YELLOW SPRINGS — Julianne Weckel has two things to help her through the 278-mile Pan Ohio Hope Ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

A picture of her mother, Ginny Patterson, and a small charm her mom gave to her called an Angel of Strength.

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Julianne Weckel of Beavercreek talks to the press Saturday after riding from Columbus to Yellow Springs on the third day of the American Cancer Society's Pan Ohio Hope Ride. The route takes cyclists from Cleveland to Cincinnati over four days.Click to enlarge

Weckel lost her mother to lung cancer three days after Christmas. Ginny had just turned 58.

"I can't bring her back, but I have a strong body," said Weckel, an avid marathon runner.

After seeing a flier at her gym, the Beavercreek resident signed up for the inaugural bike ride. About 60 cyclists are riding from Cleveland to Cincinnati in four days to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodges in the two cities.

The lodges provide cancer patients receiving treatment a place to stay. Nearly 3,500 cancer patients and their families have stayed at the lodges in the past decade.

"It's a home away from home for cancer patients," said Peter Osborne, spokesman for the American Cancer Society.

The ride raised about $100,000, before expenses, to help operate the two facilities, Osborne said.

Riders started their trip at Case Western Reserve University on Wednesday. During the four-day trip they spent the night at College of Wooster, Ohio Wesleyan University and Antioch College.

The stay in Yellow Springs included a buffet dinner and music from the W-G Blues Unit. The ride wraps up today at the Hope Lodge in Cincinnati.

Weckel said the journey gave her a new appreciation of the state's countryside.

"I never knew Ohio was that pretty," she said.

She's also had a pretty good time.

"I love it," she said. "A 300-mile bike ride didn't sound like too much fun, but I've had a great time. I'll definitely do it next year."

Contact the reporter at (937) 225-2342 or cmagan@DaytonDaily

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