On August 12th and 13th, 1000 cyclists raised more than $1 million during the first-ever Chainbreaker ride, sponsored by Consortium member the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC). Routes were in increments of 25, 50, 100 and 180 miles, and wound through the south and west metro; those riding longer distances connected with the Cannon Valley Trail and eventually ended up in Excelsior. 400 volunteers supported the riders, helping with logistics, providing food and beverages, and cheering on participants. MCC Director Douglas Yee and his wife, Janet Yee, rode their tandem bike the entire 180 miles, raising more than $8000 between the two of them. Chainbreaker is modeled after a very successful event founded at Ohio State University, which has raised $130 million dollars for cancer research in the past 8 years, including $20 million dollars last year alone. Next year's Minnesota Chainbreaker is planned for summer, 2018.