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Ride

BellRinger is an unmissable experience on each Rider’s yearly calendar. From the Opening Ceremony on Friday evening to an early morning start on Saturday from Georgetown University, gear up for live entertainment, great food, a scenic ride through Maryland, and your biggest fans cheering you on as you finish your Ride to end cancer.

Two BellRinger riders on a tandem bike
  • Blue 25 logo

    25 Miles

    Washington, D.C. to Glen Echo, MD

    I commit to raise $1000 for cancer research

    The 25-mile Ride leaves from Georgetown University. We’ll close Canal Road and Clara Barton Parkway, so Riders can enjoy a flat scenic ride out of D.C. After crossing into Maryland, Riders will encounter a slight incline at Persimmon Tree Rd. headed into their first rest stop at Adat Shalom. From there, the ride continues in a scenic loop around Potomac where it will pass through a second rest stop at Avenel Local Park. Riders will enjoy a 6 mile long downhill to flat stretch to end the ride. For Riders looking to shorten their ride, a short-cut will be offered to Riders at the 10-mile mark that will shorten the ride to 19 miles.

    Georgetown University
  • White 50 logo

    50 Miles

    Washington, D.C. to Urbana, MD

    I commit to raise $1250 for cancer research

    The 50-mile Ride leaves from Georgetown University. The Riders will trace the 25-mile route through Potomac, Maryland before proceeding northwest through Barnesville. Riders will pass Sugarloaf Mountain on their left side as they encounter some rolling hills on the way into the finish line at Urbana District Park. The 50-mile route is supported by four rest stops every 8-12 miles

    Georgetown University
  • Green 100 logo

    100 Miles

    Washington, D.C. to Urbana, MD

    I commit to raise $1500 for cancer research

    The 100-mile Ride leaves from Georgetown University. Riders will trace the 25-mile and 50-mile routes through Potomac and Barnesville and will encounter some rolling hills as they pass Sugarloaf Mountain. We’ll have a full lunch stop at the Urbana Community Center prior to continuing on a hilly loop through Frederick County. Seven rest stops will support Riders along the way prior to the finish line at Urbana District Park.

    Georgetown University

Fundraising

  • BellRinger flag logo

    Step 1

    Commit

    Every Rider commits to raise funds that will support life-saving research at Georgetown Lombardi. Your fundraising commitment is based on your Ride distance.

  • BellRinger megaphone icon

    Step 2

    Share your story

    We’ve all unfortunately been touched by cancer. BellRinger is all about our stories of why we ride and who we ride for. Update your Rider Profile to share your story with friends and family.

  • BellRinger envelope logo

    Step 3

    Make the ask

    Raising funds can be daunting, but we believe direct, personal asks are the most effective way to meet your commitment. For a full list of ideas, check out the Fundraising Toolkit.

  • BellRinger calendar logo

    Step 4

    Fundraising Deadline

    Don’t sweat the deadline. You have until 60 days after the ride – December 21, 2023 – to meet your commitment. You can also receive shared funds from your team. Remember whatever you aren’t able to raise by the deadline is your responsibility.

Why I Ride

  • John Murphy headshot

    “I think it’s the community that made BellRinger truly special. All throughout BellRinger Weekend, I made so many special connections. All these things created a weekend that I will never forget.”

    John Murphy,

    50 Mile Rider

  • BellRinger rider headshot

    “The camaraderie and support among participants is truly heartwarming, as everyone comes together for one goal — ending cancer.”

    Todd Wendorff,

    25 Mile Rider

  • BellRinger riders smiling at the finish line

    “Too many people that I love had to endure cancer. I ride for an end to cancer, so others’ family and friends do not have to fight the same battles.”

    Carly Hoffman,

    Rider

  • Noah Gearhart headshot

    “The only way we are going to crush cancer in our community is by coming together and helping the top minds at Georgetown Lombardi find a cure.”

    Noah Gearhart,

    50 Mile Rider

Stories from the Road

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ride
  • Fundraise
  • When is BellRinger Weekend?

    BellRinger Weekend is October 20-21, 2023. The Ride will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023 and will be preceded by an Opening Ceremony on the evening of Friday, October 20, 2023.

  • I want to Ride. Are there fundraising requirements?

    Yes, there is a minimum fundraising commitment for each route as follows:

    • 25 Miles — a commitment of $1,000 for cancer research
    • 50 Miles — a commitment of $1,250 for cancer research
    • 100 Miles — a commitment of $1,500 for cancer research
    • Virtual Ride — a commitment of $500 for cancer research

    Each Rider is required to accept BellRinger’s Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy at the time of registration. Per the Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy, Riders who do not meet their fundraising commitment by the fundraising deadline of December 21, 2023 will be charged the remainder of their fundraising commitment to their payment method provided at registration.

  • How much is the registration fee for Riders? Why do you charge a registration fee?

    The registration fee for Riders is $100. This fee helps cover the costs of a Rider participating in BellRinger Weekend and helps ensure that 100% of funds raised by Riders, Virtual Riders, and volunteers directly fund groundbreaking cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi. The registration fee helps to cover the costs of top-notch food at the finish lines, drinks and snacks at rest stops, safety measures on the route, and other costs associated with making BellRinger Weekend an unforgettable experience.

  • What are the routes? Are maps of the routes available?

    Check out the Ride page to learn more about the routes. Maps and turn by turn directions are available. As we are always working to ensure the safest and most enjoyable Ride experience, these routes may change slightly in the lead up to BellRinger. We will share the final turn by turn routes and downloadable GPS files with all Riders in the weeks leading up to BellRinger Weekend.

  • Which route should I select?

    We encourage you to register for a route that you are physically comfortable riding. As a rule of thumb, almost anyone on any bike can ride 25 miles with some training. For 50 miles, we suggest Riders train one or two times each week during the warmer months. For 100 miles, Riders should plan to commit to more intensive training.

  • How do I change my route distance?

    You can increase your route distance and corresponding minimum fundraising commitment at any time. If you choose to reduce your route distance prior to 11:59PM on September 21, 2023, your minimum fundraising commitment will also be reduced to correspond with your new Ride distance. If you’d like to reduce your route distance after 11:59 PM on September 21, 2023, please contact us directly at Ride@BellRinger.org. We will be sure to note your change in Ride distance for our volunteers helping out on BellRinger Weekend, however your minimum fundraising commitment will remain the same, in keeping with our Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy.

    To increase your route distance or to decrease it prior to September 21, 2023, log in to your Rider Dashboard and click “Change My Route” from the menu on the right side.

  • When does the Ride start?

    We will depart Georgetown University as a group at 7:30 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023. We’ll space everyone out to ensure a safe start, and we’ll provide ample information prior to the Ride on specific arrival times, parking details, and other logistics for Saturday morning.

  • What type of bike do I need?

    Just about any bike will get you across the 25-mile finish, but a hybrid will be most comfortable. If you are riding 50 or 100 miles, you may think about investing in a road bike.

    If you are looking to buy a bike, our top recommendation is a Trek Bike. We love their bikes, and so do our Riders! To find a Trek store near you, check out their store locator for the DMV area here.

    Reach out to Ride@BellRinger.org with any questions!

  • How should I train for BellRinger?

    We do recommend that everyone Riding in BellRinger does a bit of training beforehand. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Check out the BellRinger Training Guide.The training guide includes safety tips, suggested training schedules, and more.

    We recommend training based on your route distance and needs. 25-mile Riders will find it useful throughout the summer to go on a few bike rides building up to 25 miles in total distance. 50 and 100-mile Riders should develop training plans—alone or with your Team—and ride at least two times per week in the months leading up to the Ride.

    2023 training rides will begin in the spring! Keep your eyes peeled for further information on our social platforms.

  • What if I don't have a bike? Can I rent one from BellRinger?

    We’re partnering with Unlimited Biking to offer bike rentals for BellRinger Weekend. They’ll have hybrids, road bikes, and e-assist bikes available in a variety of sizes. Unlimited Biking provides complimentary helmets with all bike rentals. Rental reservations can be made here.

    When you book a bicycle with Unlimited Biking for BellRinger, you’ll have the option to pick up your bike at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, October 20, where it will be stored overnight in our bike corrals, or the morning of the Ride on Saturday, October 21.

    Once you’ve completed your Ride, our volunteers will grab your rental bike from you at the finish line and ensure that it is returned for you.

  • Is there a minimum age to ride in BellRinger?

    You must be at least 14 years of age to ride in BellRinger. Riders who are 14-15 years old may register to Ride the 25-mile and 50-mile routes. Riders who are 16 years and older may register for any of the routes. Parents or guardians will be required to execute the Rider Agreement and Waiver on behalf of the minor Rider, and each minor Rider must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Can I ride a tandem bicycle in BellRinger?

    Sure! Tandem bikes are a great way to participate in BellRinger with a friend or family member. Each Rider on the tandem bicycle must register separately and meet their own individual fundraising commitment for the route that is chosen.

  • Can I allow someone else to ride in my place in BellRinger?

    Unfortunately, we’ve got to say no on this one. Your registration as a Rider in BellRinger isn’t transferable, even if you don’t or can’t Ride in BellRinger for any reason, including any illness or injury that may limit or preclude your participation. You are not permitted to grant another person the right to Ride in BellRinger in your place under any circumstances.

  • I am traveling from out of town for BellRinger, are there any recommended hotels I should stay in?

    There are four recommended hotels in the Arlington and DC area that we suggest for anyone traveling to BellRinger. Check out their websites and book your room here:

  • How do I get back to Georgetown after finishing the Ride?

    We have continuous shuttle services and professional bike truck services to return you and your bike safely to Georgetown after you have finished enjoying the finish line celebration. You are also welcome to have a friend or family member pick you up!

  • How do I fundraise?

    Fundraising should be exciting! You are making a real impact on lifesaving cancer research through your commitment. We believe in three basic fundraising principles:

    • Get personal – Reaching out to your friends and family and sharing your excitement for BellRinger is the best first step. Your story is the greatest asset you have, and we encourage you to share that with everyone you can.
    • Get creative – Bring in your other hobbies, such as a bake sale or a wine tasting, to share about your participation in BellRinger and encourage donations.
    • Be bold – Keep in mind that everyone has been affected by cancer. While asking for money can be awkward, have confidence that your commitment to funding cancer research is well worth it. Be genuine, and we believe that you’ll have enthusiastic support.

    Remember to direct friends and family to your Rider Profile to view your story and donate to your Ride. Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for more tips and tricks for successful fundraising.

  • When is the fundraising deadline?

    The fundraising deadline for BellRinger 2023 is 11:59 PM on December 21, 2023.

  • Why do you ask for my credit card information?

    Each Rider pays a non-refundable registration fee that does not count towards their minimum fundraising commitment. This registration fee is charged to the Rider’s card upon registration. Card information must remain on file in the event that the Rider’s minimum fundraising commitment is not met by the fundraising deadline. After the fundraising deadline, the card will be charged for the remainder of the minimum fundraising commitment, if any. Virtual Riders are not charged a registration fee but will be asked to keep a card on file in case their minimum fundraising commitment is not met by the fundraising deadline.

  • Can I withdraw my registration in BellRinger?

    We’re sad to see you go, but we understand that things change. The deadline to withdraw your registration is 11:59 PM on September 21, 2023. Please contact the BellRinger team at Ride@BellRinger.org if you’d like to withdraw your registration. Before doing so, please reference the Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy.

  • Can I use BellRinger marketing materials for my personal fundraising efforts?

    Definitely. You are able to use BellRinger’s logos and other design elements for your personal fundraising efforts. You can access these logos in our 2023 asset kit located on the resources page or in your Rider dashboard. Please send any final designs that use BellRinger’s assets to Alyssa Bielinski at Alyssa@Bellringer.org for approval before publication and production.

  • What do I do if a donor hands me a check?

    We can take care of it for you! Please just mail the check to:

    BellRinger
    500 First St. NW
    Washington, D.C. 20001

    Also, please be sure that your name is included in the memo line, so that we can ensure that the donation is credited to your Ride. If the donor made the check out to your name, you can sign the check over to BellRinger prior to mailing it in. Just write “Pay to the order of BellRinger” in the endorsement area on the back of the check and be sure to sign it as well.

100% of funds raised support

Clinical Partner