Grit & Gratitude: 5th Annual Bike Race for Pediatric Cancer Research

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Coming up on August 17th, a bike race for a very important cause will be taking place at Two Harbors.

‘Grit & Gratitude’ is a bike race that raises money for pediatric cancer research.

The event was inspired by the organizer’s daughter Lily, who fought with stage four liver cancer.

After overcoming this hardship, the family decided to advocate for other families through this event.

The course itself is 23 miles long, on the scenic highway. There will be numerous aid stations, and biking the full distance isn’t required for this race.

It will take place at SpokeNGear at Two Harbors.

A big theme of this race is optimism and positivity.

“I couldn’t wait to be back on the shore of Lake Superior see the sky, be with the people who have supported us through this and try to raise money to help other kids survive. Because I felt like we really won the lottery when we got to return home with Lily and no cancer, and the sisters were united,” said Nicole Buchholz, ‘Grit & Gratitude’ founder.

Every year during this race, you can see the efforts of happiness through the tutus worn by contestants.

“Well, the tutus we wear them while we’re biking from, on a good day, or a skirt,” said Lily Leibfried Buchholz, pediatric cancer survivor, and a helper for the race.

“Well, I wasn’t in the hospital while she was doing this. But on her good days she would wear a dress or a tutu, and that’s why we wear these during the ride,” said Elise Leibfried Buchholz, Lily’s sister and race helper.

Pre-registration for the race goes until August 10th, but there’s also same day sign up.

You can also support this cause by buying shirts, sweatshirts, and of course, tutus.

To sign up and support, you can do so by checking out their website.