Bikers Against Cancer hitting the road for local patients

CATSKILL―In 2014, Kelli’s Ride was started by retired Catskill Police Sergeant Rick Jacobs as a one-time fundraiser to help a friend and local businesswoman who was fighting pancreatic cancer. More than a decade later, kickstands are still going up to raise money for those battling the disease.

The event is now known as Bikers Against Cancer and their 2026 ride is set for June 14 to support the Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid.

“The premise was simple. Invite bikers to have a nice ride, raise some money and have a good time, in order to help Kelli,” said Jacobs, speaking of Kelli Beers who was the beloved owner of Natalie’s Nook on Main Street in Catskill.

Beers rode along on the first ride even though she was not always feeling great. Participants raised about $2,000 and the money went directly to Beers and her family to help with expenses.

“In 2015, Kelli was still battling the disease, so another ride was organized for that spring. Unfortunately, Kelli lost her battle just prior to the ride so it was held in her memory,” Jacobs said, noting that proceeds were turned over to her family.

Jacobs thought the event was finished.

“All of the volunteers and contributors did a fabulous job helping and honoring a great friend and now it was time to move on,” he said. “Well, little did they know.”

It was suggested that the rides should continue with the money raised going to The Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid. Formed in 1970, the organization financially assists men, women, and children in Greene County who have been diagnosed with cancer. They allow each patient $5,000 to pay for doctors, pharmacies, hospital bills, wigs, prosthetics, and other healthcare essentials. The non-profit is currently assisting more than 70 cancer patients.

So, Jacobs approached the organization in 2016 and “after some convincing that it wasn’t a bad idea to get involved with bikers,” the ride was a go, he said.

That year there were over 100 motorcycles and more than 150 people participated. Volunteers came from across the area and $5,000 was raised for the Greene County Women’s League.

“The communities have always come together and rallied behind us to help us with this event over the years,” Jacobs said, adding that 90 percent of the food is donated by local restaurants and musicians give of their time and talent.

“Most of the prizes are donated and the volunteers, many of which have been with me since the beginning, are an outstanding group of individuals,” said Jacobs.

The ride continued each summer until Covid brought the world―and the fundraiser―to a stop.

“As time went by it seemed all but certain Kelli’s Ride would slip into history,” Jacobs said.

But in 2023, he once again found himself in contact with the Greene County Women’s League and the idea of restarting the ride as Bikers Against Cancer resurfaced.

“A rebrand was suggested, not to forget Kelli, but to remember that the Greene County Women’s League helps hundreds of other families in Greene County every year who are dealing with the horrific disease of cancer,” Jacobs said.

Kickstands again went up in 2024 and 2025, and since 2016 the ride has raised more than $30,000 for the Greene County Women’s League.

This year, Bikers Against Cancer is partnering with Meadowbrook Farm Catskills, located at 513 County Road 67 in Leeds, for what is hoped to be the biggest year yet.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Stewart’s Shop on Route 23B by Exit 21 of the New York State Thruway. Kickstands go up at 10 a.m. The cost is $30 per person and includes entry, food and entertainment at the afterparty at Meadowbrook.

The ride is approximately 95 miles and includes stops at Creekside Flea Market in Middleburgh and Blackthorne Resort in East Durham.

Music will be provided by The Tail Gate Band. A pork barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs will be prepared by Nick Cantelmo and his portable BBQ. A cash bar for refreshments will be available.

“You don’t have to own or ride a motorcycle to attend,” said Jacobs. “We appreciate all supporters to this worthy cause.”

For more information about Bikers Against Cancer call 518-821-0418 or 908-217-7604.