Event Details

About the Death Valley Ride

Welcome to the inaugural Death Valley Ride, an extraordinary cycling event organized by Jaime Lafita in collaboration with DalecandELA and the ALS Network. This inspiring journey spans 8 days, covering over 400 miles through the breathtaking landscapes from Baker, CA, traversing Death Valley, winding through the picturesque mountains of Mammoth, and concluding in the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park.

Jaime is an inspiring individual who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016, will pedal 400 miles on his tandem bicycle across Death Valley to demonstrate the crucial transition from laboratory research project to industry drug development effort. A large number of promising biomedical ideas wither and die due to a lack of funding. Through this event, he aims to transform Death Valley into the Valley of Hope, symbolizing the optimism and determination required to overcome the challenges of ALS research and care.

This ride is not just about the distance covered; it's a symbolic journey toward a future without ALS, with in-person and virtual participants from Europe, Asia, and North America joining the effort. The Valley of Hope represents the collective effort to change the narrative surrounding this disease and to inspire others to join the cause. The goal is to raise awareness towards ALS and the need for research as the only way to end ALS, and raise funds to help research and people living with ALS.

It also means a recognition of the work of scientists and researchers, on many continents, encouraging them to never give up in spite of the complexity and, at times, discouraging results. The tougher the task, the greater the victory.

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, a supporter of the ALS cause, or simply someone looking to make a positive impact, we invite you to be a part of the Death Valley Ride. Participation and donationshelp raise awareness and propel the ALS Network’s mission priorities related to research, care, and public policy. Join us on this incredible journey from Death Valley to the Valley of Hope, and together, let's pedal towards a future free from the challenges of ALS.

Route Start

Baker, California

Route Finish Lines

Yosemite

Registration

We are proud to offer free registration to participate in this event. Whether you want to join us in-person for one or all eight of the days or virtually from around the globe, we encourage you to register and share the event details with others.

Fundraising Minimum

Proceeds from the 2024 Death Valley Ride to Cure ALS will provide critical funding for the ALS Network’s interdependent mission priorities related to essential care services, important public policy initiatives, and cutting-edge research.

All riders 18 and older are required to raise a minimum of $150 in donations by the end of the event on Sunday, April 17. If you are unable to raise the minimum, you are committed to donate the difference

Fundraising for the ALS Network through the Death Valley Ridel to Cure ALS is an important and direct way of supporting our vital mission. And since we are dependent largely upon philanthropy to advance this mission, the more we raise, the more we can accomplish. Moreover, with each person you ask for support you are spreading important awareness about this devastating neurodegenerative disease.

Our staff is another resource for you and we will be here for you at every step of the way! Don’t hesitate to email us at ride@alsnetwork.org and we can come up with a fundraising plan together!

Fundraising Incentives and more

Take a look at these great fundraising incentives that you can earn. If you are a first-time fundraiser or are interested in learning more, check out our fundraising tools page for helpful tips.

Check In & Registration

Everyone must check-in upon arrival. Pedals will push off around 8 am every morning.

Weather

The 2024 Death Valley Ride to Cure ALS will go on, rain or shine! Please check the local forecast before Event Day and we will do our best to keep all participants informed. The ALS Network reserves the right to alter the courses or start times in the case of weather conditions.

Rider Checklist

Required:

• *Helmet - Helmets are REQUIRED for ALL cyclists
• *ID - You’ll need it to check in (and for beer and wine if you’re 21+)

Suggested:

• Gloves
• Sunglasses or other protective eyewear
• Toolkit
• Spare tubes and/or a patch kit, tire irons
• CO2 or mini-pump
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Cycling Shoes
• Water Bottle
• Rear Lights
• Front Lights
• Windbreaker