In just two years over $100,000 has been raised and donated for cancer research through the Rock ‘N’ Ride, and it’s returning to Washington County this Saturday.

One of the organizers, Dave Friese shares what it was like to hand that check over to the University of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, “It’s really good, I can’t speak enough about our community for what they do, because this is not any small group of people. If you come to Rock ‘N’ Ride you are a part of Rock ‘N’ Ride, just as much as I am. And I’m no more or less than anyone else who attends.” The event began as a tribute to his late-wife Kim Friese, and to Karen Van Osdol, both of whom lost battles to cancer.

Friese says this year’s event is dedicated to Perry Rich, who passed away in June, “We talked to the Rich family and they graciously accepted our offer to dedicate this Rock ‘N’ Ride to Perry Rich. It’s just something that, I know what the Rich family are going through, when they lose someone and sometimes when you can do something for other people it helps. It’s going to be great, it’s going to be great for them.” Friese is anticipating many of Rich’s family and friends to take part Saturday.

The day-long event includes a 5k run, a 35-mile roundtrip bike ride from Washington to Riverside, a lunchtime picnic, and a dinner with auction in the evening. The public is welcome to sign up for part of the Rock ‘N’ Ride festivities or for all of them. For a link to register and more information click here. Friese hopes to have the evening’s banquet sold out.