Press release:

The first-ever Obliteride will soon spin through Des Moines. Routes for the 25-, 50-, 100- and 180-mile rides have just been released. They offer various distances and terrains so all levels of riders can participate and make their marks against cancer.

Obliteride is a fundraising bike ride to benefit lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. It features an entire weekend of cycling, celebration and concerts Aug. 9-11.

“Obliteride is a community-wide event that everyone can participate in by riding, volunteering or cheering on participants as they roll though your community,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We would love to see people get involved by volunteering or lining the streets with signs honoring loved ones or friends who have battled cancer or are in the fight today. Simply come to the end of your driveway and cheer on the riders. We’d love to see everyone out there!”

Thanks to Obliteride sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised will directly benefit lifesaving cancer research. We are fortunate to have one of the top cancer research centers in the world right here in our community.

Obliteride is an opportunity to come together to activate the entire Pacific Northwest to fight something that is bigger than any one of us. Together we can make a real difference here in our community and with far-reaching impacts around the world.

There’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Volunteering or fundraising provides great alternatives to riding while clearly contributing to and participating in this new community effort.

Sign up to ride, volunteer, or fundraise at obliteride.org. Route maps are now available at obliteride.org/ride and short highlight videos of each route are at obliteride.org.