On March 1, 2009, nearly 1,000 New England residents pedaled tirelessly to show their support and dedication to the fight against cancer. This three-hour indoor cycling event, called Spin for Hope took place simultaneously at 37 health clubs throughout New England. It raised nearly $345,000.

Spin for Hope 2010 will be held on Sunday, March 7. To learn more, visit the Spin for Hope Web site.

Matt Calderiso, who participated in Spin for Hope at Bristol Total Fitness in Rhode Island, was our top 2009 individual fundraiser, raising $8,305. He received a plaque with his name, amount raised, Spin logo, and a picture of himself riding with his wife and daughter on the day of the event. Our second top fundraiser was Richard Kreis from Boston Athletic Club who rode at the Boston Seaport World Trade Center. He raised $7,235. Other incentive prizes included Spin for Hope towels for any individual raising over $750 and a grey Spin for Hope quarter-zip sweatshirt for individuals raising more than $1,500.

The top fundraising club was Manchester Athletic Club, which had 44 participants raising more than $41460.99.

Participants either registered as an individual and cycled for the entire three hours, or formed a team of two or more people and took turns cycling. Individuals registering to cycle the whole three hours were asked to raise a minimum of $300, and teammates were asked to raise a minimum of $200 each.

The 11th annual SpinOdyssey event to benefit breast cancer research will be held at INTENSITY in Norwalk, CT, on Sunday, March 7. This event, presented by Shape Magazine, will include indoor Spinning®, tennis, ZUMBA and fitness classes.

SpinOdyssey has raised more than $2 million for breast cancer research since its first charity spin ride on January 1, 2000, and helped fund 19 researchers. SpinOdyssey is 100% volunteer-run by people who are breast cancer survivors, indoor cycling and fitness instructors and students, and their families and friends. Donations riders raise are awarded to cancer researchers.

For more information log on to www.spinodyssey.org or call Patty Kondub, SpinOdyssey chair, at 203-362-5231.

Photo: Nearly 150 Boston area residents participated in the 2009 American Cancer Society Spin for Hope at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Wave Health and Fitness at the Seaport Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center and Boston Athletic Club joined forces to support and coordinate Spin for Hope at the Trade Center. Other supporters include Regan’s Motivated Fitness and Healthworks.