2011 Stars and Stripes Challenge Presented by Amgen
Originally published at CarolinaCyclingNews.com
On Sunday, May 29, the Stars and Stripes Challenge Presented by Amgen was held in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. In the past this annual fundraiser ride has been held in downtown Greenville and riders were able to tackle the US Pro road race course.
More than $200,000 was raised at this annual cycling charity event benefitting both the Greenville Hospital System’s Institute of Translational Oncology Research and Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer program. Top fundraisers in the Stars and Stripes Challenge had the opportunity to take part in the professional time trial at the CU-ICAR on Saturday and rode the downtown Greenville circuits of the professional competition on Monday.The top fundraiser was Joel Fehrman with $4,805 raised through his efforts. The fundraising podium included top fundraisers, Joseph Julian with $4,050 and Kahwai Muriithi with $3,586.
USA Cycling Professional Championships weekend creating its own Start/Finish line and Expo in Gateway Park. There were a variety of fully-supported routes giving opportunities for cyclists of all levels to participate ranging from 10 to over 100 miles. The beginner’s route traveled down the Swamp Rabbit trail, taking a lap through Furman, and returning to Gateway Park. After the cyclists crossed the finish line, they were treated to cold drinks, an ample feast and free massage to prevent waking up with sore legs the next morning.
Ride participant John Curwen posted on the Stars and Stripes Challenge Facebook page:
“Thanks for everything this weekend! I couldn’t of asked for more on the ride. Thanks to all the volunteers at the rest stops, they were super friendly and it was HOT. Overall, just a great experience. Climbing Paris mountain yesterday was fun too!”
Stars and Stripes Challenge is an event of the Palmetto Peloton Project (P3), which promotes the advancement of cancer research and advocacy efforts locally, regionally and nationally through fund-raising fitness events. Kevin Dunn and Lisa Barwick are co-founders of P3.
