CT Challenge Bike Ride: New Canaanites Ride for Cancer Survivors

The NewCanaanite.com Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Baskin-Robbins, Connecticut Sandwich Co., Joe’s Pizza and Mackenzie’s. The first CT Challenge bike ride for cancer survivors took place one decade ago, and New Canaan’s own John Murphy—who participates in honor of his sister, nephew and many friends—has been involved since its inception. Mr. Murphy, current captain of the New Canaan Riders for Survivors bike team that participates every year in the ride, credited his teammates with doing “an incredible job” in raising more than $23,000 to date for the special ride. “Many of the team members are Road Warriors (riders who commit to raising a minimum of $3,000),” Mr. Murphy told NewCanaanite.com. “Everyone rides for family and friends who are struggling with cancer, and they are true spokespersons for the groundbreaking support CT Challenge provides.”

A fundraiser for services and grants that support cancer survivors, the race begins at the Interlaken Inn way up in Lakeville and ends in Fairfield after miles of picturesque Connecticut countryside. This year’s ride will take place across two days (July 25 and 26) and up to 100 miles (or however far participants choose to ride). There also are options for more leisurely Saturday-only rides of 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles, as well.

New Canaan Cycling Club Launches

 

One of New Canaan’s new locally owned businesses is teaming up with one of its most-established to create an official New Canaan cycling club, promoting the activity and healthy living while connecting enthusiasts with one another. New Canaan Bicycles (formerly Cycles on Call) and Walter Stewart’s this week announced the creation of the club. Lou Kozar, owner of New Canaan Bicycles—and a puppy-ish 10-year-old black lab—said the club is designed to serve cyclists who ride out of New Canaan. “What there has been in the past are groups that focus on bike racing,” Kozar told NewCanaanite.com. “This is more of an all inclusive, all-around rider.”

Walter Stewart’s will be involved with every cycling event around New Canaan Bicycles and the club, such as the May 17 kids’ safety Bike Rodeo at West School (co-sponsored by the school’s PTC), and two months later, in sponsoring a team to participate in July’s CT Challenge, which supports cancer survivors.