LOWVELO24 registration kicks off March 1

Air up those tires and test your brakes, because LOWVELO is kicking off earlier than ever this year! The sixth annual LOWVELO, a bike ride that raises money for lifesaving cancer research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, will open for registration on Friday, March 1 at LOWVELO.org.

For the first 24 hours only, participants will receive both free registration and the lowest fundraising minimum, only $300, no matter the route. Also, cancer patients, survivors and students will have a fundraising minimum of just $300 for LOWVELO24, no matter when they sign up or which route they choose.

LOWVELO23, held on Nov. 4, was a record-setting event, with 120 teams, 1,334 participants and 305 volunteers.

“I couldn’t be happier about the growth we’ve experienced since the first LOWVELO event,” said Debbie Bordeau, director of development at Hollings Cancer Center. “Our team has worked so hard to spread the word about this fun family-friendly event that raises funds for a fantastic cause. Seeing the number of riders increase, along with the funds raised for cancer research, is so rewarding.”

Being South Carolina’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, Hollings leads groundbreaking research that extends its reach to patients across the state and beyond. With 100% of every participant-raised dollar benefiting cancer research, LOWVELO’s riders and donors directly support the Hollings researchers, who are advancing cancer care. LOWVELO funds also support fellowships and scholarships to help train the next generation of researchers.

Student researcher Jessica Baxter was a recipient of a LOWVELO scholarship in 2021 and said it has opened so many doors and opportunities for her.

“Of course, it’s helped financially, but it’s also helped me build connections with people who are invested in students who are up and coming and who could potentially be the next researchers. It’s taught me just how amazing research is and how many different ways there are to do it. It makes me excited for what I’m going to do and how far my career could go,” said Baxter.

 

This year’s ride will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, and is open to riders with all levels of cycling experience. Truly anyone can join in the fun by choosing from one of five cycling routes or by participating virtually. The rides for 2024 include 10-mile, 20-mile, 23-mile, 50-mile and 80-mile routes. You can also choose to be a virtual participant on the “Home Team,” which means you ride on your own terms – and from anywhere in the world.

Home Team members can complete any distance wherever and however they want. Additionally, kids as young as 8 can participate in the 10- and 20-mile rides on the Isle of Palms with a registered adult rider. You don’t even need your own bicycle to participate in LOWVELO! Any rider who takes part in the 10- or 20-mile ride can get a free bike rental for the ride. LOWVELO also offers cycling classes on ride day, so if you’re not comfortable on the road, there’s still a ride option for you.

Returning again this year, LOWVELO’s finish line block party will take place on the Isle of Palms. The event is open to the public and will feature live music, delicious food and drinks, activities for kids, special photo ops and plenty of camaraderie to celebrate cancer survivors and honor loved ones lost. Cancer survivors and patients are always the honored guests at LOWVELO, and this year, the LOWVELO team is taking an extra step to recognize their bravery.

 

 

“This year, we have a cool twist to further honor those who have fought or are fighting cancer,” said Chris Winn, event director of LOWVELO. “We will be offering a distinctive jersey for current and past cancer patients. During registration, riders will have the option to choose if they wish to be identified as a survivor or patient, and if they choose to do so, they will be given the special jersey.”

In 2024, the LOWVELO team is also going to offer even more training rides, lunch and learns and events throughout the year, which anyone is welcome to take part in. The official LOWVELO bike ride takes place just one day in November, but LOWVELO is a year-round opportunity for participants to connect with their community, learn more about health and wellness and fundraise to fight cancer.

“Since LOWVELO first took hold in 2019, we’ve been amazed at how our community has come together to raise money for cancer research and make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Events like this really do make a difference in the fight against a disease that touches so many,” said Raymond N. DuBois, M.D., Ph.D., Hollings Cancer Center director.

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