Description

Ride 4 A Reason has 3 different routes for cyclists of every level and experience, and there's always a virtual option for those that prefer to ride with us in spirit! 

110 Miles - Ride all the way from Oakland to Sacramento!  The century ride begins at Oakland Technical High School and passes through beautiful bay area communities on the way to Sacramento.  Registration opens at 5:30 AM at Oakland Tech, and while there's no official start time we encourage everyone to arrive in Sacramento by 3:30 PM. If, based on your average cruising speed, you'd like to leave earlier than 5:30 AM you can pick up your bib number at Early Packet Pickup on Thursday, April 24th at Tip Top Bike Shop.  

68 Miles - Start in Suisun City and enjoy some of the most delightful miles of R4R.  This route begins at the Suisun City train depot, and riders can choose a shuttle bus from Oakland Tech (leaves at 8 AM) or take the train/drive a car to the Suisun City train station. 

45 Miles - Our most family friendly route starts in Vacaville and has less than 600 ft of elevation gain, making it a perfect ride for anyone who is newer to long-distance cycling. This route begins at a park in Vacaville, and riders can take a shuttle bus that leaves at 8 AM from Oakland Tech to the ride start.

All rides end in Sacramento at the State Capitol with a catered lunch and a rally to celebrate the riders and highlight the need for more education funding.  Riders can choose to reserve a seat on the shuttle bus back to Oakland Tech or take Amtrak back to Oakland/Jack London Square.  

HISTORY

The first Ride 4A Reason happened in 2008: four cyclists with children in public schools, frustrated by the severe state budget cuts to education, rode from Oakland to Sacramento to dramatize their determination to do better for California’s students.  Ride for a Reason has been going strong since then. Last year, over 300 students, teachers, parents and community members pedaled from Oakland to the steps of the State Capitol to raise money for 12 beneficiary public schools and to advocate for greater funding for education.
 
The schools use these funds for the basic necessities: library books, sports equipment, art education, after-school programs, science equipment, and staff salaries for counselors, librarians, and reading specialists. Our R4R recipient schools serve predominantly students who receive free or reduced lunch, are English language learners, migrant students and other historically marginalized student groups.  As of 2024, we have raised close to $1.8 million for public schools in Oakland and Alameda.

Questions? Use the Questions? button below, or email us at [email protected].