Tom Schultz
- National: 16th
- State: 3rd in IL
- My Team: 2nd
I'm Riding For
Pat & Tim G & Tim C, and in honor of Scott
Three of my longtime friends, who left us too early, will be along with me this year - in my thoughts and with my music playing loudly. And riding in honor of Scott, who battled cancer in 2022.
My Story
I am back.
This September, I am taking part again - my ninth year - in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
I am once again (5th year) on Team Kahleesi. Kahleesi is now 6 and was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma when she was only 9 months old. She is currently in remission. We all want to keep her there as there are no more chemotherapy options to fight her cancer.
Who am I riding for this year? In the past few years, riding along with me were three longtime friends, all born in 1953 like me, who passed away too early. We lost Pat M. in 2020, Tim C. in 2021, and then Tim G. in 2023. And they will be with me again in 2025.
I will also be riding in honor of another kid again this year, our son Scott. Scott started battling Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2022. He remains cancer free.
With the support of many over the past GCC eight years, we have been able to raise over $50k. THANK YOU!
My GCC goals for this year – continue raising awareness, funds, and prayers, while hoping this body allows me to ride a few miles.
Your support will change lives.
This is not just an event - it is a movement to end childhood cancer.
Onward!
My Legacy
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300 mi Ridden$1,174 Raised2017
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203 mi Ridden$1,515 Raised2018
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223 mi Ridden$2,328 Raised2019
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206 mi Ridden$5,163 Raised2020
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202 mi Ridden$7,500 Raised2021
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201 mi Ridden$9,076 Raised2022
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124 mi Ridden$11,844 Raised2023
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144 mi Ridden$12,215 Raised2024
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Ridden$4,563 Raised2025
My Challenge
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11.1 mi ride - 1st ride to start out GCC month - Monday, September 1, 2025
Logged this ride 22 hours ago - View on Strava -
Yikes – my turn!
1 Sep 2025ONE MONTH. ONE GOAL. FIGHT KIDS' CANCER.
This September, we're riding to end childhood cancer and save little lives.
Every hill we climb and every mile we pedal will be to honor those lives we've lost and stand with those brave kids still fighting to survive. These kids won't give up, and neither will we.
All of you have done your part of the challenge by supporting me and donating to this cause. With September here, it is time for me to start collecting my miles. There are almost 16,000 riders across the nation registered for this challenge.
My goals this year? One more than 2024 .........
72 miles, as I turn 72 soon
72 sponsors
And one more dollar.
There are now 30 sponsors on my list and riding along with me.
Current leaderboard info across all categories shows me/we are doing very well thanks to your help.
A little bit of trivia – of the top four fundraisers in Illinois, three are ex Motorolans.
When I first joined this challenge in 2017, my primary goal was to ride my bike more, along with raising awareness and donating a few dollars from Sue and me. I am proudly able to report that together over these eight plus years, we have now raised over $55k. And still counting.
Words cannot express how thankful and honored I am that you have supported this cause.
Posted 22 hours ago -
Tribute Day
22 Aug 2025Wednesday August 20 was Tribute Day.
This is a day where the GCC community united across the country to honor those we've lost, celebrate those we're riding to support and recognize the incredible fundraising efforts of our riders from the 2025 challenge.
To celebrate Tribute Day, we took over a huge billboard in Times Square for 4 hours to showcase rider pics and the pics of those they're riding for...on a VERY big screen. The billboard was 31 feet by 55 feet (it's HUGE).
I was honored to have my personal profile picture shown, but more grateful to show the people I am riding for.
Posted 11 days ago -
August already?
2 Aug 2025August is here and I am back for my monthly update.
In the last month, 5 more sponsors joined our team. We now have 26 sponsors for a total of $4290.
Amazing!
And the beat goes on……
I wanted to take some time here to give more background on how we got here.
OUR WHY
In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck, from Minnesota, was nearing the end of her 16-month battle with leukemia. Before she died, Katie asked that the money she’d been saving for a 10-speed bicycle be donated to a little-known fund at the University of Minnesota called Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). With that seed of support from Katie and her family, CCRF has contributed over $235 million in funding of nationwide research, education and quality of life programs for children with cancer.
Katie never got the chance to ride her new bike, so now we ride to realize her dream of a world without childhood cancer. Since the first Great Cycle Challenge event in 2015, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of 36,997,211 miles, and together we’ve raised $80,332,640 in support of research to develop better treatments and carry on Katie’s legacy.
Posted 31 days ago -
Hello July
1 Jul 20252 months before the miles count.
The official registration for this year’s challenge starts now. As you know, I got a head start. With your support, we now have 21 sponsors and donations approaching $4000.
I thought I would share some information here on what we fund.
* Innovative and promising research
We fund research at institutions nationwide, focusing on projects that allow researchers to prove their idea, then reach for even larger grants. Federal funding sources often don’t fund projects until much later in the process.
* Enhance healing and care for families
We understand that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the whole family. That’s why we fund programs that help families find joy and support during and after cancer treatment, from peer support groups to camps to programs for caregivers and siblings.
* Educate the world about childhood cancer
Through stories of families fighting cancer and researchers who won’t stop looking for answers, we educate the world about what we can do to create a world without childhood cancer.
Posted 63 days ago -
Hello Summer!
30 May 2025As the temperatures start to rise, we are looking forward to a rise in our bikes finding the trails in June.
We added 3 more sponsors in May. Our totals are now showing 20 donors, contributing $3400. Thanks!
Want to help raise awareness, resources and prayers? Feel free to share our information with your family and friends, through talk, text, email, social media.
Get out and enjoy this time of the year.
“The most beautiful things in life are not just things. They are people and places, memories and pictures. They are feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.”
Posted 95 days ago -
Hello May
1 May 2025As we go forward, I will send along updates at the beginning of each month until September. In September as rides transition from training into official, I will send weekly updates.
I am happy to report we are up to 17 sponsors, for over $2900. A great start thanks to many of you.
About the Challenge.....
The Great Cycle Challenge, benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund, started in 2015, and after 10 years, the event has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the United States.
People of all ages, abilities and from every state across the country set themselves a personal riding goal and challenge themselves to pedal to fight kids’ cancer. This year the challenge will again take place throughout the month of September.
In 10 years, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of 33,817,103 miles, and together we’ve raised $72,646,876 in support of research to develop better treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.
Enjoy your spring!
Posted 124 days ago -
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 139 days ago -
14 days in, 14 sponsors
15 Apr 2025Although it was only 2 weeks ago that I put out my announcement note that I would be riding again this year, I am happy to share that we now have fourteen donors on my list for a total of over $2100. Amazing. What a great start!
Some historical perspective. In my first 2 years, 2017-2018, of participating in this Great Cycle Challenge, I raised about $2700. Now in 2025, we have raised more than $2100 in just 2 weeks.
Thanks for checking out my update and adding your names to my list.
Keep the kids in your thoughts.
Posted 140 days ago -
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 147 days ago -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 153 days ago -
Let the fun begin - no foolin!
1 Apr 2025
Posted 154 days ago -
$500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 165 days ago -
$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 165 days ago -
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 165 days ago
My Sponsors
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Mark Valentine
“Congratulations Tom, on another year of the challenge!”
$517.50Received this donation 89 days ago
Tom
“Chris and Mark, thanks so much for the very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for me and the kids. While helping a great cause, we also remember our good friends Pat and Tim and Tim. Onward!”
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Mary Dempsey
“Keep up the great work, Tom!”
$517.50Received this donation 139 days ago
Tom
“Demps, thanks for your very generous donation to this cause and joining my list of sponsors again this year. We ride for those young ones who can't ride now but will in the future. It is friends like you who make this all possible. Your support of me for this challenge and all the support of us over all these years is so much appreciated.”
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Thomas Frost
“Roll on. . . Tip & Boyoung”
$310.50Received this donation 116 days ago
Tom
“Boyoung & Tip, thanks so much for the very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for the kids and this cause. In fact, as this is my year 9, you have donated 9 times. And I am very appreciative of your support of me for this, and the ongoing support of all of us through so many items. Onward!”
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Ann Simms
“Cheers to you for all you do to support the fight against kid's cancer! I'm honored to be part of your ride and your team! Enjoy the journey.”
$258.75Received this donation 147 days ago
Tom
“Ann, thanks so much for very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. I am so honored to still be teaming with you through all these years.”
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Mike
“Well done, Tom!!”
$258.75Received this donation 151 days ago
Tom
“Kell, thanks for your generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. You have supported this for many years. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas. Onward!”
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Randy & Kim Syme
“To many more trips around the sun for the kids! Cheers Tom”
$258.75Received this donation 153 days ago
Tom
“Kim & Randy, how wonderful that you joined me again on this challenge. Thanks for your very generous donation. Yes- keep those “trips” coming!”
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Lauren Amich
“Congratulations on another year of riding and raising awareness for such a wonderful cause! Wishing you smooth rides ahead — I know our dad will be cheering you on!”
$207Received this donation 126 days ago
Tom
“Lauren & Simon, how exciting to have you back on my list of sponsors again this year. And what a generous donation to this cause. It is amazing what we all can do to help these kids and their families and work on kicking cancer's butt. And of course, Lauren's dad will be riding along with me.”
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Anonymous
“May your handlebars be upright and your tires at the suggested P.S.I..”
$155.25Received this donation 12 days ago
Tom
“Dear "A", thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. Nort sure who you are - a car person or a biker sharing your PSI understanding.”
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Mike Shanahan
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon the fields as you ride on by. Best of luck on another year's Great Cycle Challenge. Kick cancer's arse!!!”
$155.25Received this donation 154 days ago
Tom
“Doughboy, thanks for adding your name again to my list of sponsors. And your words of encouragement are wonderful, as they show your foundation of being Irish and that undergrad in psych.”
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Ed Mullins
“Have a great day for a great cause, good luck on the weather”
$124.20Received this donation 59 days ago
Tom
“Ed, how nice to see your donation. Your support of the kids, the cause and me is really appreciated. And so great that so many were in Winona for the reunion.”
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PJ Cullerton
“Great cause ! Onward and upward Schultzie! Be well”
$124.20Received this donation 122 days ago
Tom
“PJ, thanks for your generous donation to this cause and joining my list of sponsors again this year. I think you have been supporting me almost every year. We ride for those young ones who can't ride now but will in the future. It is friends like you who make this all possible.”
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james f weaver
$120Received this donation 53 days ago
Tom
“Sharon & Jim, thanks for joining my list of sponsors again this year. I really appreciate your support of this cause, the kids and me.”
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Donna Cigrang
“I can never thank you enough for always going the extra mile for everyone. I truly appreciate that you include Tim every year, You were and still are a true friend to him.”
$103.50Received this donation 118 days ago
Tom
“Donna, great to have you join me again this year, as we support the kids and this cause. I am humbled by your words and thanks for the thoughts. I miss my friend. Although I would rather have Tim on his bike next to me, he is riding with me.”
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John and Patty gehron
“Ride like the wind!”
$103.50Received this donation 154 days ago
Tom
“Patty & John, I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. And I will add the Chistopher Cross song to my bike trail playlist lineup. Onward!”
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Kevin Leahy
“Let’s kick cancer in the butt!”
$103.50Received this donation 154 days ago
Tom
“Kevin, great to have you join me again this year, as we support the kids and this cause. Thank you! Nice to have a few Viator guys on my sponsor list. Yep - kick cancer's butt.”
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LeeAnn and Samantha Hall
“Thank you, Tom! Ride on!”
$103.50Received this donation 147 days ago
Tom
“LeeAnn & Sam, thanks for your generous donation and joining my list of sponsors again this year. I really appreciate your support of me and this cause. And I think this body of mine will hold up for the challenge, especially as I think of the kids fighting cancer who don't give up.”
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Tom Wethekam
“Keep on Going !!!!”
$74.52Received this donation 154 days ago
Tom
“Helen and TW, thank you for being my first (well, 2nd, after me) donor for 2025. You have been on this ride with me since the beginning in 2017. Thanks for your ongoing support.”
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Diane Donovan
$72.45Received this donation 149 days ago
Tom
“Diane & Kevin, how wonderful to see your donation. Hard to believe this is my 9th year. Your support of the kids, the cause and me is really appreciated.”
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Kevin & Lynn Moran
“Tom, you are amazing! Good luck with your journey this year. It could not be for a better cause!”
$72.45Received this donation 140 days ago
Tom
“Lynn & Kevin, thanks for joining my sponsor list again this year with your donation to help the kids and families touched by cancer. I think you have been supporting this cause with me for all nine years. I am truly grateful for your friendship and support, and I am so honored to have your names on my sponsor list. Me amazing? Onward!”
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Michael & Donna Stopka
$72.45Received this donation 148 days ago
Tom
“Donna & Mike, thanks for adding your name to my sponsor list again for this year and supporting me again. We all will do whatever we can to help in this cause, for the kids and their families.”