Third Annual YAS-A-THON to Fight Cancer Features 3-Hour Spin

A three-hour spin session by 170 riders will take place June 3 to raise money for cancer research projects at the City of Hope and Children's Hospital Los Angeles as part of the third-annual YAS-A-THON.

The fundraiser has a goal of donating more than $175,000 for ThinkCure!, an official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers that has raised about $2 million since 2007 to fund cutting-edge research focused on new treatments for brain cancer, leukemia, lymphoma and other types of cancer.

Riders in the event have pledged to raise or contribute a minimum of $1,000 per bike and will ride June 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the YAS Fitness Center in Venice, Costa Mesa, Silver Lake and downtown Los Angeles.

YAS was founded in 2001 in Venice by Kimberly Fowler and was the first studio dedicated to the combination of spinning and yoga. Fowler, who is a brain cancer survivor, also is on the board of ThinkCure!.

“This is going to be our best year yet! I am honored that so many people are riding with us on June 3rd and working so hard to help achieve our goal of raising over $175,000 to help cure cancer,” Fowler said in a statement. “We’re already at the limit for riders, but there are so many other ways to support our fundraising efforts – sponsor a rider, join us at the silent auction and bid on some of our great prizes, or simply make a donation to ThinkCure! We appreciate every bit of help.”

Pre-ride kickoff parties will be held Saturday, June 2, at the YAS Venice and Costa Mesa locations with silent auctions and raffle prizes. Bidders can make offers for a party at James Beach, a $2,000 Mio 50 Scooter donated by Route 66 Modern Classics, night at Hotel Erwin, flights on JetBlue, Dodgers memorabilia and more. Bayou City will provide the food and music will be spun by deejay Rafael DeLaCruz.

The fundraiser, which is sponsored by Vita Coco and Smart Water, also awards prizes for the riders bringing in the most funds, with the top fundraising rider winning a $12,000, all-inclusive holiday to Fiji, courtesy of Fiji Vacations.

The YAS-A-THON has raised more than $325,000 over the past two years.

ThinkCure! is a nonprofit group that raises funds to accelerate research to cure cancer  by awarding two-year grants once a year for research projects that can also involve other top cancer research hospitals.

“We couldn’t be more appreciative of Kimberly’s efforts to help us find a cure for cancer by raising significant resources through the YAS-A-THON,” said Dr. Stephen Forman, founding board member of ThinkCure!, and chair of the Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Group at City of Hope.  “Her dedication and that of the 150 people who spin for three hours is inspirational, and we are so thankful for their sweat and effort in raising money and increasing awareness of the vital need to find a cure for cancer.”

Sherri Rosen, who is the vice president of YAS Fitness Centers, a YAS master instructor and lead teacher trainer, offered these tips for surviving a three-hour spin for the participants:

• Carb load-The night before eat as much pasta as you want.

• Bring a change of clothes. You will sweat, especially your feet, so you might want to bring a few extra pairs of socks and change them every hour so you don’t get blisters.

• Pace yourself. You don’t have to go all out for three hours. It’s okay to take breaks and even get off the bike.

• Stay hydrated. Drink tons of water during the 3-hour spin.

• Drink an electrolyte supplement- Since you will be sweating a lot you don’t want to get dehydrated and start to cramp up. Make sure to drink an electrolyte supplement like Vita Coco and it will prevent you from muscle craps.

• When you get home, take a bath. Your body will have gone through a lot.  Give it a break with an Epson salt bath.

• Have a glass of champagne. Toast yourself for the amazing thing you accomplished