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THE RIDE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELCOMES
CYCLISTS, VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS FROM
NEW YORK TO BOSTON,
JUNE 22-23 IN NEW PALTZ, NY
Registration Open for Seventh Annual
Event Benefitting
Mental Health Education,
Research and Treatment
NEW YORK and BOSTON – The
Ride for Mental Health,
the nation’s first and largest cycling weekend exclusively
benefitting mental health, returns to New York’s scenic
Hudson Valley on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. Staged in
the historic town of New Paltz, the Ride has
raised over $1.2 million for mental health services,
treatment and education since its inception in 2017.
More than 500 riders are expected at the
event, which offers fully
supported road courses of 25, 50 and 100 miles winding
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 at RideforMentalHealth.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.org and
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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