Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honor Ride?
The 6th Annual Honor Ride is a non-competitive event honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and active duty service members, created by Easterseals Redwood’s Military and Veteran Services (MVS). This family-friendly event is open to people of all ages and abilities. Everyone is encouraged to ride, ruck, roll, or run at their own pace, as there will not be any official race results.
What is rucking and why do we do it?
Rucking is walking or hiking while carrying a weighted backpack, simulating the weight of combat gear, weapons, or supplies. It is a cornerstone of military training because it builds endurance, strength, mental toughness, and prepares soldiers to carry heavy loads in real-world combat scenarios. For service members, it’s about carrying what you need and pushing forward, no matter the distance.
What can I expect on August 22nd?
When you arrive at Miami Whitewater Forest Park, parking will be available in the Harbor parking lot (9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030). From there, head to the covered shelters near the Visitor Center registration, which will be open from 7:30am to 8:30am.
At 8:30am, the Honor Ribbon Ceremony will begin at the Shaker Trace Bicycle Path. During this time, each yellow Honor Ribbon, representing a veteran or service member, will be read aloud. Once all names have been honored, the ride will officially begin.
Around 9:00am, cyclists will start on the trail first, followed by runners, ruckers, and rollers in staggered groups every 5-10 minutes. You can choose between three route options: the Shaker Trace Outer Loop (7.8 miles, moderate), the Inner Loop (1.4 miles, easy) or our 5K route (3.1 miles, easy). You are welcome to complete as many laps as you’d like, or just one. It’s up to you!
After finishing on the trail, come back to the Visitor Center to enjoy the after party! There will be food trucks, music, various vendors, raffles and resources for veterans, active service members, and their families. The after party will conclude at approximately 1:00pm.
Where is it?
The event takes place on the Shaker Trace Bike Trail at Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030. The event 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.
What time does it start?
Saturday, August 22, 2026
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/ruck?
It’s up to you how far you’d like to go. Participants can go as little or as far as they like on the Shaker Trace Bicycle Path at Miami Whitewater Forest. The Shaker Trace Outer Loop is 7.8 miles (moderate), the Inner Loop is 1.4 miles (easy) and the 5K route is 3.1 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 20, 2026 from 2 - 4 pm at Easterseals Redwood, Klekamp Family Military and Veterans Center located at 2901 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati OH 45206 and from 6 - 8 pm at March First Brewing & Distilling located at 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249.
Are you hosting a Pint Night this year?
Yes! Pint Night is scheduled during packet pick-up at March First Brewing located at 7885 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH on Thursday, August 20 from 6-8 p.m. Every sip of their craft beer helps fund veteran programs and support our local heroes.
I'm volunteering, where do I go and when?
Volunteers arrive at the park at 6:30 am, you may park at Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor. You will receive emails with more detailed assignments from Dawnielle Foussard prior to the event. Questions, reach out to Dawnielle 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 participate?
Absolutely! This is a family-friendly event 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 event?
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.
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 at the start of the event, and the ribbons will be placed in a rucksack and carried by a veteran as she/he travels 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 participate or fundraise?
Yes! You do not have to patricipate 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 travels the course. Please purchase your Honor Ribbon by Wednesday, August 19, to ensure your hero’s name is read aloud in the Honor Ribbon ceremony. (You can still purchase a ribbon after 8/19 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 participate, you can register as an individual.
What if I want to donate or fundraise to MVS, and not do the participate in the event?
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? We can do it for you! Contact Beth Moore at bmoore@eastersealsredwood.org.
What happens if it rains?
We ride rain or shine on the 22nd, unless there is lighting or severe weather, of course. There is no rain date.