Rain was falling hard as Jerad Bachar rode his Cannondale gravel bike on the 40-mile course of Rush to Crush Cancer in May. Pittsburgh area roads were slick. The ride was uncomfortable.
But he kept pedaling.
“It was grueling,” said Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, of the inaugural event that benefited the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside. “Those hills got intense and conditions weren’t the greatest, but I thought about everything my sister has had to endure, and nothing compares to what she has been going through. There was no way I was going to stop.”
Bachar’s sister, Jodi Radke, 49, of Russell, Kan. was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. He also has had some bouts with skin cancer. He realized when he turned 50 the importance of fitness and health and taking care of yourself.
He is inspired by the more than 10,000 athletes who are coming to Pittsburgh this week to participate in the National Senior Games hosted by VisitPittsburgh. Bachar, 53, will be one of them. He is competing in the 20K race on July 16 in Volant, Pa.
He announced his participation after an announcement opening registration to all athletes 50 years and older without requiring qualification.
“The National Senior Games feature the best athletes in the country and also serve as a vivid reminder of the importance of health and wellness over the age of 50,” Bachar said. “I hope my participation will give others who might be hesitant to participate enough encouragement to go for it. We may never have an opportunity like this again.”
Bachar attended the most recent senior games and saw the desire and dedication of the senior athletes.
“Pittsburgh embraces such events and opens its arms to visitors,” Bachar said. “Pittsburgh makes the event like it’s a part of Pittsburgh and not just something that is happening here. It will be an exciting time with all of these senior athletes here.”
Bachar said it is so important to be active, no matter what your age. Being out there with other people creates a sense of community. He said so many older people are isolated and sports and exercise are a perfect way to connect people. Bachar is bringing enthusiasm and spirit to the games and is demonstrating to Pittsburghers first-hand how easy it is to get involved, said Jennifer Hawkins, executive director of SportsPittsburgh, the sports development division of VisitPittsburgh.
“We think it’s great that the head of the local host organization for the National Senior Games is going to compete in the games,” said National Senior Games CEO Sue Hlavacek via email. “It’s extraordinary and provides a great role model for others in the Steel City to keep moving as they age.”
Bachar said he has felt motivation from family, friends and colleagues. He said when his sister became ill it made him think about the importance of fitness even more
“We should control what we can control,” he said. “You can’t control cancer but you can control your lifestyle and exercising and eating right.”
Bachar, who lives Downtown, didn’t start cycling until his 40s.
He has been cycling on the city’s various trails. Part of his workout includes weight training and Peloton classes. He streams workouts with Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby. One of his favorite workouts is with Donna Summer classes on Peloton.
“My sister is so excited I am doing this,” Bachar said. “She loves the fact that family and friends have rallied around her. Emotional support is so important. When you have a person you are thinking about when you are doing something like a bike race or running a marathon it makes it all that much more personal and real, and it motivates you to keep on going.”
