Riding for Time: Stephanie Bauer's Pelotonia Story

“Pelotonia means more to me than just funding a cure, it represents time.”

From team rides to annual fundraising initiatives, Piada has proudly supported Pelotonia for over a decade, driven by a shared passion for advancing innovative cancer research. Since its first ride in Columbus, Ohio in 2008, Pelotonia has raised more than $339 million to support groundbreaking work at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

Our very own Stephanie Bauer, Director of Marketing, has been a longtime supporter and advocate for Pelotonia and cancer research. In honor of our Piada Gives partner this month, we sat down with Steph to share her story and the impact Pelotonia has had on her life.

How many years have you rode?

This will be my 18th year!

How much money have you raised?

$52,193

How many miles have you ridden over the years?

1,160 miles and another 47 this year!

Longest mileage you've done?

180 miles, we went to Athens and back (over 2 days)!

Why do you ride? 

I originally rode because my company at the time was involved with Pelotonia, we could either work the event or ride, so I decided to get a bike and give it a try that first year. What started as a simple decision quickly turned into something much more meaningful.

Pelotonia introduced me to a new kind of community, my “bike friends”, and a shared passion for finding a cure for cancer. At first, my connection was more general. Like many people, I knew others who had been impacted by cancer, and over time, that list continued to grow.

But I truly found my “why” in 2020 when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. As an only child, she was my whole world - she was at every school event, every game, every finish line. During her three-and-a-half-year battle, our lives changed completely with countless treatments, surgeries, and appointments.

At one point, after exhausting options at Riverside, my parents sought another opinion at The James at The Ohio State University . Because it’s a research hospital, my mom was able to qualify for clinical trials, some of which were funded by Pelotonia. Those treatments gave us two more years together.

For that, I will always be grateful. Those extra two years meant more time and memories we otherwise wouldn’t have had. That’s why I ride.

What does Pelotonia means to you?

Pelotonia means more to me than just funding a cure, it represents time.

It’s about giving people more time with the ones they love. More conversations, more milestones, more everyday moments that matter. I’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful that time can be, and it’s what makes Pelotonia so powerful. It turns collective effort into something deeply personal for so many families, including mine.

What was your most memorable ride?

My most memorable ride was the year I completed the 180 [miler], a two-day ride of 100 miles and then 80 the next day, to Athens and back. I rode with my team at the time, Team Speranza (“hope” in Italian).

It pushed me in every way. The weather didn’t always cooperate - we even had to take cover in a porta potty during a lightning storm. And getting back on the bike for day two after 100 miles definitely required some extra mental toughness.

But that’s what made it so meaningful. The support from my team and the shared purpose kept me going and crossing that final finish line was incredibly emotional. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Any tips for new riders?

A few things I always tell new riders:

1. Lean into the community, the energy from other cyclists, volunteers, and spectators will carry you further than you expect.
2. Ride your own ride. Don’t get too caught up in pace or distance, it’s about the experience and the cause… it’s not a race!
3. Be aware and follow group riding etiquette. Communicate your moves, call things out, and stay predictable - this is honestly one of the biggest stressors for me, and it makes a huge difference in keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
4. Train enough to feel confident, but don’t stress about being perfect - adrenaline and purpose will take you a long way.
5. Most importantly, remember your “why.” That’s what will carry you through the toughest miles.

Thank you, Steph for sharing your story and supporting an amazing organization and cause! From now until the end of April, $1 from every Spinach and Artichoke Piada Stick will be donated to Pelotonia to continue creating more time and memories for many families affected by cancer.