With 100 miles behind them, another 80 miles remained Sunday for Pelotonia riders pedalingtoward their goal.
Bikers participating in the Pelotonia Bike Tour for Cancer Research left Saturdaymorning from Chemical Abstracts near The Ohio State University and wound their way south toAthens and then back to Canal Winchester on Sunday.
"It was the hardest ride of my life, for sure, these guys kept me in it, my Pelotoniateammates," said Kelsie Bernot. "It was great, exhilarating."
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Bernot is just one of the many faces of the race, 10TV's Jeff Hogan reported.
"I'm a breast cancer survivor and it was amazing to see people on the course thanking me forriding," Bernot said. "I'm trying to thank them for cheering for me, and they're trying to thank mefor riding."
Bernot was flanked by her teammates and workmates, including Ed Briercheck.
"Being a student that gets to work with somebody like her and being around these people, itmakes us know why we got to work every day and it's just really inspiring," Briercheck said.
Inspiration turned to emotion as the riders crossed the finish line, Hogan reported.
"I pumped my fist and I could have cried, honestly, I could have cried," said rider BrianMyers.
It was the pride of an accomplishment not to be matched -- until next year.
"It is such a great cause and just has so much potential to grow in the years and the goal ofthis event is so genuine," Myers said. "It's honestly the best thing I've ever been a part of."
More than 2,200 riders took part in the event, which raised at least $3.7 million. Fundraisingefforts will continue until Oct. 31 and organizers hope to reach $4.5 million.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
