Cure on Wheels

For many Floridians, particularly those in the vibrant St. Petersburg area, cycling isn't just about personal fitness or exploration; it can also be a powerful vehicle for positive change. In this spirit, Cure on Wheels stands out as a unique and inspiring entity within the local community. More than a traditional "bicycle store," Cure on Wheels is primarily a non-profit organization that leverages the power of cycling to raise money for cancer research and to assist individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area coping with a cancer diagnosis. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Cure on Wheels, highlighting its noble mission, community involvement, and how locals in Florida can contribute to its impactful work.

Cure on Wheels operates with a deep personal commitment, born from its co-founder Bill Riddle's desire to find a way to make a difference after losing loved ones to cancer. Since its inception, the organization has dedicated itself to hosting organized cycling events along Florida's beautiful roads. These events are not just rides; they are opportunities for individuals to make a tangible impact, combining physical effort with fundraising for a critical cause. For Floridians looking to blend their love for cycling with a meaningful contribution to their community, Cure on Wheels offers an exceptional pathway.

While the traditional definition of a "bicycle store" often focuses on sales, repairs, and rentals, Cure on Wheels approaches cycling from a philanthropic perspective. Their "storefront," in essence, is the platform they provide for cyclists to engage in events, volunteer their time, and make donations. Their mission is clear: to fund cancer research and provide much-needed patient services to Tampa Bay families affected by cancer. This unique model makes them an invaluable asset to the Florida landscape, appealing to a broad range of individuals who believe in giving back.

The "YEP" review, though concise, speaks volumes about the positive sentiment surrounding Cure on Wheels. It suggests an affirmative, enthusiastic endorsement, reflecting the powerful impact their work has on those who engage with them. This positive community perception is crucial for a non-profit, demonstrating that their efforts resonate deeply with local Floridians who are often personally touched by the cause of cancer.

Cure on Wheels is located at 200 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA. This address places the organization in the bustling and highly accessible downtown core of St. Petersburg, making it a central point for administrative operations and community engagement within Florida. Its position in a prominent area ensures that it is easily locatable for volunteers, donors, and those seeking information about their programs and events.

The accessibility of their downtown St. Petersburg location is a significant advantage for a non-profit organization that relies on community involvement. Being centrally located means that individuals from various parts of St. Petersburg and the wider Tampa Bay area can conveniently visit their office for inquiries, to drop off donations, or to participate in meetings. This central presence helps foster a stronger connection with the community they serve, making it easier for Floridians to get involved and support their mission.

For anyone interested in learning more about Cure on Wheels, making a donation, or signing up for an event, the downtown location provides a visible and welcoming point of contact. While their primary "operations" revolve around organizing cycling events that span various beautiful roads of Florida, having a fixed, accessible address for administrative and communication purposes is crucial. This physical presence grounds their impactful work within the local St. Petersburg community, reinforcing their commitment to Floridians affected by cancer.

As a non-profit organization that leverages cycling for a cause, Cure on Wheels's "services offered" are centered around fundraising, community engagement, and direct support for cancer patients and research. While they are not a traditional retail bicycle store that sells or repairs bikes in the commercial sense, their offerings are deeply intertwined with the cycling community:

• Organized Cycling Events for Charity: Their core service is the planning and execution of bike-a-thons and rides along the roads of Florida. These events are meticulously organized, offering various "ride options, location, start times, sponsors, lodging, individual & team registration" to attract a wide range of cyclists. These events serve as the primary mechanism for fundraising for cancer research and patient services.
• Fundraising for Cancer Research and Patient Support: Cure on Wheels is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to raising money. They aim for "maximum fundraising efficiency" to increase their annual gift. Funds are directed to specific and targeted programs, assisting individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area to cope with a cancer diagnosis. This includes non-medical financial assistance to adults undergoing cancer treatment, helping with rent, mortgage, and utility bills.
• Volunteer Opportunities: They actively welcome and encourage individuals, families, friends, and co-workers to "join Cure on Wheels in a variety of volunteer positions." This allows locals to contribute their time and effort to a meaningful cause, supporting the cycling events and the broader mission.
• Community Engagement and Awareness: Through their events and outreach, they raise awareness about cancer and the challenges faced by patients and their families. Their mission is to "fill them with hope and inspiration."
• Donation Acceptance: They facilitate tax-deductible donations, providing a simple way for individuals and corporate sponsors to contribute financially to their cause. These donations directly support cancer research and family support services.
• Information and Communication: They offer avenues to "keep up with all the latest and greatest information" about their rides, sponsors, and impact through subscriptions and direct communication channels.

Cure on Wheels, while not a conventional bicycle store, possesses several key features and highlights that make it a profoundly impactful and suitable organization for locals in Florida, particularly those passionate about cycling and community service:

• Mission-Driven Focus: Their primary focus on raising money for cancer research and supporting cancer patients and families sets them apart. This noble cause resonates deeply with many Floridians who have been affected by cancer, providing a powerful motivation for participation.
• All-Volunteer Organization: The fact that Cure on Wheels is an "all volunteer 501(c)3 non profit" speaks volumes about their dedication and efficiency. This structure allows a higher percentage of donations to go directly to their cause, maximizing the impact of every contribution.
• Tangible Local Impact: They explicitly state their goal to assist individuals and families "in the Tampa Bay area" and have donated over $1,000,000.00 locally to specific programs. This includes supporting clinical trials at Moffitt Cancer Center and providing financial assistance through the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. Locals can see the direct benefit of their efforts within their own community.
• Engaging Cycling Events: Their organized bike-a-thons offer a unique way to combine physical activity with philanthropy. These "memorable and enjoyable weekends of cycling" appeal to a wide range of cyclists, from casual riders to those ready for significant mileage.
• Inclusivity in Participation: They offer various ways to participate, from "riding, to volunteering to 'virtual' riding," making it accessible for individuals with different capacities and commitments. This broad appeal encourages widespread community involvement.
• Personal Commitment from Founders: The organization was founded out of a personal desire to make a difference after a family loss, imbuing the mission with genuine passion and dedication that inspires others.
• Strong Community Support Network: Their intention to "meld support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors" highlights their ability to build a robust network of support around their cause.

For those in Florida interested in supporting or getting involved with Cure on Wheels, the following contact information is available:

Address: 200 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA

Phone: (813) 513-9204

Mobile Phone: +1 813-513-9204

General Questions: [email protected]

Urgent or After Hours: [email protected]

Website: www.cureonwheels.org

Cure on Wheels is exceptionally suitable for locals in Florida because it offers a unique and impactful way to engage with the cycling community while making a significant difference in the fight against cancer. While not a traditional retail bicycle store, its profound mission deeply resonates with Floridians who value community, health, and philanthropy. Its all-volunteer structure ensures maximum efficiency in fundraising, meaning that contributions directly benefit cancer research and local families in the Tampa Bay area who are facing challenging diagnoses.

For active residents, Cure on Wheels provides an inspiring platform to participate in organized cycling events that combine physical challenge with a noble purpose. For those unable to ride, ample volunteer opportunities allow for meaningful contributions. The clear, direct impact their efforts have on local cancer patients and research, coupled with their transparent and dedicated approach, makes Cure on Wheels a highly trustworthy and rewarding organization for Floridians to support. It's a testament to how the passion for cycling can be channeled into a powerful force for good, truly serving the heart of the community.

Cure on Wheels

200 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA