Rich Murphy

Rich Murphy
Riding 500 miles in memory of my friend Mark Conover (Olympian, coach and cancer fighter) to help kids fighting cancer live big lives. Please support my ride!
I've Ridden 44.2 mi My goal is 500 mi
My Rankings
  • National: 1318th
  • State: 119th in CA
I've raised $336 My goal is $1,000 Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Mark Conover

Mark Conover

Mark had a wonderfully dry and witty sense of humor .... usually delivered with that understated timing that made it even funnier. But beneath that wit was a guy who cared deeply about people. He loved coaching, and he especially loved the kids he coached. He believed in them, challenged them, and took genuine pride in watching them grow. And not just as athletes, but as young people. That was Mark: funny, competitive, caring, and completely invested in the people around him.

My Story

2 Sep 2026

This September, I’m taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids’ cancer and I’ll be carrying two people with me on every mile: my brother Chris and my friend Mark Conover.

My brother Chris passed away a year ago. And if he were here, I have a pretty good idea what he’d tell me: "You’ve got the time. You’ve got a bike. Go do something worthwhile." So, Chris, I’m listening.

---

And then there’s Mark.

Mark Conover was an Olympian, a champion marathon runner, a coach, a friend, and one of the toughest people I’ve ever known.

But one of my favorite memories of Mark has nothing to do with running or cancer.

When Travis Ishikawa hit the home run that sent the Giants to the World Series, Mark and I went absolutely nuts. Somehow, in the middle of all that celebration, an Olympic marathon runner ended up riding piggyback on me.

That’s the Mark I like to remember - full of life, full of joy, and all in.

And that’s also how he fought cancer. With incredible courage and determination, not once, but 3 times, before he passed away.

I think about Mark when I think about children facing cancer today. Kids shouldn’t have to be that tough. They should be riding bikes, playing ball, laughing with their friends, going to school, driving their parents crazy, and having ridiculous moments they’ll still be talking about years later.

They should have the chance to be "all in on life".

I know Mark would understand that fight. And I’m pretty sure Chris would tell me to quit talking about it, get on the bike, and do something useful.

So that’s what I’m doing.

This September, I’m riding in their memory and raising money for Children’s Cancer Research Fund to support research and treatments that can give kids with cancer the chance at long, full lives and a whole lot of great stories along the way.

If you’d like to support my ride, I’d be grateful for your donation.

For the kids. For Mark. For Chris. And because while we’re here and able, we ought to do some good. Thanks

My Challenge

  • 17.7 mi ride - Cloistures B.D. to SLO - Thursday, September 3, 2026
    Logged this ride 5 hours ago
  • $250 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 1 day ago
  • $100 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 1 day ago
  • 8.5 mi ride - Back Door SLO - Marco! - Tuesday, September 1, 2026
    Logged this ride 1 day ago
  • 9.5 mi ride - Back door to Cuesta/Dairy Creek - Wednesday, September 2, 2026
    Logged this ride 2 days ago
  • 8.5 mi ride - Back door SLO - Christo - Tuesday, September 1, 2026
    Logged this ride 3 days ago

My Sponsors

  • Pete Rodgers
    “Mark was a warrior. He was a huge inspiration and a leader, especially after diagnosed with a horrible disease. Way to carry the flag Murf.”
    $103.50
    Received this donation 1 day ago
    Rich Murphy
    Rich
    “A flag to be hoisted down at McCarthy's perhaps!! Thanks boss!”
  • Brett Roseberry
    “Good job, Murph!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 1 day ago
    Rich Murphy
    Rich
    “Rosie!! Thanks for the support mate!”
  • Jack Tibb
    “The Con Mon was one of the greatest SLO ever had! A tremendous athlete, father and friend! Always think about him when the Olympic marathon is on!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 1 day ago
    Rich Murphy
    Rich
    “The "CON MAN"! Cheers Tibbs!”
  • Kim Batchelder
    “You Da Man!!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 1 day ago
    Rich Murphy
    Rich
    “I'm the man? You da man! Thanks Kim. See you this fall!”
  • Larry Allen
    “Great cause Murph!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 1 day ago
    Rich Murphy
    Rich
    “Cheers! Thanks Larry!”
  • Rich Murphy
    “I thought I should put my money where my mouth is. Match my donation! What say you?”
    $25.88
    Received this donation 1 day ago
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