My Idea is Simple: Riding for Hope. Racing for Awareness. Planning the Next Great Journey.

Ride hard, push boundaries, and raise awareness.

For years, I have dedicated myself to raising awareness and support for causes that impact our lives. My journey began with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a two-day event across Massachusetts where I ride alongside individuals who share a mission to fund cancer research. To date, I have completed eight PMC rides with Team Flames, raising critical funds in memory of my late wife, Christine.

But the fight against cancer demands our unwavering commitment. It demands we push boundaries and find new ways to make a difference. That is why I took my riding further.

In May 2025, I completed a remarkable journey: a self-supported, 2,319-mile solo ride from Maine to Key West over 28 days. This monumental effort raised over $20,000 for pancreatic cancer research.

Now, my mission continues. This year, I am focusing on raising awareness by competing in some of the world’s most demanding gravel and endurance races, while laying the groundwork and planning for my next massive challenge: a full cross-country ride.

Why this extra, monumental effort? Because the fight against cancer demands our unwavering commitment. It demands we push boundaries and find new ways to make a difference. My rides are more than just miles on a map; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of collective action against Cancer

The Rides Section

•The Maine to Key West Solo Ride:

Mission Accomplished: 2,319 Miles. 13 States. 28 Days.**In the spring of 2025, I embarked on a self-supported solo ride down the entire East Coast. Riding roughly 80 miles a day with 60 pounds of gear, I climbed over 71,000 feet and finished the journey without a single flat tire. More importantly, we raised over $20,000 for pancreatic cancer research and shared stories of hope with people across the country.

•The Rift, Iceland Gravel Race:

Conquering the Highlands: 140km of Volcanic Gravel.**Well, I did it. The Rift Gravel Race in Iceland was an experience beyond all expectations. The 140km Crevasse route delivered some of the most stunning and varied terrain I have ever witnessed in a single race. Green grasslands gave way to lunar landscapes, then to ancient glaciers and exhilarating river crossings, all punctuated by towering mountains. My tires met every challenge the course could throw at me: sand, jagged rocks, flowing water, pristine snow, and unforgiving lava rock gravel.

Despite the immense difficulty, the awe-inspiring scenery made every moment worth it. I was grateful to ride alongside my friend Dave Harris, who absolutely crushed the course for the second year in a row. Completing The Rift was more than a personal milestone. It was another opportunity to carry our message of awareness to an international stage and prove that the mission keeps moving forward, no matter the terrain.

•Vermont Overland Gravel Race:

55 Miles. 7,000 Feet of Climbing. All Gravel.**Every August, I return to West Windsor, Vermont for the Vermont Overland, one of the most demanding and beloved gravel races in New England. This year marks my sixth consecutive start, tackling 55 miles of unmaintained Class-4 dirt roads and 7,000 feet of climbing through Vermont’s stunning countryside. The Overland is a community event at its core, and coming back year after year is a reminder of why we ride. It is not just about the finish line. It is about showing up, pushing through, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

•Looking Ahead: The Cross-Country Solo Ride:

Planning the Ultimate Journey for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.**The road does not end here. I am currently in the planning stages for a full cross-country ride across the United States. This upcoming journey will be my biggest challenge yet, designed to amplify our message, connect with communities nationwide, and raise critical funds and awareness for the causes that matter most. Stay tuned for route details and dates.

The Rides Section

A Story of Purpose, from Iconic Brands to Epic Rides.
I have always believed that life is a story of relentless drive and heartfelt purpose. With a career spent shaping the narratives of some of the world’s most recognizable brands, and a personal life defined by extraordinary feats of endurance, I strive to live a life that blends strategic vision with an unwavering spirit.

A Legacy of Brand Building

For years, I have been the strategic force behind household-name brands. My expertise has helped guide marketing and branding efforts for a diverse portfolio, including Hyundai-Kia Corp., SNHU.edu, Fidelity Investments, and GE Healthcare. I have left my mark on consumer brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Keurig, and powered the digital presence of Monster.com. My work has also touched high-performance sports with Völkl Skis USA and Bolle Eyewear, and groundbreaking technology with iRobot and Thermo Fisher Scientific. This is a testament to a career dedicated to building connections and driving growth for brands that matter.

A Passion for the Ride

But my story does not end in the boardroom. It extends to the open road, the rugged gravel paths of Vermont, and the volcanic highlands of Iceland. As an accomplished endurance cyclist, my passion for the sport is etched in every mile.

For five straight years, I have tackled the Vermont Overland, one of the most prestigious and demanding gravel cycling events in the country. I am an eight-time rider in the Pan-Mass Challenge, consistently raising thousands of dollars for cancer research. I have also co-founded the Pedal for Prevention Gravel Ride in Vermont, benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

In the summer of 2025, I undertook the challenge of a lifetime: a self-supported, 28-day solo bicycle ride from the coast of Maine to Key West, Florida. This 2,319-mile journey raised over $20,000 for pancreatic cancer research and awareness. I was humbled to have my journey chronicled by ABC WMUR.

Most recently, I completed the 140km Crevasse route at The Rift in Iceland, testing my limits across glacial rivers and lava fields to keep our mission in the spotlight. Now, my focus is set on the horizon as I plan my next major endeavor: a cross-country ride across America.

Whether I am navigating the complexities of the corporate world or the challenges of a cross-country bike ride, I lead with a heart full of purpose and a spirit that never quits.

To learn more about my professional work, visit me at djelley.com. To support the ride, follow along here.

Join the Journey

The fight against cancer and the push for mental health awareness require a collective effort. Follow along as I train for the cross-country ride and compete in endurance events worldwide. Let us ride for hope, awareness, and a better future.

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