CASE STUDY

Bikes Fight Cancer

CLIENT OVERVIEW

Bikes Fight Cancer

smiling couple wearing baseball caps smile broadly with a lot of bicycle cyclists lined up behind them in helmets and colorful clothing

Bikes Fight Cancer (BFC) was founded in 2006 by a few friends from Western Massachusetts with a passion for cycling and a deep commitment to raising funds for cancer research and care. Since its inception, the organization has raised over one million dollars for organizations that provide cancer research, care, and support services for patients, families, and caregivers. The charity is powered by a diverse and growing number of athletes who participate in the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride and the Pan-Mass Challenge. BFC has become a staple event in the Northeast, uniting the community to fight against cancer.

Since its inception, the event has grown significantly, attracting participants, volunteers, and sponsors, all of whom are dedicated to advancing cancer research and supporting cancer patients. The charity ride, which includes both 25- and 50-mile routes in South Deerfield Massachusetts, has become a beloved annual event across the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts, with proceeds going directly to cancer-fighting organizations, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Cancer House of Hope, Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

THE BRIEF

Bikes Fight Cancer needed a trusted partner to capture the energy and atmosphere of their annual charity ride. Simple Truth Imaging was asked to provide:

  • Photographs of the riders in action, capturing the determination, spirit and sense of community amongst participants.

  • Atmospheric shots that highlight the natural beauty of the routes through Western Massachusetts, showcasing scenic landscapes along the Connecticut River and through farmland.

  • Supportive and detailed imagery that documented the event’s community involvement, including volunteer interactions, the camaraderie between participants and sponsors.

  • Panoramic shots that visually represent the scale of the event and its impact on the local community.

portrait of a northampton bicycle club (ncc) getting ready for the race at Bikes Fight Cancer, wearing a blue shirt, mirrored sunglasses and white helmet

THE OUTCOME

The Solution: Simple Truth Imaging worked closely with the BFC team to ensure that the key moments of the event were captured. The photos included:

  • Action shots of cyclists on both the 25- and 50-mile routes, conveying the excitement and energy of the riders.

  • Scenic views and panoramas of the beautiful routes, highlighting the charm of the Pioneer Valley and scenic locales along the Connecticut River.

  • Close-ups and detailed shots of cyclists’ gear, the start/finish line, and emotional moments throughout the event, reinforcing the personal and community-driven nature of the cause.

  • Atmospheric shots of volunteers and participants, fostering a sense of unity and support.

The photos were taken with a keen eye for storytelling, ensuring that each image communicated the heart of the event—the fight against cancer, the dedication of the participants, and the impact of their fundraising efforts.

large group of cyclists line up in a group with their bikes for the start of the Bikes Fight Cancer bike race wearing helmets and colorful clothing

THE SOLUTION

The photography captured by Simple Truth Imaging played a crucial role in elevating the Bikes Fight Cancer event’s visibility and engagement. The images were prominently featured across multiple platforms, including:

  • The Bikes Fight Cancer website, showcasing the event’s highlights and encouraging new participants and donors.

  • Marketing materials for the charity ride, including brochures and event promotional content.

  • Social media platforms, helping to increase event awareness, engage supporters, and promote the cause year-round.

These high-quality images not only highlighted the successful execution of the event but also helped Bikes Fight Cancer maintain strong relationships with existing supporters while attracting new participants and donors year after year. The photos played a pivotal role in amplifying the organization’s message and demonstrating the power of community involvement in the fight against cancer as well as further solidifying the organization’s brand.

several bike riders riding in a fundraiser bike race based in New England

"Bob Zemba and Simple Truth Imaging have been an integral part of the Bikes Fight Cancer story from the very beginning. As a long-time member of our Pan-Mass Challenge team, Bob has been on the road with us—capturing the energy, emotion, and impact of our events, and ultimately our mission, through his lens year after year. When we launched our nonprofit in 2023, we knew we needed a visual identity that matched the heart of our community—and there was no one better for the job. Bob’s photography became the foundation of our brand, bringing a consistent, powerful look to our website, social media, and printed materials. His images helped us not only look like a legitimate nonprofit, but feel like one to those seeing us for the first time. Bob's ability to capture the spirit of our events has helped us grow our audience, expand our reach, and deepen our impact. His work is more than beautiful—it’s deeply meaningful to our team, our riders, and the community we serve."

Bikes Fight Cancer

〡ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY 〡

Event Photography, Fundraisers, & Athletic Events That Capture Your Mission:

At Simple Truth Imaging, we specialize in event photography tailored to the unique needs of your fundraiser, athletic event, or community gathering. Whether you’re organizing a charity ride, a cycling event, or any other large-scale fundraiser, we offer custom photography services that capture the energy, emotion, and impact of your event in an meaningful way.

From action-packed shots of athletes in motion to candid moments of support and camaraderie, we document the essence of your event. Our photography is designed to reflect the heart of your mission, whether that’s raising awareness, engaging supporters, or celebrating community achievement. We also provide a range of services for athletic events like cycling races, triathlons, and marathons, highlighting the athletes, sponsors, and the excitement of the competition.

We understand that every event is unique, and that's why we offer flexible packages to suit your needs. Whether it’s detailed shots of race preparations, photos of participants in action, or group shots to commemorate the occasion, Simple Truth Imaging will ensure every moment is captured. We also provide promotional photography for bike brands and sponsors, helping you showcase your products and partnerships in a way that enhances your event’s visibility.

Our professional event photography will help you tell your story across all platforms—websites, marketing materials, social media, and more—ensuring your event gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to create memorable images that inspire engagement, drive support, and attract new participants and donors.

Let Simple Truth Imaging help you elevate your event with high-quality photography that tells your story. Whether you're raising funds for a cause, promoting an athletic event, or showcasing your brand, we’re here to make sure your visuals stand out and amplify your impact.