Patrick’s Ride for Norte

Presented by J Merchant Builders

July 27, 2024

No matter how you choose to participate, know that you’re a part of empowering healthy, active, and engaged kids across northern Michigan.

See full event details below!

Registration is open!

Join us for Norte's biggest fundraiser of the year! Every participant can help us get more kids on bikes. Here’s how:

  1. Register to ride. We’ll create a fundraising profile for you to send to friends and family to help them support your ride and Norte’s mission.

  2. Raise money by sharing your fundraising profile with friends and family to help them support your ride and Norte’s mission.

  3. Ride up on July 27 and ride with cyclists from around the state in a relaxed, fun-first environment!

Patrick’s Ride for Norte started with Patrick Cotant riding 100 miles to raise awareness and critical financial support for Norte. Over the past five years, more and more riders have joined him! Today, Patrick’s Ride for Norte is our biggest fundraiser of the year. He and his friends have raised $50,000 to get more kids on bikes and connect with their community in northern Michigan.

If you're not interested in riding but looking to support, we're looking for volunteers to assist at sag stops, drive the rescue van, or help cook at the park.

Ride Details

  • Schedule of Activities

    Location: Darrow Park - Traverse City, MI // Event Questions: Wes Sovis - 231-631-8087

    6:45-7:50: Rider check-in for all distances. Riders must sign a waiver to be part of the event.

    7:50: Words from the Norte Executive Director, Jill Sill.

    7:55: Ride instructions from Event Director, Wes Sovis.

    8:00: 90-mile riders set out, led by the man of the hour, Patrick Cotant.

    8:05: 55-mile riders set out, led by Wes Sovis.

    8:10: 20-mile riders set out, led by Jill Sill.

    11:30 am: 20-mile riders expected to have all returned to Darrow Park.

    1 pm: All 55-mile riders are expected to have returned to Darrow Park.

    1 pm: All 90-mile riders are expected to have returned to Darrow Park.

  • We’re offering three fun routes to choose from:

    We start at Darrow Park in Traverse City and head out to Leelanau County. Bring plenty of food and water, spare tubes, and a route map. If you run short of food or water, we’ll have food stops on the 55-mile and 90-mile routes. Click the hyperlinks to see the location on the rest stops.

  • We always need help! Volunteer for the ride and keep our riders rolling.

    Sign up to lend a hand here.