Local RideForJim Events 8/21 -8/22

Richmond.Rider.Rally Block Party Richmond.Rider.RallyBlockParty Flyer.pdf
Saturday, August 21, 2010, 5PM to 10PM
5000 Block Caledonia Road

Come out and support the third annual RideForJim, at this jumpin’ Westover Hills block party. This event helps to raise funds to ensure the future of cancer research right here in Richmond at the VCU Massey Cancer Center. We celebrate the arrival of this year’s trans-America riders with Bagpipes, Bands, Barbeque, and Beer! The evening extravaganza includes urban tree climbing by Riverside Outfitters, a bike check by Carytown Bicycle Co. mechanics for the Yorktown.Finale.Ride riders, a spin bike competition by Endorphin Fitness with prizes, a wine and beer tasting by Once Upon a Vine South, and an awesome silent auction including a Cannondale road bike. The highlight of the evening is the “Welcome Back Parade” featuring the Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums, Central Virginia ’s largest bagpipe band. Crowd favorites Q Barbeque and Legend Brewing Company will once again be serving up the food and beverages for the evening. Live music will be provided by Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe. The emcee for the evening is Bill Bevins, Richmond ’s favorite radio show host from Lite 98. Tickets are $30.00 purchased on-line through August 20th, $35.00 at the gate. Children ages 7-12 are $10.00 at the gate only

All proceeds benefit the James D. Popp Student Research Fund at VCU Massey Cancer Center

Yorktown.Finale.Ride
Sunday, August 22, 2010, 8AM Departure

Join the RideForJim TransAmerica Tour riders on their final leg to Yorktown as they complete their epic journey. This event helps to raise funds to ensure the future of cancer research right here in Richmond at the VCU Massey Cancer Center . The Yorktown Finale Ride is a one-day, 70-mile supported group ride from Richmond to Yorktown . The multi-pace ride starts in downtown Richmond and ends at the Waterman’s Museum on the Yorktown waterfront. A full rest-stop is provided in Charles City and again in Yorktown with light eats, music, and a tire-dipping ceremony in the York River .

Transportation arrangements for bikes and riders back to Richmond are available and included in the ride registration. A custom RideForJim cycling jersey will be awarded to all riders that raise over $150 in donations for their efforts, and riders get their own personalized fund-raising web page.!

Rider registration includes a ticket to the Richmond Rider Rally block party the night before where individuals and teams can compete for prizes and bragging rights in the Endorphin Fitness Spin Competition. Top fund-raisers get special recognition for their efforts in supporting cancer research at the VCU Massey Cancer Center . Register now and join the ride!

All proceeds benefit the James D. Popp Student Research Fund at VCU Massey Cancer Center

About Jim and the Fund
Local VCU researcher Dr. Jack Haar established the James D. Popp Student Research fund to support student cancer research. In 2008, Jack rode more than 4,000 miles to promote the fund in memory of Jim Popp, his former student and friend.

Jim Popp was a Richmond resident and University of Richmond/VCU School of Medicine graduate who worked in Dr. Haar’s lab in the early eighties. He was a college roommate of Westover Hills resident and event organizer Dave Jenkins. Jim was an outstanding individual and passed away in 2007 at age 45 from a malignant hamstring sarcoma, leaving behind his wife and five young children.

Thanks to Dr. Haar’s efforts, the James D. Popp Student Research Fund honors Jim’s life. It’s an endowed fund that will support a first-year medical student to do cancer-related research, much as Jim did. The intent is to expose bright medical students to the world of cancer research and hopefully inspire them to pursue a career that incorporates both cancer research and an oncology medical practice.

Massey currently has some MD-PhD students who hope that the research they do informs their ability to care for patients, and that their patients will always help to inform their research. We think it’s a great combination, and funding is much-needed, as it requires more years of study and bench research to earn both degrees. Massey is our state’s most important cancer resource, and this fund helps to ensure the next-generation of cancer researchers have opportunities for training side-by-side with world-class researchers.

The fund has already awarded one scholarship and hopes to raise enough money to endow a second scholarship this year. You can follow the current riders as they ride across country starting June 4th at the website www.rideforjim.org. They will be posting a blog along the way and new updates regarding the party and ride will be added as the summer progresses.

If you would like more information about either event or would like to be a volunteer or sponsor, contact Pam On at onpd@vcu.edu or call 804-827-9486.