Charity Bicycle Rides

Updating for 2013

Want to ride for a reason this year? There are hundreds of major bike rides sponsored by big health foundations throughout the US where the top goal is fund-raising, often through a system of pledges for participating bicyclists.

Here are short descriptions and links to the major events. The bicycle ride series include Multiple Sclerosis, Leukemia, Lung, Diabetes, and LiveStrong bike tours. Others, such as the AIDS Lifecycle and Pan Mass Challenge sponsor one event.

If the dates for the charity bike ride are not updated below, check out the website link. Generally, the rides are scheduled within a few days of each other year to year. Here, in no particular order, are some of them:

Charity bike ride series:

American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure

Trainer Chris Carmichael is the honorary chairperson of the American Diabetes Association’s 2012 Tour de Cure. The tour is a series of rides in some 80 cities in 44 states nationwide, starting as early as March, so register early. In 2011, more than 55,000 cyclists participated in the rides, raising more than $18 million. One-day events of 10 to 100 miles. Dates: The rides for 2013 are listed by state at the website. These are just a few:

 New England Classic-- Two rides start from Woburn, Massachusetts. The 150-mile ride tours back roads and seacoasts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. (There’s also a week-long, 500-mile version of the bike ride that explores Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.) Dates: July 13, 2013.

Tour de Cure – Portland — Five options between 27 and 100 miles tour the Willamette Valley. All leave from Hillsboro Stadium. Date: July 20, 2013.

Tour de Cure – Seattle (Redmond) — Five bike rides, including a 15-mile family friendly ride, a 25-miler and more challenging 45-, 70-, and 100-mile routes. The 100-mile bike course goes all the way to Granite Falls. Date: May 11, 2013.

Tour de Cure – Spokane– Four options, comprising a family friendly 15-mile ride, and 25, 50 and 100 miles. Meets at Spokane County Raceway. Date: May 19, 2013.

Tour de Cure – California — There are 8 Tour de Cure bike rides in California scheduled in 2013. They are: San Diego, April 20, 2013; Long Beach, April 28, 2013; Roseville, May 4, 2013; Napa Valley, May 5, 2013; Silicon Valley, June 9, 2013. To be announced: Santa Barbara and Aliso Viejo.

American Lung Association

A number of state chapters for the American Lung Association sponsor fund-raiser bike rides. Begin searching by going to “In Your Community” US map, which supplies links to local websites by state. Look for the “Events” tab. Just a few events:

Clean Air Challenge (Alaska) — One-day bike ride between Houston and Talkeetna, either one-way or round-trip. Date: May 18, 2013.

Reach the Beach (Oregon) — Ride starts in four locations: Portland (100 miles), Newberg (80 miles), Amity (55 miles), and Grand Ronde (28 miles). Date: May 18, 2013.

Ride Around the Sound (Washington) — A new event for the Seattle area, the one-day charity ride features five different lengths within a scenic loop around the southern Puget Sound, ending with a ferry ride to the finish party in West Seattle. Rides of 100, 88, 75 and 45 miles, and a family ride. Date: Sept. 14, 2013.

Big Ride Across America – A 7-week, fully supported cross-country bike tour that leaves from Seattle on June 17 – Aug. 3, 2013.

Autumn Escape Bike Trek (Massachusetts) – A 160-mile bike tour along Cape Cod from Plymouth to Provincetown; includes many miles on the Cape Cod rail-trail. A 2-day, 105-mile option is also available.  Dates: September 27-29, 2013.

Arthritis Foundation

Arthritis Foundation’s Amgen California Coast Classic  The ride is a 520-mile, 8-day bike tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Riders can experience sun, rugged coasts, quiet beaches, lighthouses, giant forests, and famous wineries. The ride is a 8-day, 520 mile tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Dates: (8-day) Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2013.

Amgen People’s Coast Classic (Oregon) The fund-raiser for the Arthritis Foundation is a 363-mile bike ride down the coast of Oregon, from Astoria to Brookings. The fully supported six-day tour is primarily camping, but participants can get other lodging information. Breakfasts and dinners also provided. Also, 2- and 4-day rides are possible. Dates: Sept. 8-13, 2013

2013 Mid Atlantic Classic Bike Tour  (North Carolina) The bike tour offers one-day, two-day, or three-day options in North Carolina’s wine country. Maximum mileage is the three-day 225-mile bike tour. Full support and three meals a day. Dates: April 26-28, 2013.

 

Audi Best Buddies Challenge

The ride supports volunteers form one-on-one relationships with persons with intellectual disabilities to increase self-confidence, encourage social inclusion and enable lifelong friendships. Boston to Hyannis Port, MA – June 1, 2013; Carmel to San Simeon, CA – Sept. 7, 2013; Washington DC – Oct. 19, 2013, and Miami – Nov. 22, 2013.

Bike and Build (Cross country)

Ten teams, mostly comprised of college students, raise money for affordable housing and bicycle across the US on different routes, stopping along the way to provide hands on help at construction sites. 2012 is its 10th year. The bicyclists ride about 75 miles a day and share chores on the van-supported ride. (Read more about Bike and Build and sign up early)

Breakaway from Cancer (California)
L’Etape du California celebrates two stages of the Amgen Tour of California to raise money for four non-profits involved in the battle against cancer. The two dates in 2013 are Mount Diablo –  April 28, 2013, and Escondido — May 11, 2013.

Climate Ride (NYC-DC and California)

Two 5-day Climate Rides will be offered in 2012. Cyclists learn about the climate crisis and how to take action from expert speakers and get to meet others with similar concerns. Proceeds support projects and jobs in clean energy and education. Dates: Climate Ride New York City to Washington DC – Sept.  21-25, 2013; Climate Ride California – Eureka to San Francisco – May 19-23, 2013.

Cycle for Life (Cystic Fibrosis)

The Cycle for Life bike rides raise money for research and treatment for cystic fibrosis, an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of some 30,000 adults and children in the US. The fund-raisers typically feature a one-day bike ride with several mileage options. To find a ride, go to Aptalis CF Cycle for Life. There, you will find about 50 rides (updated for 2013). Check early to register. Among those that are coming up…

California – Aptalis Cycle for Life features rides with options of about 25 to 65 miles.

Half Moon Bay — June 22, 2013, Glendale -- Nov. 3, 2013, New Castle — Oct. 19, 2013, Orange County — Oct. 27, 2013, San Diego — Oct. 5, 2013, Silverado — Oct. 27, 2013.

Washington state — Aptalis Cycle for Life features rides with options of about 25 to 65 miles.

Woodinville – July 28, 2013, Tri Cities — Aug. 24, 2013, Spokane – Oct. 5, 2013

Get Your Guts in Gear (Crohn’s and Colitis diseases)

These three-day rides in New York, Washington state and the Midwest raises awareness and funds
for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Bike riders will cover about 210 miles in the Hudson River Valley in New York and Edmonds, traces Whidbey Island, crosses back to the mainland at Deception Pass and explores the Skagit Valley in Washington. Dates: New York (Hudson River Valley) – June 7-9, 2013; Midwest (Wisconsin) – Aug. 23-25, 2013.

Habitat for Humanity

 Habitat 500 Bike Ride  More than 100 cyclists in this charity ride for Habitat for Humanity tour a different area every year. Southern Minnesota is the location in 2010. They visit and help at worksites that provide affordable housing for people, as well as conduct interviews to raise awareness about housing issues. Dates: July 14-20, 2013.

 

 

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The research foundation offers training to help participates reach a goal of 30, 62 or 100 miles to raise funds for juvenile diabetes research. Rides for 2013: Burlington, VT – July 25-28; La Crosse, WI – Aug. 15-18; Lake Tahoe, NV – Sept. 6-9; Death Valley, CA – Oct. 17-20; Tucson, AZ – Nov. 21-24.

LiveStrong Challenge bike rides (Lance Armstrong Foundation)

Major fund-raiser for Livestrong Foundation. At the finish line, each cancer survivor is celebrated with a yellow rose, and participants and spectators are invited to join a Post-Event Party.

Team Livestrong Challenge Davis, Calif. – This platinum-level bike-friendly city hosts the Livestrong Challenge ride for a second time. Choose from four scenic ride distances ranging from 15-100 miles. Register.  Date: June 23, 2013

Team Livestrong Challenge Philadelphia — Blue Bell, PA, hosts the ride for the sixth year. Choose distances ranging from 10 to 100 miles. Register. Dates: Aug. 17-18, 2013.

Team Livestrong Challenge Austin — In conjunction with Ride for the Rose weekend, cyclists can choose from distances ranging from 10-90 miles.Register. Dates: to be announced (usually mid to late October).

Check LiveStrong website for bike rides that partner with LiveStrong for fund-raising, including:

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic — Eight events over the weekend in Durango, Colo., including a 50-mile road bike tour.  Dates: May 25-27, 2013.

RAGBRAI  – The famous Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Dates: July 21-27, 2013.

 

MS Bike Rides (National Multiple Sclerosis Society)

Marking its 30th year, the MS Bike Rides sponsor more than 100 bike tours in the US in 2010. Some 100,000 participants raised $67 million for the society. Most, but not all, of these bicycle rides are two-day affairs, covering 150 miles. Overnight activities are planned for the longer rides, with camping, high-school gyms, or local hotels. Here’s a map with all the MS bike rides. Among them are these tours in Pacific Coast area:

Bike MS South Florida chapter — April 20-21, 2013  Homestead-Miami Speedway to Key Largo and return; 50 to 75 miles on Day 1, overnight with entertainment at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, and 35 to 75 miles on Day 2. Fully catered.

Bike MS – Explore Oregon – Aug. 2-4, 2013  Two-day bike bike tour starts at Western Oregon University in Salem.

Bike MS – Five River Ride — August 2013 (date tba)  Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge; Oregon.

Bike MS – Road, Sweat and Gears — Not in 2013 (see Harmons Best Dam Road Ride, Logan, Utah  – June 29-30, 2013) Starts in McCall, and heads north along Lake Payette to the Burgdorf Hot Springs turn off. Day Two rides south toward Donnelly, Idaho, stopping off at Jug Mountain Ranch, and continuing on to the Tamarack round

MS Bike Ride in Montana — Aug. 17-18, 2013  Some 250 cyclists participate in this bike ride that starts in Red Lodge, Montana..

Bike MS – Washington — Sept. 7-8 2013  A 2-day bike ride through Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties starts in Mount Vernon.

Bike MS Ride – Alaska – Sept. 7-8. 2013  Starts in Girdwood, Alaska.

Bike MS – Waves to Wine – Sept. 21-22, 2013  A two-day journey from San Francisco to Healdsburg, California.

Bike MS Coastal Challenge (formerly Southern California Ride)– Oct. 12-13, 2013  Begins each morning at the San Buenaventura State Beach near Ventura. Day 1- 30, 65, 100 miles, Day 2- 35, 60.

Parkinson’s Disease

Davis Phinney Foundation The winningest American cyclist sponsors teams on organized bike rides to support those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.. In addition, cyclists can form their own challenge bike rides to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease. Also, learn how to create a fund-raising bike ride.

Ride Ataxia

Bike rides benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, which is researching a cure for the debilitating, life-shortening neuro-muscular disorder. Dates for 2013: Portland – Sept. 21, NorCal (Davis) – June 1, Denton, TX – March 23, Channahon, IL – July 21, Blue Bell, PA – Oct. 13, and Orlando – Nov. 3.

 Ride Ataxia NorCal  — June 1, 2013  Options of 15, 30, or 50 miles or a metric century. Leaves Memorial Stadium in Davis. Benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. Outback Steakhouse provides post-ride food.

Ride Ataxia Portland — Sept. 21, 2013  Rides of 6, 12, 25 and 50 miles offered on Sauvie Island, about 10 miles northwest of Portland.

Ride to Defeat ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Go to Ride to Defeat ALS website for rides in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington.

Oregon Ride to Defeat ALS - July 13, 2013 Bicyclists can chose 25-, 50, or 100-mile options for this fund-raiser charity ride that starts in Mt. Angel, south of Portland. Benefits efforts to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease

ALS Doubleday Bike Ride and Fundraiser (Washington)– July 27-28, 2013  This two-day bike ride through the Skagit Valley raises money for the ALS Foundation to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease. Free overnight camping at Mount Vernon High School. Three mileage and difficulty options the first day and two options the second.

Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS (California) – Sept. 28, 2013  Options of rides from 10 to 100 miles; all begin at the Yountville Veterans Home.

 Ride Without Limits (United Cerebral Palsy)

North Carolina -- Oct. 4-6, 2013  The ride starts in downtown Washington, NC and visits communities on quiet roads on the Inner Banks. Options range from 31 to 112 miles per day.

Tampa Bay – Nov. 9, 2013 Route options of 35, 63 and 100 miles in the Tampa Bay area.

Team Hole in the Wall (Camps for children facing serious illnesses)

Members raise funds and awareness for Hole in the Wall Camps for children with life-threatening diseases. Team members can ride in any event they choose and use it as a fund-raising platform for the Hole in the Wall Camps. See website for details.  Founded by the late actor Paul Newman. U.S. camps in California, Connecticut, Florida, New York, North Carolina; camps include Camp Korey in the Seattle area.

Team in Training (Leukemia and Lymphoma)

Instead of sponsoring century rides, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society creates teams that train and raise pledges for participation in local and regional events. For instance, the Washington state chapter is preparing to ride in America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride on June 2, 2013, around Lake Tahoe, Nevada. More than $700 million has been raised since 1988. Look for the Team in Training website from the donation page, or check out the Century Ride webpage and insert your zip code.

World Bicycle Relief

The group provides bicycles to individuals and groups in developing nations to help in productivity and provide better access to healthcare and education. Also trains bicycle mechanics in those areas.

Red-Bell 100  A 100-mile ride from Redmond to Bellingham presented in conjunction with the Cascade Bicycle Club. Limited to about 600 cyclists. Minimum pledge. Date: June 29, 2013.

Wrigley Field Road Tour  A 100-mile cause ride from Wrigley Field ballpark in Chicago to Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisc. Minimum pledge. Date: Aug. 25, 2013

Annual charity bicycle rides:

24 Hours of Booty (Georgia)

The fund-raiser for Livestrong Foundation and AFLAC Cancer Center for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hosts adults and children who ride their bicycles on a closed course for 24 hours. Music and food offered during breakers. Date: Oct. 5-6, 2013.

AIDS Lifecycle (California)

The fund-raiser is produced by and helps benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center is in its ninth year in 2010. This year’s 545-mile ride is scheduled from June 2-8 2013.  Register soon; participants must raise a minimum $3,000.

AIDS Ride for Life (New York)

Entering its 13th year, this is a fully supported bike ride around Cayuga Lake in central New York state with 50-, 90- and 100-mile options beginning in Ithaca. Raises funds for Southern Tier AIDS program. Registration begins in March.  Date: Sept. 7, 2013.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (Pennsylvania)

Lemon Ride Bicycle Tour is a first-time charity ride in the Philadelphia area to raise money for finding cures for all childhood cancer. Rides of 12, 26, or 50 miles are offered. The foundation grew out of a front yard lemonade stand started by 4-year-old cancer patient Alexandra Scott to raise money for all kids with cancer. Date: July 21, 2013

American Cancer Society (Massachusetts)

Bicycles Battling Cancer is a scenic loop bike tour of the back roads of Massachusetts. Cyclists start at Bolton Fairgrounds in Lancaster Three options of century, metric or “lite”. (Check the website here for details) Date: June 9, 2013.

American Cancer Society (Ohio)

The Pan Ohio Hope Ride is a four-day, 328-mile bike ride that rolls across-state from Cleveland to Cincinnati. Overnight at college campuses in Wooster, Otterbein, and Wittenburg. Raises money for ACS’s Hope Lodges. Dates: July 25-28, 2013.

Autism (CHAFE 150 – Sandpoint, Idaho)

CHaFE 150  –  The sixth annual 150-mile bike ride raises money for families dealing with autism. Starting in Sandpoint, the cycling route rolls through northern Idaho and western Montana. There’s also an  80-mile option. Limited to 500 cyclists. Sponsored by the Sandpoint Rotary Club.  Date: July 20, 2013

Brain Injury Alliance (Connecticut)

Tour of Lights Bike-a-Thon 2012  This charity bike ride provides options of 62 miles or 25 miles to raise funds for the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut, which supports brain-injured clients and their families. Starts at Eastern Point Beach, Groton. Date: May 5, 2012.

Bike the US for MS

Cross-country bicycle tours raise funds for the James Miller MS Clinic in Charlottesville, VA. Three choices — TransAmerica, Pacific Coast and Northern Tier.  Date: Tours begin late May and early June 2013.

Camp Korey (Carnation, WA)

Camp Challenge Ride – The bike ride benefits Camp Korey, a no-cost overnight camp for children with serious and life-altering medical disabilities. Rides start at the camp in Carnation with options of 25- or 64-mile loops. The camp is a member of the Serious Fun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman. Date: June 15, 2013. 

C’oeur d’Fondo (C’oeur d’Alene, Idaho)

Cyclists of all ages and abilities can participate in this Lake Coeur d’Alene bike ride. Four options of 108, 84, 37 and 10 miles; the longer rides go around the lake. Benefits the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation. Date: Sept. 28, 2013

Coup de Cascades (Polio, Redmond, WA)

Participants can either race the 425-mile ultra-marathon cycling event or ride a 101-mile century at their own pace. Presented by the Redmond Rousers Rotary to raise money to fight polio. Also, see Facebook page. Dates: Aug. 17-18, 2013.

Camp Make A Dream (Montana)

Ride Around the Pioneers in One Day (RATPOD) is a 130-mile fund-raiser loop bike ride that encircles the Pioneer Mountains, starting in Dillon. Registration for the popular ride opens on March 1; 650 cyclists maximum. Date: June 29, 2013.

Central Coast Classique -  Supporting Uniformed Officers and Armed Forces (California)

Cyclists can choose from three options — 100, 62 and 30 miles — for the bike ride that begins at Arroyo Grande and passes vineyards in the Edna Valley. Winery discounts offered at rest stops. Presented by Creative Meditation and San Luis Obispo Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation (SLOLEAF). Date: Aug. 24, 2013.

Cycle the WAVE (WA)

Women Against Violence Everywhere is sponsoring this all-women’s cycling experience benefiting domestic violence programs in Washington State. Four rides to accommodate all levels: Little Sister -12 miles, Girly Girl – 25 miles, Middle Sister – 42 miles and the Burly Girl – 62 miles. Participants will be pampered with girly gift bags, sassy tees, plenty of food, mechanic support and a special spa stop to complete your day. Check out last year’s video. Date: Sept. 15, 2013.

Cycling for Sight (San Diego)

8th Cycling for Sight with the Blind Stokers Club is a 200-mile, 3-day tour along the southern California coast. Participants will ride alongside team members of Blind Stokers, a club that enables cycling enthusiasts to ride tandems even though their eyesight prevents them from piloting the bikes. Dates: July 12-14 2013.

Death Ride Tour for Life ( Colorado)

This three-day ride in southwestern Colorado raises money for Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association. The ride starts in Silverton (2 nights) with an overnight in Telluride and finish in Durango. Dates: June 8-10, 2013.

Deep Roots Festival bike rides (Georgia)

Four bike rides — 75, 50, 30 and 15 miles — in the rolling hills of Baldwin County are part of the Deep Roots Festival in Milledgeville. Proceeds from the bike rides support Georgia Cancer Support, Community Gardens, Cafe Central and Live Healthy Baldwin/Bicycle Friendly Community. Registration at active.com. Date: Oct. 19, 2013.

Friends for Life Bike Rally Benefits  (Canada)

A 600km mass participation bike ride from Toronto to Montreal. Benefits Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. About 300 cyclists rode in 2011 and raised $1.237 million. Dates: June 28 – Aug. 2, 2013

Fuller Center Bike Adventure  Cross-country bicycle ride from Savannah to Vancouver, BC,  to  money for Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit ecumencial Christian housing ministry to provide adequate housing for people in need. Riders will build homes along the way. Dates: June 7 to Aug. 11, 2013.

See 2012 Cross-country bike rides.

Funsport Bike’s Ride to Cure Cancer (California)

Three bike ride options to raise money for the Memorial Hospital Triumph Fitness Program. Modesto. Date: Oct. 21, 2012

Gears for Change (Idaho)

The Mica Peak Century is a fund-raiser for the Gears for Change bicycle ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Coeur d’Alene. Four options for bicyclists: 15, 30 and 70 miles, and a 100-mile route that hits Rockford, Waverly, Fairfield, Valleyford, Spokane Valley and Post Falls. A fund-raiser for Trinity Group Homes and Hospice of North Idaho. Date: Sept.16. 2012.

Giro Bello (California)

Three bike ride options through the countryside of Sonoma County — 102, 68 and 29 miles. Proceeds benefit the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa. Date: July 6, 2013

Healing Nations (California)

Covered Bridge Bike Classic — April 27, 2013  The century, metric century and 18- and 11-mile loops start in Snelling. The two longer rides wind through the Sierra foothills and pass through the Robert’s Ferry Covered Bridge near Waterford. A fund-raiser for Healing Nations, which works with at-risk youth in West Modesto.

Hot Hundred (Alabama)

Hot Hundred (the hottest ride in the South) celebrates its 10th year in 2012 with five options — 28, 36, 51, 70 and 103 miles. Seven well-stocked rest stops along the route that includes the University of Alabama campus. Supports the Tuscaloosa (AL) Mental Health Task Force and advocacy efforts of the Druid City Bicycle Club. Date: July 27, 2013.

Hub on Wheels (Boston)

Helps fund technology for Boston public shool students. Three options, 10-50 miles; registration is $45. Date: Sept. 22, 2013.

Journey of Hope (Cross-country)

The Journey of Hope comprises three cross-country bicycle treks that begin in either San Francisco, Los Angeles or Seattle and end together in Washington, D.C. The event raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. All the bike riders are members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. A project of Push America. (Read more about it)

Le Tour de Femme (Cary, North Carolina)

Women’s-only cycling event to raise money for cancer research. Distance options of  15 miles, 31.2 miles, or 62.4 miles. Benefits UNC Health Care and Livestrong Foundation. Date: Oct. 12, 2013.

Lymphoma Research Ride (Dickerson, MD)

A 25- or 50-mile bike ride for survivors, families and friends to raise money for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Date: Sept. 22, 2013

Macon County Conservation Foundation (Illinois)

Prairie Pedal is a bike ride to raise funds to enable the Foundation to continue its education and preservation projects and environmental education. Three options are offered — 15, 40 or 62 miles. The $25 registration covers rest stop snacks, T-shirt and an after-party. Leaves from Rock Springs Conservation Area, Decatur, Illinois. Date: Sept. 29, 2013.

Maryland Brain Injury (Westminster, MD)

The Eat a Peach Challenge Bike Ride is an annual event that raises money for the Brain Injury Association of Maryland. Westminster. Date: August 2012  (check website for date and details).

Meals to Wheels (Puyallup, WA)

Six bike routes wind through Pierce County, covering distances of 10 to 75 miles. Benefits St. Leo Food Connection. Date: June 22, 2013.

NorCal AIDS Challenge (Sacramento)

This is the sixth year for the 330-mile bike ride in Central California to benefit HIV/AIDS services in the Sacramento Valley. There’s also a shorter weekend option. Online support for training and fund-raising. Dates: May 16-19, 2013

Obliteride (Seattle)

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center benefits from this charity bike ride launched in 2013. Four mileage options are offered; 25, 50, 100 and 180 (2 days with an overnight say at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma).   Dates: Aug. 10-11, 2013 (pre-ride party on Aug. 9).

Oregon Supported Living Program (Eugene, Ore.)

Pedal for People – May 12, 2012  The Oregon Supported Living Program presents the Pedal for People Metric Century Ride. Bike ride options of 100k, 60k and 2k start and at Armitage Park in Eugene. The ride benefits adults with developmental disabilities. Luncheon with entertainment follows; also prizes.

Pablove Across America (San Francisco to Los Angeles, California)

The ride to support children with cancer starts in San Francisco in 2013 and heads to Los Angeles.  Read about the Pablove Foundation. Date: Oct. 6-13, 2013

Pan-Mass Challenge (Massachusetts)

This is the nation’s biggest endurance sports fund-raiser; 4,300 cyclists raised $35 million for Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2008. The bike-a-thon participants have a choice of nine different rides, including the original two-day Sturbridge to Provincetown route. Registration opens Jan. 10, 2012. Dates: Aug. 4-5, 2012.

Palmetto Peloton Project (South Carolina)
The Challenge to Conquer Cancer is a supported, 5-team relay ride from Greenville, South Carolina, to the Livestrong Ride for the Roses weekend events in Austin, Texas. Funds got to Lance Armstrong Foundation and Greenville Hospital Research Foundation. See website for registration and other information. Tentative dates: Oct. 17 – 24, 2010.

PASA’s Bike Fresh, Bike Local Ride (Pennsylvania)

A choice of 25-, 50-, or 75-mile bike rides through rolling Chester County farmland. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture. Post ride lunch of locally grown foods and locally crafted beer. Starts and ends at Victory Brewing in Downington. Date: Sept. 23, 2012

Park-2-Park Montana  (Montana)

The ride is a fund-raiser for programs of Court Appointed Special Advocates, who support neglected and abused children in Montana’s courts. Bicyclists will ride a new across-state, north-south route from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park in 2012. The 418-mile ride in western Montana is fully supported and open to just 50 cyclists. Dates: Sept. 10-14, 2012.

Pedal the Cause (St. Louis, MO)

The event raises money to fund cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Cyclists must raise a minimum $500 for the 25-mile ride and $1,000 for the 60-mile bike ride.  Starts at Soldiers Memorial. Date: Oct. 2, 2011.

Pedal Away Polio (Oregon)

A bike ride to raise money for the eradication of polio in world. Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan still have significant number of polio cases. Rotary Clubs are raising matching funds through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Five options from 2 to 52 miles. Starts in Albany, Oregon. See event flyer and registration form. Date: Aug. 21, 2010

Pelotonia (Ohio)

2012 marks the fourth year for this cancer fund-raiser for the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. The ride, which featured Lance Armstrong in 2009, takes the back roads from Columbus to Kenyon College in Gambier. One and two-day options.  Dates: August 10-12, 2012 (registration opens Jan. 10, 2012)

Raisin Hope Benefit Ride (Georgia)

Named for Credit Agricole pro cyclist Saul Raisin of Georgia whose career ended with a serious bicycle racing crash in 2006. This charity bike ride raises funds for traumatic brain injury support. The ride is based in Dalton, Georgia, and comprises 4 options of 15 to 62 miles. Date: Sept. 1, 2012.

Refuge International (Texas)

Chainge the World Bike Ride in Gilmer, Texas, raises money for Refuge International, which develops programs providing adequate health care, nutrition, clean water and education in Central America. Bike ride options of 10, 20, 40 and 60 miles (100km). Date: May 5, 2012.

Ride for Autism (New Jersey)

Raises funds and awareness for Autism New Jersey. Routes of 10 miles to 120 miles designed by the Jersey Shore Touring Society bicycle club. Starts at Brookdale Community College, Lindale, NJ. Date: June 9, 2012.

The Ride to a Wish (North Carolina)

Cyclists can choose a between a 33-, 50- or 100-mile bike ride starting at Tyrell Hall in Columbia, North Carolina. After ride showers, food and party. Donations benefit the Make-a-wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina, which is planning to grant four wishes this year. Maximum 150 riders. Date: May 5, 2012

Rodman Ride for Kids (Massachusetts)

Cyclist choose a bike ride option in southeastern Massachusetts (Foxboro) to raise funds for various children’s charities, including those that treat autism, brain injuries and other special needs. Date: September 29, 2012.

Save-a-Limb Ride (Baltimore)

Choose between a metric century, 30-, 15-, or 6-mile ride for this charity bike ride to raise money for the Save-A-Limb Fund, established in 2001 and supports the fight to save limbs from amputation and provide hip and knee replacements to patients in the US and abroad.  Presented for the Ruben Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Ride rolls out from Oregon Ride State Park.  Date: Oct. 20, 2012

Seacoast Bike Tour (New Hampshire)

A one- or two-day bicycle ride between Portsmouth and Ogunquit, New Hampshire, to raise funds for Breathe New Hampshire’s programs to improve air quality and lung health. Cyclists in the 26th annual tour can choose three options on Saturday (25, 42 or 56 miles) and two on Sunday (35 or 53 miles). Dates: May 19-20, 2012.

STACIE Foundation (Ohio)

The nonprofit organization for victims or survivors of violent crimes and domestic abuse is hosting a benefit bicycle ride on the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Check website for upcoming details. Date: Aug. 18, 2012

Stanley Stammpede (Washington)

A two-day bike-a-thon on San Juan and Lopez islands to raise money for the Stanley Stamm Children’s Hospital Camp. The camp, launched in 1967,  provides one-week of medically supported overnight camping to children with special needs that would prevent them from attending other camps. Registration is $50; request for $150 in pledges. Dates: June 11 and 12, 2011. Call 206-987-2267 for details and registration.

Timmy’s Century (West Virginia)

A two-day ride covering about 100 miles on the North Bend Rail Trail in West Virginia. Starts both days at the North Bend State Park lodge near Cairo. Raises money for Timmy’s Fund, a foundation to relieve the financial burdens of families who are undergoing treatment at WVU’s Children’s Hospital. Dates: Aug. 25-26, 2012.

Tour de Blue (Alabama)

Sixth annual bicycle ride starts at 65-acre Red Diamond Corporate Campus in Moody. Several exciting new cycling routes are offered (50, 75, 100 miles) with periodic rest stops and full SAG support. Post-ride lunch provided by Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. Supports Urology Health Foundation and its prostate cancer and awareness efforts across Alabama. Date: April 27, 2013.

Tour de Palm Springs (California)

One of the earliest charity rides of the year is also one of the biggest. Distances of 5 to 100 miles. Raises money for some 75 nonprofits in the Coachella Valley. Pasta feed and bike expo night before. Date: Feb. 10-11, 2012.

Tour de Pink (California)

Young Survival Coalition is sponsoring a charity bike ride for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. The ride rolls out from Thousand Oaks to Foothill Ranch. Dates: Oct. 12-14, 2012

Tour des Trees — The 40th anniversary bike tour comes to Oregon for 585 miles of bicycling. Starts in Banks and finishes in Portland; overnights in Seaside, Grand Ronde, Wilsonville, Government Camp, and The Dalles. Plant trees and visit tree research locations. Fund-raiser for Tree Fund. Registration opens Jan. 3, 2012. Dates: Aug. 5-12, 2012.

Tour de Whatcom (Washington) Three mileage options — 25, 50 and 105 miles — for this bike ride that benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Starts in Bellingham and tours lakes and rivers while in sight of snow-capped Mount Baker. Date: July 28, 2012.

Tour de Whidbey The bike ride features mileage options of 30, 40, 50 or 100 miles, as well as a flat 10-mile route for beginners. Rides start at either Greenbank Farm or Coupeville Middle/High School. Well-stocked rest stops are located about every 15 miles. Proceeds will go toward purchase of a new MRI for the Whidbey General Hospital. Date: Sept. 21, 2013.

Tour du Rouge (Texas-Louisiana)

This is a fund-raiser for the American Red Cross that was routed to roll through areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Since that time, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike have wreaked havoc in that region. This is a new bike tour that covers 526 miles in six days. That route goes from Humble to Beaumont to Cameron, La., Abbeville, La., to Morgan City, to Gonzalez, La., to NewOrleans. Entry fee is $100; must raise an addition $2,500. Dates: May 6-11, 2012.

 Tri-State Trek

This fund-raiser for treatment of Lou Gehrig’s disease — Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) — comprises 270 miles from Boston to New York. Entering its sixth year in 2008, the ride grossed $220,000 in 2006. Dates: July 20-22, 2012; there’s a one-day route available as well.

West Yellowstone-Old Faithful Bicycle Tour is a fundraiser for several local charities in West Yellowstone, Montana. The National Park Service caps the ride at 350 participants for the 60-mile up and back ride to Old Faithful. The ride coincides National Public Lands Day, when no admission is required. Date: Sept. 24, 2011.

There are hundreds of local fund-raisers rides as well. In the Northwest and Pacific Coast, find the list of fund-raising rides among the calendars of bicycling events in California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Let me know if I’ve missed anything, and I’ll include it on the list. See my email in upper right.