Staten Island to Niagara Falls. More than 569 miles of rolling terrain, unpredictable weather, and countless pedal strokes lie ahead. Preparing for the Empire State Ride requires a lot more than just physical endurance. You need mental fortitude, precisely dialed gear, and a deep, unwavering connection to your core purpose.
I am taking on this massive endurance challenge to raise critical funds for cancer research. This journey demands meticulous preparation, from optimizing my riding position to protecting my skin against days of relentless friction. Whether you are tackling your first century ride or a multi-day epic, preparation dictates your success on the road. Here is a look at how I am getting ready for this monumental trek, the meaning behind the miles, and the gear that will get me to the finish line.
Riding for a Cure: The Heart of the Journey
Endurance cycling breaks you down physically. When your legs ache, and headwinds howl, you need a powerful reason to keep pushing the pedals. My reason is simple and profound: I am riding to fund cancer research. Almost everyone knows someone affected by this disease, and the Empire State Ride channels our collective energy into finding a cure.
I will be carrying a scroll of names with me from Staten Island all the way to Niagara Falls. These names belong to friends, family members, and loved ones who have battled cancer. Every time the route gets steep, or my energy wanes, I will think of the names on that scroll. They are my ultimate fuel.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude for the generous donations I have received. The support from my community has been nothing short of overwhelming. Your contributions directly fund groundbreaking research and clinical trials. You have given me the motivation to train harder and prepare smarter. This ride is not just my journey; it is a shared mission, and I am incredibly grateful to have you riding alongside me in spirit.
The Unspoken Hero of Long Rides: Chamois Cream
Let us talk about the reality of multi-day cycling. You can have a perfect bike fit and peak cardiovascular health, but saddle sores will stop you dead in your tracks. When you mix sweat, body heat, and constant friction for hours on end, your skin suffers. This brings us to a non-negotiable part of my kit: chamois cream.
Why Betwixt by Zealios is My Go-To
Finding the right chamois cream requires trial and error. Over the miles, I have tested several options, and I am incredibly glad Zealios introduced me to Betwixt. This product is a complete game-changer for long hours in the saddle.
Many competing brands rely on ingredients such as menthol or tea tree oil, which can create a tingling or burning sensation. I find those formulas highly uncomfortable. Betwixt completely avoids that issue. The cream feels soothing and smooth upon application. It never stings, and it provides a durable, friction-fighting barrier that lasts. I can ride for hours with this product without stopping to reapply, which is crucial for maintaining a steady pace and rhythm on the road.
Preparing for the Unknown on the Road
The Empire State Ride consists of many hours on the bike across multiple consecutive days. I will absolutely need to keep applying barrier cream to survive the sheer volume of saddle time.
Event organizers usually provide supply stations stocked with a variety of nutrition and first-aid products, including chamois cream. However, they often stock competitor brands. While I acknowledge that I may need to adapt to whatever is available if I run out of my own supplies, I am not taking any chances. I am packing a bunch of Betwixt tubes in my personal gear. My skin responds perfectly to its non-stinging formula, and I simply would not want it any other way. Controlling the controllable variables—such as knowing exactly how your skin reacts to your chosen barrier cream—is a major part of successful endurance riding.
Looking Forward to the Starting Line
The preparation phase is nearly complete. The bike is dialed in, the gear is packed, and the barrier cream is stocked. More importantly, my purpose is clear.
Riding from Staten Island to Niagara Falls will test my limits. There will be tough climbs, fatigue, and moments of doubt. But with my Betwixt cream protecting me from the elements, and the scroll of names reminding me of my mission, I am ready.
Thank you again to everyone who has donated and supported this cause. Your generosity is funding the future of cancer research. Keep an eye out for updates from the road as we push toward Niagara Falls, one pedal stroke at a time.
