Vera’s Riders Raised $5K for Cancer Research

More than 50 cyclists hit the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail for the to benefit the American Cancer Society Monday. Ride organizer Harry Telegadas said the event raised nearly $5,000 for cancer research.

The ride started and ended at Marley Station Mall near JC Penny. 

VIDEO: Vera Madden Memorial Bike Ride organizers and participants talk about the importance of the ride to benefit the American Cancer Society research.

The 20-mile bike ride honored the legacy of Vera Madden. The devoted matriarch of a Crofton family lost her five-year battle with cancer back in 2010. Crofton’s Harry and Gina Telegadas organized the bike ride as part of the Potter Baseball Tour.

The summer baseball tour takes tween and teen boys around the Mid-Atlantic playing baseball games and doing community service projects along the way. It gives boys a chance to travel the eastern seaboard playing baseball and giving back through volunteerism. The memorial ride is part of the tour activities here in Anne Arundel County.

The Big Bean in Severna Park set up a water station for cyclists along the trail. Fuji Bike also donated a mountain bike and The Bike Doctor Annapolis offered a gift card for a raffle. Severna Park’s Pedal Pushers and Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie also donated to the event.

The Telegadas set out to raise $2,000 to $2,500 for ACS. Harry Telegads said the Monday morning ride raised nearly $5,000 for cancer research. Content with the event’s success, Telegadas vowed to return to Marley Station for a 2nd annual ride in 2012.

“We have 50 riders this year, next year I bet we’ll have 100 out here,” Telegadas said.