Great Cycle Challenge USA Registration Now Open

MINNEAPOLIS, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Every mile you ride on a bicycle, a stationary bike or even a unicycle this June can improve your health and help fund childhood cancer research during the second annual Great Cycle Challenge USA, presented by Macy's, to benefit Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF).

Beginning today, people can register for the month-long cycling fundraiser at GreatCycleChallenge.com and download the free mobile application to track their progress Participants who register by April 22 are entered into a drawing to win a Podium Vitesse bike from Diamondback Bicycles.

Great Cycle Challenge USA encourages riders to set personal cycling goals in June and raise funds by recruiting family and friends to pledge donations.   As opposed to one-day fundraisers, the month-long national event allows participants to achieve fitness goals on their own schedule while supporting a great cause.  Last year, 12,500 riders in all 50 states, pedaled 1.4 million miles throughout June, raising nearly $1.7 million to fund vital childhood cancer research.

"The enthusiasm that Great Cycle Challenge riders displayed last year was inspiring.  The combination of having fun, improving fitness and helping children and families in need, is truly empowering," said Jim Leighton, VP of Events and Partnerships, Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Cyclists can monitor mileage and fundraise through a dedicated app which syncs up with popular cycling apps MapMyRide and Strava.  The app allows participants to update their progress via social media and share personal stories and photos with friends, family members and donors with ease. 

In addition to raising money from tens of thousands of individual donors and the presenting sponsor Macy's, Great Cycle Challenge USA is also supported by Thrivent Mutual Funds.

ABOUT Great Cycle Challenge USA: Great Cycle Challenge USA encourages riders across the United States to challenge themselves and set their own personal riding goal throughout June to fight kids' cancer. For more info visit GreatCycleChallenge.com.

ABOUT Children's Cancer Research Fund: Children's Cancer Research Fund invests in lifesaving, leading-edge research in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of childhood cancers and blood-related disorders.  Since 1981, CCRF donors have helped fund research that has revolutionized the way childhood cancer is treated worldwide. For more info visit ChildrensCancer.org.

SOURCE Children's Cancer Research Fund