Pedal the Cause

What Pedal the Cause does

Pedal the Cause is a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009/2010 that operates an annual charity cycling event to fund cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital. The organization runs a single annual ride weekend at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri, supplemented by year-round programs including training rides, the Team Captain Summit, Taste the Cause food celebration, the Top Fundraiser Celebration, Lindsey's Spin Zone (outdoor stationary cycling), and a Virtual Inspired / DIY Fundraiser program for off-region participants. Its core products are the seven-course Ride Event (10-100 miles), Spin Zone sessions, the Kids Challenge for ages 3-13, and team-based fundraising structures divided into Corporate Teams, Hospital Affiliated Teams, and Friends & Family Teams. The Champions Circle leadership giving program ($1,000-$75,000+) and PTC Shop merchandise sales extend revenue capture beyond event day.

The operating model is built on a 100% pass-through donations pledge, achieved by having corporate sponsors (Edward Jones and Hyundai Hope on Wheels as Presenting Sponsors, plus Clayco, McCarthy, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Carrollton Bank and other Champion-tier and below partners) underwrite all administrative and event-operations costs. Revenue mechanics blend participant registration fees (ranging from $0 Kids Challenge, $35 Virtual, $55 under-30, $100-$175 road tiers), peer-to-peer donations committed against fundraising minimums ($200 Virtual, $375 sub-40-mile routes, $500 40+ mile routes), corporate sponsorship tiers (Presenting through Peloton), leadership giving through Champions Circle, and merchandise revenue. Go-to-market relies on community-led, event-driven peer-to-peer fundraising, supported by direct website registration, year-round training ride engagement, and a multi-channel ecosystem of partner give-back campaigns (e.g., Dierbergs Round Up at the Register, 4 Hands Brewing City Wide beer). Since 2010, Pedal the Cause reports raising over $56 million, funding 274+ cancer research projects, and generating a 14:1 leveraged ROI in follow-on research funding (each $1 donated attracts roughly $14 in outside research funding).

The organization is staffed by a 21-person team led by Executive Director David Drier, Director of Advancement Pam Mandelker, Director of Events Jules, and Community Engagement Manager Mollie Zolkind, operating from an Olivette/St. Louis office, with no parent company, no subsidiaries, and no traditional equity ownership structure.

Name

Pedal the Cause

Legal name

Pedal the Cause

Website

https://pedalthecause.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pedal the Cause is a St. Louis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs an annual charity cycling event and supporting programs, channeling 100% of participant-raised donations to cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charity Cycling Events & Nonprofit Fundraising

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Cycling Events (Road Races, Gran Fondos, Sportives) (MPAKAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mass Participation Race Organizers (Runs, Triathlons, Cycling) (MPAKADAD), Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

Keywords

• Charity bike ride
• Cancer research fundraising
• Nonprofit cycling events
• Peer-to-peer fundraising
• Community fundraising events

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Participant Registration Fees: Registration fees for bike riders, spinners, virtual participants, and kids challenge participants. Fees vary by participation type and registration timing (Early Bird, Advance, Standard pricing tiers). These fees cover event operations.
2. Donations: Individual and corporate donations from participants and supporters. 100% of participant-raised donations fund cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital. General donations, memorial donations, and planned giving options available.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors at various tiers (Presenting, Visionary, Champion, Lead, Signature, Contributing, Peloton) offset event and administrative costs, enabling 100% of participant donations to fund research.
4. PTC Shop Merchandise: Merchandise sales through the PTC Shop including team jerseys, gear, and promotional items. Volunteers who raise $250+ receive shop credits.
5. Champions Circle Leadership Giving: Leadership giving program with tiered recognition levels from $1,000 to $75,000+. Members receive event invitations and special recognition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Pedal the Cause organizes an annual charity cycling event and year-round fundraising platform that mobilizes individual riders, corporate teams, and hospital-affiliated teams to raise money for cancer research. 100% of participant-raised donations are directed to Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital, with corporate sponsors covering all operational costs. The organization has raised over $56 million across 274+ cancer research projects since 2010.

Product overview

Pedal the Cause is a charitable cycling event organization that operates a unified event platform centered around its annual bike ride fundraiser. The core offering is the main Ride Event featuring multiple course distances, supplemented by the Spin Zone cycling program, Inspired Virtual/DIY Fundraiser options, and Kids Challenge youth program. Additional programs include the Volunteer Program, Team Fundraising Platform (encompassing Corporate Challenge and Hospital Affiliated Teams), Champions Circle leadership giving program, and seasonal events including Team Captain Summit, Taste the Cause, Training Rides, and Top Fundraiser Celebration. The organization is not a technology product company but rather an event-based nonprofit that provides fundraising tools through third-party platforms like GiveSignUp.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ride Event Annual charity bike ride event offering 7 course options ranging from 10 to 100 miles, with routes for all skill levels from beginner to advanced cyclists. The flagship event takes place at the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO.
• Lindsey's Spin Zone Outdoor stationary cycling event featuring multiple sessions with top instructors, offering an indoor-style cycling experience as part of Pedal the Cause weekend.
• Inspired Virtual Participant Program Virtual participation option allowing supporters to choose their own activity during Pedal weekend and fundraise for cancer research. Includes virtual participant box with jersey/tee, rider bag, and goodies.
• DIY Fundraiser Year-round fundraising option for individuals who want to raise funds for cancer research through memorial donations or self-organized fundraising events without attending the main ride event.
• Kids Challenge Youth cycling program for children ages 3-13 featuring safe closed-course riding with multiple shift times, free t-shirt, goodie bag, and access to Discovery Zone.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer program offering roles across Ride Village, Culinary Hospitality, On-Course Support, and Kids Challenge during event weekend. Volunteers receive t-shirt, snacks, refreshments, and onsite support.
• Team Fundraising Platform Team-based participation structure with Corporate Challenge Teams, Hospital Affiliated Teams, and Friends & Family Teams, featuring team management tools and fundraising incentives.
• Champions Circle Leadership giving program with tiered membership levels from $1,000 to $75,000+ offering exclusive event invitations, special recognition, and VIP access to Pedal the Cause events.

Quantifiable outcome

• $56+ million raised since 2010 with 100% going directly to 274+ cancer research projects
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, major, supporting and minor.

• Edward JonesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Pedal the Cause. Edward Jones has the top corporate fundraising team with $686,415 raised in 2025. Their team 'Powered By Hope' under the Friends & Family category raised $327,279, and Edward Jones employees also form a strong corporate presence.
• Hyundai Hope on WheelsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor with Hyundai Hope on Wheels logo appearing prominently on event materials. Focuses on pediatric cancer research funding through Siteman Kids.
• Foundation for Barnes-Jewish HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeneficiary organization along with Siteman Cancer Center. Receives funding allocations from Pedal the Cause donations.
• St. Louis Children's Hospital / Siteman KidscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary beneficiary for pediatric cancer research. All Kids Challenge proceeds fund pediatric cancer research at Siteman Kids.
• ClaycomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerVisionary tier sponsor representing significant financial support. Construction industry partner with community engagement focus.
• Carrollton BankmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion tier sponsor. Financial institution supporting the event and Taste the Cause food event.
• Enterprise Bank & TrustmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion tier sponsor. Sponsors the Inspirational Program and fireworks display. Major corporate team with $59,060 raised in 2025.
• McCarthymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion tier sponsor. Construction company with second highest corporate fundraising team at $123,134 in 2025.
• 4 Hands Brewing Co.supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLead tier sponsor. Host of PTC Signature Training Ride at their Kirkwood location. Provides 'Pedal the Cause City Wide' beer with $1 per case donated.
• Dierbergs MarketssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLead tier sponsor. Runs 'Round Up at the Register' campaign August-September where customers can round up purchases or donate rewards points.
• Fitz's Root BeersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLead tier sponsor. Provides root beer floats at Taste the Cause and Sunday celebration. Company partner with local St. Louis ties.
• Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co.supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing coffee at events. Their team 'Companion/Kaldi's powered by Big Shark' raised $114,569 in 2025.
• KeeleyCaressupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer sponsor. Provides volunteer support for the event through employee volunteer programs.
• PfizersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PTC Signature Training Ride in Chesterfield (August 23). Pharmaceutical company supporting cancer research.
• Big Shark Bicycle CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAthletic partner. Hosts Tour des Sharks training ride and provides bike support. Partner team raised $114,569 in 2025.
• CyclebarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-kind sponsor supporting the Spin Zone with indoor cycling expertise and possibly instructors.
• TruFusionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFitness studio partner for optional spin class at Team Captain Summit. In-kind venue and instruction support.
• Washington University School of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated institution whose employees form Hospital Affiliated Teams. Researchers receive Pedal funding for cancer studies.
• BJC HealthCarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHospital affiliated organization whose employees form teams and whose facilities benefit from Pedal-funded research.
• AmerensupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerContributing sponsor and Kids Challenge sponsor. Utility company supporting community events.
• Siteman Cancer CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary beneficiary organization. Receives 100% of participant-raised donations to fund cancer research. Dr. Tim Eberlein serves as Director.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• World Bicycle Relief: World Bicycle Relief uses cycling as a vehicle for international development impact, distributing bicycles in Africa and other regions. Adjacent rather than directly competitive — both use bicycles as a fundraising/plural-impact medium — but operates across a very different cause (mobility/access) and geography than Pedal the Cause's cancer research mission.

Broad incumbents

• Livestrong Foundation: Livestrong is a broader cancer survivorship and patient support nonprofit with a much wider program portfolio than Pedal the Cause. Relevant as a high-profile cancer-cause nonprofit, but does not specialize in cycling or in direct cancer research grantmaking.
• American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society is the largest U.S. cancer nonprofit, funding research across many institutions plus delivering patient services and advocacy. Overlaps with Pedal the Cause on the cancer research fundraising mission but at vastly larger scale and broader scope — including its own cycling events (e.g., River Valley region rides).

Direct peers

• Lustgarten Foundation: Lustgarten Foundation is the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the U.S., supporting research through community events including cycling fundraisers. Compares to Pedal the Cause as a focused cancer research nonprofit with community/cycling event fundraising and corporate sponsor underwriting.
• Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC): PMC is the largest single athletic fundraising event in the U.S., directing cycling fundraising to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Directly comparable as a long-running (founded 1980) annual charity bike ride with corporate sponsorship, team structures, and 100% donation pass-through to a single cancer research institution.
• V Foundation for Cancer Research: The V Foundation is a major cancer research grantmaking nonprofit founded in 1993, funding research at institutions nationwide. Comparable as an event-driven, donation-funded cancer research grantmaker with a focus on transformational research — a slightly different funding vehicle (multi-sport events vs. cycling) but the most direct functional peer.
• Pelotonia: Pelotonia is a Columbus, Ohio-based cycling fundraiser that has directed hundreds of millions to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Most direct analog to Pedal the Cause — same sport (cycling), same cause (cancer research), same 100% donation-pass-through model, same hospital-affiliated team infrastructure.
• Ride to Conquer Cancer: The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a multi-city cycling fundraiser supporting cancer research at institutions like the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Same formula: cycling distance ride, community fundraising, corporate sponsorship, and full donation pass-through to cancer research. Operates in different geographies (Canada/Australia) than Pedal the Cause.
• Bike MS (National Multiple Sclerosis Society): Bike MS is the National MS Society's nationwide cycling fundraising series — 60+ rides generating tens of millions for MS research. Closely comparable operating model: cycling event series, team fundraising with corporate and individual categories, and 100% mission pass-through. Comparable disease-research angle, but diseases differ.
• Tour de Cure (American Diabetes Association): Tour de Cure is the American Diabetes Association's national signature cycling fundraising program, with multiple ride locations and corporate teams. Direct same-formula peer: cycling-based community-led fundraising supporting disease-specific research, tiered registration pricing, and corporate sponsor underwriting.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pedalthecause

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pedal the Cause