Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Joy Ride?

The Joy Ride is an annual bicycle ride which takes place every November. The Joy Ride is a fundraising bicycle event that guarantees a 100% return of participants fundraising to the benefitting agencies.

When is the Joy Ride 2026?

The Joy Ride 2026 will take place on November 20-21, 2026. Orientation Day is on Thursday, November 19, 2026

What do I pack?

Bringing the right equipment may be the difference between an ok experience and a GREAT EXPERIENCE. We will post a packing guide in our travel section, but it is your responsibility to bring any special items you need for the 2-day bike adventure.

How Do I Train?

Training is a very important part of the Joy Ride success! Find out more on our tips on training page.

What is the cost to register for the Joy Ride 2026?

The cost to register and participate in the Joy Ride 2026 is $175. This includes housing on Friday, November 20 at our overnight destination. Registration also includes all food and snacks on the route and lunch and dinner on Day One and breakfast and lunch on Day Two.

Am I required to Fundraise for the Joy Ride 2026?

There is a minimum fundraising requirement of $1250 in order to participate as a cyclist in the Joy Ride 2026. The Joy Ride is a fundraising event, and as such we require every person who participates as a cyclist join us in our effort to help support the benefitting agencies missions.

Why is there a $175 registration fee?

The registration fees help to cover the operating costs for the Joy Ride, which operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit. This includes the cost of providing hotels and meals for you during your participation during the Joy Ride event. Every expense the Joy Ride incurs requires a source other than fundraising dollars to pay for the costs. This is what enables 100% of the money you raise to go directly to the benefiting agencies.

What is the 100% give back guarantee?

100% of what you raise goes to the benefitting agencies who in turn use the money for direct client services. This money allows the agencies to provide many additional services to clients who have no other place to turn. Most of the benefitting agency dollars are required to be spent on specific purposes. The Joy Ride provides funds that allow the agencies to expand on their services and provide clients with solutions to real problems that otherwise may not be addressed.

How do I fundraise?

Visit the fundraising page on our website for tips on soliciting donations and ways to use our website, social media, and other methods for fundraising. Set up your personal web page through our fundraising platform and ask people to support your decision to ride. The best tip for fundraising is to set a goal and ask people to support you to reach that goal. Ask everyone. You will be surprised how quickly people respond to help with your fundraising goal. The earlier you start fundraising the more likely you are to meet or exceed your goal!

Can I use fundraise through social media?

Yes! Information is available through the fundraising platform. Once you register for the Joy Ride, you will be directed to set up your own personal webpage and you can follow the instructions there to use social media to fundraise.

I registered by myself to participate. Can I find someone in my area to ride with?

If you are in one of the cities where we have teams, we would love to introduce you. If you are in another area or outside of Florida, check with your rider rep to see if we have other folks in your area. They may be looking for people to train with as well.

Is there a bus back from the Finish Line location back to the Start Line on Sunday?

Yes! If you choose to leave your car at the start location in Orlando and get transported back from Tampa, there will be a bus that will take you from Tampa to Orlando. The Bus Departs at 10AM. THE BUS WILL NOT WAIT after 10:00am. Tickets will be available closer to the event date. Please check our travel section for updates on availability and pricing.

May I use an e-Bike?

No. The Joy Ride does not allow e-bikes to participate. Our insurance does not allow the use of e-bikes or other motorized modes of transport. The Joy Ride is about overcoming a challenge of riding a bicycle for 165 miles to in turn help someone else overcome a challenge in their lives.

Is there transportation for my bicycle?

The Joy Ride will have options available in certain areas for bike transport. This will most likely involve the local agencies or teams coordinating transport for each area. Check our travel section for updates on this option including available locations and pricing. We may also have bike shop partners to allow for out of state shipping.

How can riders best prepare for the Joy Ride?

Start riding your bike today! Always wear a helmet. Check the air in your tires often. The best way to prepare for an endurance bicycle event, is to spend time riding your bicycle. Train often and build up your mileage. And start telling people what you are doing. If you need help, contact your rider rep.

What are some Important Dates to Remember?

Orientation Day will be Thursday November 19, 2026. This is where you check in to officially begin the Joy Ride. Make sure you complete all necessary requirements in advance. This includes fundraising, the medical form we will send you, housing requests, and bike needs. You will spend approximately 60-90min for the process if you have successfully completed all of your preparations in advance. The safety video is a required part of the event and is available only at Orientation Day.

The Joy Ride will begin Friday morning November 20 in Orlando and end Saturday November 21 in St Petersburg.

Do I need to Pay for my own Hotels Before and After the Joy Ride?

You are responsible for your own lodging in Orlando before the ride and in St Petersburg after the ride ends. We will be coordinating with local hotels for special pricing. Book your rooms in advance. Check the travel section often for updates.

Can I rent a bike for the Joy Ride?

Yes! Bikes are available to rent on a first come first served basis. The Joy Ride does NOT rent bikes for you, or act as an intermediary. It is up to individual riders to make any/all arrangements - including transportation of rental bikes to/from the event. The Joy Ride will work with a local bike shop to accommodate rentals. Please note additional fees are required to transport your rental bike to and from the Joy Ride event. Check the travel planner for updates on this service.

What is my personal homepage?

Your homepage is your personal fundraising web page which you can set up through our fundraising platform. This allows you to tell your own story and invite people to visit your homepage to donate or support your decision to join the Joy Ride. You can set a personal fundraising goal, see you donation history, send requests to support you or thank you notes to those who have already donated. Your personal home page is a valuable tool to assist you in being a successful participant in the Joy Ride. Set your personal home page up as soon as possible and use it to help you prepare.

Where will I sleep during the Joy Ride?

Day One of the Joy Ride ends at an overnight hotel location. You must register for your housing before the ride. There is NO additional cost for FRIDAY NIGHT accommodations to riders or crew, however, upgrades are available on a limited basis for an additional cost. Some rooms require two people per bed, and all rooms will be filled, so please determine who you want to room with in advance. Rooms will be filled based on your rooming selections, but we have the right to place you in an available space if you do not select a rooming preference in advance. Registration for housing will open in September and close in October. You will receive an email asking you to log in and choose your roommates. If you do not receive an email to select your rooming preferences, by this time, reach out to us ASAP!

For Hotels before and after the Joy Ride event, Thursday night before the ride, and the Saturday night following the conclusion of the ride, we will post a link sometime during the summer in the travel section of the website for recommendations on where to stay! If the page doesn't link anywhere now, it is because we haven't opened Housing yet.

Special Dietary Concerns during the Joy Ride?

On your registration form there is a question asking if you are a vegetarian. If you forget, or have changed to a vegetarian since registering, let us know as soon as possible. While we make our best efforts to provide healthy meal options, we cannot accommodate every dietary need. If you have special requirements, make sure you come prepared with supplements. For example, we offer vegetarian options but not strict vegan options, so if you are vegan you will want to bring additional supplements to ensure you are getting your necessary nutritional requirements.