Riding for a Cause: John Lovra’s commitment to The Great Cycle Challenge

John Lovra has been riding his bike with a purpose for the past eleven years!  Every year he pedals with the aim of raising money to get rid of kids’ cancer through The Great Cycle Challenge. He commits to riding his bike a certain number of miles for one month to help raise money and awareness for kids who are diagnosed with cancer.

And over 11 years his impact has been significant! He has raised over $28,000 and ridden just over 2,300 miles!

Why does he do it? Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.

“Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.” John believes.

The funds that are raised through this challenge go directly toward the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to help them develop lifesaving treatments for childhood cancer.

Every year he rides with his own grandkids in mind: Raeannah, Meghan, Ava, and Kaleb. But this year, he is also riding in honor and loving memory of his wife, Mary Ellen, who lost her battle with cancer this year on June 18th.

His goal in 2025 was to ride 300 miles and raise $7000. He achieved his goal of riding 300 miles in September, but is still accepting donations to hit his goal of $7000.

Communicycle believes that bicycles are the vehicle for making connections between people. We are happy to share about John and his work in riding his bike to bring awareness to this cause!

You can donate and learn more by clicking the button below!

Great Cycling Challenge