The Agony Ride is a 24-hour bike-a-thon in the Sierra Valley, 25 miles north of Truckee, CA. All proceeds go towards Christian Encounter Ranch, a residential program where at-risk youth can begin to find healing and hope. The 86-acre ranch offers a high school on-site, professional counseling, and work training.
The cost of out-of-home placement for a teenager can be astronomical. When it comes to helping an at-risk population, we believe that money shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
The Agony Ride makes this possible.
You must be at least 16 years of age to ride at the event. Participants are asked to gather at least $500 in pledged support.
If you are riding a tandem bike, both individuals must each raise $500.00 in sponsorships.
Sixteen and seventeen year olds must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent does not need to ride with the minor, but must be present at the ride, whether riding or sagging.
Road, gravel, and mountain bikes are all acceptable. Road bikes go faster (take less work for the same number of miles), but some are more comfortable with the less aggressive posture of a gravel bike or mountain bike. For gravel or mountain bikes, switching out the tires for high-pressure road tires is a good option.
If you are thinking about riding a tandem bike, it is important that it is a high quality bike comfortably adjustable for both riders.
It’s important to have a bike that fits you properly. Riding a bike that doesn't fit you, specifically, can result in severe injury, especially when you are riding over the course of 24 hours. Your local bike shop can help you adjust your seat, handlebars, etc.
If your bike hasn’t been tuned up in a while, it’s a good idea to take it into the bike shop before the ride to check that your bike is in good working order.
The Agony Ride is Christian Encounter Ranch’s largest fundraiser. It is because of the funds raised at the Agony that we can continue to offer student scholarships, making healing possible to anyone who is a good fit for the program.
Each rider is encouraged to raise a minimum of $500.00. (But if you come up short, we still want you to come!). Riders can ask for a flat rate or per mile pledge.
Check out the Top Tens page to see individual fundraising records.
Sleeping: If you plan to sleep, you can bring a small tent and a sleeping bag. We will also have tents set up specifically for riders as well as designated indoor sleeping areas at both Vinton and Beckwourth sags.
CER will provide limited tents, mattresses, and blankets at each SAG station.
9:00 a.m. Arrive at the Loyalton City Park (next to the Loyalton Elementary School -- see Route Map). Unload your equipment and get ready for sign-in and meetings. If SAG helpers drive up with you, have them drop you off at the school then go to their assigned stations for their SAG meetings and setup. Sign-in, turn in sponsorships, and receive bike/bag tags and safety vest.
11:00 a.m. Pre-ride meal. It is very important that you eat and drink before the ride begins. You may want to bring something to snack on throughout the morning. Some snacks will be provided at registration.
11:30 a.m. Mandatory Rider Meeting. Important last-minute instructions will be given. You must be on time! The meeting will be held under the gazebo, so you may continue to eat your pre-ride meal.
12:30 p.m. Change clothes, make final preparations, and rest.
1:00 p.m. The ride starts promptly from the Loyalton City Park. The distances between SAG stations are 12 and 13 miles.
1:00 p.m. The ride ends no matter where you are. Stop riding. You and your bike will be picked up and transported back to the Loyalton SAG station by an official sweep vehicle.
1:15 p.m. CER will provide a complimentary Victory Meal for all riders and saggers at the Loyalton City Park. Plan to stay for this meal to find out how far others rode and how much money was raised. Presentations will be made at this time.
9:30 a.m. If you will be in the area, we would love to have you join us for the post-Agony church service at Christian Encounter Ranch, 17183 Retrac Way, Grass Valley, CA in Angels' Meadow.