On July 30, the fine folks at Norte Youth Cycling are putting on a bicycle ride to raise funds to keep their youth cycling programs rolling. Patrick’s Heavy Ride, now in its fourth year, is Norte’s biggest fundraiser of the year and is a crucial part of keeping program registration fees low. Additionally, it’s the main driver of the Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows underserved youths in five counties not only get their registration waived, but a bike and a helmet to use in Norte programs.
It’s a cool ride for a great cause. And we want you to join in. Here are the details.
The Fundraising
Once you get registered, Norte will provide you with your own fundraising page. Here’s what mine looks like. Share your page with friends, family, coworkers, and other people you think might like more active, healthier kids on the planet. Riders are asked to try to raise $250, but if you raise $1,000, you’ll be Norte’s favorite person ever.
The Routes
Patrick Cotant, who started the fundraiser all the way back in 2018, wanted to do something a little different in 2022. Rather than a 143-mile ride to Mackinac, as was done in years past, Patrick wanted to start and end the ride in TC. So, he got to work stringing together a positively stunning 123-mile route in Leelanau County.
But not everyone can (or wants to) ride 123-miles. So Patrick created a 46-mile and a 20-mile route so that more people can do their own Heavy Ride to enjoy a morning on bikes and help raise money. After all, a 46-mile ride is a BIG ride. There ain’t no shame in the 46-mile game.
No matter the distance you choose, Norte is encouraging everyone to dig deep into their suitcase of courage to try something ambitious on two wheels.
That’s sort of what Norte is all about, you know?
There will be feed stations on the 46-mile (powered by Suttons Bay Bikes) and 20-mile (powered by TART) routes, while the 123-mile route will have two feed stations (powered by McLain Cycle & Fitness).
All routes will begin and end at Darrow Park, with a dip in the bay as a refreshing reward for riders who finish what promises to be a truly special day of riding. To commemorate your ride, Norte will have a photographer available on the beach across from Darrow Park to capture your dip in the bay with your best riding buds. It’ll be super special.
Plus, join us for the after party at The Little Fleet, starting at 4pm. Probably shower first.
Get Registered
Get yourself registered for a very special day of riding with the northern Michigan cycling community. Go big. Go less big. Just get out there and show the next generation of riders that us old fogies have their backs. If you can’t make the ride, consider making a donation to one of the Heavy Riders who are registered to ROCK on July 30. Questions? Email Wes and he’ll help you out.