Cyclists of all skill levels have an opportunity to use their pedal power for a good cause: supporting crisis pregnancy centers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The fifth annual Philly Ride for Life will be held Saturday, June 27 at SS. Philip and James Parish in Exton, and individuals can choose to ride on the road or along the nearby Chester Valley Trail.
Options include road loops of 17, 33, and 43 miles, as well as a family-friendly bike, run, and walk on the trail. Families with young children are welcome to ride along the trail together at no charge.
The Philly Ride for Life is sponsored by Biking for Babies, a non-profit organization whose mission is to proclaim the dignity of human life by uniting cycling with the formation of young adults into missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.
Over the past 16 years, Biking for Babies has formed more than 300 young adults, partnered with over 200 pregnancy centers, and donated almost $2.5 million to life-affirming work.
Tim Joganich, an avid cyclist and board member of Biking for Babies, emphasized that the June 27 ride is for all ages and abilities.
“There are routes for more avid cyclists and routes for families and more casual riders,” said Joganich, a member of St. Jude Parish in Chalfont. “We all start together and then if somebody doesn’t want to go 43 miles, they can choose a shorter route.”
He explained the annual event typically attracts 60 to 70 participants who raise approximately $16,000 a year. “If we get a hundred people, I could see where $20,000 plus would be attainable,” Joganich added.
The registration fee is $30, and participants also can raise funds by setting up a donation page. “People register, and they’ll get family members and friends to donate through their page,” he said.
This year’s ride will benefit AlphaCare, HOPE Pregnancy Center and Annie’s Home in Philadelphia; Genesis Women’s Clinic in Pottstown; Chester County Connect Care in Coatesville; and A Baby’s Breath in Phoenixville.
Seventy percent of the proceeds go to the pregnancy centers, and the rest supports local young adult Biking for Babies missionaries.
A program featuring local pregnancy centers starts at 8:15 a.m. with the ride following at 9 a.m. An optional Mass at SS. Philip and James Church is offered at 7:15 a.m.
Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Cooke, who serves on the board of Biking for Babies, participated in the Philly Ride for Life a few years ago.
He recalled how a professional cyclist helped him navigate a steep hill during the road ride through Chester County.
“I was doing all right, but he sort of pushed me even more up the hill,” Bishop Cooke said. “I thought, ‘How does this guy ride a bike and push somebody else at the same time?’”
The camaraderie among the cyclists made the ride even more memorable for the bishop.
“There really was a great spirit of connection among the riders,” he said. “It was like we were all traveling with one mind, one heart, one desire, and I thought that was the most beautiful thing.”
Bishop Cooke encourages Catholics across the Archdiocese to put their faith in action by participating in the ride or by making a donation.
Being pro-life is “not merely a truth of our faith and of the Gospel, but it also flows into deliberate action where we literally help people in the way that they need to be helped,” he said. “It’s a huge opportunity for people to support this ride so that they can be part of the success of this pro-life action.”
To register for the Philly Ride for Life or make a donation, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026rideforlife-philly/
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