48 states. 60 days. 10,000+ miles.

Ride The Nation is a ride through the continental US states, beginning in Boston, Massachusetts on September 10th, 2026 and finishing in Santa Cruz, California on November 13th, 2026.

Undertaken by 9x World Record-holding ultra-endurance cyclist Jack Thompson, the project is a nationwide storytelling platform, designed to connect communities, share stories from across America, and explore how human connection, movement, and community can support well-being.  

Now approaching 10 years of sobriety, Jack is a passionate advocate for mental health, recovery, and community. While recovery looks different for everyone, cycling became an important source of structure, purpose, and connection in Jack's life. That experience continues to shape his belief in the importance of movement, relationships, and belonging.

The project is led in partnership with NewForm, a platform that helps people find and connect with recovery and mental health support, community, events, organizations, and tools that fit their lives.

Outride is joining forces with Ride the Nation as an activation partner to host community and school-based cycling events in select cities across the route, highlighting cycling as one tool to support brain health, well-being, connection, and quality of life.

Through these events, local communities will have opportunities to meet Jack, learn about Outride's work, and discover how cycling can support people of all ages and abilities. Together, we're helping more people experience the benefits of cycling through school programs, community grants, and research that advances our understanding of cycling's impact on brain health and well-being. And you're invited to join.

Donate To Outride

Follow Jack’s Journey

Get Involved

Follow the journey, meet Jack along the route, and support Outride’s work to help expand access to cycling for brain health and well-being.

1) FOLLOW ALONG

2) Meet us along the route

  • Join for a retail event or a planned group ride, or catch Jack to join him through your hometown for 3 miles or 3 hours along the route. We want YOU to come along!

USE THE LINKS TO SIGN UP FOR EVENTS + SCHEDULED RIDES NEAR YOU!
* updated regularly *

  • BOSTON, MA | Thursday, 9/10 - NewForm Send Off Ride  

  • NEW YORK CITY, NY | Saturday, 9/12 - RTN X Specialized x Outride Group Ride + Meet and Greet

  • PHILADELPHIA, PA | Sunday, 9/13 - She Is Focused Community Ride

  • GERMANTOWN, MD | Monday, 9/14 - Outride Riding for Focus School

  • MIAMI, FL | Sunday, 9/20 - Reis Cycling Group Ride 

  • DAVENPORT, FL | Monday, 9/21 - Outride Riding for Focus School

  • CHICAGO, IL | Friday, 10/2 - RTN X Specialized x Outride Meet and Greet

  • MINNEAPOLIS, MN | Monday, 10/5 - Outride Riding for Focus School

  • TULSA, OK | Tuesday, 10/13 - Bike Club Tulsa

  • WICHITA, KS | Wednesday, 10/14 - The Phoenix Group Ride

  • DENVER, CO | Monday, 10/19 - Specialized Retail Event

  • LARAMIE, WY | Tuesday, 10/20 - Outride Riding for Focus School

  • SAN FRANCISCO, CA | Friday, 10/23 - The Phoenix Group Ride

  • SALT LAKE CITY, UT | Saturday, 10/31 - Outride Riding for Focus School

  • SALT LAKE CITY, UT | Saturday, 10/31 - The Phoenix Group Ride

  • AMERICAN FALLS, ID | Monday, 11/2 - Outride Riding for Focus School

  • SANTA CRUZ, CA | Friday, 11/13 - Specialized Santa Cruz Experience Center

3) HELP TURN EVERY MILE INTO IMPACT

  • Donate to Outride or start your own Outride fundraising page and help more people experience the benefits of cycling for brain health and well-being while supporting our goal of raising $50,000 through Ride the Nation.

Jack’s Ride the Nation Bike

Specialized is the official bike partner of Ride the Nation, providing the custom-painted Specialized Diverge that will carry Jack more than 10,000 miles across the country. Designed specifically for the journey, the bike features exclusive Ride the Nation artwork inspired by the people, places, and connections that define America.

The design reflects Ride the Nation's core belief that healing, growth, and connection are ongoing journeys. Fifty stars span the top tube, representing the states and communities that shape America's story. The hand-crafted faux patina finish symbolizes the marks we accumulate through life and the resilience built through challenge, experience, and growth.

At the conclusion of Ride the Nation, this one-of-a-kind Specialized Diverge will be auctioned to benefit Outride, giving one supporter the opportunity to own a unique piece of Ride the Nation history while helping expand access to cycling and its benefits.