Kitchener Central

Schedule

• 10:00 am: Meet Check-in

• 10:45 am: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks

• 11:00 am: Move Send-off

• 12:00 pm: Munch Light meal served

• 1:00 pm: Mosey Thank You! See you in 2027!

Local Details

Bike Tune-ups

• The team from Red Raccoon Bike Rescue will once again be on-site to offer bike tune-ups 10am - 10:45am on RIDE day

• Pay-what-you-can: tune-ups are free, but donations to Red Raccoon Bike Rescue are always welcome

Parking

• Free surface-level parking is available at the City of Kitchener's Charles St. West lot

• Location: 44-50 Gaukel Street, Kitchener

• Lot: #15

• Enter from: Joseph St.

• Accessibility: Accessible parking spots and bike parking are available

• Additional parking options: www.kitchener.ca/parking

Rest Stop

• Whether you'll be biking or walking, our rest stop volunteers will be on hand to greet you with light refreshments at the picnic benches outside Short Finger Brewing

• Please note: the brewery will be closed, but the team at Short Finger Brewing has offered to host us on their grounds!

• Location: Along the Iron Horse Trail at 20 Hurst Ave., Kitchener

Post-Event Meal

• Enjoy a hot dog on us after your walk or bike ride!

• Halal beef, chicken, and veggie dogs will be available for you to choose from

• You'll also have access to a water cooler if you need to refill your water bottles

Route Details

• Route Distances: We have great routes where you can walk 2.5 or 5 km or bike 10 or 20 km.

• Rest Stops: The rest stop will have yummy snacks and drinks.

• Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold orange RIDE signs.

• Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers will provide support along the route.

• Children 12 and Under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

• No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at Ride for Refuge except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >

Check-In

• All participants attending at the Main Event on Saturday, October 3, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.

• Please Note: There is no registration fee to participate in the Ride for Refuge but fundraising is encouraged.

• T-shirts! Fundraising participants who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a RIDE shirt as a thank you on Event Day, while supplies last.

• Offsite fundraising participants can contact their local event director to arrange shirt pickup the week of the event.

Handling Money

• Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the RIDE Head Office.

• Cheques: The Old Faithful - made out to Ride for Refuge with your name on the Memo line. Bring them to RIDE Event along with your completed pledge form.

• Cash: You have 2 options:

• 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Cheques,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...

• 2. Write a cheque (made out to “Ride for Refuge”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Bring them to the RIDE Event with your completed pledge sheet.

Waivers

• Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.

• Youth/Children: under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.

• An online waiver form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before RIDE Day.

• You may also bring a filled-out paper waiver.

• Waivers will be available at check-in on RIDE Day.

What to Bring

A few common sense suggestions:

• A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)

• Your bike and helmet or walking shoes

• Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities

• Your own water bottle

• Warm layers with moisture-repelling clothing. Early October weather can be cool, with rain and wind. The weather might also be gorgeous and sunny. So be sure to keep your eye on the forecast.

• A passion for the charity you're fundraising for!