deCycles America Freedom Ride 2026 Invitation June 20 - July 12

Attention Adventure Seeking students & adults: CELEBRATE AMERICA’s 250th ANNIVERSARY
You are invited to a summer of FUN, ADVENTURE, THRILLS, FRIENDS, & FITNESS! Pedaling a bicycle from Bloomington, Indiana to New York City will be the coolest thing you ever do. WOW, what an achievement! This is the 33rd consecutive deCycles summer bicycle trip and we’ve done this similar route in the past and it was totally mind blowing. It’s one of the most scenic and historic regions on the planet. This is your chance for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Be like the 1600 other deCycles veterans who enthusiastically say it was the most amazing experience and defining moment of their lives. Forward this invitation to your friends and relatives. All they need is a bike, helmet, and a desire to do something really different.

The trip begins in Bloomington, Indiana, the home base of deCycles and most recently the 2025 national collegiate football champions. The first week the group will cycle through Kentucky & West Virginia and a whitewater rafting excursion on the famous New River. The second week will continue through Shenendoah Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, beautiful Virginia and Washington DC during the 4th of July weekend on America’s 250th Anniversary. We have applied for participation in the national parade and tours of the White House and U.S. Capitol Building. The final weekend pushes to the Atlantic Coastline, Atlantic City, and the final destination of NYC where the deCycles will pay tribute to the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 at the World Trade Center. Everyone will be bussed back to Bloomington at the conclusion of the trip. Wow, you can’t find a better 3-week high adventure trip loaded with spectacular scenery and historical significance all for just under $19/day.

Most deCycles riders are age 13-22. All levels of cycling ability, beginners, racers are welcome. Adult-riders can do this also … the oldest being 80 and youngest being 12-going-on-13. Over 1600 riders have successfully completed these deCycles trips in the past. Those veterans know you can do it and would encourage you to sign up for the time of your life. Whatever sport you do, you will do it better after this trip and be rewarded with exciting world class scenery, great biking roads, and loads of off-bike fun.

We look forward to you joining this unique and affordable summer adventure. Sign up ASAP because the roster fills quickly.

The Details

Dates: June 20 - July 12 (Post trip travel day on July 12 back home)

Transportation: deCycles Ground Transportation from New York to Bloomington after the trip is included in your trip fee.

Requirements: Student riders age 13-22. Beginners welcome and no previous experience necessary. All levels of cycling ability are welcome. Don’t worry if you are 13-14. Hundreds of early teen riders have successfully completed trips in the past 31-years. Talk to any deCycles veteran and they know you can do it and will encourage you to sign up.

Adult riders: Any age. The oldest adult-rider in deCycles history was 80. The youngest student-riders have been 12 turning 13. Most riders are middle school, high school, and college students.

Equipment: Late model multi-speed road bike, helmet, 2-waterbottles, cycling apparel. We can help you find a bike if you don’t have one. See other pages on this website for equipment requirements.

Training: Upon acceptance of your registration, you will be notified of training guidelines for local and non-local riders.

Cost: Less than $19/day including meals, overnight accommodations, luggage transfer, a riding jersey, light mechanical & repairs, and road support. The deCycles trip fee is extremely affordable. There is no other summer camp or trip less expensive than this anywhere in the world. For example, Backroads Vacation bicycle trips are usually $700-800/day. Summer Scout camps are $700 per week. This trip is $450 for 3-weeks … extremely affordable. Fundraising and sponsorships are also available.

Overnight accommodations: The deCycles are guests at churches, schools, gyms and recreation centers. You will bring three items on the trip: bike, sleeping bag, luggage bag.

Optional Excursions: New River Rafting - Thomas Jefferson Monticello - Mount Vernon tours (cost TBA). The cost of optional excursions is the rider’s responsibility. The deCycles will hold fundraising events and car washes for riders to earn money to pay for their trip and excursions. Many riders have launched GoFundMe donation requests to cover their costs. If you really want to go, don’t let money hold you back. There are plenty of ways to obtain donations and raise funds.

Registration

Bike Trip Fee

$450: For registration & full payment received on or before March 15, 2026.

$550: For registration & full payment received after March 15, 2026.

$200: Add to above registration fee if you are not a full time student or if your age is 23 or older.

-- No trip fee or ground transportation costs for adult support van drivers --

Transportation Options

… Select one…

deCycles Ground Transportation from New York to Bloomington after the trip is included in your trip fee.

~ OR ~

I will arrange my own transportation from New York at the end of the trip.

Basic Bike Trip

… Includes …

Overnight accommodations, most meals, food breaks, transport of luggage & bike, laundry, sag support,
riding jersey, road tolls, and minor repairs.

… Excludes …

Road bike & parts, riding attire, health and accident insurance, any medical expenses, optional* excursions & personal expenses.

… Optional* group excursions on this trip include …

New River Rafting - Thomas Jefferson Monticello - Mount Vernon

The deCycles sponsors car washes and other fundraising for participating riders to help pay for these excursions.

… Contact …

For questions regarding this invitation to a very affordable summer adventure,
please contact us at normhouze@comcast.net or 812-824-4567.

30 APPLICANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED! OTHERS WILL BE PLACED ON WAITLIST.

Highlights