Tahoe ride for charity helps battle cancer

Thousands of cyclists labored to climb in the High Sierra’s thin air. Lungs and thighs burned as the grade steepened near the 7,145-foot Spooner Summit.

Fatigue, dizziness and cramps afflicted the legions, but they persisted. Determined bikers filled the roads for hours on a warm day.

Participants in America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride (AMBBR) pedaled around Lake Tahoe on June 7. Their reward?

For starters, a long downhill after Spooner Summit propelled cyclists to a joyful finish line in Stateline. More importantly, they raised more than $3 million for the charity Blood Cancer United.

“We had a great time and a lot of fun, even when our muscles were screaming. Every single painful pedal stroke was worth it because this ride is incredibly near and dear to my heart,” said Tom Daves of Auburn.

“I couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful day and a more successful 2026 America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe. I am beyond grateful to my amazing family for being the best cheerleading squad,” said Pegah Banayan Etessami of Beverly Hills.

Now 33 years old, AMBBR gathers cyclists every year to pedal around the lake and raise money for cancer research and treatment. In those years, nearly 35,000 cyclists participated and raised more than $118 million.

Blood Cancer United, which was formerly called The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has invested more than $2 billion into cancer research and provides support services for patients and their families.

This year, 2,360 participants chose between three challenging routes. Sixty rode halfway around the lake in 35 miles and 1,600 made a full-lake ride of 72 miles. Seven hundred more braved a century tour of 100 miles; that’s a full lap around Lake Tahoe plus a side trip to Truckee and back.

Many riders dedicated their efforts to loved ones who have fought cancer.

“I dedicated my miles today to my mom, who passed away from leukemia 38 years ago. The ride was tough, but keeping her memory alive and fighting for a cure makes every single mile worth the grind,” said Daves.

“My big sister was diagnosed with lymphoma. After a long two phases of treatment and several months of recovery, she was declared in remission,” revealed Anthony Gatto of Westerville, Ohio.

“This race was more than just beautiful views and exercise. It symbolized Allie’s strength and ‘victory’ over cancer. The path to full recovery hasn’t been easy, and it’s not over yet. The climbs at elevation of this ride reflected that. I’m proud of my big sister for being a fighter,” Gatto said.

“This year I dedicated my ride to Cassidy Sidhu who valiantly fought glioblastoma, a rare and very aggressive form of brain cancer, for 16 years before passing away this past January. The donations from my friends and relatives encouraged me to prepare and Cassidy’s bravery and courage to fight inspired me to complete the ride and perform to the best of my ability,” said Keith Schaal of Folsom.

Cancer claimed my parents Tom and Diane Johanson in their 70s, and cycling around Lake Tahoe had long appealed to me. I never considered connecting those two topics until I learned of AMBBR just a week before this year’s event. I was available and reasonably fit, so I decided to make the 72-mile ride in honor of my mom and dad.

Everything about the ride was fulfilling. Crossing the starting line in Stateline with my fellow riders, united in purpose, making the first big climb toward Emerald Bay and hearing the cheers of supporters throughout the tour left vivid impressions.

So did the difficult push to Spooner Summit, which was demanding enough to justify two aid stations just a few miles apart. I’m grateful to the volunteers who provided us water and snacks.

All cyclists appreciated the dedicated lane which protected us from motor traffic on Highway 50, which has no shoulder between Spooner Summit and Stateline.

Having crossed a few finish lines in my time, I didn’t expect this one to be as emotional as it was. Riding around the lake where our family spent many happy days together brought back good memories of my parents. Finishing the event brought me to tears and made me feel closer to them than I have in ages.

Let me sincerely thank those who donated, more than $1,000 so far, to Blood Cancer United in support of my ride and in memory of Tom and Diane Johanson. For anyone else wishing to do so, the charity will accept contributions at this link through Aug. 6.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride lives up to its name, and for more than just the breathtaking Lake Tahoe scenery. It’s easy to see why hundreds participate every year, and I expect I’ll be back, too.

Matt Johanson enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing and writing about the outdoors. His books include “Yosemite Epics,” “Yosemite Adventures” and “California Summits.” Johanson writes about the outdoors at mattjohansonwrites.substack.com. He can be reached at matt.johanson@sbcglobal.net.