The Experience

Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Benefits the Autism Science Foundation.
Starts from the Howard Community College Athletic Fields (Hickory Ridge Road and Campus Drive, Columbia, MD 21044)
Check-in begins at 9:00 am.
Opening Bell at 10:00 am. All routes will open at 10:10 am.
Closing ceremony is at approximately 12:00 noon. All routes will close by 1:00 pm.
Fun and scenic options for all ages! (Route distances subject to change)
30-mile route suitable for ages 14+.
15-mile route suitable for ages 12+.
5-mile route suitable for ages 10+.
Families are welcome on the 5K walk and kids’ ride. There are family activities at the finish festival.
Virtual riders can choose your own route!
Fully-supported, clearly marked route with abundant support vehicles and rest stops every 15 miles.
Water, Gatorade, and snacks are provided, plus lunch at the finish festival.
Bike rentals are available through Unlimited Biking.

Registration fee:

For 15-mile+ cycling routes: $70 until August 31, and $85 after.
Walkers and riders on the 5-mile and kids’ routes, registration is $35 per adult (free for kids under 12).
Free for volunteers.

Fundraising:

$500 minimum for riders on the 30- and 15-mile cycling routes.
For walkers and riders on the 5-mile and kids’ routes, the fundraising minimum is $250 for an individual or family of up to two parents and two children under 12.
Virtual riders: No fundraising minimum, but you must raise at least $500 to qualify for our virtual rider benefits.
Training and fundraising support anytime from your rider coach. Ask the coaches a question.
For more information about Baltimore Rides FAR contact Global Impact Productions at 212.989.1111

Why Ride FAR?

Autumn leaves. A community coming together. A chance to change lives. That’s Baltimore Rides FAR, a fun and meaningful cycling event to benefit the Autism Science Foundation. Join us as the financial services community comes together to support this important cause.

On Saturday, September 30, a mix of avid cyclists and weekend recreational riders will gather at the Howard Community College Athletic Fields for a fully supported journey through some of the most scenic roads in Maryland. From our 5K family ride and walk, to a 30-mile challenge ride, people of all interest and ability levels have the opportunity to take part. With rest stops every 10-15 miles so magical we call them “Oases,” ample route marking, safety monitors at tricky intersections, bike techs and sweep vans if you need them, our volunteers will take care of almost any need. Baltimore Rides FAR is a leaf-peeping cyclist’s utopia. Meanwhile, around the world, riders will come together to join the event from wherever they are, with their team or solo.

Why do we work so hard to make this a great experience? Because you are supporting an indispensable charity—the Autism Science Foundation (ASF). ASF is a research-driven organization that supports innovative studies into the causes and treatments of autism and the families it impacts.

Beautiful autumn scenery. Building community. Amazing support. An important cause. The time of your life. What are you waiting for? Register for Baltimore Rides FAR today!

The Routes

We have a wide range of route options on Saturday, September 30, 2023. They all begin and end at the Howard Community College Athletic Fields, Hickory Ridge Road and Campus Drive, Columbia, MD 21044. Free parking is available at the Athletic and Fitness Center next door. About a month before the ride, you’ll receive a pre-ride guide that will include details on check-in and the day’s events.

Check-in begins at 9:00 am on Saturday morning. After a 10:00 am opening ceremony, the ride begins at 10:15 with, fittingly for a financial services community event, the “Opening Bell” that signifies the route is open. Riders will have a choice of three tempting ride options and our 5K walk*.

*Routes tentative, pending final approvals

The Farm and Field, a challenging and hilly 30-mile romp through the Maryland countryside for ages 14 and up. You’ll want to train up for the climbs, the better to enjoy the sweeping downhills as you ride through a mix of suburban and rural vistas. (Total climbing: 2,000 feet)

The Festive Fifteen, a sweet 15-mile ride that’s well suited to the casual cyclist ages 12 and up. You’ll enjoy the views as you ride through a series of leafy neighborhoods at the start of fall. (Total climbing: 1,050 feet)

The Friendly Five. Our family-friendly 5-mile route takes you through a nearby residential neighborhood that riders 10 years and up will enjoy. (Total climbing: 250 feet)

Family activities include our “Friendly Five” route as described above, as well as our 5K walk that takes you from Howard Community College directly into an adjacent neighborhood, ending with a woodland stroll on a paved trail as you return to campus.

On the ride, you won’t just be fully supported; “nurtured” is more apt. Our extraordinary, volunteer crew will anticipate your needs as you ride each day. The route is amply marked and at tricky turns you’ll find crew to guide you safely through. Every 15 miles you’ll find an “Oasis.” More than a simple pit stop, it’s a respite from the road with lots of cheering and a variety of snacks, water and sport drink, toilets, medical assistance and bike techs. Our sweep vans have a way of appearing when you need them.

How much of the money will go to the Autism Science Foundation?

We work very hard to keep production expenses as low as possible by soliciting sponsorships, donations, and discounts for supplies. We are grateful to our sponsors who provided over $750,000 in cash in 2022. To date, each year our sponsors’ support has made it possible for 100% of participant donations to be delivered to ASF. Ultimately, the amount of money, and the percent return, depends upon how many people ride and how much each rider raises.

What is the fundraising requirement?

For riders on the 15-mile and longer cycling routes, the fundraising minimum is $500. For walkers and riders on the 5-mile ride and walk routes, the fundraising minimum is $250 for an individual or family of up to two parents and two children under 12.

Virtual riders have no fundraising minimum, but you must raise at least $500 to qualify for our virtual rider benefits, including our exclusive Oasis-In-A-Box and online access to all day-of-event activities.

Do I need to be affiliated with the financial community to ride?

Absolutely not! While we are most grateful to the financial sector for its outpouring of support (please visit our Sponsors page for examples), Baltimore Rides FAR is open to all.