Bike riders of all levels came to New Haven for the 14th Closer to Free Ride

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Cancer survivors and their supporters mounted bicycles Saturday afternoon for the 14th annual Closer to Free Ride in New Haven.

There were five different routes, designed by professionals, that ranged from 10 to 100 miles long. Routes began and ended at the Yale Bowl on 81 Central Ave.

Riders of all different skill levels were encouraged to participate and hop on a bicycle for a good cause.

“I smile and cry all day long,” Susan Ottenheimer told News 8 while describing what it feels like to participate in The Ride. Susan, a cancer survivor from Guilford, has been participating in The Ride for the last eight years.

“My first year, actually, I was talking to this little kid and he said that he was a survivor. It blows me away. It’s just a great feeling,” said Susan.

Proceeds from The Ride go to support Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.