Ride For Hope 2026

Distances and entry

• 4 Day Ride - 320 Miles — $245.26
• 1 Day Ride - 70-100 Miles — $82.42

About Ride For Hope 2026

More Than a Bike Ride

Join us for THE Ride for Hope, a community bikepacking adventure across the entire state of Ohio that raises funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

Over four days and three nights, we'll journey 340 miles from Cleveland to Cincinnati, starting with the iconic back tire dip in Lake Erie and finishing with a front tire dip in the Ohio River. Along the way, we'll climb hills, battle headwinds, share campfires, and remind each other why hope is worth fighting for.

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, brand new to bikepacking, or simply passionate about the mission, there's a place for you here! This ride is about showing up, staying connected, and pedaling for something bigger than yourself.

Suicide Prevention Training
All riders are required to complete a free, one-hour online QPR training through our partners at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and submit a certificate of completion before September 1.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer: three simple skills anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

Register for QPR:
August 10th, https://www.ohiospf.org/events_calendar/qpr-training-32/
August 26th, https://www.ohiospf.org/events_calendar/qpr-training-33/

Learn more at ohiospf.org.

Sign Up for the Full Ride:
Fundraising Commitment: $500
Registration Includes:
- Ride for Hope Dri-Fit shirt
- Official Ride for Hope Party Shirt 🎉
- Sponsor goodie bag
- Lodging for all four nights
- SAG support, hydration, and fuel throughout the ride

The adventure begins with a hotel stay and team meeting in Cleveland on Thursday evening, September 17th. We highly encourage riders to join us as we kick off the weekend, meet the team, review logistics, and prepare for the journey ahead.

The remaining nights will be spent camping together, including our final night at the beloved John Bryan State Park.

One-Day Ride Option:
Fundraising Commitment: $100

Not ready to commit to all 340 miles? No problem.
Join us for a single day of the adventure. Riders can choose from designated starting points in Cleveland, Fredericksburg, Columbus, or Cincinnati and ride the section that works best for them.

Registration Includes:
- Ride for Hope Dri-Fit shirt
- Access to SAG vehicles with hydration and fuel

When registering, please indicate which day and starting location you plan to join.

The Party Shirts Are Back
Last year's rider-favorite Party Shirts are making a return for 2026! Designed for campfires, coffee stops, brewery hangs, and everyday life, they're a little less race-day and a lot more Ride for Hope.

Party Shirts are available as an add-on during registration. Be sure to check the sizing guide before ordering.

FAQ's
I've never bikepacked before. Can I still do this ride? Absolutely.
Every year we have riders with a wide range of cycling and bikepacking experience. If you're willing to train, ask questions, and embrace the adventure, you'll fit right in. We'll provide resources, packing guidance, and opportunities to connect with experienced riders before the event.

Is there a shuttle service? No.
Riders are responsible for arranging transportation to Cleveland at the start of the ride and home from Cincinnati at the finish.
A team GroupMe will be created before the ride where participants can coordinate carpooling, share rides, and connect with fellow riders.

Is the hotel stay included with registration? Yes!
The hotel stay in Cleveland on Thursday night is included with registration for all four-day riders. While attendance is optional, we highly, HIGHLY encourage you to join us. It's a great opportunity to meet the team, review logistics, ask questions, and kick off the adventure together.

Will food be provided throughout the trip?
Riders are responsible for bringing their own breakfasts, dinners, and any specialty nutrition they prefer. The SAG vehicle will be stocked with hydration, snacks, and ride fuel throughout the trip, but it should not be relied upon as your sole nutrition source for four days of riding.

Do I have to carry everything on my bike? Yes.
Riders are responsible for carrying their sleep setup, clothing, nutrition, and personal gear on their bike throughout the ride.
We have to be strict about this because space in the SAG vehicle is limited and cannot accommodate gear for 30+ riders. Plus, that's part of the adventure!

If you'd like to split gear with another rider, we recommend coordinating through the team GroupMe. Many riders choose to share items such as tents to reduce the amount each person needs to carry.

What about camp chairs?
Camp chairs are the one exception to our gear policy.
While we encourage riders to bring a chair that can be packed on their bike, each rider may store one camp chair in the SAG vehicle as long as it meets the following requirement:

• Maximum packed length: 3 feet long
If you're unsure whether your chair will fit, feel free to reach out before the ride.