Do you want to ride from Leeds to Dortmund, Germany, to raise money for Leeds?
A major new charity bike ride is calling for riders and businesses to get involved in a unique fundraising challenge that will see participants pedal from Leeds to its partner city Dortmund next May, raising vital funds for four much-loved Leeds charities.
Ride 4 Leeds will take place from 13–16 May 2026, covering the journey from Leeds to Germany over four days. The ride will support St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds Chaplaincy, and Leeds Rhinos Foundation, bringing together local riders and businesses to champion causes that make a real difference across the city.
The event is being organised in partnership with cycling specialists Ride25, who have extensive experience in delivering large-scale international rides. Kit for the riders will be designed and made by Leeds-based cycling company PARIA, underlining the event’s commitment to celebrating and showcasing local talent.
To launch the initiative, a special event will be held on Thursday 9 October 2025, 6pm, at Holy Trinity Boar Lane in the heart of Leeds. Attendees will hear from each of the four charities, as well as talks from former Leeds Rhinos player and current director Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE and representatives from Ride25. The launch will also open sign-ups for riders and sponsorship opportunities for businesses.
On behalf of the four charities, a joint statement said:
“Ride 4 Leeds is an exciting opportunity to work together for the good of our city. This partnership highlights the power of collaboration, and every mile cycled will help make a real difference in the lives of people across Leeds. We’re delighted to be part of this unique international challenge and look forward to seeing the impact it will have.”
The name Ride 4 Leeds reflects both the four charities being supported and the shared mission of riding for the good of the city. Significantly, the ride also coincides with the 400th anniversary of Leeds being granted its charter, making this milestone a fitting backdrop for a city-wide fundraising effort.
Event Details
- What: Ride 4 Leeds Launch Event
- When: Thursday 9 October 2025, 6pm
- Where: Holy Trinity Boar Lane, LS1
Riders and businesses interested in taking part are warmly invited to attend the launch event to find out more. Horsforth Brewery will be running a bar on the night.
Register and Follow
To register your interest or learn more, visit https://www.ride25.com/ride4leeds/ or follow #RIDE4LEEDS on social media.