Important Update Regarding The Last Best Ride 2026

 

Dear TLBR Community:

 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that The Last Best Ride 2026 has been cancelled.

 

This decision was not made hastily.  While finalizing critical components of the event, the team was presented with several operational challenges required by the event’s permits that required significant adjustments to the course plan and race operations. We have always been willing to do the hard work necessary to deliver a first-class event, and the TLBR volunteer leadership team has spent countless hours evaluating possible paths forward. As we worked through the challenges, we concluded we did not have the organizational capacity to fully implement, safely execute, and adhere to those requirements. 

 

We recognize that many of you have already made travel plans and accommodations and sincerely apologize for the impact this decision has on you and the disappointment it causes. 

 

All registered participants who paid registration fees will receive a full refund, including processing fees. You do not need to take any action — refunds will be processed automatically over the coming days. 

 

As race directors, TLBR is much more than a single weekend each year. It is something we think about, plan for, and work toward throughout the entire year. We know many of you feel the same way, and we are deeply saddened to disappoint the riders, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and community members who continue to support this event.

 

One thing that has not changed is why this event exists.

 

The Last Best Ride is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We have no employees. Every dollar raised through the event supports the Barbara Mansfield Champion Scholar Award, which recognizes students with significant financial need who exemplify leadership, character, and academic achievement. Even without hosting the event this year, our Board has committed $23,000 in scholarships to eight students across four schools. To honor that commitment, we will draw from our nonprofit's reserve funds. With this year's awards, TLBR will have provided $153,000 in scholarships to nearly 40 students in just six years. That impact is something we are incredibly proud of, and it reminds us that this organization has always been about something much bigger than racing bicycles.

 

To everyone who has ridden, volunteered, sponsored, donated, or simply cheered from the sidelines — thank you. You have built a community that means more to us than we can adequately express.

 

While we cannot formally bring everyone together this year, we remain grateful for the friendships, memories, and shared purpose that TLBR has created.

 

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and for believing in what The Last Best Ride represents.

 

With gratitude,

 

The Last Best Ride Board of Directors