Bike the Cure for Breast Cancer: 2500 Miles in 44 Days

One women, one bike, one road 

and 2,500 miles in 44 days -

That’s BIKE4THECURE – a heartfelt charity project, 

initiated by 35-year-old Iris Klein, 

which is set out to raise awareness 

and money for breast cancer research

what is BIKE4THECURE about?
 
Starting September 13th, 2010 Iris will ride her bicycle on Route 66 all the way from Chicago to LA to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research. Iris’ trip is scheduled to end in LA on October 26th, 2010. Along the way she will visit health clubs and gyms that are hosting “Breast cancer Awareness Workout Nights.”

A “Welcome Reception” will kick off the events. Iris will talk about the experiences that led her on her journey. After the reception, Club members will present Iris with a “Daily Dare” where she will be challenged to a fun competition. After the challenge is completed Iris will lead a “Special Group Fitness Class” consisting of a fun mix of different workout styles (some barbell action, martial arts moves, Latin dance grooves, and a cool down). The event will close with an “After Workout Party.”

Iris is documenting her trip in daily videos and pictures, which she publishes on her website at http://www.bike4thecure.com/ as well as on YouTube. All money raised goes to “Ellen for the cure” benefiting Susan G. Komen for the cure.

Why Route 66?

In 2009 Iris lost a close friend Kelly to breast cancer. Kelly called Illinois home and loved Chicago. Route 66 is not just any road – it is THE most famous road in the world and offers lots of history. It is so much more than just concrete and road striping. It represents people’s dreams and hopes and that makes it the perfect setting for this project.

Iris believes that through BIKE4THECURE she can support a good cause and bring positivity and joy to people. She has always been passionate about sports and fitness and is taking this opportunity to demonstrate how important it is to take care of yourself – both physically and mentally - and help people to establish a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.

According to worldwide stats, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, after skin cancer, representing 16% of all female cancers and in 2009 about 40,000 – only in the US - women died of it. While it is true that the risk of getting breast cancer significantly increases as you grow older, early detection is key. Thus getting mammograms and conducting self-exams on a regular basis becomes more and more important. And so is maintaining a healthy life-style.