Cyclists roll through town for cancer research

CINCINNATI - Bright and early Sunday morning, about 2,000 cyclists began to gather at Yeatman's Cove downtown for the 6th Annual Ride Cincinnati fundraiser. The first ride took off at 6:30 a.m.

Dr. Harvey Harris started the event in 2007 with his daughter and two-time breast cancer survivor Allison Gordon in honor of his wife, Marlene, who died from the disease. The event benefits breast cancer research at UC's Barrett Cancer Center.

"Well, unfortunately, I lost my wife with breast cancer. She courageously battled for 15 years and my daughter is a two-time survivor also and I made a promise to her that I would do everything in my power to raise money for breast cancer research and eradicate this horrific disease," Harris said.

Last year, the fundraiser hit its $1 million mark, and this year alone they raised about $250,000.

Former Bengals kicker Jim Breech and his wife, Denise, who is a five-year breast cancer survivor, were honorary guests for Ride Cincinnati 2012.

The Breast Cancer Alliance of Cincinnati was also honorary guests of the event. The Breast Cancer Alliance focuses on advocacy, education and communication in breast cancer research.

Currently, the Ride Cincinnati event funds five research projects at the Barrett Cancer Center.

The untimed rides ranged from 62.8 miles, to 8.2 miles, as well as a one-mile kids’ rally ride. After the rides finished up, a party commenced at Yeatman’s Cove with food, music and activities.

For more information on Ride Cincinnati, go to  www.RideCincinnati.org .