More than 800 participants came together for the inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: New York, an event that seamlessly blended world-class cycling with a world-changing cause. The organization and logistics were flawless, but what really moved me was the national anthem, beautifully performed by Best Buddies Global Ambassador, Marlana Vanhoose. It set a moving tone for the day—her voice soaring through the park, reminding everyone why we ride.
BEST BUDDIES CHALLENGE NEW YORK
We had rented two vehicles to transport our bikes and riders from Greenwich to Central Park. That early-morning ride into the city felt like something out of the pro peloton—a team bus moment before a big race. Once we lined up, the energy was contagious.
The weather couldn’t have been better: cool in the morning, warm by midday. The course itself was tough—over 9,000 feet of climbing, most of it in the second half of the ride. Many riders started hard and paid the price later. But that’s the beauty of a long day on the bike—you find your rhythm, you help each other through. There was great support along the route, plenty of marshals, and a real sense of being part of something well put together.
Thanks to our incredible clients and friends, the Signature Cycles team of twenty riders raised nearly $40,000 for Best Buddies. That number means a lot, but what meant even more was seeing how connected our group felt—to each other and to the cause. Many in our community understand firsthand the importance of inclusion and the work Best Buddies does. You could feel it: everyone was uplifted by the experience.
One of the highlights of the day was getting to ride alongside Mark Cavendish and Alberto Contador. Both were completely down-to-earth—happy to chat, pose for photos, and share the effort with everyone else. You could tell the course pushed them too; the climbs and the heat had even the legends working hard.
If I had to pick one favorite moment, it came after the ride. Seeing our riders, clients, and friends—some who volunteered, others who rode as domestiques—sitting together at a big table reserved for Signature Cycles in Greenwich. We shared stories, laughs, and a well-earned beer. That moment of connection was special.
For the ride, I was on my ENVE Melee. It’s fast, quick, and honestly, it makes me feel young again. I set it up with a large cassette for the climbs and aero wheels for the descents—perfect for a challenging course like this one. The bike was flawless all day.
As an experience on the bike, we knew the Best Buddies Challenge had all the right ingredients: an incredible route, the chance to ride with legends, and a purpose that goes beyond cycling. It reminded us why we ride—not just for the miles, but for the community we build along the way.
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