Redmond’s Element Cycles supports “The Bartell Obliteride Biker”; inaugural Obliteride event benefits Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Element Cycles provides bicycle, helmet and jersey for cyclist in new fundraising event, August 9-11

Seattle-based Bartell Drugs and Element Cycles of Redmond, proud supporters of Obliteride, have teamed up to sponsor and support the “Bartell Obliteride Biker” who will participate in the  Obliteride, a new pledge/fundraising bicycle ride event August 9-11 benefitting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Holly Westerfield of Seattle was selected by Bartell Drugs as the “Bartell Obliteride Biker,” with Bartell Drugs providing Westerfield’s Obliteride registration and fundraising support and Element Cycles donating a Focus Culebro bike, Giro Savant helmet and jersey.

Westerfield’s preparations are being highlighted on the Bartell Drugs website, www.bartelldrugs.com, and through social media and other outlets.

Element Cycles (formerly Sammamish Valley Cycle), located at 8215 160th Ave NE, Redmond, is a one-stop sales and service cycling shop for bikes, apparel, and accessories. Owned and operated by cycling enthusiasts, Element Cycles hosts bike demos, participates in cycle events, and coordinates group rides.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be selected,” said Westerfield, an active triathlete who has organized fundraising efforts in the fight against cancer. ”In the coming weeks, I hope to inspire others to participate by riding or making a pledge to fund life-saving cancer research.”

With 25, 50, 100 and 180-mile routes, Obliteride is a new, annual cycling fundraiser that will accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Thanks to sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to breakthrough cancer research at Fred Hutch.

Westerfield will participate in the 180-mile route—the longest of four options for Obliteride participants. The two-day circuit winds south from the north end of Lake Washington to Tacoma, returning to Seattle on Day 2, and culminating at the Obliteride Festival at Magnuson Park.

Westerfield said her training will encompass long and challenging weekend rides coupled with her daily 12-mile round-trip commute on bicycle from Greenwood to downtown Seattle. She has participated in multiple fundraising efforts in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She has also personally raised $30,000 as a Team In Training triathlete, and has organized the “March Forth Fun Run” the past two years at Green Lake.

Seattle-based Bartell Drugs owns and operates 60 locations throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Family-owned since 1890, it is the oldest family-owned drugstore chain in the United States.