10 Spring and Summer Charity Bike Rides to Have on Your Radar

Earn some good karma with these local charity rides.

Philadelphia Bike-a-thon | Photo via Facebook

Bike-a-thon Bridge to the Beach | Photo via Facebook

With the sun making more of a regular appearance, it seems like warmer days are finally here to stay (please?). And along with the spring weather comes a slew of bike races that will get you to shake off those winter blues that facilitated far too many Netflix marathons.

To help you leave the cave you’ve been hibernating in, we’ve put together a list of awesome bike rides happening throughout the spring and summer seasons. The best part: They’re all charity rides, i.e. your ticket to earning some good karma. Check ’em out below. 

1. Tap into Spring
When: Saturday, April 23rd.
Where: Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery, 646 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill.
Registration: $25.

This 25- to 30-mile bike ride is a loop course around the Lafayette Hill area that has two route options, one for novices and one for more advanced riders. Afterward, bikers will get to enjoy a barbeque with plenty of craft beer available. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

2. Cinco de Mayo Benefit Bike Ride and Walk
When: Sunday, May 1st.
Where: Chester Valley Trail, 220 Valley Creek Boulevard, Exton.
Registration: $40.

Exploring the scenic roads of Chester County, this benefit ride allows bikers to choose their own route (23, 25 or 50 miles). Post-pedal session, participants are treated to a Mexican fiesta hosted by Más Mexicali Cantina. This ride benefits Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports, which opens the world of sports to people with disabilities.

3. Million Dollar Bike Ride
When: Saturday, May 7th.
Where: University of Pennsylvania, University City.
Registration: $60 through April 1st, $80 after.

This ride has three routes to choose from: The shorter 12-mile out-and-back ride has a flat route designed for recreational bikers, which takes them along MLK Drive; more advanced riders can choose between a 33-mile route and 73-mile route with plenty of hills, roads open to traffic and rest stops. The ride benefits the Penn Medicine Orphan Disease Center, which specializes in rare-disease research.

4. Hilly Philly Bike Tour
When: Saturday, May 14th.
Where: Winnie’s LeBus Manayunk, 4266 Main Street, Manayunk.
Registration: $25.

This 30-mile route travels over the peaks of the Manayunk area, so expect plenty of hills. The ride supports the American Cancer Society.

5. Tour de Lebanon Valley
When: Saturday, May 14th.
Where: Lebanon Valley Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon.
Registration: $30 through March 31st, $35 after.

The 25-mile or 62-mile (your choice!) ride feature takes riders through the historic Amish Country of the Lebanon Valley, which has villages dating back to the 18th century. The ride benefits the operation of the VIM Free Health Clinic, which provides free medical services to the residents of Lebanon County without health insurance.

6. Amy’s Ride, Run and Walk
When: Saturday, May 21st.
Where: Start location TBD, Quakertown.
Registration: $45.

You have a few routes to choose from in this ride: The 24-mile route is filled with rolling hills and wooded areas and takes riders across Sheards Covered Bridge and loops around the Lake Towhee area; he 42-mile route takes riders through those areas, then continues onward across more rolling hills and the Knechts Covered Bridge; and if you’re looking to get a serious workout in, they also have a 41-mile hill challenge route. This ride benefits Jefferson University Hospital and their pancreatic research.

7. Bike-a-thon Bridge to the Beach
When: Sunday, June 12th.
Where: Ben Franklin Bridge, 5th and Race Street, Old City.
Registration: $60 through April 1st, increases to $80 until June 1st, $100 after. There is also an additional $100 fundraising minimum.

This bike-a-thon poses a serious challenge with a route starting in Philadelphia and finishing in Atlantic City. Participants have their choice of four starting points and six routes that run through the scenic back roads of South Jersey. The race is supported throughout with rest stops, volunteer bike mechanics and first-aid patrols. The ride ends with food and family-friendly activities on the AC boardwalk. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

8. Ride to Defeat ALS
When: Saturday, June 18th.
Where: Depends on the length of ride signed up for; check the start locations here.
Registration: $40 through April 30th, $50 through June 13th. $200 Race-day registration.

This noncompetitive bike-a-thon features four different starting points around the New Jersey area for their 10, 25, 50, and 75-mile routes. Participants can celebrate the end of the ride with two complimentary passes (per rider) to Morey’s Piers Amusement and Water Parks on Wildwood’s boardwalk. Proceeds from the ride go toward ALS research.

9. Firefighter 50 Bike Ride
When: Sunday, July 24th.
Where: Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company, 2030 South Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster.
Registration: $35.

The Firefighter 50 Bike Ride features the a pretty unique assortment of ride options. There are four out-and-back rides that start in Pleasant Valley, benefiting the Pleasant Valley Community Fire Department: there is a dirt and gravel ride (Dirty 30), a 35-mile scenic route for novices (Brush Fire Loop), a 50-mile route featuring great mountain views (Five Alarm Ride) and a 101-mile route featuring 5,400 feet of climbing that crosses into Pennsylvania (Lost Valley Century Loop).

10. Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life
When: Sunday, August 14th.
Where: Conshohocken Brewery, 739 East Elm Street, Conshohocken.
Registration: $25 through July 13th, $45 after. Additional fundraising minimum of $185.

The 7th annual Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life takes riders through the scenic terrain of the Delaware Valley. The 20- and 34-mile routes are designed for bikers of all skill levels, while the 65-mile option is a bit more challenging. All routes feature rest stops and bike support. Riders get to enjoy great food, entertainment and a complimentary beverage courtesy of the Conshohocken Brewing Company at the end of the ride. All funds raised go toward research of cystic fibrosis.

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