To the BellRinger Community,
My heart is full. While it’s hard to believe another BellRinger Weekend has come and gone, it brings me such joy to share that BellRinger 2025 was our biggest and best Ride yet! Because of each and every one of you—1,284 Riders, 171 Teams, 384 Volunteers, 54 Virtual Riders, and the countless family members and friends who cheered us on along the way—we closed out this year’s Ride with an incredible sense of pride and momentum.
I had been sending positive vibes into the universe for 365 days – willing us to have great weather for the Ride, most notably, rain- and wind-free! Unfortunately, I forgot to specifically ask for warm temps… but even a freezing cold morning couldn’t stop us. The energy and enthusiasm kept us going mile after mile (but rest assured, I’ll be more specific in 2026!).
I stood at the front of the chute this year, wanting to see every Rider cross the starting line before I started my own 25-mile journey. One of the highlights, as always, was riding along the Potomac on Canal Road and Clara Barton Parkway as the sun rose. That and the motivational signage on the hills (You’re the wheel hero!)!
This year also brought exciting additions and growth. We introduced a new 62-mile (metric century) route for those looking to take on an extra challenge, while keeping the beloved combined Finish Line celebration and, of course, the signature sound of cheering cowbells. And what we saw even more of this year was a sea of bright, colorful, personalized team jerseys (shout out to team Deloitte for the standout polka dots!) and t-shirts, bright BellRinger green tutus, even some lederhosen (shout out to team Sig Ep!). Our community is growing, our teams are expanding, and so is their energy and enthusiasm!
As I stood at the Finish Line to welcome our final Rider after a 100-mile journey, I was reminded once again why this weekend is so powerful. It’s always the most emotional part of BellRinger for me—to see that last Rider come through the truss, completing a collective 50,000 miles toward a cancer-free future. My last stop of the day before heading home is always the Why I Ride wall, a reminder that every ride is personal and every mile is not only a tribute, but a promise.
In my role as Executive Director, I’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds of remarkable people who make BellRinger what it is: passionate researchers pushing the boundaries of discovery and survivors whose courage inspires us all. I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with our incredible corporate partners, team captains, and community Riders, all who rally employees, clients, friends and family around the shared goal of fueling life-changing research. Each conversation reinforces that BellRinger is not just an event; it is a living, growing movement powered by hope, compassion, and shared purpose.
As we close out another extraordinary year, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for your time, your energy, your stories, and your unwavering belief in what we are building together. Because this is ours. This is our fight, and it is far from over. This is our community, and it continues to grow stronger every day. This is our movement, rooted in purpose, propelled by people like you, and defined by the impact we create together.
I cannot wait to see what we achieve next. Planning for BellRinger 2026 is already underway, and I look forward to riding, volunteering, and celebrating alongside all of you as we continue to grow this incredible community. Together, we will make next year’s Ride even more meaningful, more impactful, and more ours than ever before!
Xo,
Bridget
