Ride For Life

by: Tim Ralph

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Born in Waterbury, CT, on September 13, 1961, I spent my early years in Jamaica, where my mother, a trailblazing fashion designer, nurtured my love for culture and resilience. I moved back to New York in 1976 and earned a football scholarship to Syracuse University, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Speech Communication.

Returning to Jamaica, I joined my mother at the helm of our family business, The House of Ivy. Her work inspired my own passion for leadership and creativity. In the early ’90s I built a successful career in media sales where I honed my skills in communication and advocacy. Along the way, I married, raised twins, and navigated life’s challenges with resilience.

In 2014, I found love again with Tomeka Nicole Griffin. Our life together was one of joy, endurance, and mutual support until 2017, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her brave fight, she passed away in 2019. Her strength and spirit continue to inspire me.

As an avid endurance athlete and cyclist, I have completed 15 half-marathons, 3 full marathons, including New York City and Chicago, 4 triathlons, a Half Ironman, and six 100-mile bike rides. These pursuits taught me the value of perseverance—qualities I now channel into my work for breast cancer awareness.

In Tomeka’s honor, I founded the "Ride for Tomeka Foundation", breast cancer awareness organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources, support, and hope to those affected. Through my personal journey, I aim to inspire others to embrace resilience, cherish their loved ones, and champion the fight against breast cancer.

In 2025, Jamaica will be the focus of my fundraising efforts with proceeds going to the Jamaican Cancer Society, an organization which provides cancer control and prevention services to Jamaicans at a highly subsidized rate. Join the fight against cancer at one of the events below.

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Proceeds from this online giving platform “Choose-A-Cause” will be donated to the Jamaica Cancer Society. The Jamaica Cancer Society is dedicated to fighting cancer in all forms and eliminating cancer as a major health concern within Jamaica. It does this through cancer control and prevention services including screening for different types of cancer at a highly subsidized rate for Jamaicans. Additionally, the organization provides financial aid for cancer patients to enable them access to diagnostic checks, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy services.

Donations received at the link below will support the Jamaica Cancer Society. You can help this cause by creating and sharing a personalized page with your friends and colleagues. If you click here and input your name/email, you will receive instructions on how to edit your very own shareable webpage to receive donations at, enabling you to enhance the outreach of this project!

 

2025 Cycling Schedule

  1. Discover Jamaica By Bike: May 1 – May 7, 2025

Reserve your spot HERE with the code TR2025.

 

Discover Jamaica by Bike is not just about cycling; we are also about immersing guests in the local culture, sampling authentic Jamaican cuisine, and discovering the hidden gems of the island that only the locals know about. We stay in locally owned hotels and support local vendors, ensuring that our tours have a positive impact on the communities we visit.

At Discover Jamaica by Bike, we pride ourselves on providing a unique and unforgettable experience for our cyclists. We offer a range of support services, including experienced guides, support vehicles, and an invaluable experience, to ensure that our cyclists have a safe and enjoyable journey.

Join us on a journey of a lifetime and discover the true beauty and culture of Jamaica on two wheels.

 

Dates and Itinerary:

– Thursday, May 1st. Arrival and Welcome Reception

– Friday, May 2nd. The Start Leave from Montego Bay to Negril (52 Miles)

– Saturday, May 3rd. The Challenge Negril to Mandeville. Up Spur Tree Hill (81 Miles)

– Sunday, May 4th. The Cruise Mandeville to Kingston (61 Miles)

– Monday, May 5th. Rolling Coast Kingston to Port Antonio (76 Miles)

– Tuesday, May 6th. Cultural Explosion Rest and enjoy the vibrant local culture, mouthwatering cuisine beautiful secluded beaches and lush rainforest

– Wednesday, May 7th. The Century Port Antonio to Montego Bay (118 Miles)

 

  1. MACC One Love Century: August 27 – 30 2025

Read more HERE.

 

MACC’s One Love Century is not just an event; it has blossomed into the largest ride in the Southeast, delivering unbeatable value for a charity ride in Georgia! One Love presents a remarkable chance to positively impact the lives of local youth through your participation.

The One Love Century features beautifully marked courses that wind through charming rural communities and picturesque horse farms in South Fulton, Rico, Palmetto, and Coweta County. Enjoy a fully supported ride complete with fantastic rest stops offering mechanical assistance, refreshing sports drinks, water, and a delightful array of snacks, fruits, and treats. The post-ride celebration is a blast, featuring a vibrant DJ, mouth-watering Jamaican patties, and delicious Georgia watermelons, all set in a warm family reunion atmosphere.

 

Dates and Itinerary:

– Thursday, August 27th. Fast and Spicy Tango Kickoff Ride

– Friday, August 28th. Legendary Fish Fry Ride

– Saturday, August 29th. One Love Ride: (24 to 101 Miles) After Party

– Sunday, August 30th. Recovery Ride

 

  1. Kingston To Negril, October 18-20, 2025 (Hero’s Weekend)

The Kingston to Negril bike ride is a 158-mile journey across Jamaica, held every October during Heroes Weekend and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual event combines fitness, purpose, and celebration as riders traverse Jamaica’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Kingston, through scenic coastal roads and lush hills, to the tropical beauty of Negril.

Taking place over the extended Heroes Weekend, from Saturday to Monday, the ride is fully supported, with scheduled rest stops providing refreshments, first aid, and encouragement. This inspiring event not only challenges cyclists physically but also unites participants in raising awareness and support for breast cancer research and advocacy. Whether riding for the cause, the camaraderie, or the sense of achievement, the Kingston to Negril bike ride represents resilience, hope, and the spirit of Jamaica.

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