ADEC Ride A Bike Turns 50: Family Fun This Saturday!
Written by Zach Miller on September 30, 2026
Let’s be honest: most weekends, the only “cardio” you get is chasing a kid who refuses to put on shoes while you hunt for the car keys you just had. This Saturday, you can get your steps in, wear out the kids, AND do something genuinely good for your neighbors. That’s what we call a weekend triple win.
Ride A Bike Hits a Golden Milestone
ADEC’s Ride A Bike is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. It all started back in 1972 as a way to support people with disabilities, and it’s grown into one of our area’s most beloved community traditions.
The best part? It’s not a race. Riders of all abilities pedal side by side, raising money for the programs and services ADEC provides to our neighbors with disabilities.
What’s Waiting for You (and the Kids)
The family-friendly bike loop winds through a series of fun “Pedal Portals,” so there’s a little surprise around every turn. Got a more serious cyclist in the house? A longer route branches off onto the Pumpkinvine Trail.
Not a bike person? No problem. There’s a whole festival-style party happening, including:
- Inflatables and games (goodbye, excess kid energy!)
- Food trucks, because nobody’s cooking that night
- Giveaways
- A transformation station and selfie stop
- Artwork from Art by ADEC
- Live music from your friends at Froggy 102.7!
Mom Math: The Cost Breakdown
Here’s the kind of number we love: kids ages 5 and under get in FREE, and registration for everyone 6 and up is just $15. That’s cheaper than a drive-thru run for the whole family, and it goes to a great cause.
You can register your family for Ride A Bike 2026 online ahead of time, so you’re not juggling a phone, a toddler, and a helmet at check-in. Just remember it’s a 9 AM start, so plan that coffee accordingly. ☕
Can’t Make It? You Can Still Help
Saturday already packed with soccer games and birthday parties? We get it. You can still be part of the celebration:
- Donate: Chip in with a gift to ADEC’s Ride A Bike fundraiser.
- Collect pledges: Grab the official Ride A Bike pledge form and let the grandparents sponsor your little rider.
- Volunteer: Event-day volunteer spots are already full (go team!), but ADEC always welcomes help, so check out other ways to volunteer with ADEC.
Want all the details in one place? Head to the ADEC Ride A Bike 2026 event page for everything you need before Saturday.
Why It Matters
Behind all the bounce houses and food trucks is something bigger. Every dollar raised supports ADEC’s programs for people with disabilities right here in our community, including day services, employment training, residential support, and child and family services.
So pump up those tires, dig the helmets out of the garage, and come say hi to us at the fairgrounds!
💬 Let’s hear it: Who’s riding with you on Saturday? Tag your bike crew in the comments on our Facebook or Instagram, and tell us: are you a leisurely-loop cruiser or a Pumpkinvine Trail speed demon? 🚲