Team East

​Established in 2012, ​the Gateway Ride is a multi-day cycling event to raise money and awareness for Gateway Woods in Leo, Indiana. Through their Christ-centered programs, Gateway Woods provides help and healing to troubled children and families as well as adoption, foster care and many other services. To learn more about Gateway Woods and the services they provide visit gatewaywoods.org.​

Due to our generous corporate sponsors, 100% of the ride fees and donations collected go to Gateway Woods.

Time & Place

Starting in Rittman, OH, Team East makes the 210-mile journey to Gateway Woods in Leo, IN in 2 days.

Dates: July 29 - July 31, 2026

    Day 1 - approx 113 miles

    ​Day 2 - approx 97 miles

Pace & Training

The Gateway Woods Ride is not for the "casual rider." You will be on your bike for 8 – 11 hours a day (depending on your average speed) for two consecutive days. The average pace for Team East is around 15-20 miles per hour.

We ask that all riders log a minimum of 400 training miles before the ride. All riders must be able to ride safely in a group and we ask that each rider ride with a great prior to the Team 224 ride.

Fees & Donations

Registration fees cover the cost of your meals, snacks and shirts, and may vary per year. In addition, we ask that each participant raise at least a minimum of $100 for Gateway Woods. You can make your donation while signing up for the ride, ask friends or family to donate on your behalf or both. You can also create your own fundraising page which can easily be shared with friends and family via text, e-mail or social media.

Lodging

Entry fees do not include your cost of lodging during the ride. During registration we will get your desired hotel rooming information for Thursday night only. Team 224 will then prepare a room list based on your preferences and email it out after registration closes (with contact information attached). The first person listed on the room will be responsible for booking via the online link provided. Others in the room will then be responsible for getting payment to the lead person.

If you plan on staying in the Fort Wayne area on Friday night after the ride you will be responsible for your own lodging, but a group rate will be offered and sent to you via email after registration is finalized.

​Transportation

If you are driving out to the Rittman area for the ride, we encourage you to CARPOOL with others in the area, have friends/family drive you to Rittman or meet a group in Leo. We will have extremely limited drivers to bring cars back to Leo. If you need your car driven back to Leo, please let Team East know ASAP. Contact east@team224.org.

ALL RIDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET TO PARTICIPATE. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.