PEAKS to Conga, 2022
By: Katelyn Parker
Every June, in the early morning sun and crisp summer air, people from all over the state and neighboring states congregate at Cody Coffee Roasters in Cody, Wyoming. The purpose of this congregation is to take one’s place in the expansive conga line of bicyclists that travels the 66 miles from Cody to Shell. This event is known as PEAKS to Conga, which is an organization started by a small group of locals that benefits cancer patients in the Big Horn Basin. This year will be the eleventh ride and will take place on June 25th.
How it Started
PEAKS to Conga started in 2011 with just a handful of riders and has grown considerably since then. The inspiration for the ride came from a group of women who rode their motorcycles in a conga line, dawning pink attire and accessories, in the support of breast cancer. This conga line went through Shell where they shared their story with Laurie Stoelk and so the idea for PEAKS to Conga was born. Laurie worked as a radiation oncology nurse in Cody for years and was acutely aware of the financial struggles that burdened cancer patients. PEAKS (People Everywhere Are Kind and Sharing) was an established organization that provided non-medical financial assistance to cancer patients and Laurie decided she wanted to create an event that would sponsor a similar program to cancer patients that reside in the Big Horn Basin. The two combined efforts gave birth to PEAKS to Conga and since it’s first ride has raised over $200,000 which has been used to soften the extreme financial burden felt by those friends and neighbors suffering from cancer.
Fundraising Efforts
In the effort to raise as much money as possible, the organization has grown to be multifaceted in the last decade. The cost of registration is responsible for a large portion of what is raised each year. Registration is required to ride, and each registered rider is presented with a branded t-shirt, swag items and the benefits of a supported ride in thanks of their commitment. Donations are also accepted, and several local businesses and individuals donate thousands each year to show their support of the cause. Raffle tickets are sold each year with this year being a 50/50 raffle where the lucky winner will bring home up to $6,000 and the PEAKS to Conga organization will bank a mirrored amount. Tribute signs are offered for $100 and the purpose of these signs is to honor a loved one that has struggled with cancer and to give the riders inspiration as they pedal to Shell. The signs are placed along the highway and dawn any message the purchaser wishes to share. If you as an individual or business would like to honor a loved one or give words of encouragement to the riders, visit the PEAKS to Conga website. The last method of fundraising is a silent auction that is held in Shell the day of the ride and features several great auction items from baked goods to artwork. PEAKS to Conga appreciates any and all forms of donations and thanks all the donors that have supported the cause!
The Shellebration
As the riders begin crossing the finish line in Shell, the Shellebration begins. Shell is a quaint western town nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer and live music after the long ride from Cody. Anybody and everybody is welcome to join the Shellebration whether they rode or not. It is fun for the whole family and features activities such as a petting zoo, yoga, massage and dancing to live music. Enjoy great food from the local Shell Store or the food trucks that make the trip such as 307 Pizza. Several vendors set up booths, showcasing their handcrafted goods and the silent auction is held in the Shell Community Hall. After the Shellebration several participants camp and make a weekend of it but those who wish to return to Cody and do not have a return vehicle will be shuttled back by one of the dedicated volunteers.
If you are looking for your next challenge, or simply want to get involved and make a difference, PEAKS to Conga is a great way to do both. If you don’t fancy yourself a cyclist, there are several other ways you can enjoy this great event and benefit the cause. To learn more, register, donate or purchase a raffle ticket, visit the PEAKS to Conga website.