About Cycle for the Future
One month from now, on September 20th and 21st, the first ever Cycle for the Future fundraiser will take place on the Katy Trail. This two-day cycling event, held on one of the country’s most iconic trails, will raise awareness and funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri.
Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round sports organization that is focused on changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports training and competition.
Cycle for the Future Route Options
The ride is unique, offering cyclists two different starting points on either side of the state. The routes run from St. Charles to Jefferson City and from Clinton to Jefferson City. Both rides start at the same time on Saturday, Sept. 20 and end at the same time on Sunday, Sept. 21 in Jefferson City. Each route covers a little more than 100 miles over two days with the St. Charles portion having an overnight stop in Hermann and the Clinton riders enjoying the night in Boonville.
Registration and Fundraising
Riders can take advantage of a registration discount code, ‘CYCLE14’ to bring registration costs down to $100. Much like the MS 150, there is a fundraising minimum as part of this event. Riders are asked to raise an additional $210 to reach the $310 total.
To assist with the fundraising process, SOMO offers an online fundraising system that lets you set up a profile page and share your page with all of your friends with one simple click. If you’d rather pay the whole $310 up front, that’s also okay. Registration includes your camping fees in the overnight locations, shower facilities, meals, SAG stop supplies, luggage transportation, goody bags, and more!
While cycling is not a sport that SOMO offers for its athletes, it is offered in other Special Olympics programs around the world. In addition to raising funds for SOMO’s athletes, another aspect of Cycle for the Future is the cycling demonstration stops where local SOMO athletes will take part in a safe cycling demo with the help from PedNet. They will receive free helmets from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. In addition to teaching safe cycling, the demonstration stops will also be used to gauge their interest in adding cycling as an official SOMO sport.
Registration is now open and closes on Sept. 12. SOMO is also looking for some great volunteers to assist with the event. They will gladly find a volunteer spot for you that weekend.
If you have any questions about the ride, email Brandon Schatsiek at Schatsiek@somo.org.
