COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cycling a hundred miles or even 20 miles takes a lot of endurance, but it’s a challenge that a group of medical students at Ohio State is ready to take on.
What You Need To Know
- A group of Ohio State medical students, also known as ‘Spin Doctors’, are training for the Columbus Pelotonia to honor a friend
- Their friend, Mason Fisher, passed away during the 2022 Pelotonia
- The ‘Spin Doctors’ hope their participation not only raises money for cancer research but also honors Fisher
While they’ve ridden in the Pelotonia in Columbus for years, this time it’s taking on a whole new meaning for them.
“This year I’m motivated more than ever,” said Matthew Marquart, captain of Ohio State ‘Spin Doctors’.
But, while it’s not easy getting this whole group together, it’s so much more than a bike ride. They’re riding with a purpose – to honor one of their own.
Mason Fisher, the 27-year-old medical student, was part of this group, known as the Ohio State College of Medicine ‘Spin Doctors’.
“Mason was one of my classmates last year, and he helped me run the ‘Spin Doctors’ Peloton together,” said Marquart.
‘Spin Doctors’ teammate Matthew Marquart says it was Fisher’s third time riding the Pelotonia and Fisher challenged himself to finish the longest course.
“He was really motivated to finish the 103-mile ride,” said Marquart. But, “Mason passed away during ride weekend last year. Just a very unexpected medical event happened that we’re still trying to understand just over mile 100. It shocked everyone.”
So, the ‘Spin Doctors’ came up with the idea to not only ride for cancer research, but to also ride in Mason Fisher’s memory.
“He’s definitely with us,” said Marquart, “and we’re all riding to honor him this year and his memory.”
And while they miss their friend, they’ll tell you he is with their thoughts on every ride. He left an impression that these ‘Spin Doctors’ say will last a lifetime.
“It just motivates me to be the best I can be every day and make as big of an impact as I can in his memory,” said Marquart. “I just feel an incredible sense of purpose to be a part of Pelotonia to honor and, you know, make sure his memory lasts as long as possible.”
The Pelotonia this year is August 5th and 6th. You can sign up now on Pelotonia.org.
