Over $1 Million Raised in 2012 CT Challenge Bike Ride

The eighth annual Connecticut Challenge Bike Ride, which drew over 1,100 riders to the starting line at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport on Saturday, is expected to raise nearly $1.5 million for cancer survivors.

According to CT Challenge's media contact Tom Chiappetta, donors and riders have until the end of September to get in any remaining funds. Already over $1 million in donations are in place as of Saturday's ride.

Riders -- including cancer survivors, their friends, family, and those who just wished to donate and join the ride -- embarked on 10-, 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-mile rides through Fairfield County on Saturday.

The money raised by the organization's largest annual fundraiser go toward programming for cancer survivors and their caregivers, provided at no cost by CT Challenge.

Come the end of September,, thanks to the funds raised by this year's CT Challenge Bike Ride. Free exercise classes, counseling, one-on-one dietitian consultations, cooking demos, social activities and more will be provided for free to survivors.

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