What do you get when you combine a family dedicated to remembering the two-year-old son they tragically lost, their desire to make a difference in his name, and hundreds of kids on two wheels lining up to have their turn on the downtown criterium course in Burlingame, California? You get the country’s largest kids’ ride, the Ryan Phua Memorial Kids’ Bike Ride.
Ryan Phua Memorial Kid’s Ride at the Burlingame Criterium is one of the largest kid’s races in the area at a price that can’t be beat. © Cyclocross Magazine
Sure, it’s not cyclocross or gravel specific, but thankfully most little ones don’t obsess on definitions or terrain and appreciate any two-wheel fun.
Whether you have a cyclocross kid missing the competitive thrill of toeing the line, a young cyclist curious to try her first event without intimidating mud or barriers, or a little one still learning to balance, the Ryan Phua Memorial Kids’ Bike Ride is an ideal, healthy, free family summer event, all for a good cause.
Not on a pedal bike yet? No pedals, no problem. Ryan Phua Memorial Kid’s Ride at the Burlingame Criterium. © Cyclocross Magazine
Although the event is a fundraiser for charity, it has eliminated one of the barriers of trying bike racing—there’s no entry fee or license fee.
The event returns in 2017 on Sunday, June 25 for the 14th edition. Full details below.
14th Annual Ryan Phua Memorial Kids’ Ride, Sunday, June 25, 2017
Come join the fun! The 14th Annual Ryan Phua Memorial Kids’ Bike Ride, part of the 31st Annual Burlingame Criterium, is the largest kids’ bike ride in the U.S. The event is scheduled for Sunday, June 25, 2017.
Ryan Phua Memorial Kid’s Ride at the Burlingame Criterium, led by the late Ryan’s brother and friends. © Cyclocross Magazine
Each year, over 500 children twelve and under pedal to the finish with thunderous applause. Feeling proud of their “win,” each child happily receives a medal, popsicle and goody bag.
Ryan Phua Memorial Kid’s Ride has “prizes” that every finisher can enjoy. © Cyclocross Magazine
Ryan’s Ride is a labor of love to memorialize Ryan, who died to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood in July 2003 at age two years old. Ryan and his twin brother Matthew were born after their father battled and survived cancer.
While the event is free, children participants raise pledges for the Ryan Phua Memorial Fund, established through the LIVESTRONG Foundation to fund cancer-related programs in the Bay Area. Close to $750,000 has been raised so far.
One of the youngest waves takes off. Ryan Phua Memorial Kid’s Ride at the Burlingame Criterium. © Cyclocross Magazine
There will be free entertainment for the whole family after the ride. Top fundraisers receive gift certificates to a local toy store or a brand new bike, and there are separate waves for each age group, up to 12 years old.
Some in the oldest age group are all business before the start, but the event is about fun and fundraising for fighting cancer. Ryan Phua Memorial Kid’s Ride at the Burlingame Criterium. © Cyclocross Magazine
Although same-day registration is available, skip the lines and wait by registering today.
Ryan Phua Memorial Kids’ Ride Details:
When: Sunday, June 25, 2017
Where: Downtown Burlingame, CA (at California and Lorton avenues)
Cost: Free Event!
Time: Race starts at 10:30 am
More info: ryansride.org
Registration: ryansride-reg.org
Donate: crowdrise.org
Social:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ryansride
Twitter: twitter.com/ryansride
Race flyer:
(Also viewable/printable here)
