As cyclists streamed out onto Lehigh County roads under bright blue skies Sunday morning, 13-year-old Carter Boyle had a goal larger than completing 31 miles. The Whitehall teenager wanted to prove just how far he had come since a rare form of liver cancer threatened his future.

Boyle joined approximately 150 participants in the eighth annual Great Big Group Ride on July 19, raising money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV). Riders chose between a 62-mile metric century or a 31-mile metric half-century through the region’s countryside. For Boyle, the ride marked a significant milestone. Diagnosed with a rare liver cancer known as a calcifying nested stromal epithelial tumor, Boyle once faced the possibility of needing a liver transplant after the tumor enveloped more than 70% of his liver. Following emergency surgery in Philadelphia and chemotherapy treatments, Boyle is now in remission.

Inspired by watching his father and grandfather ride bicycles, Boyle decided to take on his first organized cycling event. “I’m excited to ride with everyone,” he said before the event.

To prepare, Boyle rode 10 miles a day for more than two weeks, building the endurance needed for the challenging course. “He rides his bike everywhere,” said his grandfather, Paul Boyle, who rode alongside him.

Family members lined the route to encourage Carter, including his younger brothers, who said they were “happy he’s here.” His parents, Casey and Shaughn Boyle, were equally proud. “He’s been through so much and it has made him stronger,” his mother said.

After the ride, Carter looked forward to celebrating with one of his favorite foods, steak, before getting some well-earned rest. “I’ll enjoy a good sleep after the 30-mile trek,” he said.

The Great Big Group Ride began as the vision of cyclist Rob Takacs, who initially organized rides to raise money for improvements to trails at the Trexler Nature Preserve. In 2018, Takacs launched the first Great Big Group Ride to benefit local children battling cancer. About 40 to 50 riders participated, raising $1,500. The following year, the event raised $3,000, and a virtual ride during the pandemic raised $4,500.

Soon afterward, Takacs received devastating news that his daughter, Isabelle, had been diagnosed with cancer. “This changed everything,” he said. Friends, family members and supporters rallied around Isabelle and the family, raising $16,000 for PCFLV. As the event grew, annual fundraising totals climbed to between $30,000 and $35,000.

By 2024, the ride had become too large for Takacs to manage alone, and PCFLV assumed organizational responsibilities. Takacs and Isabelle remain a prominent part of the event, playing drums along the Hill Climb Challenge to encourage riders.

The ride was originally scheduled for July 18, but severe weather forced organizers to postpone it by one day. “It is not easy to reschedule an event like this,” said PCFLV marketing director Caley Bittner. “We are fortunate that so many of the riders and sponsors were flexible to push this off for a day.” Riders were rewarded Sunday with sunshine, blue skies and ideal cycling conditions.

Frank T. Armetta State Farm Agent served as the presenting sponsor, while Heavy and Highway Construction Laborers’ Local 158 sponsored rest stops and donated two e-bikes valued at $2,199 each for a fundraising raffle. The organization also fielded a cycling team and supplied volunteers for the event.

At the finish line, riders enjoyed food prepared by Whitehall Diner owner Stavros Gougoustamos and his staff. Gougoustamos, a kidney cancer survivor, said his personal experience gives him a special connection to the foundation’s mission. Additional support came from Fitness Central, Cactus Blue, The Shelby, Shangy’s, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Josh Early Candies and Back Home Bagels.

Those interested in participating in the 2027 Great Big Group Ride can contact the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley at its office on Crackersport Road in Allentown.