Lee Budin Memorial Velvet
Ice Cream Ride and Picnic
SAVE THE DATE!
The ride is scheduled for Sunday, July 12th!
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Planning for the 2026 Lee Budin Memorial Velvet Ice Cream Ride and Picnic is officially underway! Don’t miss out, sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all the details for this year’s event.
The Velvet Ice Cream Ride has grown remarkably since its inception in 2010 when teamCOPC co-founder Lee Budin casually proposed biking to Utica for ice cream.
From its humble beginnings with just 23 brave riders facing the heat and hills, the event now welcomes over 300 participants annually. This unique tradition, organized as a Pelotonia fundraiser and presented by teamCOPC, combines cycling, community, and celebration.
Held a few weeks before Pelotonia, the ride serves as an excellent final preparation for Pelotonia participants while offering a fun and challenging experience for all riders.
The journey ends with a picnic celebration, making it not only a fitness event but also a community gathering centered around a shared goal: fighting cancer through fundraising.
The Velvet Ice Cream Ride has truly evolved into a cherished tradition, blending the love of cycling with the joy of ice cream and the spirit of philanthropy.
In loving memory of one of teamCOPC’s cofounders, Lee Budin
TeamCOPC was co-founded in 2010 by Drs. Lee Budin, Jen Campbell, and Mike Perry after riding in the inaugural Pelotonia the previous year. Lee, a dear friend, colleague, and leader, rode for several years before transitioning to administrative roles in Chicago and Texas.
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In November 2020, Lee faced his own battle with pancreatic cancer. After a bucket-list trip with loved ones, he passed in October 2022. Before his passing, Lee gave his blessing to rename this ride in his honor.
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We are proud to continue this tradition as the Lee Budin Memorial Velvet Ice Cream Ride, riding in his memory and for everyone impacted by cancer. #EndingCancer #GameOn
Special Thanks to...
Ride Coordinator: Kim Beery
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Initially begun as an adventurous ride with friends, it grew quickly until 2014, when Kim Beery had the vision to expand it with a picnic and fundraiser benefitting Pelotonia. Kim continues to be the master organizer of the ride and picnic, and her skills have truly made the event what it is today. If you'd like to thank Kim, feel free to do with a donation at www.Pelotonia.org.
Companies that give time, discounts, and/or products:​
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Velvet Ice Cream
