By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Cycling for more than 100 miles across terrains of varying difficulties would likely seem tough to most people.

But when each push of the pedal is a reminder of someone that has been lost to a terrible disease that has no definitive cure, the perspective changes drastically.

Suddenly, the measurement of what is tough changes.

And, even more so, who it is tough for, most certainly changes.

It is hard to find a family that has not been impacted by cancer and Streetsboro High School athletic director Randy Tevepaugh is no different.

Both of Tevepaugh’s parents, Larry and Mary, as well as his brother Danny all died from cancer.

On Sept. 10, on Bike to Cure weekend, Tevepaugh will ride with them in his heart as part of VeloSano 9, which is a year-round fundraising initiative that supports cancer research at the Cleveland Clinic.

The event typically includes thousands of riders and 100 percent of their money raised goes directly toward research by spring of the following year.

According to the organizations website, the initiative has raised nearly $30 million in the fight against cancer.

And Tevepaugh has been there nearly from the start, riding in eight of the nine VelaSano events, missing only the inaugural event in 2014.

The way it works is that a rider registers, then raises money through family, friends and networking donations.

“The opportunity to use sports to promote a fundraiser like this, and to have it be successful, is a very special thing,” Tevepaugh said. “It is a great way to bring recognition and awareness to a cause. It gives people the opportunity to engage and learn more about it.”

The event offers a 25-, 50-, 75- or 100-mile course. There is even a 5-mile kids event.

Tevepaugh, who has cycled for decades and has also competed in 36 triathlons, as well as two Iron Man competitions, is riding the 100-mile terrain.

To prepare, he begins amplifies his training from May through September and often rides for an average of 90 to 150 miles each week.

He seeks out all different types of terrains in preparation for the VelaSano, which starts in Cleveland, but loops through Shaker Heights, out to Burton, down to Bainbridge, into Solon, through Chagrin Falls before returning back to Cleveland.

“If you don’t train and prepare your body, everything will catch up with you,” Tevepaugh said.

Tevepaugh’s pledges generally come from his large family and friends.

“I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by great people that have supported me in this every year, including my wife, Denise, of 42 years,” Tevepaugh said.

And while he agreed to the story you are reading right now, Tevepaugh was also very quick to point out that his desire to ride in the VelaSano is never about the spotlight being on him.

Instead, quite the opposite.

“For me, this is an event to help get the cause out there in front of as many people as possible,” Tevepaugh said. “That is the most important element to all of this because it allows for the extensive research that has made great strides.”

Even when it had seemed too difficult to try.

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Editor’s Note: For those that are interested in supporting Tevepaugh with a donation, visit give.velosano.org/fundraiser/3705393