A colon cancer survivor created the “Tour de Tush” bicycle race that took cyclists through Kutztown and Lenhartsville in June.
“The 2015 Tour de Tush bicycle ride for Colon Cancer Awareness was a smashing success,” said event founder Gale Fritsche. “We had 200 riders, raised $30,000 for colon cancer awareness programs in the Lehigh Valley and had 35 volunteers, 15 EMS and fire police involved.”
The Tour de Tush bicycle race on June 13 began at Grange Park in Upper Macungie Township. There were two bike routes offered. One was a 30 mile route to the rest stop in Kutztown and back. The other was a metric century route, or 62 miles, with a stop in Kutztown and continued to Robin Hill Campground in Lenhartsville.
“The outpouring of support for this ride was outstanding,” said Fritsche. “We raised $30,000 for a first year event which is very nearly unheard of for a first event starting from scratch.”
He said Olympus was the presenting sponsor and various other businesses provided support. There were more than $500 in donations from individuals than from businesses.
“People just opened up their pocketbooks – it was truly amazing,” he said.
At the completion of the ride the Colon Cancer Coalition trademarked the name “Tour de Tush” and they plan on running the event on six cities next year.
“This all started here in Allentown from an idea I had while going through treatments last year for stage III colon cancer – and my only hope is this will make an impact on many communities in the fight against colon cancer,” he said. “Olympus was a great partner because they share the same philosophy I have regarding the promotion of colon cancer awareness and advocating for screening.”
Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths and is largely preventable through screening, he said.
“We had many colon cancer survivors who volunteered, one who was a stage 4 survivor, put the medals over participants necks as they finished by riding through a giant colon,” he said. “Olympus was an excellent partner, they helped promote, raffled a bike, many volunteers were Olympus employees. We had a DJ, Massage therapist, EMS demos.”
The planning committee consisted of his family, son David, age 19 and a volunteer firefighter, handled all EMS, Police and Traffic control. His daughter Jessica handled the registration and helpd coordinate and manage volunteers. His wife Teresa and a friend Elsa Collins planned and prepared the food and drink, 100 percent of the food and drink was donated by local businesses, said Fritsche, who did the general planning, the course and fundraising and promoting.
There were several employees from Olympus who helped with planning and supporting the ride. He said they were instrumental, especially primary contact Annie McGeary. Nacho Abia, President Olympus Corporation of the Americas rode his bicycle in the event.
“We will start planning soon for the Tour de Tush 2016 which will be held next June,” said Fritsche. “I would like our fundraising goal for next year – $60,000 and doubling the number of participants to 400. All funds raised go to a colon cancer awareness programs in the Lehigh Valley. We will continue to tweak our formula for planning and execution and will hopefully have more volunteers to help plan for next year.”
“It is something special that was started here and we hope to continue the same experience and atmosphere in the future. Many people were inspired by the event and have relayed that to me during the past couple of weeks,” said Fritsche.