Pandemic Impacts Cycle the Seacoast Event

Due to the potential spread of COVID-19, the American Lung Association has adjusted the Cycle the Seacoast fundraising ride in 2021 to be a virtual event, replacing the physical bike ride originally scheduled for May 2. This year, participants will be able to track their own progress to complete Cycle the Seacoast by cycling 25, 50 or 100 miles at their own pace to raise funds for the American Lung Association before June 30, 2021.

“Based on guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local government officials, we have decided to shift gears and avoid creating large gatherings of people, which is a natural part of our event. We want to continue to build on the momentum of our participants, volunteers and supporters and not let COVID-19 get the best of us. After all, our ride is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association to raise awareness of and improve lung health, including the fight against COVID-19. We can't let this lung-related virus derail our work. This is an opportunity for cyclists in New England and beyond to come together to show our strength and our virtual options will empower people to do that," said Melissa Walden, development manager for Cycle the Seacoast and the American Lung Association.

The annual Cycle the Seacoast was originally scheduled for May 2 as a one-day event for cyclists departing from Cisco Brewers Portsmouth. Organizers have developed new ways for people to participate virtually now through June 30, 2021.

• Participants can participate on a road bike, mountain bike or indoor spin bike
• Participants can join the Cycle the Seacoast Strava Club to track miles and follow fellow cyclists participating in the event
• Participants can download the Cycle for Air mobile app to track mileage and utilize fundraising tools (participants can track their miles using any activity tracker they choose; Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc.)
• Participants have the option to take on weekly challenges to meet mileage goals and win prizes
• Participants can cycle on bike routes provided or cycle on their own routes
• Participants can share their mileage and fundraising accomplishments in the Cycle the Seacoast Facebook group
• Supporters of the annual event can make donations to the American Lung Association at CycletheSeacoast.org.

For registration and fundraising information, visit CycletheSeacoast.org. The Cycle the Seacoast staff will continue to support cyclists and their fundraising goals by offering incentives and giveaways for fundraising accomplishments now through June 30, 2021.

All registrants who raise $200 by June 30 will receive a 2021 Cycle the Seacoast event T-shirt and medal. Registrants who raise $400 or more will receive an official Cycle the Seacoast cycling jersey. Since the physical ride won't take place on a specific day, organizers are optimistic that more people will register and take advantage of the virtual option. Current fundraising is less than $25,000, well behind the annual $100,000 goal.

The Cycle the Seacoast fundraising ride benefits the American Lung Association which helps save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education and advocacy in New Hampshire and beyond. The efforts currently include COVID-19 research and education. The American Lung Association has launched a $25 million initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics by leveraging their existing research network and funding respiratory research.

"The coronavirus has impacted all of us. We have seen that cycling is one of the best ways to get outside, be healthy and enjoy the fresh air while following physical distancing guidelines. As the weather continues to improve, we know people will want to get outside. Cycling and raising money for lung research is a great combination. We also know some people might not have been able to participate on the actual day of the event, so we reimagined the event to allow more people to get involved," said Jeff Seyler, American Lung Association chief division officer for the Eastern U.S.

About the Cycle the Seacoast
Cycle the Seacoast is a one-day, multi-route cycling event that is both challenging and fun for serious athletes to weekend warriors with kids in tow. Participants can choose from 25, 50 or 100 miles along the historic Seacoast in New Hampshire. Over 200 volunteers also participate in the event for the American Lung Association. Since 2010, this annual event has raised almost $1 million for the American Lung Association.