Katie Krugel will be riding a borrowed bicycle at The Ride this year. The bike belongs to her boyfriend Jake Linhart’s mother, Deb, who was treated for breast cancer years ago and recently learned that the cancer had spread to her bones.

This will be Katie’s second time participating in The Ride. “This time will be more emotional,” she says. “I’ll be thinking a lot about Jake’s mom when I’m riding.”

She’ll also be thinking about Jake, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2019. He’ll be with her on the 50K route. Also on her mind will be her friend’s father, who has multiple myeloma, and the uncle she lost to carcinoid cancer when she was young. All of these personal connections to cancer are why Katie is motivated to raise money through The Ride to support cancer research at the University of Wisconsin.

“I think it’s super important that money is going toward cancer research because cancer affects so many people, not only the people who get cancer but their families and friends as well,” Katie says. “I also really believe in the University of Wisconsin. It’s a great institution, known internationally for its research. I’m obviously a little biased because I’m a Badger alumna but–I just love to support the university. Plus, I love biking and seeing all these people who believe and support the same cause that Jake and I do.”

The Ride has powered over $1.3M since 2016 through the support and foundation of its participants. For more information on how to walk, run, bike or volunteer at The Ride, visit badgerchallenge.org.