Riding for a purpose: South Carolina Stingrays owner explains why he participates in LOWVELO
Halloran rode in the inaugural LOWVELO in 2019 to support his uncle, who was fighting bladder cancer at the time.
Todd Halloran buckles up his chin strap, releases the kickstand on his bicycle, and begins pedaling down scenic Middle Street in Sullivan’s Island. It’s a sunny, humid morning, but the avid cyclist doesn’t mind – he’s preparing for the upcoming 57-mile bike ride for LOWVELO 2021, benefitting MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
“It’s a fun environment and you don’t even feel the pain from riding 50 miles because you’re with a lot of people who have smiles on their face because they feel good about what they are doing,” Halloran said.
Halloran enjoys routinely riding along the quaint streets in Sullivan’s Island for exercise and to prepare for the event, which he knows well. The South Carolina Stingrays principal owner stepped off the ice rink and onto his bicycle during the 2019 LOWVELO ride. He dedicated the 50-mile ride in 2019 to his Uncle Bill Halloran, who at the time was battling bladder cancer. Bill lost his fight in 2020, and now Halloran is preparing to ride again – this time, in memory of Bill.
“I think about my Uncle Bill and what a great man he was. Unfortunately, he did ultimately lose his battle. I reflect on that moment and hopefully what we’re doing through this event will help someone else,” Halloran said.
Halloran serves as a member of the LOWVELO Executive Committee. The Harvard graduate isn’t from Charleston originally, having been born and raised in Boston. In 2018, he became the majority owner of the Stingrays and hasn’t looked back since.
He said getting involved in the event was an easy decision because community involvement is one of the core missions of the South Carolina Stingrays. In the spring, the hockey team even took part in a stationary bicycle class to raise awareness of LOWVELO.
“They were very excited, and that was a lot of fun. They weren’t doing 50 or 100 miles because they had games that week, but they were excited to do it,” he said. “It’s just another example of broadening the event and getting more people to participate in it who may not have before.”
Halloran said several members of the Stingrays, including players, have expressed interest in riding in the actual event, despite LOWVELO taking place during the upcoming hockey season. He said the team is committed to taking part and supporting the cause.
The 2021 ride features options for riders of all levels – from avid cyclists tackling the 100-mile route, to those looking for a shorter ride or to peddle on a stationary bike. This year, there is also a virtual home team option for people more comfortable completing the ride in their own time and in their own way.
“I think these new ideas are brilliant and really opens this event up to people of all abilities,” Halloran said. “It’s raising awareness, bringing people together for a good cause, and we are hoping to get 1,000 participants this year, no matter what route or option they choose.”
Registration is open for LOWVELO 2021. Halloran said he hopes others will join to raise money for lifesaving cancer research at Hollings.
“We are looking for anything that can give more families hope,” he said. “We want miracles. There’s been a lot of progress made in cancer care, but we are hoping for even more so lives can be saved.”