A: The Honor Ride is a non-competitive bike ride to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans, created by Easterseals Redwood Military & Veteran Services. This is a family-friendly, inclusive event for people of all abilities. The in-person community ride is self-timed and there will not be any official race results. Everyone is encouraged to participate and ride at their own pace.
Q: Is this an in-person or virtual event?
A: It's BOTH! You can join us in our community ride on August 19, 2023 at Whitewater Forest and ride either 6 miles or 22 miles to support our nation's veterans.
OR plan your own ride, anytime, anywhere, at home, at the gym or on your favorite trail. Wear your Honor Ride bib or racing shirt when you ride to let the world know you are riding to support veterans and use the hashtag #honorride23 on social media!
Q: Why is the Honor Ride 6 or 22 miles?
A: The 6 miles and 22 miles are symbolic distances. The six miles comes from "We've got your six," a military term which means "Have your back." The 22 miles represents the average number of veterans who commit suicide every day.
Q: What is Easterseals Redwood Military & Veteran Services?
A: At Easterseals Redwood, we leave no veteran behind. We are proud to be THE resource for our region's military veterans and families. Veterans know they can turn to us for help with mentoring, employment assistance and emergency assistance. We serve all veterans regardless of discharge status. Our Military & Veteran Services team is 100% staffed by veterans and military family. We have served more than 3,000 veterans over the past decade. All proceeds from the Honor Ride go directly to veterans in our community.
Q: How much does it cost?
$20 Honor Ride Registration - includes Honor Ribbon
$50 Honor Ride Registration with Swag - includes Honor Ribbon, Racing Shirt and Swag Bag
$15 Honor Ribbon ONLY - Don't want to ride, but still want to support the Honor Ride? Make a gift in honor of a veteran or servicemember you love with an Honor Ribbon for $15.
Q: What is an Honor Ribbon?
A: Included in your Honor Ride registration is a yellow Honor Ribbon to honor a veteran or servicemember you love. You will be prompted to enter their information at checkout when you register. Prior to the start of Honor Ride is an Honor Ribbon ceremony where we read aloud all of the names honored with Honor Ribbons. Your Honor Ribbon will be returned to you by mail around Veteran's Day in November.
Q: Can I purchase an Honor Ribbon and not do the ride?
A: Absolutely! There is an option to purcahse an Honor Ribbon for $15. Your honoree's name will be read aloud in our Honor Ribbon ceremony before the race. All Honor Ribbons are put into a rucksack and one of our veterans will carry them in a ceremonial ride.
Q: When is packet pick-up?
A: In-person Riders - you can pick up your packet the morning of the event starting at 7:00 am. We are planning another option to pick up your packet prior to the event, we will notify you when the date and location are set.
A: Virtual Riders - You will receive your racing bib (and swag, if you registered for the swag option) BY MAIL. Ride on Saturday at your chosen location or at anytime! Wear your Honor Ride racing bib and racing shirt to let the world know you are riding to support veterans. Remember to share and use the hashtag #honorride23 to show the world that you support veterans!
Q: Where do I park?
A: Parking is available at Miami Whitewater Forest Park. Use the address 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030. There will be signs and volunteers to help direct you where to go.
Q: What if I want to support Veterans but don't want to ride?
A: No problem! You can create a fundraising team at no charge, select the option to fundraise at checkout. Or purchase a yellow Honor Ribbon to honor a servicemember or veteran you love for $15. Your hero's name will be read aloud at the in-person event, and your ribbon will be mailed back to you around Veteran's Day in November.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: In case of rain or inclement weather, the in-person community ride will be held on Sunday, August 20 at Miami Whitewater Forest Park.