Swiftwick

Lucas McCain, Swiftwick connoisseur, recently touched base with Dawson Cherry--friend, cyclist and triathlete, and ride director for Charleston Ride for Hope. For those of you not familiar, the Charleston Ride for Hope, or affectionately known as Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope, is a charity ride that takes place in South Carolina and raises monies for local cancer beneficiaries. The ride raised $132,424.93 with only 205 riders, and SC local George Hincapie popped over for a little spin too. Congratulations and glad Swiftwick could be a part of your event! For more information, visit the Charleston Ride For Hope website.



Molly & Dawson Cherry, Lucas and Rachel(Swiftwick) at Blood, Sweat and Gears in Boone. Long day in the saddle.

Why did you decide to put on the Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope and how long did it take to get the idea off the ground?
It all started in August of 07, my Dad was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, my Mom had breast cancer, as well as my Grandfather and Grandmother on my Dad’s side. So, you could say at the age of 43 I now understood there was a since of urgency, a target on my back so to speak. I sent into livestrong.com and asked to be a grass roots sponsor and start the Charleston Ride for Hope. I incorporated the ride and then sat on it wondering if I wanted to undertake this new challenge, recently married in the spring of 08, watched my father pass away in February, Mom declining daily due to stroke, a lot on my plate to consider.

Then on a bike ride on a Spring day with my good friend Joe Calandra, I ran the idea by him. Never one to step away from a challenge, Joe mentioned the passing of Jerry Zucker (same day I got married). “We can do this Dawson and do it well”, the next hour of the ride as we toured the islands, we planned it out. Here goes ……

What positive results have you seen come from the event?
So many, the effect on cancer here locally and the charities we have given money to is number one. Of course, raising 135k and 205 riders is next. So many stories, it would take all day. In short, we are making a difference in a big way.


How did you land George Hincapie and what kind of buzz did this create for your ride?
We kept trying and had asked Lance and George the year before. For a lot of reasons, George decided to come. It really took the ride to another level, increased participation and more publicity.


What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting on the event?
Getting it all together, there are so many things to do, just getting people into all the right spots.


After a nice long ride, what’s your favorite beer to down?
New favorite is Fat Tire, but I will not turn down a New Castle or cheap beer fav it Yuengling.

If someone is looking for a road trip and an event to support, why should they choose The Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope and Charleston, SC?
Great people, great ride, flat and easy finish to the season during a beautiful time of year, and either before or after the Ride there is so much to do around Charleston, i.e. fish, dining, downtown history, etc

Finally, any changes planned for next year’s ride?
Bigger, better, more celebrity riders.


Ooops, one more – what’s your favorite sock?
New favorite is Swiftwick, no seams, and great compression, helps keep an old man upright