We fight cancer and this is how
Our adventure begins on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for orientation and check-in at Wagner College on Staten Island.
The next morning, riders start the 500+ mile adventure together. The next six days take place throughout the landscape of New York State with riders averaging approximately 79 miles a day. While every day brings new challenges and miles, support on Empire State Ride remains the same – rest stops, first-aid, mechanics and scheduled shuttles are available daily.
On day seven, you’ll cross the finish line in Niagara Falls and be welcomed by a crowd of excited spectators. Music, smiling faces and witty, celebratory signs will greet you as you ride down Old Falls Street. Meet your fellow riders at the Falls for the last group photo of the week with the entire #ESR26 community.
Daily schedule
5:30 - 6:30 a.m.
Breakfast served at camp
7 – 8 a.m.
Depart from camp
3 p.m.
Target time for the last rest stop — cyclists struggling to finish should schedule the ESR shuttle to camp to avoid a late arrival
1 – 5:30 p.m.
Rolling finish into camp
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner at camp
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Evening program
8 p.m.
Free time
Rider support
Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Check out the list of rider support perks.
Catered dining (breakfast and dinner in camp)
Lunch on the road at a rest stop
Snacks and beverages
Frequent rest stops with food, hydration and portable restrooms
Luggage transportation
Catered camping — camp set up and take down
Personal tent
Air mattress
Camp chair
Towel service
Restrooms/portable restrooms
Shower truck
Bicycle checks
Basic bike repairs (complex repairs at the riders’ expense)
Buses to boost to the second rest stop and shorten the day’s mileage
SAG support along the route
Law enforcement to assist with traffic safety
Coordination with local emergency services
Route signs and markings
Medical and athletic trainer teams
Massage services at riders' expense
Hotel services at riders' expense
Fundraising support
Empire State Ride private Facebook group
All ESR services — including transportation, camping, catering, bicycle support and more — are intended for registered participants, volunteers and staff.
Camp life
Catered camping is the core of the Empire State Ride experience. Each camp has a rider reception and services hub, tenting area, dining and program tent. Restrooms or portable restrooms and a traveling shower truck are available on site. A bike repair team will be ready at camp, and power for CPAP devices is available upon request.
Tents, air mattresses, camp chairs and clean towels are set up and taken down daily for road warriors on Empire State Ride. We camp at fairgrounds, colleges and schools and do our best to make sure you and your bike are ready for the next day.
Hotel room blocks are available to riders who are unable to camp, at their expense. Stay tuned for hotel suggestions and room blocks.
The HUB
The HUB is your central spot for rider information, beverages, snacks, first-aid supplies, cue sheets and charging stations for electronics and eBikes. Be sure to bring your own (labeled) charging cords, adaptors, battery packs and back-up batteries for navigation devices.
Dining
Daily breakfast is served early so riders can depart at their own pace in the cool of the morning. Lunch is provided on route, and dinner is served at camp each night. Snacks and water are always available at camp, rest stops and in case of emergencies.
When you're not riding
After dinner each night, there’s a brief map meeting followed by a nightly program focused on our mission to end cancer. You may stick around afterward for cycling tech talks, camp games, yoga and camaraderie.
Daily schedule.
6 a.m.
Breakfast served at camp
7 – 8 a.m.
Depart from camp
1 – 5:30 p.m.
Rolling finish line into camp
3 p.m.
Target time for the last rest stop — cyclists struggling to finish should schedule the ESR shuttle to camp to avoid a late finish
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner at camp
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Evening programming
8 p.m.
Free time
