THE HISTORY OF THE SPINODYSSEY
The "SPINODYSSEY" concept began with Delia Thompson and Amelie Babkie, two fitness professionals in southwestern Connecticut seeking a way to celebrate the dawn of the new millennium while helping a good cause. Inspired by their students' enthusiasm for indoor cycling, the popular group fitness indoor cycling workout, and the battle against breast cancer being waged by Delia's sister, the two hosted the first "Millennium Ride" on January 1, 2000. The first event featured 50 bikes and riders, and raised $5,244, all of which was donated to American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Research.
The "Millennium Ride" became "SPINODYSSEY" in 2001,
and attracted more riders and funds, raising $22,383, a trend that continued in 2002
(the total was $40,155), again all being donated to an ACS Breast Cancer Researcher.
While the numbers continued to grow, the SPINODYSSEY steering committee remained true
to the mission of keeping SpinOdyssey a 100% volunteer-run event.
Planning for SPINODYSSEY 2003 was already underway by the summer of 2002,
when the event was rocked by two tragic events. SPINODYSSEY 2002 committee member
Bill Fox ˇ the very first person to sign on to participate in the "Millennium Ride" and described as the "heart and soul" of the event by fellow volunteers - was killed in an outdoor cycling accident. Soon thereafter, event co-founder Delia Thompson was herself diagnosed with breast cancer. In honor of their friends' courage and past contributions, the SPINODYSSEY 2003 committee redoubled its efforts to create an even more a successful fundraising event.
And a success it was! In 2003, SPINODYSSEY raised $86,850 in pledges
directly given again to an ACS breast cancer researcher. SPINODYSSEY 2003 attracted more than 200 riders of all ages and fitness levels to Formula for Fitness in Norwalk. And the organizers stayed true to their commitment of low overhead: in 2003 SpinOdyssey spent only $1,900 of registration fees for overhead such as insurance & the sound system. From the remaining registration fees SPINODYSSEY also donated on 12/31/03 to:
Swim Across the Sound:
$1,000 Donated for breast cancer support services such as mammograms.
Laura Hartenbaum Breast Cancer Foundation:
$2,850 Donated for breast cancer research. 100% goes to research.
Breast Cancer Survival Center:
$2,850 Donated for breast cancer support services such as mammograms.
As a result of the generous support of riders & sponsors, SPINODYSSEY 2004 on February 8th hosted by the Fitness and Tennis Club of Norwalk broke all past fundraising and attendance records! More than 270 riders over the course of six hours pedaled on 167 bikes (145 of which were generously donated by Star Trac of CA) to raise $190,000+, again all donated directly to an ACS breast cancer researcher.
And true to its mission of low overhead, only $4,724 from registration fees was spent on overhead in 2004; a reusable expense of carpeting was another $2,967. Approximately $5,000 of additional registration fees from 2004 will be donated towards breast cancer charities again by year's end.
SPINODYSSEY 2005 donated $200,000 in pledge checks to the American Cancer Society, which funded breast cancer researchers, and another $8,975 from the door prizes to The Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.
SPINODYSSEY 2006 on March 5, again at the Fitness & Tennis Club
at 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851, raised $300,000+ for American Cancer Society breast cancer researchers and $12,000 to fund a patient in a breast cancer trial at to
The Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.
SPINODYSSEY 2007 on March 4,
at the Fitness & Tennis Club at 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851,
raised $500,000+ for American Cancer Society breast cancer researchers and $33,000
to fund a patient in a breast cancer trial at to The Whittingham Cancer Center
at Norwalk Hospital.
SPINODYSSEY 2008 ran successfully on March 2,
again at the Fitness & Tennis Club at 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.
The SPINODYSSEY raised $450,000+!
SPINODYSSEY 2009 IS OUR TENTH ANNIVERSARY RIDE
Plan to ride on Sunday, March 1st, again at the Fitness & Tennis Club at
490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.
The goal is $550,000.
