'I can be an enabling force' for others

Dr. Scott Ramsey—cancer researcher, economist and director of the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research shared why he's participating in Obliteride—the fundraising bike ride geared to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at the Hutchinson Center—as both a rider and a "Champ," and why you should, too. Ramsey is registered for the KING 5 100-mile route.

Why did you register to ride Obliteride?

As a passionate advocate of cycling, I feel Obliteride is a great activity to unite a community around a cause while having fun. Obliteride ties to the message of Fred Hutch very well. Physical activity promotes health and living well; and so does raising funds for discoveries to help achieve Fred Hutch's mission.

I signed up for 100 miles because it's a good, round number and a motivating goal. The number represents a full day of riding, and it's a lovely route.

What drives you to champion Obliteride—publicly promoting the ride?

My take is that Obliteride is great because it brings a new cohort of enthusiastic exercisers who are doing it for a good cause—our cancer research. If the event attracts people who wouldn't otherwise cycle—to get them involved and physically active, avoiding or preventing a whole range of diseases-the ride will be a deeper success beyond raising vital funds for cancer research.

How are you encouraging others to join Obliteride and raise funds?

By wearing many hats. In addition to my role with Obliteride, I'm the liaison for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/Starbucks bicycle racing teams. Our team is supporting Obliteride through fundraising, riding and volunteering.

Also, as a person who's been part of the bicycle racing community, I am appealing to racing enthusiasts to connect with Obliteride. And of course, I am talking it up with family and friends and I know I'll get some of them.

What inspires you to ride? How are you training for 100 miles in August?

I live near the Burke-Gilman trail, and I've been biking to work for many years. It's 28 miles round trip. I tried to ride every day except when there's snow and ice. For me, it's good quiet time, being outside, getting exercise and enjoying the views on the way to work. That in itself is good training; now I'm doing longer rides, such as three hours along the shores of Lake Washington. The Obliteride routes were actually already among my favorites.

What's your secret weapon—your key to Obliteride success?

I'm recruiting—and secretly training—some of Fred Hutch's senior leaders who will be participating in the ride.  I can be an enabling force for them.

Now's the time. Join Ramsey in the ride to end cancer. Register to ride in or volunteer for Obliteride at OBLITERIDE.ORG.