Over 500 rain soaked bicyclists began arriving at Emmaus Community Park Oct. 11 where food, showers and tent accommodations awaited them.

At 7 a.m., participants in the 2014 Structure Tone Ride to Conquer Cancer had attended opening ceremonies at Philadelphia's Belmont Grove. They then mounted their bikes and pedaled the 75 miles to Emmaus. After an evening of food, music and fellowship and a night in one of the 250 tents lining Community Park, they cycled the 75 miles back.

Ride to Conquer Cancer is a Canadian-based organization which recently debuted in the United States with a trip centered in Washington, D.C.

Events begin when the group connects with a metropolitan cancer center; a ride is then organized for the benefit of that facility.

The October trek supported Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, 2400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia. Those involved include volunteers who help with fundraising, cheering on the pedalers and creating the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the cyclists.

Riders enter an event individually or as part of a team. However, each participant pledges to raise and donate at least $2,500.

The Philadelphia/ Emmaus round trip generated a total of $1.9 million for the cancer center.

Emily Whitehead raised $44,650, the individual record for this ride, and Cars Pedaling For Cures turned in $136,581, the most of any team.

On June 6 and 7, 2015, a Ride to Conquer Cancer originating in New York City will benefit The Cancer Research Institute, 55 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Interested parties may obtain information on participating and/or donating by accessing the group's website www. ridetovictory.org.