The date is set for the 11th Annual Crush Challenge. The spectacular bike ride and wine event will take place on August 23, 2025. Once again, it promises to provide views of beautiful vistas in the Napa Valley and the opportunity to taste fine wines and enjoy musical entertainment.
Cyclists can choose between 17-, 25-, or 37-mile bike route options through the picturesque Napa Valley, with a rest stop at ZD Wines’ barrel tasting. After the ride, cyclists and non-cyclists can meet at North Yountville Park to enjoy the popular food and wine garden and taste the offerings of 12 local restaurants and 12 wineries.
The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation and ZD Wines host the fundraising event along with UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Crush Challenge helps raise money to advance research into non-toxic treatment for lymphoma as well as to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.
In 2024, the event raised $100,000 and drew more than 150 cyclists, including a team of 31 participants from UC Davis Health, with CEO David Lubarsky participating.
The story behind the Crush Challenge event
Norman deLeuze, founder of ZD Wines, was the inspiration for Crush Challenge. Diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, the Napa winemaker sought treatments beyond traditional radiation and chemotherapy with UC Davis oncologist Joseph Tuscano, who specializes in cancers of the blood.
ZD Wines President Brett deLeuze explained, “My father, Norman, was determined to find non-toxic cancer treatment options. Through his own research and treatment, he convinced Dr. Tuscano to work with him, and the relationship resulted in the establishment of the UC Davis deLeuze Family Endowed Professorship focused on researching non-toxic cures for cancer.”
Although deLeuze eventually died from his cancer, ZD Wines and the deLeuze family honored Norman’s legacy by establishing the deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation and the annual Crush Challenge.
Tickets for the Crush Challenge events will be available in the spring. Go to CrushChallenge.net to find out more.
