By Chad Neal
Richard Jackson grew up in, went to school in, works in and lives in Ellicottville. He also spent a lot of his life in Florida where he met his wife Glenda where they were both police officers. He is now a real estate agent and a volunteer firefighter in Ellicottville among many other things he does, including riding his bicycle for special causes like cancer- a malady that has hit close with him a few times in his life. The Villager caught up with Jackson and he told us about a benefit and cross state bicycle ride to fight the horrible disease.
Jackson said that this will be his “fifth year doing the Empire State Ride to End Cancer.” (ESR) He also explained that the ride is a 564-mile trek through the Empire State. Jackson stated that for training and the voyage itself he has ridden “thousands of miles!”
The route of the Empire State Ride to End Cancer starts in Staten Island at Wagner College. The riders all then follow “along the Hudson River, through many towns. Once we turn west in Albany, we mostly follow the Empire State Trail.” It is a week-long journey.
Jackson said they ride “between 70 and 100 miles a day. And over 18,000 feet of elevation [all together]. There are volunteer rest stops every 20-25 miles with snacks, drinks and tons of encouragement.”
The Villager asked how many people participate in the ESR, Jackson responded “It looks like around 300 riders for this year. Not all do the 7 days. Some riders come out and ride for a day or a few miles with a family member.
Jackson has a true incentive. “My reason for riding is to help find cures for cancer. As I found out the first year I rode it, research is not funded by insurance; so, we raise the money. And I do it in honor of my wife Glenda, step daughter Tracy, and in memory of my big brother David “Biggy” Jackson who died at age 29 from leukemia, and anyone fighting cancer!”
“ESR24 is set for July 20-27. The finish line is in Niagara Falls and is a very large event. And very emotional!” Jackson said and added, “This is the 10th anniversary of the ESR. We are trying to raise $10,000,000. The minimum fundraising is $3,500. My goal this year is $10,000.”
Jackson is also doing a fundraising event in Ellicottville at Madigan’s on May 25th from 2-4 pm, which is always a good time and great way to raise money for these causes. The community is always willing to pitch in. Jackson said, “We’ll have basket raffles, and autographed Bills jerseys, gift cards and a 50/50 raffle. If anyone wants to donate an item or basket, they can reach me (contact at end of article) and I’ll pick them up between May 20th and May 24th.” Any kind of basket or donation is welcome for the raffle and the more the merrier.
Jackson also said, “There are cancer survivors who ride, people currently fighting cancer who ride and we ride in honor and memory of family and friends. Each evening we have a dinner, there is a speaker and coaching, and then we go over the next day’s route. Yes, we have professional cycling coach who rides and coaches. He’s also a survivor.”
If you have interest in riding ESR in the future you can contact Richard and he can give you the details you need as well. “We have a medical team, mechanics and many volunteers from Roswell who spend the entire week making sure the riders are well cared for.” Jackson reassured and added, “Riders have the option of tent camping or hotels. I personally do the hotels. This is cost out of our own pockets. We pay for the bus trip to Staten Island, the hotels and the hotel shuttles.”
With the benefit party at Madigan’s on the 25t of May and the bike ride itself Jackson is wholeheartedly putting a lot into this endeavor. With the generosity of the community in Ellicottville and surrounding areas and his determination to find a cure for cancer Jackson is helping this cause tremendously. If you want to help out give Jackson a call or text at (716)-801-0967.