RIDE ON

Pedal The Cause

by stephanie wallace

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2010 , Pedal the Cause has raised more than $40,800,000 in the fight against cancer. It’s an impressive number, but what’s even more awe-inspiring is what it represents. It’s thousands of cyclists riding in support of cancer patients; it’s hundreds of volunteers ensuring the event runs smoothly; it’s more than 100,000 donors stepping up; and it’s funding to help make 203 research projects possible at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Pedal the Cause is an inspiring example of how powerful it can be when St. Louisans come together for a meaningful purpose.

Since its inception, the event’s presenting sponsor has been Edward Jones. The company also organizes one of the largest cycling teams. “Edward Jones has been a major supporter since year one,” says David Drier, executive director of Pedal the Cause. “Its support has been transformative, and without Edward Jones, we would not be where we are today with more than $40 million donated to fund innovative cancer research. Now in our 14th year of riding and fundraising, we can see the real impact of those dollars translating into major scientific discoveries and advancements in the fight against cancer. Edward Jones, in partnership with our full roster of generous sponsors, has made this possible.”

One member of team Edward Jones is technical architect Scott Vicars, who has been riding in Pedal the Cause for 11 years. His own battle with cancer began in 2012, when strange symptoms like fever and itching led to the discovery of a cell phone-sized tumor in his chest. Working with the team at Siteman, his oncologist was able to confirm a diagnosis of Stage 2 Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma. “Cancer is not just something

I read about or see on TV—it is personal,” he says. “I lost friends and family to cancer. I’ve fought and beat it myself. Cancer research is vital to help find new and better ways for people to win the battle against this terrible disease.”

After completing his cancer treatment, Vicars’ primary care physician recommended he get involved in activities supporting cancer research. Pedal the Cause was the perfect fit. “Just before my diagnosis, a friend at Edward Jones and I were training to ride in the last leg of the ‘Tour de Ted,’ honoring the founder of our firm, Ted Jones, who lost his life to cancer and was instrumental in the establishment of the KATY Trail,” he explains. “I had been an active cyclist before cancer, and I became even more interested in Edward Jones’ involvement with Pedal the Cause after. This was something I could do to raise money and help people affected by cancer.”

This year, Pedal the Cause will be held Sept. 23 and 24 in Chesterfield. Along with riding one of the cycling routes, participants can opt to spin on stationary bikes or tackle the physical challenge of their choice through Inspired, a virtual way to engage. “I’m riding the Gravel Grinder for the second year in a row because I love the KATY Trail,” Vicars says. “Even if you don’t ride at all, anything you do with Pedal the Cause helps support cancer research, which could mean finding a new treatment to save the life of someone you know and love.” &

A percentage of your purchase at these restaurants and retailers on Friday, August 4 will support Pedal the Cause's mission of funding innovative cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Scan the QR code for a more info!

Dine Out

360 4 Hands Brewing (Downtown)

Babbo's Spaghetteria

Basso

Bowood by Niche

Blue Violet

Brasserie by Niche

Butler's Pantry

Cafe Napoli

Chicken Out

City Coffee & Creperie

Colleen's Cookies

Companion

Del Pietro's Everbowl

Herbies Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Ices Plain and Fancy

Il Palato

Kaldi's Krueger's Bar

Ladue Taco

Llywelyn's (Webster, St. Charles)

Mai Lee

Manifest Juice and Broth

Napoli 2

Napoli III

Nudo House Park Avenue Coffee

Pastaria

Pastaria Deli & Wine

Peacemaker Lobster & Crab

Pure Catering STL

Rec Hall STL (St. Charles)

Seoul Taco Shortleaf Brewing (Winghaven)

Sidney Street Cafe Source Juicery

Sugo's Spaghetteria (Frontenac, Edwardsville)

Taco Buddha

Wally's

Westport Social

SHOP

Barre STL

Big Shark

BOCA Orthodontic & Whitening

Cha Boutique

College Hunks Hauling Junk

Gifted Gardner

Glenn Betz Jewelers

Glik's (Edwardsville, online)

Happy Up Inc (Edwardsville, Clayton)

Hearth & Soul

Imagination Toys

Ken Miesner's Flower Shoppe

Ladue Pharmacy

Lilly Pulitzer

Mark O. Howald

Antiques & Fine Art

MG Women

Mister Guy & Schnarr's Hardware (Webster, Ladue)

Sign of the Arrow

The Nook Rungolee Vie Boutique cweRiver City Outdoors (RCO), a nonprofit based in the CWE, has opened a Gear Lending Library that makes outdoor equipment more accessible, so metro residents can enjoy outdoor recreation. Located at the Big Muddy Adventures Guide Shop, 4662 Washington Blvd., this unique ‘library’ lends outdoor equipment for hiking, camping, paddling, bikepacking and more. Kayaks or canoes are not available, but pretty much anything else necessary for a serious float or camping trip is in stock unless it’s on loan. At present, the library is open only to RCO network member organizations serving St. Louis youth, their families and school groups. After a