Local Man's Spirit Lives On Through The Ride for Rick

Woodbury resident, Rick Moisan, who lost his courageous battle with lung cancer in February of 2005, will once again be in the news, this time as the namesake for the Fifth Annual Ride for Rick and 5k Road Race- highlighted by a charity bike tour through Woodbury and surrounding towns, scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, 2008 at Mitchell Elementary School in Woodbury.

The Ride for Rick, which was first held in 2004, was the brainchild of Rick’s then-fitness trainer, Eric Hodska, of Monroe (website).  Hodska is a five-time all-American Triathlete who has competed in numerous triathlons as well as the Ironman Triathlon Championships several times.  Hodska trained Rick to compete in two Ironman events, as well.  At the time the Ride was created, Rick was battling cancer with chemotherapy and radiation, and wanted a vehicle to draw attention to the deadly disease, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world today.  Moisan had never smoked, and the incidences of lung cancer in patients who also have never smoked are on the rise.

Rick Moisan was an accomplished architect and athlete, as well as a husband, father and a prominent member of the community since 1988. 

Last year’s Ride for Rick attracted nearly 1000 people, and raised over $85,000.  Proceeds from the 5thAnnual Ride for Rick and 5k Road Race will benefit CT Hospice, The Rick Moisan Scholarship Fund, and KIDSWHOCARE, a fund for families battling cancer and catastrophic illness. 

The tour consists of a 5, 10, 25 or 50-mile course, and can be completed on bicycle or on foot, either walking or running. This year we have also added a 5k road race to the event.

For information on “The Ride for Rick”, or to register or volunteer, register online or pick up a registration form at retailers in the Tri-bury area. You may also call 203.263.2997 or 203.266.9164.

For those unable to participate in the bike tour, donations may be made in Rick Moisan’s memory to The Ride for Rick, Inc., c/o Pam Peck, P.O. Box 1092, Woodbury, CT 06798.