Event again benefits American Cancer Society, Volunteer Transportation Center
SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. – North Country Against Cancer hosted its 22nd Annual SpokerRide Saturday, July 27, to once again benefit the American Cancer Society and the Volunteer Transportation Center. This year saw more than $12,000 raised for the two non-profit organizations.
This year’s event also saw more than 100 individuals participate among the three courses offered: a 30-mile (beginner/intermediate) course, 50-mile (advanced) course, and novice 10-mile fun course available for those riders that want to participate but not race. All three courses started and ended in Sackets Harbor.
Jeffrey A. Wood – who organizes the event with his brother, Steven C. Wood – said it was another great turnout again this year.
“We had a great day for this year’s SpokerRide,” said Jeffrey Wood. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Everyone seemed to enjoy this year’s courses, which centered around our new location this year at the American Legion in Sackets Harbor.”
This year, the event was moved from its traditional location at the Third Alarm Building on West Washington Street due to a historical reenactment happening that same day.
“We weren’t sure if it would be a temporary move just for this year or not but the folks at the American Legion welcomed us with open arms, provided amazing support and invited us back next year,” said Jeffrey Wood. “We couldn’t be happier.”
Steven Wood agreed.
“The support from [American Legion Post Steward] Kim Weston and everyone else at the American Legion really helped to make this year’s SpokerRide a success,” he said. “We really appreciate everything they did for us.”
In the 50-mile course, Ryan Snow of Liverpool took first place in the Male Overall category with a time of 1:58:04. He was followed by Andrew Schmid of Baldwinsville in second place with a time of 1:58:13 and Justin Rice of Sackets Harbor in third place with a time of 1:58:23. In the Female Overall category, Petra Meier of Cambridge finished in first place with a time of 2:06:21. She was followed by Cheryl Cook of North Syracuse in second place with a time of 2:49:58 and Sara McNitt of Belleville with a time of 3:22:05.
In the 30-mile course, Jeff Lincoln of Liverpool took first place in the Male Overall category with a time of 1:15:51. He was followed by Andrew Flynn of Oswego in second place with a time of 1:16:41 and Jason Beland of Syracuse in third place with a time of 1:16:41. In the Female Overall category, Kara Rusch of Hamilton took first place with a time of 1:32:47. Hillari Sahm of Phoenix took second with a time of 1:39:06 and Jennifer Mosher of Watertown came in third place with a time of 1:42:39.
The top three winners overall and top three winners of each division were awarded ribbons and all participants were able to receive commemorative medals. Additional results may be found online at www.spokerride.net.
This year’s event was sponsored by Samaritan Medical Center; Boots Brewing Company; Bob Johnson Auto Group; CEM Machine Inc.; Overhead Door of Watertown; Stewart’s Shops; Westelcom; Watertown Firefighters Benevolent Association; Independent Medical Evaluation Company; The Clipper Inn; Amy Kenney Team – Keller Williams; Con-Tech Building Systems; Crowley & Halloran CPAs P.C.; Johnson Lumber; Knowlton Technologies; Watertown Savings Bank; and Watertown Family YMCA. This year’s event also included support from Frank Rhode, John Deal III, Dave Larrabee, Steven Maki, Darryl King and Barry Kogut. Additional support was provided by Black River Adventurers Shop, Price Chopper, Hannaford, Sam’s Club and ReCre’s Bike Studio.
Door prizes were donated this year by 5 Star Nutrition Watertown, Advance Cyclery, American Cancer Society, Applebee’s, Ascension Nutrition, Beese’s Depot Café, Black River Adventurers Shop, Carson’s Pizzeria & Bar, CoreLife Eatery, Cracker Barrel, Detail This, Five Guys, Fleet Feet Syracuse, Handmaiden’s Garden, Hannaford, Impact Nutrition 315, Intrepid Broadcasting/Tunes 92.5, Junk In The Trunk Antiques & Crafts, Kraft Heinz, Longhorn Steakhouse, Market on Main, Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Cafe, Moe’s Southwestern Grill, Nu Pier Restaurant, Old McDonald’s Farm, Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, Price Chopper, ReCre’s Bike Studio, Red Robin, Rhodes Greenhouses, Runnings, Sam’s Club, Texas Roadhouse, The Adams Cheese Shop, The Battlefield Eatery, The Bottle of Sackets Harbor, The Harbor House Inn, The Sandwich Bar, Tops Friendly Markets, Tully’s Good Times, Volunteer Transportation Center, Watertown Daily Times, and Zoo New York.
In addition, Ambassador Katie Rastley and Junior Ambassador Lillian Beach from the Jefferson County Dairy Promotion program were in attendance to provide chocolate milks to cyclists and information about the local dairy industry.
“We were very thankful to Katie and Lillian at this year’s SpokerRide,” said Jeffrey Wood. “Each year, their program is on hand with their ‘Refuel With Chocolate Milk’ campaign, to promote the positive impact dairy can have on the body, especially after an event like ours. We’re always happy to have them join us.”
Financial support and the support of donations, said Jeffrey Wood, is important to the SpokerRide. Without that generosity, he said, it becomes very difficult to put on such a successful event.
“We are incredibly grateful not only to our participants but to those who sponsored our event this year and donated everything from door prizes to fresh fruit for the riders,” he said. “We also are extremely thankful for ReCre’s Bike Studio for providing on-site support that day and, again, our friends at the American Legion. They completely elevated this year’s SpokerRide and we look forward to working with them again next year.”
Steven Wood also noted the Village of Sackets Harbor Department of Public Works, Police Department and Board of Trustees, as well as other local municipalities and organizations provided crucial assistance. He and his brother further thanked the volunteers who gave of their time for Saturday’s event and Sackets Harbor community for its support of the SpokerRide.
Volunteer Transportation Center Executive Director Samuel M. Purington said he is grateful for the support this year’s ride saw from both sponsors and participants.
“Every year, the community comes together to support the SpokerRide and I think that’s a huge testament to the Wood brothers,” said Mr. Purington. “Jeff and Steve put in a lot of hard work to put on a great event and give back to organizations like us and the American Cancer Society. We can’t thank them enough.”
Bonnie Eppolito, Senior Development Manager with the American Cancer Society of the Northeast Region, also expressed her appreciation.
“We are extremely grateful to all volunteers, riders, sponsors and donors involved with the annual SpokerRide event,” said Ms. Eppolito. “Jeff and Steve Wood continue to set the bar high raising much needed dollars of support to ensure that the American Cancer Society can offer patient programming and succeed in our mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone.”
Since its inception, the SpokerRide has raised more than $200,000 through sponsorships and through the participation of more than 3,000 riders for organizations providing support to those living with cancer, seeing through the vision of North Country Against Cancer, a group of survivors and supporters touched by cancer and willing to give back to those that are fighting this disease.
The date for next year’s SpokerRide will be Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Those interested in sponsoring or participating in next year’s SpokerRide may visit www.spokerride.net for more information about the event. Registration links for next year’s event will be active soon. Once active, click on the Registration link or send a completed registration form with payment made out to “Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation” and mailed in care of North Country Against Cancer to 24685 State Route 37, Watertown, N.Y. 13601.
For more information or to register, contact organizer Jeff Wood at 315-783-6258 or spokerride@gmail.com.