Pedal with Purpose: Second Summer Cycle Rides for Cape Cod Nonprofits

There’s an energy that sweeps across Cape Cod each September—a blend of salt air, community spirit, and the whir of bicycle wheels. On September 14, 2025, the Second Summer Cycle charity bike event returns, inviting riders of all backgrounds to traverse the Cape’s scenic byways in support of local nonprofits.

What sets Second Summer Cycle apart? It’s not a race—it’s a movement. Forget the pressure of competition or the need for elite gear. Here, the only requirement is a desire to do good and enjoy the ride. Choose to support one specific beneficiary with your ride or split your donations among them all.

A Ride for Everyone

Second Summer Cycle 2024

The event’s four route options—15, 34, 60, and 101 miles—wind through eight historic Cape Cod towns, offering stunning views and welcoming participants of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for a century challenge or someone who just wants a way to get, or stay, in shape while helping others, there’s a place for you at Second Summer Cycle.

“We see riders from every walk of life,” shares an event volunteer. “It’s about showing up, having fun, and making a difference together.”

Ride, Celebrate, and Give Back

Members of Team Sharing Kindness 2024. L to R. Christian Jones, Davis Walters, Jason Wheeler, Sam Walters.

Second Summer Cycle starts and ends at Smugglers Beach in South Yarmouth, where the celebration is a chance to relax, connect with others, and learn about the nonprofits you’ve supported. Enjoy live music, a vibrant festival atmosphere, and a fleet of food trucks serving up local favorites—each rider receives a $30 food voucher to enjoy the feast.

Then wander around and learn about the 20 non-profit beneficiaries. Each non-profit plays a very active role in the event’s success entering a team of riders, a team of volunteers, and lending their voice during the planning process. Davis Walters and Christian Jones are repeat riders for Sharing Kindness, a non-profit providing suicide prevention, mental health education, and grief support programs. In college, the men rode together on the UMASS Amherst Cycling team in the late 80’s. Although they live an hour and a half apart now, cycling and charity events like Second Summer Cycle have kept them close. “As a long-time cyclist who’s done many charity bike events, I can say we love this one in particular because there are so many caring and enthusiastic people involved. It’s a very well-run event” said Walters who, along with his wife Kim, started Sharing Kindness after the death of their son by suicide. Walters says “Talking about suicide isn’t easy. There’s a lot of stigma and negativity and fear around it. Christian was one of my biggest supporters during that difficult time and cycling has given us something positive to do together. So not only is Second Summer Cycle essential from a funding standpoint, it’s also something to look forward to and it’s created this community of people to connect with, which is something we need now more than ever.”

Not Just a Ride—A Community Experience

Riders from Team Heroes In Transition finish Second Summer Cycle 2024

Safety and camaraderie are at the forefront of the event. With nutrition stops, medical support, technical assistance from local bike shops, and over 200 enthusiastic volunteers cheering riders on, participants can focus on enjoying the day and soaking in the Cape’s late-summer charm knowing that every pedal stroke helps fuel programs that support Cape Codders in need. Choose to support one specific beneficiary or split your donations among them all.

Community building starts well before the ride though. Monthly fun rides and cycling clinics leading up to the event make it easy for newcomers to get involved, meet fellow riders, and build confidence—no racing pedigree required.

A Weekend to Remember

Second Summer Cycle isn’t just a cycling event; it’s an invitation to experience Cape Cod in a new way, connect with like-minded people, and give back to non-profits who give so much to the community. Whether you come for the cause, the coastline, or the camaraderie, you’ll leave with memories and the knowledge that your ride made a real difference.

Registration for the September 14th Second Summer Cycle is open now. Grab your bike, rally your friends, and join a movement where every mile matters. Register at secondsummercycle.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram for updates, training rides and more.