The UPAF Ride for the Arts raises money and provides crucial support for Milwaukee's performing arts organizations every year and is a key reason why our area is a national leader in the performing arts. The UPAF Ride is Wisconsin's largest one-day cycling event, often beckoning between 7,000 and 10,000 bike riders to downtown Milwaukee for organized rides varying in length from 5 to around 75 miles. It's also typically the largest single fund-raising event for the organization. I've been involved on the Steering Committee on and off since 2005 and first rode in the UPAF Ride with my grandfather back in the 1980s, when it was called Uecker's Ride for the Arts (yes, Bob Uecker was involved!) so it was always something I've valued.
Obviously, 2020 is unusual - and many arts organizations are struggling. So this year for the first time ever - and on its 40th anniversary, no less - the UPAF Ride for the Arts is going virtual, as the need to raise money is more important than ever.
June 14th is this year's date for the UPAF Ride, which will be sponsored once again by Miller Lite. It will be called UPAF's An Event For All, where participants can start and finish at locations of their choice and walk, run, or bike. They have a full FAQ page here. You can register for this year's virtual event with a minimum $40 donation, in honor of the Ride’s 40th anniversary, on this page at upafride.org. You can be part of it yourself as an individual, or as a member of a team. You'll get a commemorative UPAF Ride shirt - they do a cool, different design every year - plus 25% off registration for the 2021 UPAF Ride, which will hopefully include a return to normal, because those bike rides are fun! I guess I won't need to drive a truck or van to help with flat tires or to transport riders this year, but I'll be participating. Hope you will, too!