Closer to Free, New Haven CT, September 19, 2026

Closer to Free is a fundraising ride for Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven. The Closer to Free Ride is an annual cycling event offering five scenic, professionally supported routes. Participants may register to ride a 10, 25, 40, 65 or 100-mile route. A remote ride is also available for those who want to support from outside Connecticut.

Ride or Volunteer with us in-person or join us remotely from a location of your choosing. Either way, we’ll support your fundraising and training with resources and tools to help you meet and exceed your goals. In-person Riders will choose from five fully supported routes, all starting and ending at the historic Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT. Remote Riders will join the community by tracking their activity within our Strava Group, sharing photos, and tuning into the Opening Ceremony and festivities online.

In-Person Riders commit to raising either $500 or $1000 ($250 or $500 for youth/students) to ride and we’ll be there to help. Remote Riders have no fundraising minimum but we hope that you will raise $500 so that you earn your CTF Ride Jersey!

100% of the dollars raised by Riders and Volunteers fuel the life-saving research and compassionate patient care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center, helping to transform lives and offer hope to those impacted by cancer.