Our Ride

Full Ride

The full ride will depart from Minneapolis MN, The George Floyd memorial at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue on Sunday August 2, 2020. We will cover 1,250 miles finishing at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C on August 28th, 3 1/2 weeks later. Initially, the daily mileage will average between 40-100 miles. As we get closer to departure date mileage and speed may increase based on the abilities of the team. We have enough volunteers for van support to carry gear, that will increase our speed and distance per day as well.

The route will follow a East/South East path through Western WI, East Iowa, Northern IL, IN and OH, incorporating as many trail/rails trails as possible until reaching the Montour Trail near Pittsburgh PA where we will pick up the GAP trail and finally the C&O Canal Path which ends in Georgetown Washington D.C. 

This will not be a difficult endeavor for experienced Bike-packing/Cycle-tourists. It may be more difficult for first timers or the less experienced but definitely doable. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join. There will be some support daily, water/snacks along the days route. How much support will depend on interest/funds raised Sponsors and volunteer engagement. Example: I would love to be able to have coffee and breakfast goods provided in the morning.  You should plan on camping, however other accommodations may be made if desired. There are accommodations along the entire route if you choose some time out of the elements. 

Partial Ride

Any distance or how anyone would like to participate is open. Meet us at the GAP Trail in Pittsburgh or C&O Trail in Cumberland MD if that suits your experience or time frame. We will narrow down a time table closer to the departure date. We'll also be sharing on social media as we go so you can check our progress. Other options would be a tag team or leap frog option with 2 or more people working together covering certain distances or alternating days. Nobody cares. It's about the journey.

Local Ride

Follow us on our socials and come out and ride with us as we come through your area.

What to Ride

Ride what makes you happy. Gravel grinder, Bike packing, Touring, MTB, Tandem, E-Bike, Fixie or Fatty,  whatever. I've ridden the GAP and C&O before and I would recommend 32mm tires for the gravel, maybe 28s.

Virtual Ride

https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/AnyCity/BLMRideVR 

A virtual challenge supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and the BLM Ride on Washington DC.

Sponsored by RoadID

We are offering five ways to get involved and support the Black Lives Matter and Social Justice movement. Virtually ride the complete route from Minneapolis MN to Washington DC. Virtually Run/Hike/Walk or Cycle the final 335 miles along the GAP Trail and C&O Canal Tow-Path trail from Pittsburgh PA to Washington DC. You can choose the Multi-Sport Ride/Run combo for all of your multi-sport people covering the full distance.

Are you up for the Virtual Challenge?

Yes! From August 1, 2020, you will have until midnight, December 31, to complete the route you choose.

Let's break it down. For either the “Full” Virtual ride or Multi-Sport distance, that is an easy 61 miles a week.

For the other challenges, the distance is 16 miles a week.

Support

Due to the volunteer support we've received you will be able to ride unloaded, which should make the ride easier/faster. In addition to the generous support from Renegade Racing, who donated Gels, Bars, Waffles, Chews and GU's,  we will fund raise for general support funds for additional water/snacks/supplies, hopefully some lunches along the way but don't count on it. If you intend on riding think about bringing along someone if they don't ride but would be interested in joining the support team. The more the better.

Fundraising

We are asking for contributions to support the Black Lives Matter movement and BLM ride. We are asking each rider on the "Team" to fundraise for their journey. Initially, funds will be split 65%/35% to the national Blacklivesmatter.com charity and to "the ride". The general funds stated goal is $7,500 based on 3 riders. $4875 to #BLM and $2625 for 3 riders. Roughly $0.07 a mile per rider for general ride support. As sponsors come on board to support "the ride" the split will be adjusted. As ridership increases the "goal" will be adjusted. Each rider will be assigned their link for fundraising. They will be encouraged to follow the same split and distribute it to the local BLM charities to them. After your info is submitted for the ride, I'll follow up with your individual Team fundraising link. Fundraising is being done by JNR VIola, a 501c3 Charitable Organization.

Conclusion

That's what I have so far. I am so open to suggestions. Preferably from people who are interested in joining me. I'm just a guy who likes to ride a bike and is pissed off AF. I need all the help I can get. If this sounds like fun to you, you're my kind of people. 

Ready to Ride? Go to the sign up page for any option by clicking here: Join Us

Check out the sponsors page as it evolves.

Questions? Fill out the form below and I'll get back with you.