By Duane Ramsey
Photos Courtesy of Climb for the Cure
Some challenges in life, we choose. Others choose us.
Cycling has always been a test of endurance—grit, determination, and a relentless push forward, even when the climb feels impossible. But no ride, no race, no grueling ascent could prepare our family for the battle my wife, Wendy Ramsey, faced when she was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. It was a fight she met with grace and strength, but one that ultimately took her far too soon.
In the wake of her passing, our whole family and I knew we had to do something. Something that honored her memory. Something that gave others a fighting chance. And something that embodied her strength, love for life, and unshakable spirit.
That’s how Climb for the Cure was born.
Climb for the Cure: A Race with a Mission
Climb for the Cure isn’t just another bike race—it’s a way to turn pain into purpose. It’s a high-adrenaline, high-elevation challenge that pushes cyclists to their limits, all while raising critical funds for cancer research. Held in the stunning mountain terrain around Spokane, this annual gravel and mountain bike race is as tough as it is rewarding.
Riders take on grueling climbs, fast descents, and rugged, beautiful backcountry roads. The physical challenge mirrors the fight against cancer: unpredictable, exhausting, but ultimately worth every ounce of effort. And while racers push their bodies to the brink, they do so knowing that every pedal stroke makes a difference.
The race offers multiple course options to accommodate different experience levels, but make no mistake—this is an event for those who embrace the climb. Whether you’re a seasoned road rider or mountain biker or a dedicated gravel rider looking for a challenge with meaning, Climb for the Cure is an event that pushes you beyond yourself.
A Community United by the Ride
What started as a way to honor Wendy’s memory has grown into something much larger. Every year, riders from across the region—and beyond—come together to ride not just for the thrill of competition but for the people in their lives who have faced cancer.
Some ride in memory of loved ones lost. Others ride as survivors. And some ride simply because they believe in a future where cancer isn’t a life sentence. The stories that emerge from this event are nothing short of inspiring. Every name written on a race plate, every jersey bearing a dedication, every exhausted but exhilarated finisher at the finish line—this is why we ride.
The cycling community is a special one. We understand struggle, perseverance, and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. Climb for the Cure is more than a race; it’s a movement—a group of passionate people using their love for the ride to create something bigger than themselves.
Pedaling Toward a Cure
Cancer research is a long, uphill climb. But with every year, every rider, and every donation, we gain ground. The funds raised through Climb for the Cure go directly to world-class research dedicated to advancing treatments and searching for cures, particularly for rare and aggressive cancers like the one that took Wendy.
We know firsthand how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be. We also know that science is making incredible progress. Our hope is that through events like this, we can accelerate that progress—so that fewer families have to experience the loss we did.
Join the Climb for the Cure Ride
If you love cycling, if you believe in resilience, if cancer has touched your life in any way—this race is for you. Whether you sign up to race, volunteer, donate, or simply help spread the word, you’re part of a movement that’s making an impact.
This year’s event promises to be our biggest yet, and we’d love to have you on the starting line. Visit www.climbforthecure.org to learn more, register, or support the cause.
Because together, one climb at a time, we can ride toward a cure.
(Sponsored)
