Published: August 5, 2025
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
To Tom Conquest, Bike to Beat Cancer isn’t just an event on the calendar, it’s his “Christmas,” a holiday he holds near and dear. Every September, he rides with purpose, passion and pride, honoring the people he has lost as well as the strength he has found as a cancer survivor.
Tom first joined Bike to Beat Cancer in 2013, inspired by his best friend, Ken, who was diagnosed with brain cancer and received treatment at Norton Cancer Institute. He vividly remembers taking Ken to appointments and spotting a bicycle in the lobby, an early spark that would lead to something much bigger.
“Ken loved biking,” Tom said. “Riding felt like a way to carry his memory forward.”
Bike to Beat Cancer is an event that brings together hundreds of people across the community to ride, walk and rally behind one shared mission: to fight back against cancer.
But in 2021, the cause became even more personal. Tom was diagnosed with tongue cancer and underwent six weeks of intense radiation. He lost 70 pounds during treatment. Just two days after finishing his final radiation session, he showed up to ride the 35-mile route in Bike to Beat Cancer. He calls that day his “most proud moment,” describing reaching the finish line as being like a NASCAR victory lap over cancer.
“It was not about speed; it was about making it through,” Tom said.
Now a regular participant, Tom fundraises, driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of age or experience, can be part of this mission. He loves all things about the event, but most of all, he loves the people.
“You see every kind of person out there. Survivors. Families. First-time riders. People who just show up to support. It’s special.”
This year, as Tom joins the hundreds of other riders on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, he will ride with the same message: Cancer may have left its mark, but it didn’t win.
Join Tom and hundreds of others at Bike to Beat Cancer. With 10 ways to participate, there is an option for everyone.
Help the participants in Bike to Beat Cancer 2025 reach their goal of raising $500,000. With 10 ways to participate, there is an opportunity for everyone.