EVENT DETAILS
Event Details
About The Ride
Each year Fire Velo Cycling Club primarily made up of active and retired Firefighters undertakes a ride over 500-miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles known as the “Cancer Awareness Bicycle Ride” This event provides cancer awareness and wellness recognition and support to both fire service personnel and the public as the riders travel to various locations on their way to the Santa Monica where the ride concluded.
Along the route riders stop in remembrance and tribute to those active and retired firefighters who have passed away from cancer.
Monies raised from this ride are utilized by such groups as the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), Firefighter Cancer Foundation just to mention a few. To date well over $300,000 has been donated to various groups dealing with cancer prevention and awareness in the fire service.
There are few people who have not been touched by the effects of cancer in some way. Coping, understanding, and simply dealing with the day to day efforts of battling cancer are often overwhelming, not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. And while many people think the word Firefighter is synonymous with courage or bravery, when it comes to cancer we can be just as lost and devastated as everyone else.
We sincerely want to thank all those who support and encourage us from monetary donations, products, services, food, to cheering us along the ride!
Itenerary
The annual San Francisco to Los Angeles (SF2LA) Cancer Awareness Ride is a weeklong journey with the purpose of raising awareness, education and funds to fight cancer in the Fire Service. Riders, some of whom are also cancer survivors, are primarily active duty or retired Firefighters from throughout the State of California and across the United States. Follow our Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) posts for day-by-day activities and events!
2026 Travel Route:
Depart 9:00 AM from:
Sausalito Fire Station One 333 Johnson Street Sausalito
2026 SF2LA Itinerary
| Day | Date: | Ride From: | Ride to: | Total Miles: |
| 1 | May 31, 2026 | Sausalito
START |
Half Moon Bay | 35 |
| 2 | June 1, 2026 | Half Moon Bay | Watsonville | 70 |
| 3 | June 2, 2026 | Watsonville | Big Sur | 80 |
| 4 | June 3, 2026 | Big Sur | Morro Bay | 95 |
| 5 | June 4, 2026 | Morro Bay | Lompoc | 70 |
| 6 | June 5, 2026 | Lompoc | Oxnard | 100 |
| 7 | June 6, 2026 | Oxnard | Santa Monica Pier
END |
50 |
Depart Oxnard 7:30 AM to Arrive at Noon at Santa Monica Finish
Finish Noon:
Santa Monica
Rider Donations
Online FireVelo – San Francisco to Los Angeles / Rider Donation Process.
THANK YOU for making a donation to a FireVelo Rider. Your donations go directly to activities and organizations supporting Firefighters and First Responder cancer victims.
This year the donation process has been streamlined and is simpler than ever:
“SF2LA Rider Donation” has been formatted as a product purchase offering donation. Purchases are in preset increments of $25, $50 & $100. You can purchase multiples of any amount or combination to tailor your donation to your wishes. For example, one $25 and one $50 if you want to give $75. If you’re feeling generous, two $100 and one $50 would give the organization $250.
Once you have made your monetary selection the select the second option and select a rider you wish to donation to go toward.
Items will appear in your cart and you can proceed to checkout. On the checkout page you can insert text for your donation to go in support or in memory of as well.
It is important that you provide your name and contact info so that we can provide you with important Tax ID information for your year-end tax filing. If you are affiliated with a Fire, Law Enforcement, Military Branch or other first responder agency, we would appreciate having you give us that information as well.
Simply proceed on through the standard purchase process to complete the donation. We use the STRIPE money transfer system so the transaction may appear on your credit card statement with a reference to STRIPE.
Once again, thank you for your support of the FireVelo organization and their efforts to support cancer victims in the Fire Services. &
Ride Announcement
FIREFIGHTER CYCLISTS WANTED
Our SF2LA Ride is Back!
Fire Velo Presents the 2026
San Francisco Bay to Los Angeles
“Fire Service Cancer Awareness Bicycle Ride
May 31 to June 6
The cost of this event is a minimum $1200 in donations to Fire Velo
(Plus $300 nonrefundable application fee)
The ride includes:
Daily transportation of rider belongings and bike gear
Hotel Rooms (Double occupancy)
Most meals
SAG support
Jersey & Jacket
On Line Registration begins February 3, 2026:
$300 nonrefundable donation due with application below
(make donations payable to Fire Velo)
* Full donations are required by May 1, 2026
For further information contact Jim Berklite or (760)221-3988
*Space is limited for this event*
SF2LA Tribute
Since the initial San Francisco to Los Angeles Cancer Awareness Ride in 2006, Fire Velo Cycling Club has honored and paid tribute to special individuals who have passed away from cancer. Riders wear on their jerseys the names of the honorees for the year, and along the ride route a custom picture frame with a jersey encased is presented to the family. Typically, on hand for the presentation ceremonies in addition to the riders, are family, friends, coworkers and the agency from the honoree.
Riders also carry names, pictures and other individuals in support or in memory as a tribute to those close and personal to them! This ride is a reminder of the impacts of cancer and also an opportunity to provide and share cancer education and awareness to our fire service family along the route.
Monies raised from this ride are utilized by such groups as the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), Firefighter Cancer Foundation and a number of other wellness and support groups. Money from the ride has been donated to various groups dealing with cancer prevention and awareness in the fire service.
There are few people who have not been touched by the effects of cancer in some way. Coping, understanding, and simply dealing with the day to day efforts of battling cancer are often overwhelming, not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. And while many people think the word Firefighter is synonymous with courage or bravery, when it comes to cancer we can be just as lost and devastated as everyone else.


2026 Tributes
Tribute Jersey Presentation will be made to the family, department and friends during the San Francisco to Los Angeles Ride.
| Brian Kyono | San Francisco Fire Department
|
Presentation May 31, 2026 |
| Julio Delucchi | San Francisco Fire Department
|
Presentation May 31, 2026 |
| Brian Tracy | Santa Cruz City Fire Department
|
Presentation June 2, 2026 |
| Tommy Minadeo | Ventura County Fire Department
|
Presentation June 6, 2026 |
| Mike Brownlie | Los Angeles County Fire Department
|
Presentation June 6, 2026 |
Bryan Kyono San Francisco Fire Department
“I am going to die.”
These five words were written by Lt. Brian Kyono in his personal journal — words read aloud by a close friend and colleague, San Francisco Assistant Fire Marshal and Local 798 member Chad Law, in a documentary honoring his life.
“I was with him while he wrote this, and we talked a lot about how in the earlier days of firefighting, we were not as comfortable admitting that we were scared, or that anything could hurt us,” said Law.
After a distinguished 29-year career with the San Francisco Fire Department, Kyono was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer shortly after his retirement. Despite the devastating prognosis, Kyono refused to be defined by his illness. Instead, he became a voice for change, using his final months to raise awareness about the dangers fire fighters face on the job.
“I just wanted to put together something to be remembered by, I guess,” Kyono said in a video message recorded before his death. But his mission was more than a legacy — it was a call for action for his fellow colleagues. “I may not be able to prevent it for myself, but if I can help others avoid it, then my story will mean something.”
The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation launched Project Kyono, a documentary that chronicles Kyono’s cancer journey through his own words, as well as those of his family, colleagues, and friends.
Matthew Alba — Battalion Chief of the San Francisco Department’s Division of Health, Safety, & Wellness became a vital advocate in ensuring Kyono’s message reached every corner of the fire service. “Brian wanted his message to be heard by all fire fighters,” said Alba. “Even in the face of his diagnosis, he fought tirelessly to protect others from walking the same path.”
Alba, who himself faced a brain tumor diagnosis after 26 years in the fire service, knows all too well the risks that come with the job. “We’re reactive by nature, but we need to take steps to mitigate risks before diagnosis,” said Alba. “Brian didn’t want us to wait until cancer struck. He wanted us to take action before it was too late.”
Video messages shared in honor of Kyono mirrored this plea. “We have to be our own advocates,” said Local 798 member Jeffrey Roy, a longtime friend and fellow fire fighter. “Brian’s message is clear: take care of yourselves, follow safety protocols, and speak up for your health. For all of the newer generations, we need to know about 30 in and 30 out. Putting your 30 years in and Brian only got two years out. It’s not fair.”
Tyler Lebow, a probationary fire fighter, says Kyono’s kindness made an impact. “I met Brian working at Station 18, and he remembered my name after the first time we met. That’s my memory of him — one I want to keep,” he said.
Kyono’s wife, Donna, shared memories of her late husband, and his cancer journey.
“Brian always told me not to worry,” she said. ” As a first responder, he told me it was all about calculated risks. I believed him, I just never thought the calculated risk included Stage 4 lung cancer. The fear that Brian talked about was valid. He lived this entire situation with a lot of grace and strength. It happened quickly and it was something we never planned for.”
Julio Delucchi San Francisco Fire Department
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Julio Dominic Delucchi. Julio fought a courageous and fearless battle with pancreatic cancer for 19 months. He comfortably took his last breath surrounded by his family on May 22, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1964 to the late Julio and Dolores Delucchi.
Loving husband of 34 years to Linda Capitelli Delucchi. Extraordinary father to Dominic and Lia, whom he loved beyond words. Julio and Dominic shared the same passion for hunting and loved their trips to Paradise Farms together. Julio was thrilled to have his daughter “Buck” by his side helping him with his computer skills, collaborating garden projects and offering daily support during his illness.
Cherished little brother of Cathy (Neil) Murphy. Brother-in-law to Laura and Giuseppe Marchini, Marco Capitelli; devoted Zio to Francesca (Erika), Patrick (Rebecca), Michael, Anthony, Matthew, and Christian; Great Zio to Ryan, Jacob, and Chase; Adored son-in-law to Angelo and the late Liliana Capitelli; Reunited with his Labrador pals: Lady, Bum, and DJ. He was a loyal friend, caring cousin, and proud firefighter.
Julio was a native San Franciscan who grew up in the Visitacion Valley and Excelsior neighborhoods. He attended and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1982.
Julio started out his career working in the family business where he later became owner of J. Fregosi & Son Florist. During this time, he began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Colma. Although he loved being a florist, his real passion was becoming a San Francisco Firefighter where he was hired in 2000. Julio dedicated 25 years of his life to the SanFrancisco Fire Department, where he was well-respected, worked hard, taught others and formed lasting friendships. Julio fought in numerous fires; however, he was honored to be a part of the efforts at the Tubbs and Paradise Fires. Julio served proudly at Stations 2, 9, and 36, Division of Training, and finished his career as a Battalion Chief.
Julio enjoyed cooking, golfing, soccer, hunting, and a good glass of red wine. Julio was a proud partner and member of Paradise Farms Duck Club and served as a Willow Creek Water Board Member. He was a loyal sports fan to the Giants, Warriors, 49ers, Norte Dame Fighting Irish and Italy National Soccer Team.
Brian Tracy Santa Cruz City Fire Department
Brian Tracy passed peacefully at his home on April 27, 2023 after a short but valiant battle with cancer. He was 43 years old. Born on December 17th of 1979, son of Matt Tracy and Deb (Tracy) Johnson, he was a true Santa Cruz native. Brian graduated from Harbor High School and quickly found his calling as a public servant, desiring to help and protect his community. He graduated from Paramedic School and Firefighter Academy; quickly working his way to becoming a Santa Cruz City Fire Captain. Brian enjoyed leather working, surfing, cooking, gardening, and above all being a good husband, father, and friend. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters and a parishioner of Twin Lakes Church. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Martin Boyd and Robert Tracy, and his grandmothers Irene Tracy and Lola Cima. He is survived by his loving wife of two and a half years, Stephanie Tracy, and their daughter Stella Tracy. He is also survived by his parents, Deb (Tracy) Johnson and Matt Tracy, and his half-sister Jacqueline Carapinha.
Tommy Minadeo Ventrua County Fire Department
Ventura County Fire Department announces the line of duty death of Engineer Thomas “Tommy” James Daniel Minadeo. Minadeo, 32, from Ventura was diagnosed with job-related cancer last October and had been undergoing chemotherapy before his death on Friday, March 7. “Tommy was part of our fire family for nearly 10 years, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in response to our community’s public safety needs,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “We now stand with Tommy’s mother, Diana Minadeo; fiancé, Vanessa Gubbels; brother, Anthony; and sister, Jackie Minadeo-Spittler, in grieving his passing and supporting each other.” Structure fires, hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies expose firefighters to numerous chemicals and toxins that significantly increase their risk of job-related illnesses compared to other jobs. “Firefighters work in a dangerous profession. We know the risks and we go anyway because we share a commitment to protect our community,” Gardner said. “That doesn’t make it any easier when you lose a good firefighter, family member and human being like Tommy Minade.
Tommy joined the Ventura County Fire Department as a seasonal fire control worker in 2015. The following year, he became a year-round fire control worker. In 2017, he was hired as a firefighter, graduating from Academy 54. He was assigned to Truck 54 in Camarillo, then worked at Station 26 in Santa Paula, followed by Station 31 in Thousand Oaks, Station 51 in El Rio, Station 55 in Camarillo and Station 53 in Port Hueneme. He was promoted to engineer in 2022 and served his final assignment at Station 45 in Simi Valley. During an incident, engineers drive the fire engines and ladder trucks to the scene, then operate pumps, ladders and other equipment needed as part of the response. Minadeo was active in many training cadres, including ladders, hose and wildland. Minadeo was a graduate of Royal High School in Simi Valley and Oxnard Community College, where he earned an associates degree in fire sciences. Minadeo’s interest in the fire service started early. He participated in the Fire Cadet program with VCFD in 2010, was a Wildland Explorer with the Angeles National forest from 2010 to 2012, and worked with the Little Tujunga Hotshots from 2013 to 2014
Mike Brownlie Los Angeles County Fire Department
Mike Brownlie passed away on August 11, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. Mike began his fire career with the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1975. Mike served as a Firefighter before being promoted to Captain in 1985. In 2000, Mike was hired with El Camino College and worked as a Trainer for the Fire Academy, before being hired as a Part Time Adjunct in 2004. Mike has taught Fire and Emergency Technology courses as well as serving as a Primary Instructor for the Fire Academy. During his time at El Camino College, Mike was involved with over 50 fire academy classes, helping to train the future of the fire service! Mike’s favorite subjects to teach were Hazmat, fire control 3B and 4 and Wildland. Mike was a graduate of South Torrance High School as well as El Camino College. While also being heavily involved at El Camino College, Mike was a Master Instructor with the California State Fire Marshal Office. Mike’s passion for teaching and his dedication to the students and future fire service will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family, loved ones, and friends. Mike was 75 years old. Thank you for everything Mike…
DEDICATED, MOTIVATED, NEVER QUIT, TEAM.
Rider Tribute
San Francisco to Los Angeles Fire Velo Ride Tributes
2026
| Brian Tracy | Santa Cruz City Fire Department | |
| Brian Kyono | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Julio Delucchi | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Mike Brownlie | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Tommy Minadeo | Ventura County Fire Department |
2025
| Cancelled due to road closures & construction obstacles |
2024
| Cancelled due to road closures & construction obstacles |
2023
| Kenny Renz | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Brock Wells | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Jerry Murphy | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Paul Crimmins | San Rafael Fire Department | |
| Jerry Thrasher | Marinwood Fire Department |
2022
| Dean Hale | Murrieta Fire & Rescue | |
| Bill Cyr | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Gerald Scullion | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Bill Downing Jr. | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Denis Elarms | San Francisco Fire Department |
2021
| Ed Banks | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Russ Edwards | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Ed Dahlen | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Gary Oliver | Ventura County Fire | |
| Dale Thomas | La Verne Fire Department |
2020
| Cancelled due to COVID Pandemic |
2019
| Name | Agency | |
| John Clare | ConocoPhillips | |
| John Walsh | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| David Lavelle | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Frank Dunphy | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Matthew Plescia | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Mark Tolbert | Los Angeles County Fire Department |
2018
| Name | Agency | |
| Debbi Wood | Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Wellness Coordinator |
Wife of Steve Wood |
| Steve Brosig | Aptos-LaSelva Fire Protection District | |
| Clayton Ogden | Santa Cruz Fire Department | |
| Linual White | Lompoc Fire Department | |
| Bruce Mortimer | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Herman Wyrsch | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Mark Groshong | San Francisco Fire Department |
2017
| Name | Agency | |
| Mike Moses | Santa Barbara City Fire Department | |
| Patrick Campbell | Federal Fire Department Ventura County | |
| Russ Van Denmark | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Hector Magdalenes | Los Angeles County Fire Department |
2016
| Name | Agency | |
| John Duff | Ventura City Fire Department | |
| Billy Webb | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Steve Cota | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Richard Faust | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| David Amituanai | San Francisco Fire Department |
2015
| Name | Agency | |
| Richard “Doc” O’Connor | Costa Mesa Fire Department | |
| Steve Gregory | Ventura County Fire Department | |
| Wendy Cummings | Los Angeles City Fire Department |
2014
| Name | Agency | |
| Lee MacDonald | Sausilito Fire Department | |
| David Armenta | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| John Murphy | San Francisco Fire Department | |
| Clyde Waterai | San Francisco Fire Department |
2013
| Name | Agency | |
| Granite Mountain Inter Agency Hot Shot Crew | Prescott, AZ Fire Department | R-3 |
2012
| Name | Agency | |
| Edward Kelly | Ross Valley Fire Department | |
| Michael McCuster | San Rafael Fire Department | |
| Crystal Golden-Jefferson | Los Angeles County Fire Department |
2011
| Name | Agency | |
| Scott Carnevale | Alameda Fire Department | |
| John Tripodi | Watsonville Fire Department |
2010
| Name | Agency | |
| Mike Braida | San Francisco Fire Department | 53rd SFFD Academy Class |
| Rich Lauer | San Francisco Fire Department | 53rd SFFD Academy Class |
| Jim McDonagh | San Francisco Fire Department | 53rd SFFD Academy Class |
| Bruce Navarret | San Francisco Fire Department | 53rd SFFD Academy Class |
| Pete Seckols | San Francisco Fire Department | 53rd SFFD Academy Class |
2009
| Name | Agency | |
| Dallas Jones | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| Steve Herman | Los Angeles County Fire Department | |
| First Year with Names on the Cycle Jerseys | ||













