(WNY News Now) – New York – The Ride for Mental Health, America’s pioneering cycling event dedicated to mental health causes, will once again grace New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley on June 22-23, expecting over 500 participants and aiming to surpass its $1.2 million fundraising milestone.
More than 500 riders are expected at the event, which offers fully supported road courses of 25, 50 and 100 mileswinding through picturesque countryside and neighboring townships. There is also a 14-mile “family fun ride” for all ages. Virtual riders can participate remotely and help raise funds online.
Registration for both riders and volunteers is currently open atRideforMentalHealth.org.There is no fundraising requirement for riders to participate.
Last year, in the first full ride after cancellations related to COVID, the event attracted more than 470 cyclists, 150 volunteers and 1600 donors who helped raised over $215,000 for McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and the nation’s No. 1-rated psychiatric hospital. Advancements and innovation from McLean in the field of mental health are influential throughout the U.S. and globally.
The Ride for Mental Health was founded by New York City attorney and avid cyclist Mac Dorris, whose son, Eric, suffered from mental health disorders and died from an accidental overdose at age 21. Since Dorris first organized the event seven years ago, it has become an annual homecoming for a growing community of cyclists, volunteers, friends and family, inspired by their shared dedication to make a difference.
“This is a joyful and fun event that I encourage everyone to experience, whether as a rider or as a volunteer,” said Dorris. “We’re also pleased to have cycling clubs, business organizations and commercial sponsors joining the Ride to help end the stigma associated with mental illness.”
All riders, both on site and virtual, receive a custom-designed Hincapie cycling jersey, and all in-person riders, volunteers and sponsors are invited to enjoy a complimentary barbecue dinner with live music on Saturday evening in New Paltz. Accommodations in the area include hotel chain locations, historic inns and bed & breakfasts, Airbnb and VRBO properties, and low-cost dormitory quarters on the SUNY-New Paltz campus.
Corporate and community organizations, cycling groups, teams, and individuals can participate in The Ride for Mental Health, whether in person or virtually, and create their own fundraising pages. Sponsorships for 2024 are still available and volunteer inquiries are welcome. Details can be found at RideforMentalHealth.org, by emailing info@rideformentalhealth.organd by following The Ride on Instagram, Facebook and Strava.
About The Ride
The Ride for Mental Health was founded by New York City attorney Mac Dorris, inspired by his son, Eric. A bright and funny boy, Eric struggled with mental health issues as a young man. He was eventually diagnosed with borderline personality disorder among other conditions, and tragically died of an accidental overdose at the age of 21. Mac, an avid cyclist, created The Ride to honor his son’s life, and to shine a light of hope and caring for others. Eric’s memory lives on in the important work being funded by The Ride for Mental Health, and in the moments of connection and camaraderie that make the event so rewarding.
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