A winding road through rolling green countryside under a bright blue sky with soft white clouds, evoking freedom and purpose on two wheels.

Why We Ride

More Than a Bike Ride

Every mile we pedal is a mile invested in the young people of Dane County. The Bike for BGC Ride brings together cyclists, families, and community partners who believe that every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and build a bright future.

When you ride, donate, or volunteer, you directly fuel after-school programs, mentorship, academic support, and leadership development at the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. The 2019 ride raised over $523,000 — surpassing the $500,000 goal — and every dollar went to work in our neighborhoods.

Every mile pedaled during the Bike for BGC Ride is a direct investment in the young people of Dane County. This event brings together cyclists, families, and community partners who share a common belief: every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and build a bright future. When you ride, donate, or volunteer, you fuel essential after-school programs, mentorship opportunities, academic support, and leadership development at the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. The funds raised go to work immediately in local neighborhoods, helping to create pathways for success that might not otherwise exist. It is more than a bike ride—it is a movement of care and commitment.

The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County provides a welcoming environment where young people can discover their potential and develop the skills they need to thrive. Through dedicated staff and volunteers, the club offers programming that supports academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, and character development. Participants gain access to homework help, college and career readiness resources, and enriching activities that build confidence and resilience. By supporting the Bike for BGC Ride, you become part of a community that values every child's future. The ride is a celebration of what can be accomplished when people come together with purpose and heart.

Volunteers and sponsors are the backbone of the Bike for BGC Ride, providing the energy, resources, and enthusiasm that make the event possible. Whether you help with registration, hand out water along the route, or cheer riders across the finish line, your contribution matters deeply. Businesses and organizations that sponsor the ride demonstrate a tangible commitment to the next generation of leaders in Dane County. The ride creates a powerful sense of shared purpose, connecting people from all walks of life around a common goal. Together, riders and supporters ensure that the Boys & Girls Club can continue its vital work for years to come.

What Your Support Makes Possible

  • Academic Success: Homework help, tutoring, and STEM programs that keep kids on track.
  • Healthy Lifestyles: Sports, fitness activities, and nutrition education that build lifelong habits.
  • Character & Leadership: Mentoring and service projects that develop confident, capable young leaders.
  • Safe Spaces: A welcoming environment where kids feel supported every day after school.

The Spirit of the Ride

Riders of all skill levels join the Bike for BGC Ride — from seasoned cyclists tackling long distances to families enjoying a casual route together. Teams from local businesses, community groups, and neighborhoods rally around a shared purpose: showing up for the kids who need us most.

The energy on ride day is electric. It's not just about the finish line — it's about the collective commitment to making Dane County a place where every young person can thrive.

Ready to make a difference?

Register for the Ride or learn more about the Club and see the impact firsthand.