Preston Jones died by suicide in September 2025. He was an extraordinary cyclist whose love for riding inspired so many of us, and his loss continues to be felt deeply throughout our community. This ride was created in Preston’s memory—to honor the joy he found on two wheels, and to turn grief into action by supporting others who may be struggling.
Too many individuals and families are affected by mental health challenges without having access to the care, support, or resources they need. Through this event, we hope to raise both awareness and critical funds to help make mental health resources more accessible across the North Country. Our goal is to build a stronger, more connected community where no one feels alone.
This family-friendly ride follows some of the roads Preston loved most, winding through Franconia, Littleton, and Bethlehem. The route begins at Cannon Mountain and covers approximately 30 miles, with no steep climbs—making it open for riders of many experience levels.
If riding the full route feels like a stretch, e-bikes are available to rent through Franconia Basecamp, and they’ll have your bike ready at the registration area on event day. We want this ride to be as inclusive as possible.
If registration or fundraising requirements feel out of reach, Bike the North Country is offering up to five scholarships thanks to the generosity of local donors. To learn more, please contact us at BikeTheNorthCountry@gmail.com by July 20 and write several sentences, which will be kept confidential, on why you need the scholarship. Scholarship decisions will be made and applicants notified by July 31.
Location: Cannon Mountain Tramway Parking Lot, 260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580, USA
Ride Start Time: 9:00 AM; Registration opens at 8:00 AM
Distance: About 30 miles
Difficulty Level: All levels welcome
Ride with Purpose; This event is more than just a ride—it’s an opportunity to make a difference.
Participants can choose to:
- Pay a registration fee, or
- Fundraise to cover their entry and go beyond, helping expand access to mental health resources and support services in our community
Post-Ride Celebration through 1:00 PM; All are welcome – whether or not you ride or volunteer
After the ride, join us back at the Tramway parking area for a community celebration beginning—a time to come together, reflect, and continue the conversation around mental health.
What to expect:
Local food truck(s) with great food options
Music
Resource tables featuring mental health organizations and support services
Opportunities to connect with fellow riders and community members
Our Sponsors
We are so thankful for the generous sponsors that have contributed to making this event a success and support raising awareness for Mental Health and Suicide.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bike the North Country and Bethlehem Trails Association are volunteer-led bicycle advocacy and trail groups as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building a healthier, more connected North Country through cycling and community. This benefit ride reflects our belief that bikes can bring people together—not only to celebrate the places we love, but also to support one another through life’s challenges.
Funds raised through this event will go directly to local mental health and suicide prevention organizations working to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and expand access to care for those who need it most. Because Bike the North Country is entirely volunteer-run, none of the funds raised from this ride will go toward staff salaries or organizational overhead—allowing your support to make the greatest possible impact.
Thank you to our partner organization, Bethlehem Trails Association, for co-leading this event with us and making it possible.
