Join the 500+ mile Hometown Challenge!
Cancer won't stop. Neither will we.
The 500+ Mile Hometown Challenge allows cyclists to participate in Empire State Ride from anywhere in the world. This option is perfect for anyone who can’t commit to the weeklong adventure but still wants to challenge themself and advance cancer research.
Cancer won't stop. Neither will we.
Join the 500+ Mile Hometown Challenge!
Challenge yourself to hit your fundraising goal and ride 500+ miles during the month of July. By joining this challenge, you are riding for those who cannot while advancing our mission to end cancer.
If you’ve been thinking about committing to the weeklong Empire State Ride experience but are unsure if it’s right for you or if you’re not available the week we ride, the Hometown Challenge is a great alternative.
How it works
Jump on your bike wherever you live and fundraise to end cancer. Challenge yourself to hit your fundraising goal and ride 500+ miles during the month of July.
The best part? You’ll still receive all the perks of being an official road warrior while completing the challenge on your own time, in your own way.
You'll get access to:
- A private Facebook group with fellow riders to connect, share advice and ask questions
- The official RPAF Fundraising app for ESR (read more below)
- Experts, including a fundraising coordinator, cycling coach and more
- Fundraising tools to help you meet and exceed your personal goal
- A challenge in Strava to track your miles during the month of July
- Rewards to celebrate your milestones
- A team of other cyclists from around the world, ready to take on this adventure with you
RPAF Fundraising App
- Easily track and promote your fundraiser in one easy, convenient location
- Connect with other Empire State Ride road warriors and compete in fitness and fundraising challenges
- Earn badges for your achievements
- Accept in-person check donations with state-of-the-art scanning technology and bank-grade security features
- Send donation and thank you notes
Take on the 500+ Mile hometown challenge!
Spotlight on Hometown Challenge participants
Curious how other cyclists took on the Hometown Challenge? Read their stories below.
Marie-Therese Mazouyer rode a 153-mile leg as part of her 532-mile Hometown Challenge to honor Pearl, who passed away from leukemia at eight years old.
Team Iron Donkeys, comprised of brothers Dave and Mike Duff, completed the Hometown Challenge on July 23 with 522 miles after 19 riding days!
Alan Kurtz rode 557 miles to honor way too many family members and friends who have been hit by cancer, including Alan and his wife.
Chris Wilk rode virtually on his Zwift/Wahoo kicker bike for 40 miles every day, achieving 568 miles in Zwift.
Jay Warren rode an impressive 2,800 miles across the United States over the course of 53 days! Read his story!
The beautiful thing about my ride is it totally fit my schedule ... I hope that more people try the Hometown Challenge as it is an excellent way to get in shape while raising money for cancer research and patient care. Who’s up to the challenge in 2026?