The Ride
Fast Facts
- Benefits Housing Works
- Two in-person options!
• 2 days/175 miles
• 1 day/75 miles Virtual option from anywhere!
Scenic route
• 2 days from Philadelphia to NYC• 1 day from Princeton, NJ (tent.) to NYC
(routes subject to change)- September 14-15, 2024 (1-day on September 15)
Fully-supported, clearly marked route with support vehicles and multiple rest stops
All riders must attend an in-person safety orientation prior to the Ride
What’s included
2-day
- Friday and Saturday night hotel
- Dinner on Friday and Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Oasis snacks and route support
- Training and fundraising coaching
1-day
- Saturday night hotel
- Dinner on Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sunday
- Oasis snacks and route support
- Training and fundraising coaching
- Registration is limited (so sign up now)!
• In-person Riders: $125• In-person Crew: $125
• Virtual Riders: Free
Fundraising minimum:• NEW LOWER! 2-day, $2,800
• 1-day, $1,500
• Virtual Riders: $1,000 to qualify for incentives• Crew: Encouraged but not required
One-day riders may rent a bike from Unlimited Biking.
- Training and fundraising support anytime from your Rider coach. Ask the coach a question.
- For more information about BRAKING AIDS® Ride, contact Global Impact Productions at 212.989.1111
- To learn more about Housing Works' programs, visit www.housingworks.org or call 347.473.7400.
But most importantly: BRAKING AIDS® Ride is the time of your life with the greatest people you'll ever meet. Together we can end AIDS!
On the Ride
In today’s world, the problems feel endless: AIDS, homelessness, racism, homophobia. Making change requires activism, and it’s easy to say, “I can’t fix all that.”
But ask yourself this question: Can you do something to create a single ripple of change? What if we all did? That’s the true essence of activism. And when you look at it that way, guess what? You DO look like an activist!
We invite you to join the movement that’s making positive change in the world. Our movement has Housing Works—and BRAKING AIDS® Ride—at its core. With its mission to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS, Housing Works fights for everyone to have access to healthcare, housing, and a fair shake. It’s called radical inclusion. It’s what makes Housing Works’ approach to ending AIDS and homelessness a national model.
And radical inclusion is what BRAKING AIDS® Ride is all about! We’re a diverse movement of riders, from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors to casual cyclists. And now, whatever your level, we have a ride for you! Choose our two-day challenge between two iconic American cities, or bite off a bit less with our one-day option. Whatever your comfort level, we have room for you in our movement as we ride, together, to end homelessness and AIDS.
This year, our two-day ride starts in historic Philadelphia, taking us on a scenic route through Bucks County and the Delaware River Valley. We’ll start our second day on the New Jersey side of the Delaware, where our one-day Riders will meet up with the two-day Riders, making our way together into New York City (route subject to change). If you can’t be with us in person, choose our engaging virtual ride that brings together many of the highlights and peak experiences of the in-person Ride in an online format.
Now is your opportunity to be part of more than a movement. Help end the epidemic, once and for all. Joining is easy, and it’s one of the most powerful things you’ll ever do.
You already look like an activist—now be one!
Join the movement! Here’s Step 1: Join BRAKING AIDS® Ride today.
About The Ride
At BRAKING AIDS® Ride we often describe ourselves as family—our chosen family. Many of us—Riders, Crew and staff—have been together on this event for years, even as we welcome and cherish our new family members each year. We look out for each other and take care of each other.
We will gather for the 2-day ride in Philadelphia by 5:30 pm on Friday, September 13th for our Registration Eve activities; Crew must arrive Friday by 12:00 pm. On Friday evening, we include dinner but you’re responsible for your lodging that night and your transportation to Philadelphia. We’ll make it easy with a menu of options in our Pre-Ride Guide, sent about two months before the event.
The Ride begins at 6:30 am on Saturday, September 14th with a brief, moving opening ceremony. You’ll ride about 175 miles over the next two days. You will head north into beautiful and historic Bucks County, through rolling farmland and pre-Revolutionary towns, passing through towns like New Hope as you make your way across the Delaware River into New Jersey.
On Saturday afternoon, our 1-day Riders will gather at our overnight stop and cheer the 2-day riders in to the hotel. Everyone will enjoy dinner together on Saturday evening at our host hotel, and the 1- and 2-day riders will ride out together on Sunday morning as you cap the Ride with a journey through the Hudson River Valley and into New York City for our victory celebration.
On the ride, our extraordinary, volunteer Crew will anticipate your needs as you ride. The route is amply marked and at tricky turns you’ll find crew to guide you safely through. Our sweep vans have a way of appearing when you need them. Every 12-15 miles you’ll find an “Oasis”–like a rest stop, but way more fun.
BRAKING AIDS® Ride will end with a closing ceremony on Sunday evening, September 15th. Invite your friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment! Pageantry and pomp, laughter and tears. And your first chance to sign up for 2025!
How do you qualify for all of this fun? It’s really simple! 2-day Riders need to raise $2,800; the minimum for 1-day Riders is $1,500.
Virtual Riders simply need to raise $1,000 or more by September 1, 2024 and you’ll earn the passkey into all of our virtual activities! In addition, we’ll mail you a “Virtual Oasis-In-A-Box”—an oasis theme box packed with goodies that will bring the Ride to your doorstep in time for the Ride! While we can’t promise that a drag queen will pop out of your mailbox, our Virtual Oasis-In-A-Box is the next best thing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration fee?
- In-Person Riders: $125 registration fee.
- Virtual Riders: registration is free! Of course, you’re welcome to jumpstart your fundraising with a donation to your own Virtual Rider account.
How much do I have to raise?
- 2-Day Riders: $2,800
- 1-Day Riders: $1,500
- Virtual Riders: have no fundraising minimum, but in order to earn the passkey to the Virtual Ride on September 14-15, you must raise at least $1,000 by September 1.
With our support, you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll reach your goal – our average Rider last year raised over $6,000!
What is the terrain like?
Beautiful with long flat stretches and several challenging climbs! You’ll be on a mix of country roads, suburban avenues with shoulders and bike lanes when possible, and a handful of packed-gravel trails. (Route is subject to change.)
How much of the money will go to Housing Works?
We work very hard to keep production expenses as low as possible by soliciting sponsorships, donations, and discounts for supplies. In 2023, Riders returned $161,000 net to Housing Works. Ultimately, the amount of money, and the percent return, depends upon how many people ride and how much each rider raises.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes! Overnight accommodations are double-occupancy. You will have the option to name your roommate at the time of registration (or inform you Rider Coach up to one month prior to the Ride). Alternatively, we will assign you a roommate of the same gender.
What happens if I register as a 2-Day Rider but I don’t raise $2,800?
First step, reach out to your Rider Coach! She has a multitude of strategies to help you get there. If, by September 14, you decide that you aren’t able to hit your minimum we will automatically convert you to a 1-Day or Virtual Rider and you’ll receive benefits based on the fundraising you have achieved. For example, if you have raised at least $1,000 you will earn the passkey to the Virtual Ride and the “Virtual Oasis-In-A-Box”.
I registered for this year’s Ride already, but I can no longer participate. What happens to my registration and reg fee?
Please notify your Rider Coach. We will convert your registration to a Virtual Rider registration. You may still continue to fundraise and remain eligible for the fundraising incentives that apply to Virtual Riders.
Must I be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate?
Yes, all participants must demonstrate proof of full vaccination prior to the Ride. Please contact us if you are unable to receive the vaccine for medical reasons.
I don’t ride. Can I volunteer?
Yes! Learn more about our Crew.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, all participants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the Ride. 16- and 17-year-old riders may participate if vaccinated for COVID-19 and accompanied by a parent or guardian; please contact our office for details.