In the summer of 2008 the father-son team of Jack and Philip Haar created a fundraising ride across America to raise awareness of the need for more research and better funding in the fight against cancer. The ride was done in memory of their good friend Jim Popp who died of cancer in the summer of 2007. Jim was a superb athlete, trusted physician and loved father and husband.

On Sunday August 23 you can participate in the Finale Rally Ride which is a single day ride to Yorktown. If you sign up for the ride you also get to have a deluxe spaghetti dinner provided by O’Toole’s and movie viewing of  “Breaking Away”. The donation cost to participate in the Ride for VCU, MCV & UR Students is $20 and $30 for others. You can register to ride at RideforJim.org or download the pdf RideForJim YORKTOWN RIDE

If you would like to support the Ride for Jim but don’t want to get up up at 7:30 to ride a bike to Yorktown buy a ticket and go to the Block Party Saturday, August 22nd, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM 5000 Block of Caledonia Road (between Westover Hills Boulevard & Prince Arthur Road).

Events include:

• Refreshing microbrew beer on tap and other beverages
• Live performance by bluegrass band Jackass Flats (3-5 PM)
• “Climb a Tree” with Riverside Outfitters (3-5:30 PM)
• Check your pulse at the MCV Student Health Fair booth
• Chair massages by MedSpa and Lilly Infusion
• Jonathan Austin – amazing juggler, unicyclist & master magician (5-6:30 PM)
• Mitchum Motorsports professional race car appearance with
• cockpit tours and pitstop driver change demo
• Supper by award-winning Q Barbeque (5-6:30 PM)
• Ice Cream from the Q Cart!
• Cash coffee & chocolate bar by Blanchard’s Coffee Co. & Chocolates by Kelly
• Wine & Beer tasting by Once Upon a Vine
• Silent Auction to support the James D. Popp Student Research
• Welcome Back “Charley” Parade featuring The Greater
• Richmond Pipes & Drums, Central Virginia’s largest bagpipe band in kilts & traditional attire!
• Live band kicks off with the cool, tropical sounds of Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe

I will post a registration form here with prices and pictures from last year soon. Once the form is up be sure to register right away as last year the event sold out and already they have sold 50 tickets. There will also be a table set up at the South of the James Farmers Market this Saturday for more information and registration.