Why We’re Introducing Family Pricing

And why riding together might be one of the most meaningful things you can do as a family

We recently introduced new family pricing at Climate Ride—and for me, this is more than just a program update. It’s personal.

After a recent family beach trip, I asked my kids what they were most grateful for. They loved the trip. The ocean, the downtime, being together. But their answer surprised me.

They said they want our next family trip to be a Climate Ride.

That moment stuck with me—not just as a parent, but as someone who has spent years building these experiences for others. Because it reinforced something I’ve felt for a long time:

There is something uniquely powerful about experiencing the world together by bike—especially for kids.

More Than a Trip: What Happens When Kids Ride

Having my kids out on Climate Rides has been one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made as a parent.

On the surface, it’s easy to see the benefits: they’re outside, they’re active, they’re off screens. But what’s really happening goes much deeper.

They’re building confidence with every mile.
They’re learning independence—how to manage themselves, their energy, their mindset.
They’re connecting with a community of people who care deeply about the world around them.

And maybe most importantly, they’re discovering that they are capable of more than they thought.

You can see it happen in real time. A hill they didn’t think they could climb. A long day they weren’t sure they could finish. And then—they do. That kind of earned confidence stays with them.

The Research Behind Riding Together

What we’re seeing on these rides isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by a growing body of research.

1. Reduced stress and improved mental health
Studies show that physical activity like cycling significantly lowers cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone) and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. For kids especially, outdoor movement has been linked to improved mood, better focus, and overall emotional regulation.

2. Confidence, resilience, and independence
Learning to ride—and to ride longer distances—builds what psychologists call self-efficacy: the belief in one’s ability to succeed. Kids who develop this early are more likely to approach challenges with optimism and persistence.

3. Family bonding that actually sticks
Shared physical challenges create stronger, more lasting bonds than passive time together. When families ride together, they’re not just coexisting—they’re collaborating, encouraging each other, and sharing meaningful experiences.

4. A lifelong connection to nature
Perhaps most importantly, early exposure to nature is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong environmental stewardship. When kids experience landscapes not through a car window, but through effort and immersion, they develop a deep “sense of place.”

They don’t just visit these places—they know them.

And that connection is what turns passive observers into future advocates.

Adding Purpose: Why Climate Ride Is Different

All of this would be meaningful on its own. But Climate Ride adds another layer that makes the experience even more powerful:

Purpose.

Every Climate Ride supports organizations working on climate solutions, conservation, and active transportation. Participants fundraise, and those funds are granted directly to nonprofits doing critical work.

For kids, this changes everything.

They’re not just riding—they’re contributing.
They’re not just participants—they’re part of a movement.

They see firsthand that their actions matter. That they can show up, take on a challenge, and help create change.

That’s a lesson that goes far beyond the ride itself.

Why We Created Family Pricing

For years, we’ve seen how transformative these experiences can be for young people. And we’ve heard from so many families who wanted to participate together.

Our staff and board have been aligned on one thing:

We need to make this more accessible.

Because getting more young people on bikes—and connecting them to purpose early in life—is one of the most impactful things we can do.

Join Us

If you’ve ever thought about bringing your kids on a Climate Ride, this is your moment.

Our family-friendly opportunities for ages 12-21 include:

These aren’t just trips.

They are experiences your kids will carry with them for the rest of their lives. They’re confidence-building, perspective-shifting, purpose-driven adventures. And if my kids are any indication…

They might just become your family’s favorite tradition.