Table of Contents
On the Road for Family
Every summer, Pelotonia turns the back roads of central Ohio into a rolling fundraiser for cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Once again this August 1st, the Yoder family showed up to do their part for cancer research. Sheldon and Michael each pedaled 100 miles through the hills, Julie covered 17 right alongside them, and all three were on the road before sunrise, riding for a cure.
Why the Yoders Ride
For Sheldon and Julie Yoder, Pelotonia was never about the miles. It’s about the people who aren’t here to ride it themselves.
“We ride to honor family members who have passed away from cancer and to help find a cure for family members and friends and all those in our community who are facing the challenges of cancer.”
That’s what keeps them pedaling, year after year.
A Tradition That Keeps Growing
In summer 2024, the Yoders rode as a team, and the ride became something bigger than any one person’s effort. Julie rode 20 miles with her friends and sister-in-law. Sheldon covered 100 miles alongside his brothers Nate and Michael, and nephew Austin. On day 2, Sheldon joined Nate for the final 90-mile stretch. By the end of that weekend, the Yoder team had raised $4,500, bringing their total since joining Pelotonia to $11,000. Every one of those dollars went toward cancer research and support for patients and families right here in our community.
Riding for Family and Our Community
This year, Michael rode alongside his brother again, and the family connection at the center of this effort keeps showing up in new ways each summer. Whether it’s 17 miles or 100, every rider on the team was showing up for someone: a parent, a friend, a neighbor, a Yoder & Co. Floors customer who’s walked through their showroom doors and shared their own story of how cancer touched their family. By the time race day arrived, the bikes had already logged plenty of training miles together, and so had the family.
How You Can Help
The ride is done, but the fundraising isn’t. A donation of any size helps fund research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, and every gift adds up quickly when a whole community pitches in. Support the Yoder family’s Pelotonia ride here. This year, Sheldon, Julie, and Michael raised over $5,500 for cancer research, bringing the total raised over the last six years to $18,500. The fundraising page stays open for anyone who still wants to pitch in.
Give to the ride: Six years, $18,500 raised, and counting. Donate to Sheldon’s ride or donate to Julie’s ride — every gift goes toward cancer research and support for patients and families in our community.
From the Road
Race day brought all the emotion you’d expect, and then some. “It was a great day full of emotion and hope,” Julie shared. “The weather held for a lot of the day, but Sheldon and Michael rode in rain for the last 13 miles. Grateful to have this experience and grateful for this community and the ability to come together with friends and family in this way!”
The Yoders ride for a handful of reasons that all lead back to the same hope. They believe in the research that Pelotonia funds. They ride in support of family and friends currently facing cancer, and in memory of those they’ve lost to it. They ride for everyone in their community touched by the disease, and as a reminder that a cure is still worth chasing.
“There is such a strong sense of hope as we ride in solidarity with our community members here in the central Ohio area. The support of people lining the streets with signs and bells and cheering creates a sense of excitement and emotion as we ride! This all makes all the training worth it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who rode for Yoder & Co. Floors in Pelotonia 2026?
Sheldon, Julie, and Michael Yoder all rode this year, with Sheldon and Michael each covering 100 miles and Julie riding 17 miles.
When did the ride take place?
All three riders were on the road on August 1, 2026.
Why does the Yoder family ride in Pelotonia?
They ride in memory of family members lost to cancer and in support of friends, family, and community members currently facing the disease.
How much has the Yoder & Co. Floors team raised over the years?
In 2024, the team raised $4,500, bringing their total funds raised since joining Pelotonia to $11,000. This year, Sheldon, Julie, and Michael raised over $5,500 more for cancer research.
Where does the money raised through Pelotonia go?
Funds support cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as resources for patients and their families.
How can I support the Yoder family’s ride?
You can donate directly through Sheldon’s Pelotonia fundraising page. Donations are still welcome after race day.
What did the ride feel like this year?
Julie described it as a day full of emotion and hope. Sheldon and Michael rode through rain for the last 20 miles, and the family says the support of the central Ohio community lining the streets made every training mile worth it.
Julie Yoder
As co-owner of Yoder & Co. Floors and a Hilliard resident for 28 years, Julie is a dedicated flooring expert with deep roots in the Columbus community. An active member of Shaw Flooring Network’s PoWer Initiative, Julie is passionate about supporting women in the industry and fostering local growth. She shares her unique perspective on community events and female leadership to help make the home improvement journey more approachable for everyone.