Skip to main content

If you enjoy cycling and want to use your miles to make a difference in the world — Ride for Missions is for you!

During this five-day event, you’ll have a lot of fun, build camaraderie with other riders, and see some incredible sights from your bike — all while helping to raise support for the global work of Rosedale International.

For 2023, the ride will explore the stunning landscapes of the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Our route will highlight a variety of natural attractions, waterfalls, rolling scenery, and some points of interest that are rich in history.

If you’re interested, grab your gear (and some friends and family) and join us for RFM 2023!

RFM started as an annual fundraiser for Rosedale International in the summer of 2006.

Since then, millions of miles have been pedaled together in support of global missions. As an agency, RI’s goal is to be Jesus to the world and see the world come to love Jesus. The efforts of RFM are vital to that work and have raised over $1.55 million to help us nurture, equip, and send disciple-makers of Jesus to some of the least reached areas of the world.

We’d like to thank everyone who has ridden, volunteered, or supported RFM in the past (and those considering joining for the first time) — your miles are deeply appreciated by everyone in the RI family!

17

Years

1,550,951

Raised for Missions

958

Riders & Volunteers

5,581

Miles

Dates:  July 22–26, 2023

  • The event will feature five days of riding, but participants are welcome to join for any amount of days that work for them.
  • Routes will be approximately 50-80 miles a day, with a snack break (or two) and a lunch stop.
  • Shorter and longer route options will be available each day depending on the main route.
  • A support crew will be available to help with any issues that arise.

Location:  Finger Lakes Region

  • This year’s ride will take place entirely in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
  • Each day we will ride out from our base at the Microtel Inn & Suites in Geneva, NY, and return there in the afternoon.
  • Routes will feature six of the Finger Lakes (Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, Owasco, Seneca, and Skaneateles) and highlight area attractions and points of interest each day.

Registration:  Support, T-shirt, and Meals

  • There is no registration fee for RFM, however, ask each participant to raise a minimum of $150 for missions.
  • Everyone who rides or supports the event will receive an RFM 2023 T-shirt.
  • Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided during the ride. All other meal expenses are covered by the riders.

Lodging:  Costs and Room Sharing

  • Lodging is arranged through the registration process and paid for by the riders before the event.
  • Rooms are $150 per night ($750 for the whole event).
  • If you would like to share a room with one additional person ($375 for the event) or with three people ($250 for the event), please indicate your preference and preferred roommate during registration.

July 21:  Arrival, Check-in, and Kickoff

  • Riders and support team members should arrive at the Microtel Inn & Suites between 5:00-6:30 PM on Friday, to check in and get your room keys.
  • At 7:00 PM we will have a kickoff meeting to go over event details and introduce everyone.

Discount for New Riders & Support Crew

  • New riders (or individuals sharing a room with a new rider) will receive 20% off their hotel costs.
  • We are looking for 4-5 people to serve on the Support Crew for the event, those individuals will also receive 20% off their hotel costs.

Jerseys & Ride Champion

  • Riders who raise $1,000 or more of support will get an RFM 2023 cycling jersey. Jerseys will also be available for sale.
  • The person who gets the most individuals to support their ride (at any amount) will win a customized RFM Champion Jersey.

2023 Fundraising Prizes

  • The top three fundraisers (outside of their own contributions) will win prizes to a local bike shop of their choosing:
    –  $600 to the top fundraiser
    –  $300 to second place
    –  $100 to the third highest

Download information on becoming a RFM Corporate Sponsor or click here to sign up to support the ride.

Download forms to help you record and keep track of your personal sponsorships and pledges.

Rosedale International is a Section 501 (c)(3) organization. Gifts to Rosedale International are deductible as charitable contributions for federal and state income tax purposes. With the accountability provided by CMC and our board of directors, we seek to honor God with these gifts and use them with efficiency and wisdom.

Day 1 – Naples / Canandaigua Lake

76.8 mi  /  3,823 ft  /  Max Grade: 9.5%
79 mi  /  5,097 ft  /  Max Grade: 17.0%

Day 2 – Penn Yan / Keuka Lake

61.1 mi  /  2,667 ft  /  Max Grade: 7.1%
79 mi  /  2,762 ft  /  Max Grade: 8.0%
103.2 mi  /  4,132 ft  /  Max Grade: 7.8%

Day 3 – Watkins Glenn / Seneca Lake

82.8 mi  /  3,348 ft  /  Max Grade: 8.4%

Day 4 – Taughannock Falls / Cayuga Lake

80.8 mi  /  3,070 ft  /  Max Grade: 6.6%

Day 5 – Seneca Falls / Auburn

66.7 mi  /  2,009 ft  /  Max Grade: 5.9%
100 mi  /  3,603 ft  /  Max Grade: 8.1%

Preparation & Equipment Guide

Though it is our desire to include everyone who wants to participate in Ride for Missions, there are some things to consider before signing up.

  • To enjoy the experience you should have ridden at least 150 miles the month prior to the ride. (Exercise bikes help but are not a substitute for the road.)
  • Your training should include at least one 75-mile day at an average minimum speed of 10 to 12 mph or better. At 12 mph it takes 8.5 hours in the saddle to reach 100 miles, with a total ride time of approximately 10 hours with breaks.

Bring the bike you are used to riding (the one you trained on). However, consider the following:

  • Road and hybrid-style bicycles are preferred over mountain bikes, because of tire size and effort required to operate.
  • Be sure your equipment is in top mechanical condition prior to the ride.

Here are the other things you want to bring:

  • A bike you are used to riding (Road and hybrid-style bicycles are preferred over mountain bikes, because of tire size and effort required to operate.)
  • A parent (if you are under the age of 16)
  • Helmet (required)
  • Front and rear bike lights (required)
  • Cycling clothes, shorts/bibs, gloves, and shoes (strongly suggested)
  • Bike Computer with GPS or a phone you can mount to you bike (strongly suggested)
  • Everyday clothes and toiletries (will be carried in the support vehicle to the hotel)
  • Bike mirror (suggested)
  • Water bottles (2)
  • Spare tubes (2)
  • Tire changing tools, patches, and pump (make sure the pump fits your tire valves)
  • Small cycling tool kit that fits your bike
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Rain gear
  • Windbreaker
  • Bike lock
  • Trained legs

New Rider Information

For those of you worried about…

  • Arriving last/not being fast: Don’t worry, Ride for Missions is NOT a race. We all look out for each other, and you will find a group of people that you can ride with. You will not be dropped and left to fend for yourself at any time. And remember, you have all day, just ride from one stop to the next.
  • Completing the whole daily route: Relax, covering 60-100 miles each day may feel like a lot, but there is nothing wrong with taking a break and riding with one of the support vehicles if you need it.

Maps and directions

  • GPS directions are available for each day.
  • Paper handouts will be also available for those who prefer a paper map and/or cue sheets to follow.
  • If you get lost, call the RFM Coordinator or one of the SAG crew (phone numbers will be available at the ride kickoff).

Starts and stops

  • Start time is when you want to start. We suggest leaving by 8 am on the first day, but it is your decision. We do not have a group start time.
  • A morning break is usually arranged at approximately the 30 mile mark. This break includes snacks and water.
  • There is an additional water station somewhere in between the hotel and morning break station. If you are in an early or late group, it may not be there. If you need food or water, stop and buy what you need.
  • The lunch station is usually half way from the start, or further depending on the length of the route for the day. The lunch location will be clearly marked and will typically be in a park slightly off the route. The SAG crews feed us very well, so don’t worry about food at lunch.
  • On long days there may also be an afternoon break, with a water station somewhere along the road.
  • Plan your day so that you arrive at the hotel no later than 5 pm (3 pm is better). If you arrive by 5 pm you will have time to shower, get a quick supper and be ready for the evening meeting, which we try to start at 7 pm. The earlier you arrive at the hotel the more relaxed your evening will be. However, if you arrive before 2 pm, the hotel may not have the rooms available yet.
  • Each evening there is a meeting, and all riders are required to attend. If you cannot attend the evening meeting, please let someone know. This meeting includes information for the next day’s ride and this is where you get maps and cue sheets for the next day. It also includes a worship service; usually a little singing and a short meditation from the ride pastor, and sometimes one of the riders speak. The meeting starts at 7 pm (on the 100-mile “century” day we might start a little later).

Stuff you need to know

  • Each rider is responsible for lodging costs
  • Riders are responsible for their own supper; there are usually a variety of restaurants to choose from in the area of the hotel. If not, a shuttle to nearby restaurants will be provided.
  • Breakfast will be included with the hotel costs.
  • Breaks and lunch are provided by the SAG crew at no cost to the riders. If you need or want special foods during the ride, you are responsible for those.
  • There is a supper planned for all riders on Thursday evening at 5:30; family members in the area are also invited to attend.
  • For those of you needing housing on Thursday night (after the ride concludes), contact the lodging committee at the CMC conference meetings at www.cmcrosedale.org or make your own arrangements.

What to Expect

A typical day for me on RFM


By Merlin Miller

I try to be in the breakfast room by 7 am and eat whatever looks good at the time. I don’t like eating syrupy things before a ride but some people do.

My typical day is unlike some other riders’ because I usually don’t know who I am going to ride with until about the time to leave the hotel. While some riders ride with the same people every day, I like to ride with as many different people as possible during the 5 days, but that is just what I like.

Once I figure out who I am riding with, I make sure my bike is in order, check my tire pressure (there are always lots of pumps around to use, but if you like yours then you can bring it), and check my brakes (don’t forget to fill your water bottles). A small lap around the hotel is a good way to check your bike.

On the road, the morning water stop is always a welcome sight and is a good place to fill water bottles if needed. Not everyone stops at these but I usually do. Lunch is also a welcome sight (in case you haven’t figured it out yet, food is an important part of these 5 days). There is always lots of food at lunch – sandwiches (build yourself), fruit, cookies, chips, etc. Lunch for me is a social and resting time. I often take at least an hour at lunch to eat, talk, and if a nap is calling my name, take a nap (on 100 mile days I don’t linger quite as long).

Back on the road, if an ice cream shop or a coffee shop show themselves towards the end of the day you will probably find me hanging out there if I have time (if I could find a coffee shop where they also sell ice cream, I think I would be in heaven!). I will also stop at the afternoon break if there is one. I try to get to the hotel around 3 to 4 pm, find some chocolate milk to drink, and shower before I start looking for a restaurant.

The evening meal is the most complicated of the day. What am I hungry for? What restaurants are available? Who am I eating with? These are all very important questions that need answers and the sooner the better! Once I figure all that out, I am usually very hungry, so if you are eating with me don’t dilly-dally around, I want to eat! LOL!

After supper, I go back to the hotel and make sure the plans for the evening meeting are in place (where are we meeting and are the worship leader and speaker ready?).

After the meeting, I play a few games, hang out in the common room, and am in bed before midnight.

That is my typical day, but if you ask other riders, their day may look a bit different.