WooMan, a grassroots cycling event through the rolling hills between Mansfield and Wooster, will be held Sunday, September 15. Proceeds go to community breast cancer education and awareness programs, and some financial assistance with mammograms.
Since its inception, the ride has generated more than $50,000. This year’s goal is to top 300 cyclists.
WooMan offers 20, 50 or 100 mile bike ride options starting at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield or Buehler’s Milltown Store, 3540 Burbank Road, Wooster. The Winfield Bed and Breakfast in Ashland will host the lunch stop.
The registration fee is $49 before September 1 and $60 after that date. Riders who collect $250 dollars in pledges will receive a free WooMan cycling jersey worth $69. A SAG wagon (support and gear) will assist riders along the route.
The scenic bike ride was the creation of Greg Collins, Panera Bread District manager in 2010, who wanted to join two of the chain’s restaurants to raise awareness about breast cancer; one in Wooster and one in Mansfield and thus the name WooMan.
Collins, Dave Kracker, founder of the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund in Mansfield to honor his wife, Pat, who died of breast cancer, Tricia James, Wooster Community Hospital, along with Bill and Jackie Buckwalter, owners of RideOn bike shop in Wooster, have developed the ride over the past four years.
For more information, pledge forms and to register go to http://www.woomantour.org