๐Ÿšด Riding Through the Fight ยท Connecticut, USA

Pedaling Toward
Closer to Free

One cancer diagnosis. One bike. One ride that proves the human spirit is stronger than any prognosis. Join Frank on his journey โ€” every mile matters.

Frank Soltesz of Cycling With Cancer on his bike ๐Ÿงก Living with Cancer Since Diagnosis
Frank's Story

Cancer Changed Everything. Cycling Changed It Back.

When Frank Soltesz was diagnosed with cancer, the road ahead looked nothing like the ones he loved to ride. But somewhere between the chemo, the neuropathy, and the endless appointments โ€” he found the bike again.

Cycling became his medicine. Not a cure โ€” a compass. A way to measure progress in miles instead of prognoses, to feel wind instead of waiting room walls.

"Every ride is a reminder that I'm still here. That my body still works, even when it's fighting from the inside."

Now retired in Connecticut, Frank documents every ride, every setback, and every breakthrough on YouTube โ€” building a community of riders, survivors, and supporters around a simple truth: movement is medicine.

Join the Journey โ†’
Why We Ride

Cycling Is More Than Miles on a Wheel

Research and lived experience agree โ€” pedaling while fighting cancer delivers real, measurable mental and physical benefits.

Reduces Anxiety & Depression

Aerobic exercise like cycling triggers endorphin release, proven to cut anxiety and depression symptoms by up to 30% in cancer patients.

Boosts Emotional Resilience

Setting and completing ride goals โ€” even small ones โ€” rebuilds the sense of control and self-efficacy that a diagnosis can strip away.

Manages Chemo Fatigue

Counter-intuitive but true: gentle, consistent cycling fights cancer-related fatigue better than rest alone, improving energy over weeks.

Combats Neuropathy

Low-impact cycling maintains circulation in the extremities, helping manage the peripheral neuropathy that many cancer treatments cause.

Creates Community

Group rides, online audiences, and shared stories dissolve the isolation of a cancer journey โ€” connection is its own kind of healing.

Gives Life Purpose

Having a ride goal, a fundraising target, and an audience counting on you gives each day direction โ€” something powerful to train for and fight toward.

The Event

Closer to Free Ride 2026

Every dollar raised supports Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center โ€” funding the research and care that gives patients more time, more hope, and more miles.

Raised So Far$2,110
Base Goal
$12,000
$0$3,000$6,000$9,000$12,000
๐Ÿš€ Stretch Goal Raise $15,000 and Frank rides 100 miles instead of 65. Help unlock the century!

Ride Date

September 19, 2026

Mark your calendar!

Start Location

Yale Bowl

New Haven, Connecticut

Beneficiary

Smilow Cancer Hospital

Yale Cancer Center

Rider

Frank Soltesz

4th year riding ยท Cancer patient
๐ŸŽฏ Base Goal
65 miles
Unlocked at $12,000
โœ… Current Target
๐Ÿš€ Stretch Goal
100 miles
Unlocked at $15,000
๐Ÿ”’ Help Unlock This!
Closer to Free Ride 2026 โ€” 65 and 100 mile route map starting at Yale Bowl, New Haven CT
65-Mile Route
100-Mile Route
Start / Finish: Yale Bowl, New Haven CT
Watch the Journey

Follow Along on YouTube

Every ride, every setback, every milestone โ€” Frank documents it all. Subscribe so you never miss a video.

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Cycling With Cancer
@CyclingwithCancer
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Contact Frank

Have questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Reach out!

Email: CyclingWithCancer1@gmail.com

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