UPAF Ride for the Arts – Back to the Hoan!

Bikes rule the road at the 2022 UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, on Sunday, June 5, 2022. The Ride is a fundraiser for the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), supporting local artists and groups lifting our community up through world-class performances and life-changing arts education. Returning to the iconic Hoan Bridge, this annual tradition is back with an exciting spin on the 42-year-old event. The new 12-mile Hoan Loop Course utilizes Interstate 794 from downtown Milwaukee to Cudahy and back again. Participants can ride as few as 5 miles or as many as 60 on this scenic route. The event will also bring back the finish line party filled with entertainment from UPAF Performing Arts Members and activities for everyone, this year at Urban Park outside the north gates of Summerfest.

The Hoan Loop Course will be completely closed to car traffic in both directions and free from the distractions of traffic lights, making it a safe and smooth ride for all ages and abilities. The course will be open from 7-10 a.m., with the finish line party happening until 1 p.m.. Depending on your pace, all riders will have the opportunity to experience the ride over the Hoan Bridge multiple times!

The official starting line of the course will be located at Lincoln Memorial Drive and Clybourn Street in downtown Milwaukee. Riders may also enter the course from the southernmost point of Pennsylvania Ave in Cudahy. This provides riders the opportunity to cycle to their closest entry point. There will be opportunities to exit and re-enter the course at the Port of Milwaukee (turnaround point for a 5-mile loop), as well as an oasis station located mid-course for participants who prefer a shorter ride. With all lanes closed to vehicular traffic, there will be plenty of space for participants to spread out during the ride. 

Interested in joining the Ride? Register by May 16 to receive your Ride packet by mail. Joining or forming a team? Team members must be registered by May 9 to receive special team benefits!

Registration is $65 for Adults (13+) or $35 with the Fundraiser’s Discount which includes a commitment to raise $100 by May 31. Kids 12 and under ride FREE with an adult registration thanks to the Brewers Community Foundation. If you’d like to support UPAF but won’t be riding, you can register as a “Friend of the Ride” for $35 and receive the official 2022 Ride t-shirt. All registered riders will receive a durable Access Pass to display on your bike and this year’s limited-edition t-shirt.

Don’t miss out on your chance to pedal across the Hoan Bridge — sign up before it’s too late at www.UPAFRide.org. 

Thanks to riders like you, UPAF is able to provide vital funding for 40 Performing Arts Members and Affiliates. The Ride for the Arts is UPAF’S largest annual fundraiser, making a significant difference in the cultural life of our region. Any individual who raises $25 or more will be entered into the Fundraising Sweepstakes for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Different fundraising levels offer the chance to win different prizes, so check out UPAFRide.org and fundraise for your chance to win the prize that catches your eye. Sweepstakes prizes at varied fundraising levels include Wheel & Sprocket gift certificates, a Miller Lite neon sign, tickets to local performances and even a RUSH/CTY Serial 1 e-bike! See the full sweepstakes rules at UPAFRide.org.

Working closely with the Milwaukee Health Department, UPAF is committed to providing a safe in-person ride experience. We can’t wait to return to the Hoan this summer in support of our region’s world-class performing arts organizations. Learn more and join the Ride at www.UPAFRide.org.

Questions about the event? Visit the FAQ page at www.UPAFRide.org or email ride@upaf.org.