Give Back. Saddle Up. Lend a Hand.

Every Mile Supports Local Youth

The Bike for BGC ride is a community-driven fundraiser supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. Funds raised help provide programs and services for young people across the region.

• Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County
• Open to individual riders and teams
• Volunteer opportunities for event day support
• Corporate and community sponsorship welcome

The Bike for BGC ride is a community fundraiser that channels the simple act of cycling into meaningful support for local youth. Organized in connection with the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, the event invites riders of all experience levels to come together for a day that blends recreation with purpose. By getting on a bike, participants help raise awareness and resources for programs that serve young people throughout the region, turning miles pedaled into opportunities for kids who benefit from a safe, supportive environment outside of school hours. New to clipless pedals? Check out our beginner’s guide to get comfortable before ride day. A Beginner’s Guide To Clipless Pedals And Cycling Shoes

Volunteers form the backbone of the ride, contributing time and energy well beyond the route itself. From helping with early-morning setup to guiding participants at rest stops and cheering riders across the finish line, volunteers keep the event running smoothly and safely. Many return year after year, building a familiar rhythm of service that gives the day a welcoming, community-driven feel. Lending a hand does not require specialized skills, only a willingness to pitch in and be part of something larger than any single rider, and that spirit of shared effort defines the event from start to finish.

Donating is another powerful way to support the ride, whether or not someone is able to participate in person. Contributions can be directed toward an individual rider, an entire team, or directly to the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. These gifts help fund programming that supports academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development for young people across the area. Even a modest donation, when combined with the generosity of many supporters, adds up to significant impact, demonstrating that financial giving is just as important as physical participation in sustaining the organization throughout the year.

Team participation adds a social layer to the ride, transforming it from an individual challenge into a shared experience. Coworkers, families, and friend groups often form teams under a creative name, encouraging one another through training rides and fundraisers leading up to event day. Riding with others creates accountability and motivation while making the journey more enjoyable. Teams also help expand the fundraiser’s reach by engaging broader networks of supporters, and the camaraderie built along the route often lasts long after the event ends.

Health and wellness are quietly woven through the entire experience of Bike for BGC. Participants train in the weeks leading up to the ride, enjoying fresh air, time outdoors, and the cardiovascular benefits of regular cycling. For newer riders, the event can serve as a motivating goal to build a consistent habit of physical activity. The ride also models healthy lifestyle choices for younger community members who look up to participants, reinforcing the idea that fitness can be both fun and connected to causes that matter.

Family involvement gives the fundraiser a multigenerational appeal, welcoming parents, children, and grandparents alike. Shorter route options allow younger or less experienced riders to take part safely, while longer distances challenge seasoned cyclists. Spectators often gather along the course or at the finish area, turning the day into a celebration that extends beyond the riders themselves. By bringing families together around a common cause, Bike for BGC strengthens community ties and shows how collective effort can create lasting, positive change for young people throughout Dane County.