After years of anticipation, the Young’s Charity Bike Tour is bringing back a beloved tradition. For the first time since 2019, the ride returns to a two-day format, offering participants more time, more miles, and a deeper connection to the cause.
As Dan Young, former CEO of Young’s Jersey Dairy, shared, “We last hosted the two-day format in 2019, and honestly, the energy from riders and the community never let us forget it. After six years of the one-day format, we felt the time was right to bring it back. The two-day ride gives us more time together, more miles, and more opportunity to connect with the cause in a meaningful way.”
A Ride That Goes Further
Over the past 23 years, the Young’s Charity Bike Tour has raised more than $1.8 million for its charity partners, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Breakthrough T1D, South Community Behavioral Health, and United Rehabilitation Services.
For Dan, returning to the two-day format reflects something bigger than the ride itself.
“After 23 years and over $1.8 million raised for our charity partners, the two-day format feels like a natural evolution of what this ride has always been about. It’s not just a bigger ride. It’s a deeper commitment to the cause, to each other, and to the communities we serve. For Young’s, it’s a way of saying that after all these years, we’re still pushing forward.”
With the community’s continued support, this year’s ride aims to reach an exciting milestone.
“We’re aiming to push past $1.8 million on our way to exceeding $2 million in lifetime fundraising, and the two-day format gives us a real chance to get there. Beyond the dollars, we hope to attract new riders who’ve been curious but wanted more of an adventure, and to raise awareness for our beneficiary organizations in a way that a single day simply can’t match. Every rider who joins is telling the community that these causes matter.”
One-Day or Two-Day Options
The Young’s Charity Bike Tour continues to offer options for riders of all experience levels.
The one-day ride follows the scenic Little Miami Scenic Trail and provides a meaningful and accessible way to participate.
The two-day ride offers a more immersive experience.
“The two-day ride is a different kind of adventure altogether. Riders cover 82 miles each day for a total of 164 miles, with an overnight stay that turns the event into a genuine cycling journey. For those seeking the ultimate challenge, there’s even a power loop option that extends each day’s ride to 100 miles.”
Both ride formats include strong support from volunteers and partners, including rest stops, meals, bike repair, and SAG support along the route.
The Experience That Brings Riders Back
While the miles are impressive, Dan emphasizes that the experience is what truly sets the two-day ride apart.
“The camaraderie is unlike anything you experience in a one-day event. By the second morning, riders have shared meals, swapped stories, and built friendships that keep people coming back year after year.”
One of the most meaningful moments happens off the bike.
“One of my favorite moments is after dinner on the first night, when we gather to hear brief presentations from our charity partners, real stories about the work they do and the lives they touch. It’s a powerful reminder of why we ride. And of course, finishing back at Young’s, knowing you’ve covered all those miles for a great cause, that never gets old.”
For those considering whether to ride one or two days, Dan offers a simple perspective.
“The one-day ride is wonderful, but the two-day experience is truly transformative. You get deeper into the journey, literally and figuratively. The overnight stop creates a sense of adventure and community that simply can’t happen in a single day. And for fundraising, two-day participants typically raise more because their supporters see the added commitment and respond accordingly.”
What’s New for 2026
This year’s ride includes a few exciting highlights for participants.
“Our route takes us through one of Ohio’s historic covered bridges on the way to Delaware, a beautiful and unexpected piece of Ohio history that riders will love. We’ll also be staying overnight at Ohio Wesleyan University, the first time we’ve been back to their campus since 2007. It’s going to be a great homecoming.”
Riders will also continue to benefit from helpful tools.
“We’re also continuing to offer free access to our Ride with GPS route maps, which we’ve provided to riders the past couple of years. It’s a great tool for staying on course using your phone or a GPS device, and we’re glad to make it available at no cost to participants.”
Be Part of the Ride
The 24th Annual Young’s Charity Bike Tour is more than a cycling event. It is a chance to come together, support meaningful causes, and be part of a growing legacy of generosity.
“Every rider who joins is telling the community that these causes matter.”
