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THE RIDE FOR
MENTAL HEALTH WELCOMES CYCLISTS, VOLUNTEERS AND FORMER
OLYMPIANS
JUNE 21-22 IN NEW PALTZ, NY
Registration Open for Nation’s Premier
Cycling Weekend Benefitting
Mental Health Education,
Research and Treatment
NEW YORK and BOSTON -
May
is Mental
Health Awareness Month, and
registration is open for The
Ride for Mental Health, the
nation’s first and largest cycling weekend exclusively
benefitting mental health, returning
again to
New York’s scenic Hudson Valley on Saturday
and Sunday, June
21-22. Staged
in the historic town of New Paltz, the Ride has
raised over $1.4 million for mental health services,
treatment and education since its inception in 2017.
Joining the ride this year will be cycling
legends and former U.S. Olympians Nelson
Vails and Wayne
Stetina.
Vails, a silver medalist from the ‘84 Games, and Stetina, a
three-time Olympian, 13-time U.S. National Champion and U.S.
Bicycle Hall of Fame inductee, are
the first Olympic cyclists to serve as ambassadors for The
Ride for Mental Health.
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. Riders
can participate in-person or virtually, and there is no
fundraising requirement to participate.
Registration for both riders and volunteers
is currently open at RideforMentalHealth.org.
Last year, the event attracted more than 425
cyclists, 150 volunteers and 1600 donors who helped raised
over $200,000 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 eight 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.
“We’re very proud to be the nation’s premier
cycling event exclusively benefitting mental health,” said
Dorris. “We are also honored to have the support of Nelson
Vails and Wayne
Stetina, and
look forward to sharing the ride with them through the
beautiful Hudson Valley. And as always, we’re grateful to
all the cycling
clubs, business organizations and commercial sponsors that
are part of this movement dedicated to ending 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 2025 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. www.rideformentalhealth.org
CONTACT:
Charles Upchurch
cupchurch@fwv-us.com
919-395-1588
Public Service
Announcement scripts:
Mental health
has never been more important. Support The Ride for Mental
Health, a weekend of cycling and good times, June
21st and 22nd in
New Paltz, New York, in the scenic Hudson Valley. Go to RideforMentalHealth.org to
learn how you can join the movement to Ride Away the Stigma
surrounding mental illness. Come ride with us, or volunteer,
and help shine a light of hope and caring. Visit RideforMentalHealth.org and
register today!
Support The
Ride for Mental Health, a weekend of cycling and good times
in the Hudson Valley, June 21st and 22nd in
New Paltz, New York. Go to RideforMentalHealth.org and
register to ride or volunteer. RideforMentalHealth.org!
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