Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honor Ride?
The 5th Annual Honor Ride is a non-competitive bicycle ride, honoring our nation’s veterans, created by Easterseals Redwood Military and Veteran Services (MVS). This is a family-friendly, inclusive event for people of all abilities. Everyone is encouraged to participate and ride at their own pace and there will not be any official race results.
Where is it?
We ride on the Shaker Trace Bike Trail at Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030. The ride starts near the intersection of Mt. Hope Road. Look for the Honor Ribbon flags and volunteers to direct you. Please see the map here.
Where do I park?
Parking is available at Miami Whitewater Forest Park in the Harbor parking lot located at 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030. Look for the Honor Ride flags and volunteers to help direct you where to go. An auxiliary parking lot is located near 9056 Mount Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030, this address is more accurate for GPS directoins to the auxillary lot.
What time does it start?
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Registration opens at 7:30 am
Honor Ride Ceremony is at 8:30 am
The ride begins immediately after the Honor Ribbon ceremony (approx. 9:00 am)
How much does it cost?
Registration for the Honor Ride is $25 and includes a yellow Honor Ribbon.
Registration with a Racing Shirt is $50 and includes an Honor Ribbon.
How long is the ride?
It’s your ride, and up to you how far you’d like to go. Riders can ride as little or as long as you like on the Shaker Trace Bicycle Path at Miami Whitewater Forest. The Shaker Trace Outer Loop is 7.8 miles (moderate), and the Inner Loop is 1.4 miles (easy). Some people do several laps, some do just one. This is not a timed race and there will not be any official race results.
Where and when is packet pickup?
Packet pickup will be on Thursday, August 21, 2025, there are two options to choose from:
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Pickup at Klekamp Family Military and Veterans Center
2901 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Packet Pickup and Pint Night - $1 from every pint purchased goes to MVS
March First Brewing & Distilling
7885 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249
I'm volunteering, where do I go and when?
Volunteers arrive at the park at 6:30 am, you may park in the auxiliary parking lot or park at Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor. You will receive emails with more detailed assignments from Beth Moore prior to the ride. Questions, reach out to Beth here.
Can I show up on Saturday morning and still participate?
Absolutely, all are welcome to join us on Saturday. Please know that we can’t guarantee your hero’s name will be read aloud in the ceremony. We’ll have a limited quantity of extra racing shirts the day of the event, so we can’t guarantee you a racing shirt the day of.
Can kids come? How much for them to ride?
Absolutely! This is a family-friendly ride for all ages and abilities. Prices are the same as adults, $25 for individual registration and $50 for registration including a racing shirt.
What do I need to bring to the ride?
A bike, a helmet, water, wear your shirt and your cycling bib to show who you are riding for!
Are there restrooms?
Yes, there are restrooms at the Miami Whitewater Harbor, which is about a quarter mile from our starting location on the trail.
What is an Honor Ribbon?
A yellow Honor Ribbon is included in your registration, to honor a veteran or servicemember you love. You will be prompted to enter their name and service information at checkout when you register. Their name will be read aloud during the Honor Ribbon ceremony before the ride, and the ribbons will be placed in a rucksack and carried by a veteran as she/he rides the course. The Honor Ribbon Ceremony will begin at 8:30 am.
Do I get to keep the Honor Ribbon?
Yes. Your Honor Ribbon will be mailed back to you via US Mail around Veteran’s Day.
Can I buy just an Honor Ribbon and not ride or fundraise?
Yes! You do not have to ride to honor your hero with an Honor Ribbon. If you register at the $25 level, your Honor Ribbon will be read aloud and carried in the pack by an army veteran as she/he rides the course. Please purchase your Honor Ribbon by Wednesday, August 20, to ensure your hero’s name is read aloud in the Honor Ribbon ceremony. (You can still purchase a ribbon after 8/20 to dedicate to your hero, but we can’t guarantee their name will be read aloud at the ceremony.)
Do I have to create a team?
No, you don’t have create a team to ride, you can register as an individual.
What if I want to donate or fundraise to MVS, and not do the ride?
You can create a fundraising team at no charge. Select “Register/Create a team” then choose the option, “No ride for me! Count me in to raise funds for veterans.” You'll receive your own custom, easy-to-use fundraising website. You can also make a donation to an established team.
How do I create a team and fundraise for Military and Veteran Services?
Click on the Social Media Toolkit button above, it has all the tools you will need to share about the Honor Ride. Need help creating your team? Contact Beth Moore at bmoore@eastersealsredwood.org.
What happens if it rains?
We ride rain or shine on the 23rd, unless there is lighting or severe weather, of course. There is no rain date.