Wheels Down for Gear Up 2025
May 3, 2025

Why Do We Gear Up Against Kids Cancer?

With cycling becoming an increasingly popular activity in San Antonio and south Texas, the Gear Up Against Kids Cancer was launched on April 2, 2022, to address a critical need for increased support for pediatric cancer research. Recognizing the significant emotional and financial burdens faced by families dealing with childhood cancer, the event aims to channel community energy into a meaningful cause.

This bike ride serves as a fundraising mechanism and a community engagement tool. Participants from various backgrounds unite under a common goal: to contribute to the fight against pediatric cancer. 100% of the funds raised will remain local and directly support the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute – UT Health San Antonio, helping them transform today’s research discoveries into tomorrow’s treatments., increase survival rates, and enhance the quality of life for young patients.

This ride is fully supported with multiple rest stops along the way and SAG support for riders who need a little help finishing.

Know Before You Go!

For those who are signed up for the 4th Annual Gear Up Against Kids Cancer or plan to here is a brief rundown of the schedule.

  • 6:00 AM             Check-in, packet pick up & last-minute registration
  • 7:30 AM             Welcome, Gear Up origin/purpose, stats from past rides
  • 7:45 AM             Begin gathering 60-mile riders in prep for launch
  • 8:00 AM             60-mile riders, wheels down
  • 8:15 AM             40-mile riders, wheels down
  • 8:30 AM             28-mile riders, wheels down
  • 11:00 AM           Begin serving rider lunch inside Floresville Event Center, Hall #1
  • 3:00 PM              All riders must be off the course
SAG SUPPORT HOTLINE 210-450-8271

If you experience a mechanical issue or are unable to complete the route, please call the SAG Support Hotline at 210-450-8271. Be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Your first and last name
  • Bib number
  • Nature of the issue, such as a mechanical problem, being unable to complete the route, or needing first aid, etc.
  • Approximate location (ex, major landmarks and/or last rest stop you passed, and how long ago)
  • For mechanical issues, we can transport you to the next rest stop, where a bike shop will be available to assist with minor repairs, such as fixing flat tires or adjusting brakes and gears.
  • For first aid issues, we can take you to the next rest stop for basic medical assistance or to the nearest emergency room if more advanced care is required.

Beyond the financial impact, the Gear Up Against Kids Cancer bike ride fosters a sense of solidarity and hope within the community. It brings together individuals passionate about making a difference and creates a platform to share their stories and support each other. By participating in the ride, individuals and families contribute to a broader movement, highlighting the importance of continued investment in pediatric cancer research and reinforcing the commitment to finding cures and improving care for children battling cancer.

Ready to Gear Up? Grab your bikes (don’t forget your helmets) and register today for the FOURTH ANNUAL “Gear Up Against Kids Cancer” on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Gear Up Against Kids Cancer, Organizing Committee
(below is a link to photos taken on 5/11/24)

Ready to Gear Up?

Click HERE to download your favorite Gear Up ’24 moments!

There’s a Route for Everyone!

Full Turn-by-Turn Directions (Strava & Ride w/GPS) Can be Found by Clicking on the Route Maps Below

Get ready to ride!

The Gear Up Against Kids Cancer bike ride offers three scenic routes winding through southern Wilson County—each one a challenge of its own! 🌟

28 miles – A great ride for those looking for a solid challenge with beautiful views.
40 miles – Step it up with more endurance and rolling hills.
60 miles – The ultimate test, pushing your limits with every mile!

Every pedal stroke supports childhood cancer research at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute. Join us on May 3, 2025, and ride for a cause! 🚴‍♀️💛

Which route will you conquer? 🚴🔥

Click on thumbnail to view larger image

image of route map

Individual & Team Registration

Gear Up Against Kids Cancer RegistrationEarly-Bird Registration: 
  • $50 (good through March 21, 2025, )
Full Registration:
  • $70

 

 

How do I Register a Team:
  1. When a person wants to register, they must first click on one of the categories (28mi, 40mi, 60mi)
  2. When they click on that, they can “Create/Join a Team.”
  3. Enter your team name (Be creative! Examples)
  4. The first person to register on a team registers as captain and enters the team name  (this can be changed later)
  5. Anyone who wants to join that team will register as a teammate and choose the team name from the drop-down menu.
How do I Register Multiple Riders on a Single Payment:
  1. When the first person registers, they fill out their information, then hit “Add Another” at the bottom of the form.
  2. Make sure to click on each rider’s ride distance category (28/40/60).
  3. You can keep doing this with as many people as you like, and when you get to the payment page, you can put in one credit card.
I am a UT Health San Antonio Employee. Can I Pay for an Individual/Team with a PID?

Yes, we need an email sent to Brian Phillips (phillipsb@uthscsa.edu) from the PID approver with the following:

      • Participant Information:
        • First/last name
        • Phone#
        • Address
        • Email
        • DOB
        • Emergency contact info
        • Shirt size
      • IDT Dept #
      • PID #
      • Fund #
      • Total amount

Can I donate to support the Greehey CCRI’s mission without participating?

Absolutely!  Please click on the “Donate” button below.

 

Sponsorship & Fundraising

Your fundraising efforts will help advance local childhood cancer research.

Fundraising for the Gear Up Against Kids Cancer bike ride is an impactful way to support the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (Greehey CCRI) mission, which focuses on translating cutting-edge research into life-saving treatments for pediatric cancer.

Here are just a few key reasons to get involved:

  • Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists: Fundraising helps ensure that promising young researchers have the resources they need to pursue innovative ideas that could lead to future breakthroughs in pediatric oncology.
  • Advancing Pediatric Cancer Research: Greehey CCRI is at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries dedicated to understanding childhood cancers at the molecular level. Your fundraising efforts directly contribute to developing innovative therapies that can improve survival rates and reduce the long-term side effects of treatments for young patients.
  • Supporting Local Research: The funds raised stay within the community, supporting local scientists and their teams at Greehey CCRI in San Antonio. Participating in this event involves investing in global pediatric cancer solutions and your local research community.

Corporate Sponsorship

Click the Image Above to Download the Sponsorship Prospectus

Individual Fundraising Incentives

Click on the image above to view incentives.

In-Kind Sponsorships

Hill Country
REACT Team #4804

Buyer

Pick Juice Logo

Gear Up 2025 Mechanical Support Shops

Crossroads_Logo_150

Trek West

Safety Tips

While this is not an exhaustive list, following them can greatly increase your safety and help prevent injury to yourself and others.

Additional Safety Information

Connect With Us

Future Gear Up Dates

  • Sat, May 3, 2025
  • Sat, May 2, 2026
  • Sat, May 1, 2027
  • Sat, May 5, 2028
Contact US
Sending

SAG Support:

210-450-8271


Gear Up Organizing Committee:

Brian Phillips, BA
Greehey CCRI Program Coordinator – Sr.
phillipsb@uthscsa.edu or 210-450-8271

Gregory J. Aune, MD, PhD
Greehey CCRI Principal Investigator

Norman Mendez
Greehey CCRI Operations Manager

Victor Aguilar
Greehey CCRI Executive Assistant to the Director

David Rodriguez
Greehey CCRI IT Specialist

Evie Garcia-Rodriguez
Research Coordinator-Senior
Mays Cancer Center


Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute – UT Health San Antonio
8403 Floyd Curl, MC 7784
San Antonio, TX 78229-9880
gccri.uthscsa.edu
(210) 562-9000