This weekend is the kick-off event for the Six Pack Cycling Series. Six Missouri and Kansas charity rides have partnered up to bring you this exciting new series. The goal of this partnership is to bring you bigger, better rides across the area and to increase the money raised for  each charitable organization.

Each year, riders will have a chance to earn series swag that you can only get your hands on by riding each of the six rides. For 2013 riders will be able to earn a complete set of Six Pack Cycling Series pint glasses. Each glass will have the series logo on one side and the ride logo on the other. Collect all six by registering for each ride.

This Sunday is the first ride in the Six Pack Summer Cycling Series, the 2nd edition of the Tour de Hope. Last year’s ride raised over 10,000 dollars for three local charities. This year’s ride raises money to support The Hope Center Academy Technology and Leadership Program. The ride offers a choice of route lengths including 15, 40, and 62 mile options. Riders who want to test their climbing legs can opt for a few extra miles and a few extra hills on the 69 mile KOM route.

A brief history of the ride:

In the summer of 2011, several local-area cyclists who had participated in large, organized fundraising century rides for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society began to explore the possibility of staging a similar cycling event in Kansas City, to benefit local, under-served charities.  Over the course of a few weeks, this idea gathered some traction and momentum, and eventually was named ‘Tour de Hope’, with a mission statement of, Bringing hope to deserving local charities through an uncommonly fun cycling event”.

After the ride, participants and volunteers are invited to the after-party at Coach’s Bar & Grill in Overland Park, KS. “All riders & volunteers are invited to stay and hang out, carb-load, listen to some tunes and catch up with other riders and make new friends.”

For registration and more information about the rides in the series please visit the links below.

Tour de Hope

Jack and Coke Ride

Freedom Ride

Sunflowers to Roses

Crank Out Hunger

BikeMO