The Ride for Mental Health – Honoring Lives and Ending Stigma

The Ride for Mental Health is more than just a cycling event—it’s a movement of hope, healing, and community. Founded in 2017 by Mac Dorris after the tragic loss of his son Eric, the Ride has become a powerful way to honor loved ones, raise awareness, and support critical treatment for those living with mental illness.

A Father’s Mission: From Grief to Action

In 2016, Mac’s son Eric lost his battle with mental illness at just 21 years old. Devastated by his loss, Mac searched for charity rides that benefited mental health but found none. That’s when he created The Ride for Mental Health—a cycling event dedicated to ending stigma, raising funds for treatment, and honoring Eric’s memory.

Since its first event in the Hudson Valley, the Ride has grown from 100 riders to more than 450 participants. Together, they have raised over $1.4 million for McLean Hospital, the nation’s top-ranked psychiatric hospital and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Funds support education, research, and treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorders.

Stories of Strength and Hope

The Ride is also about personal stories. For local participant Lenny Valvo, this year marked his fifth ride in memory of his best friend, Brent Thurn, who died by suicide in 2021. Lenny and his team, “Shake It Off,” have grown from 3 to 11 riders and raised over $40,000 for mental health initiatives.

“We ride for Brent, for all those we’ve lost, and for those still fighting,” Lenny shared. “No one should face mental illness alone.”

Building Community on the Road and Beyond

The event offers multiple route options—14, 25, 50, and 100 miles—bringing together cyclists of all levels. Riders and volunteers share their journeys at the community dinner, which has become a highlight of the weekend. The Ride has also expanded virtually through Zwift and Strava, allowing more people to join the mission year-round.

In 2025, Olympians Nelson Vails and Wayne Stetina joined the Ride, adding even more inspiration to an already extraordinary event.

How You Can Help

The next Ride takes place on June 27–28, 2026. Whether you ride, volunteer, or donate, you can make a difference. Every dollar raised supports McLean Hospital’s groundbreaking work and helps break down stigma around mental illness.

💙 Donations: Make a gift here
💙 Matching gifts: Many employers will match contributions—check with your company.
💙 Checks: Payable to Eric’s Ride Inc., 537 1st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Join the Movement

Mental illness affects us all — directly or through those we love. The Ride for Mental Health is proof that together, we can create hope, honor those we’ve lost, and fuel progress in mental health care.

Mark your calendars for June 27–28, 2026, and help us keep riding for change.

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Help is available, we need to ask for it. You can call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or contact Crisis Services in Erie County at 716-834-3131. Or call BryLin Hospital’s Admissions Department directly at (716) 886-8200 ext. 2264. Our team is available to discuss your situation, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps for care. There is always hope, and there are people who care and want to help.

Together, we can work toward a future where no one feels alone in their struggles. Let’s be there for one another and encourage those in crisis to seek the help they deserve.

👉 Learn more at rideformentalhealth.org