$1K+ Per Mile Is a Nice Way to Say ‘F*** Cancer!’

After a record breaking fundraising year in 2024 the Fireflies tour is looking for new riders to join the battle to fight cancer in 2025.  The Fireflies West is a purpose driven cycling community whose mission is to ride bikes, to raise money, to find cures for cancer. Over the years, the Fireflies have built a forum for training both seasoned riders and newcomers and to inspire action and change through community.

For 16 years, an international group of dedicated cyclists, primarily from the advertising and entertainment industries, has come together to honor loved ones, support those in need, and fund groundbreaking research.

The Fireflies West 2024 Cycling Tour broke new ground last year by starting outside of California for the first time, embarking on a breathtaking seven-day, 628.8-mile ride from Oregon’s Willamette Valley to California’s Napa Valley. This year’s event also set a new fundraising record, raising an incredible $685,000—equivalent to $1,089 per mile—in support of the world-renowned cancer research and treatment center City of Hope.

"With every mile covered and every dollar raised, we are one step closer to finding a cure for cancer," said Michael Raimondi of Union Editorial, who has ridden with the Fireflies since 2004. To date, Fireflies West has raised over $5 million for City of Hope’s mission.

This month the Fireflies announced the 2025 route and dates, also opening its “Call for Riders”, inviting both returning and new participants to apply. This also officially kicks off five months of training leading up to next autumn’s event.

More Than a Ride—A Global Movement

What started as a ride among friends for a cause, has evolved into a global movement, uniting cyclists from around the world in a growing testament to the power of hope, dedication, and the unwavering belief in making a difference in the fight against cancer. Beyond pushing personal limits or embodying the spirit of camaraderie, Fireflies West riders are driven by a profound commitment to City of Hope’s mission—transforming lives through innovative research and compassionate patient care.

The Fireflies West journey is as much a personal one as it is a collective endeavor. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find strength in adversity and to channel that strength toward something greater than oneself. Organizers emphasize that any ride—no matter how challenging—pales in comparison to the battles fought by cancer patients and their families. This awareness serves as a powerful motivator, pushing riders to dig deep and find resilience within themselves.

“The FFW Tour isn’t a race”, said Erik Press co-founder of Fireflies West, “it’s a shared journey that challenges people to join us in changing the world a little bit at a time. What’s most impressive, is seeing our community support less experienced riders accomplish goals that once appeared impossible. And of course, surpassing our fundraising effort over the years always helps us feel that we are on the right path. Our work in creating meaningful impact both on and off the bike is far from over, and we welcome both riders and donors to become part of this transformative journey”.