Folks on Spokes & Step Forward Ride + Walk For Mental Health will take place on
Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Fowler Field, Milford, CT
For 35 years, our community has come together—mile by mile and step by step—to make a difference. What began as a small fundraiser is now one of the region’s longest-running and most beloved events, uniting cyclists and walkers in support of mental health and addiction recovery through Bridges Healthcare.
This milestone year is a celebration of impact, resilience, and hope! Join us on one of Connecticut’s most scenic courses as we honor three and a half decades of changing lives and building a healthier future for our community.
Ride or Walk for Mental Health
Participate in the annual Folks on Spokes & Step Forward to raise funds for community mental health and addiction services.
There are two ways to participate: Ride in one of Connecticut’s longest-running charitable bike rides or Walk to support mental health and recovery and to honor lives lost to addiction and suicide. Come solo or join as part of a team.
Where: Fowler Field, 1 Shipyard Lane, Milford, CT
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Folks on Spokes
Join the annual Folks on Spokes ride for mental health and addiction recovery. Cyclists of all levels can enjoy the scenic, mapped routes around the Connecticut shoreline.
Distances are 5, 10, 20, and 40 miles, or any combination of these routes for a longer ride. The rest stops along the route offer water, fruit, and snack bars. Restroom facilities are also available at several points along the ride.
All riders must wear a bicycle helmet and follow safe cycling practices throughout their ride.
Tentative Ride Check-In and Start Times:
Ride Maps and Directions
Below are documents containing the maps for each ride or walk distance.
Click on any PDF below to view / print maps:
We have GPX, FIT files, Ride with GPS Route Link, and turn-by-turn instructions for each bike route. Please use our Google Drive here to access and download these files.
The Walk supports those struggling with their mental health or addiction recovery. It also honors the tragic end of lives lost to suicide, addiction, overdose, or other mental health-related issues.
To honor and remember loved ones who were lost to suicide and overdose, or any mental health and addiction-related disorder, a Remembrance Ceremony will be held at Fowler Field @ 9:45 am before the Step Forward Walk.
The Step Forward Walk event offers understanding and compassion to those who may feel isolated in their grief. We will be there to support you as you honor your friends and loved ones. Please join us to be part of a healing community. We walk together in remembrance.
Tentative Walk Check-In and Start Times:
Attachments
Click on any PDF below to view / print maps:
Sponsor the upcoming Folks on Spokes Ride/Step Forward Memorial Walk and give health, hope, and recovery to those in need in our community. Your contribution makes a difference!
Give your business exposure to over 300 participants while supporting community mental health services!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Check out our sponsorship form here. Please contact Allison Csonka in Bridges’ Development Office at acsonka@bridgesmilford.org or 203.878.6365 x337 if you have any questions.
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