Being a Rider in The Ride for Missing Children is a challenging, yet rewarding and humbling experience.
You’ll be riding 2 x 2 as a unified team of bicyclists for approximately 90 miles, escorted by the NYS Police and local law enforcement of the jurisdictions along our route. The Ride stops at schools along the way for educational rest stops. We engage with the students bringing our message of child safety and abduction prevention and there is often a presentation at each school. For others, we Ride by while the students cheer us on. Before the Ride we reach out to schools that may or may not be along the Ride route with educational and awareness programs. This way we reach hundreds of schools throughout the year, each year.
What participants learn is that this event is not just a bike ride. You will be a part of the biggest unified team in the NY area. Here, you are a family that strives to raise awareness and spread a message of prevention and of hope. We will never stop searching for your missing child and will continue our mission “to make our children safer…one child at a time”.
History
In 1995, a group of 7 cyclists rode their bicycles from Utica, New York to Washington, D.C.
They arrived on the Capitol steps on May 25th, National Missing Children’s Day. Two years later, inspired by that first ride, a group of 43 riders rode their bicycles 100 miles from Albany, NY to Utica, NY to bring awareness about the plight of missing and exploited children, and the importance of child safety education.
The bicycles are a tribute to Sara Anne Wood, who was walking her bike when she was abducted, and they provide a visible means to spread our message.
26 years later, what started as a small group of bicyclists that hoped to raise awareness for the plight of one missing child, has grown into one of the biggest annual fundraisers for The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Calendar of Rides
Rochester, NY
Buffalo, NY
Albany, NY
Utica, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can Ride?
- The Ride is open to everyone 15 years of age or older.
- All riders must register online.
- Riders under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian prior to ride day.
What are the commitments of the Ride?
- To participate, riders must keep an average pace of 15 – 17 mph on the flat portions of the Ride, slowing pace as we go up hills.
- All riders must make a commitment to train and condition themselves properly, for riding 100 or 50 miles, where offered
- Riders must register online and pay a $25.00 registration fee (this fee will count toward the fundraising minimum)
- Riders must raise a minimum of $300 minimum prior to the Ride.
What kind of bike is needed?
- We suggest road bikes, as they are best suited for long rides.
- Mountain bikes and or hybrids with street tires (slicks) are acceptable but not recommended. Also note that, mountain bikes with knobby tires will be exceedingly difficult for riding long distances and are not recommended.
Do I need to qualify for the Ride?
- Yes. The Ride is open to cyclists of all levels of experience, but everyone needs to qualify. All riders must attend at least one orientation ride to become certified prior to the Ride.
Is there a new ride trainer program?
- Yes. All new riders must be certified by their local shepherds. Shepherds teach the basics: shifting gears, proper “spinning”, and riding safety. All new riders agree to make the designated orientation rides.
Sponsors
Corporate sponsorships and donations will be used to underwrite The Ride for Missing Children, allowing 100% of the funds raised by the riders to directly support NCMEC’s mission and programs.
Click below to view our 2022 sponsorship opportunities.
Fundraising Incentives
Thank you so much for your fundraising efforts towards the Ride for Missing Children 2022! We truly appreciate your passion and commitment to help keep children safe. Here are some additional incentives to help you set your fundraising goals high.
$1,500
Raise $1,500 and receive The Ride branded hoodie.
$750
Raise $750 and receive a pair of arm warmers branded with The Ride and NCMEC.
$300
Raise $300 and receive The Ride Jersey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for more information on how your organization can get involved.
Rochester
Amanda Conner aconner@ncmec.org
Buffalo
Kathy Gust
kgust@NCMEC.ORG
Albany
Fred Alber
fredzo63@gmail.com
Utica
Jody Wheet
jrwheet@NCMEC.ORG
Syracuse
Amanda Conner aconner@ncmec.org