The Ride is a unique, stationary bike race designed to increase the awareness of cardiovascular fitness through exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Teams of eight cyclists ride bikes mounted on trainers for 25-minute intervals and compete for team trophies and individual medals. Prizes are awarded for various categories from most mileage ridden to most spirited team. Whether you are a serious cyclist or a casual weekend biker, The Ride has a spot for your team.
Since 2005, The Ride has raised over $335,000 in support of the Charles F. Schuler, Jr. Memorial Fund at the Mercy Health Partners Mercy H.E.A.R.T. (Health Enhancement and Rehabilitative Therapy) Center. Proceeds are used to purchase educational equipment, host health fairs for the lakeshore communities, and to sponsor patients who have limited financial resources, which may preclude them from participating in programs offered at the Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center. Hearts were pounding and legs were pedaling, as 68 teams (537 cyclists) rode over 5,900 miles at The Ride 2013.
Watch a Video Slideshow of The Ride 2013, held March 16.
Save the date . . . The 10th Annual Ride event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2014!
Form a Team — Anyone can form a team consisting of eight members and one alternate rider. Teams must provide one bike to be mounted on a trainer. Each team member will ride for 25-minute intervals. Participants receive a commemorative gift and refreshments. Entry fee is $400 per team, just $50 per rider. Ask an area business or company to sponsor your team!
We are excited to announce the formation of three new divisions at The Ride event.
Co-ed (minimum 4 women on a team)
Mixed (3 or less women on a team)
All Men's
These will take the place of Level I (Serious/Competitive Cyclists) and Level II (Casual/Recreational Cyclists). We are confident these new divisions will only add to the excitement and enthusiasm our participants bring every year to The Ride.
Be an Event Sponsor — Recognition is based on sponsorship level (starting at $500/year for three years) and may include one or more of the following:
Sponsor board recognition
Complimentary team(s)
Name imprinted on cyclist/volunteer t-shirts
Newspaper and media promotion
Sponsorship recognition is for three consecutive years.
Be a Volunteer — Don't want to work up a sweat? The Ride needs many volunteers as team hosts (timing the riders and assisting the teams during competition), for registration, check-in, set-up and tear down. For more information, please call the Community Development Department at 231-672-4814. Training for team hosts will be provided.
Be a Supporter — Donations can be made to help teams with their entry fee. To make a donation to The Ride, please call 231-672-4814, or contact any team member.
For more information, contact the Community Development office at 231-672-4814.
