC tents aren’t going anywhere. Since we have not made significant changes to the fundraising commitments in five years, we believe the time is right to raise the fundraising bar and enhance Pelotonia by implementing some new features and strategies. Sometimes “change” brings a negative connotation, but our hope is that these changes will actually allow more people to participate in Pelotonia, and ultimately drive even more resources to life-saving cancer research.  We are grateful to all of you who have built this movement, and we know that your passion to end cancer through our ONE GOAL will result in even greater impact.

The biggest changes coming to Pelotonia this year include increased fundraising commitments for each ride distance, a new fundraising model for Virtual Riders, the elimination of one route, and the implementation of a new one.  Since joining the team a year ago, I have been continually amazed at the strength and resolve of the Pelotonia community. Witnessing such strength and determination as we collectively pursue our ONE GOAL has been inspiring.  And, just as in the past, I know that this community can rise to the challenges we’ve outlined for this year’s ride.

You’ve all blown us away with your fundraising efforts each year, and we continue to be so very proud, humbled and grateful for your dedication. From bake sales to dunk tanks, you’ve done whatever it takes to raise money for cancer research. Because of the fundraising success that you have created so far, researchers at The James have developed life-saving drugs, discovered cancer-causing gene mutations, implemented preventative screenings that will stop cancer before it starts, and funded many promising fellows that will lead the fight against cancer in the future. We know that by empowering the Pelotonia community to do more we can have an even greater impact on cancer research, ultimately saving more lives.

We will be the first to admit that our fundraising commitments are anything but chump change. Asking someone to raise $1,250-$5,000 is not something to be taken lightly and we thank you for taking the commitment seriously over the last seven years.

I think you’ll be interested to know that if every Rider stopped raising money when they hit their minimum fundraising commitment, Pelotonia 15 would have raised $13.4 million. However, because many of you went above and beyond, we raised an additional $10 million bringing our 2015 total to more than $23 million for cancer research. We know that you have the power to be part of this change and we invite you to accept our challenge by riding and raising for Pelotonia 16.

Many Pelotonia Riders have become fundraising pros over the last seven years, but for those of you who are new to Pelotonia or not quite seasoned pros yet, we will continue to offer and increase the resources available to support your fundraising success. In addition to the many helpful hints and tips on our website, we will soon be launching a comprehensive fundraising toolkit as well as fundraising workshops later this year. We are confident these resources will help increase your confidence and the ease of fundraising in 2016.

Another change to Pelotonia 16 relates to our Virtual Rider program. Virtual Riders are key to the spirit of Pelotonia, even if they don’t meet the age requirement to ride, have a wedding that weekend, or spandex bike shorts just aren’t their thing. While they don’t hop on a bike, they still want to be part of our movement by fundraising for cancer research. This year, instead of each Virtual Rider making a $10 donation to their own profile when they register, we are challenging our Virtual Riders with a new minimum fundraising commitment of $100. By implementing this modest commitment, Virtual Riders will help us spread the word about Pelotonia as they reach out to their friends and family, which means they will be more engaged in our community while sharing it with others. Their minimum may only be $100, but we can’t wait to watch them blow that out of the water.

The changes to the routes this year were both tough and exciting for us. With only 3% of our Riders choosing to participate in the 75-mile Columbus – Kenyon route, we decided to eliminate this option. However, this change will enable us to offer a new route that we hope many of you will be eager to try. Our new route will be a 50-mile trek that will begin in New Albany and end at…ready for this? Kenyon College. The route will give Riders the opportunity to be cheered on by hundreds of the legendary spectators lining the streets of Granville, tackle more challenging terrain, and end their day at one of our most exciting finishes.  The original 50-mile route from Columbus to New Albany has quickly become one of our most popular routes and will remain the same. The growing popularity of the original 50-mile route is clear, but many of you mentioned in your post-event survey that it felt a bit crowded. We hope that some of our historical 50-mile Riders who may be looking for a bit more of a challenge will try the new 50 if they’re not up for riding the 100 yet.

Though sometimes changes are difficult, we hope you understand that they were made with the best intentions for you, the ride, and the brilliant minds at The James. We thought long and hard about the changes, consulted the feedback you provided after last year’s event, and crunched lots of numbers as we finalized the plans for Pelotonia 16. We are confident that the changes to Pelotonia are what will ensure we see changes in the future of cancer research.

We can’t wait to have you join us this year. We promise the experience will be one to remember.

One Goal,

Doug

For more details on changes to Pelotonia 16, please check our FAQ guide here. If you have any questions feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] anytime.