This year, ADEC’s annual fundraising event will sound very familiar to our community. Bringing back many features of the once 40+ year fundraiser, Ride-a-Bike, we will once again be raising funds for vital programming while focusing on health and wellbeing. The event will consist of a bike ride, family walk, food trucks, music by Froggy 102.7, giveaways, yard games, activities, and more. We encourage everyone to participate in our inclusive event, supporting ADEC’s mission of providing choice and possibility to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, let’s create lasting memories with our families and community.

• Helmets are strongly encouraged for all biking participants, regardless of age or ability.
• Please arrive at the event with bicycles in ready-to-ride condition. Bicycle maintenance should be done prior to the event.
• In the event of extreme weather leading to event cancellation, refunds will not be provided, as funds are crucial for supporting ADEC’s essential programming.
• Participants are urged to prioritize their safety and well-being, exercising caution and good judgment throughout the event.
• ADEC is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from participation in Ride-A-Bike.
• Stay updated on all Ride-A-Bike news and announcements by following ADEC’s social media accounts and event page.

Every dollar helps in supporting the mission to create choice and possibility for all! To make a financial contribution towards our fundraising goal or to set up you own fundraiser on ADEC’s behalf, head over to our Just Giving Fundraising Page.

Step back in time to the early 1970s, a period marked by growth in community support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During this era of action, ADEC, fueled by a passion for inclusivity and empowerment, hosted the inaugural Ride-A-Bike fundraising event in 1972.

Since its inception, Ride-A-Bike has done so much more than fundraising; it has become a symbol of unity, resilience, and unwavering support for ADEC’s mission. For over four decades, families, friends, and neighbors eagerly anticipated this annual event, making it the longest-running bike ride in Elkhart County and the second oldest in the state of Indiana.

But in 2020, the echoes of laughter and the hum of spinning wheels were silenced by the unprecedented challenges brought forth by the pandemic. With heavy hearts, we made the difficult decision to cancel the 48th annual Ride-A-Bike, breaking a tradition that had withstood the test of time.

As we navigated uncertain times, the spirit of Ride-A-Bike endured, and our community has remained resilient. As we prepare to welcome back this cherished community tradition, we reflect on Ride-A-Bike’s impact to not only raise vital funds for ADEC’s mission of increasing choice and possibility for people with disabilities but to also serve as a catalyst for meaningful connections and advocacy.

For many, Ride-A-Bike is more than just a fundraiser- it’s a journey of discovery and compassion. It’s the first step toward forging relationships with ADEC’s community, understanding their stories, and championing their rights. It’s a testament to the power of a larger community coming together for a common purpose.

Each year, as the wheels of our bicycles turn, we become agents of change, ambassadors of possibility. Through our collective efforts, ADEC’s footprint in the community grows, and the possibilities for the individuals we serve expand exponentially.

We extend our heartfelt invitation to you: join us as we embark on this meaningful journey once more. Let us pedal through history, not just as participants or fundraisers, but as champions of choice and possibility for all.