Sat Oct 3 2026 · Southside Riverfront Park
Martha’s Ride
A non-profit bicycle fundraiser starting and ending at Southside Riverfront Park. Every mile you pedal supports playground projects for Pittsburgh’s kids.
From D.C. To Pittsburgh
Why We Ride
Martha’s Ride began in 2017 as a tribute to FBI Special Agent Martha Dixon, killed in the line of duty on November 22, 1994. Directly inspired by the Police Unity Tour — the annual ride that brings law enforcement officers together to honor fallen colleagues — Martha’s Ride follows 335 miles of the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage from her name on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. to the Martha Dixon FBI Field Office in Pittsburgh.
What started as a small group of family and friends has grown into a community event with two distinct rides. The multi-day Endurance Ride covers the full route over five days each fall, while the Pittsburgh Day Ride opens the finish to all cyclists — families, beginners, and experienced riders alike — with 10-mile and 30-mile options.
9
Years Riding
2026
Next Fall Ride
335
Mile Route
20+
Playgrounds Built
Last year we expanded our outreach and brought the Pittsburgh Day Ride to a new home at Southside Riverfront Park under the Birmingham Bridge — a more accessible, more visible finish line that reflects where the event is headed. The ride ends the way it should: at the Martha Dixon bench near Hot Metal Bridge, where a police escort leads the group down Carson Street and back to the park, connecting the ride’s law enforcement roots to its Pittsburgh finish in one final mile.
Every dollar raised goes toward building playgrounds for Pittsburgh’s kids. Over 20 playgrounds built since 2017 — and counting.
Rides For Everyone
Pick Your Distance
10-Mile Loop
Perfect for families and newer cyclists. A relaxed scenic route that anyone can enjoy in Martha’s memory.
30-Mile Circuit
A robust distance for experienced riders looking to push themselves for a great cause.
Endurance Tour
The ultimate tribute — beginning at the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, DC (where Martha’s name is engraved) and finishing at the Martha Dixon FBI Building in Pittsburgh. A demanding 5-day journey honoring her sacrifice.
Itinerary
| Day | Start | End | Distance | Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DC | → | Harpers Ferry, WV | 60mi | C&O Towpath |
| 2 | Harpers Ferry | → | Hancock, MD | 65mi | C&O Towpath |
| 3 | Hancock | → | Cumberland, MD | 61mi | C&O Towpath |
| 4 | Cumberland | → | Ohiopyle, PA | 72mi | Great Allegheny Passage |
| 5 | Ohiopyle | → | Pittsburgh, PA | 77mi | Great Allegheny Passage |
Support
A trailer carrying 1 bag per rider meets our crew at designated stops ~20mi apart. Water, Gatorade, snacks & simple lunches are provided.
Lodging
Riders arrange their own nightly lodging. Use bikecando.com for accommodations, trip planning, and bike shops along the trail.
Weather
Pack layers. We’ve seen 20°F and 85°F on the same trip. Prepare for everything. Shelters are available along the trail to use in the event of a storm.
Bike Repair
We won’t have a repair specialist with us on the ride. Bring your own tubes. Bike shops available along our trail can be found on bikecando.com.
E-Bikes
Battery-powered bikes are permitted on both C&O and GAP trails. See bikecando.com for rules.
Safety
Basic first aid will be available on the support trailer, but we do not travel with EMTs. Riders are instructed to call 911 if emergency support is needed.
Questions
Looking for more information? Send your questions to [email protected]
Police Unity Tour
Each May, many of our riders join thousands of law enforcement officers and supporters on the Police Unity Tour — a 4-day, 250+ mile ride from New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Martha’s name is engraved on that wall. Riding the Unity Tour is one of the most meaningful ways we keep her memory alive alongside the families of every fallen officer.
Sponsor Supported
Prized Riders
Thanks to the generous support of our community sponsors, Martha’s Ride is proud to offer prizes and awards for our riders. Whether you’re riding 10 miles or 335, there’s something for everyone who shows up and rides for Martha!
Ride With Us
October 3, 2026
Registration for Martha’s Ride opens soon on BikeReg. Join hundreds of cyclists pedaling in Martha’s honor at Southside Riverfront Park — every mile builds a playground.
Ride With Us
Experience Martha’s Ride
Got Questions?
Ride FAQs
The 10-mile and 30-mile rides are held Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Southside Riverfront Park (under the Birmingham Bridge), Pittsburgh. The Endurance Ride (DC to Pittsburgh, ~320 miles) starts Monday, September 28, 2026 — finishing at the Martha Dixon FBI Building in Pittsburgh that weekend.
The 10 & 30 mile rides start and finish at Southside Riverfront Park, under the Birmingham Bridge, Pittsburgh PA. The Endurance Ride starts at the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, DC (where Martha’s name is engraved) and finishes at the Martha Dixon FBI Building in Pittsburgh — a full-circle tribute.
Everyone! The 10-mile ride is perfect for casual riders and families. The 30-mile ride suits experienced cyclists. The Endurance Ride is for highly dedicated athletes who want to make the full DC-to-Pittsburgh journey in honor of Martha.
Registration for Martha’s Ride 2026 will open soon on BikeReg. Email [email protected] to be notified the moment it goes live, or with any other questions.
All proceeds benefit The Martha Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds and renovates playgrounds for children across the Pittsburgh region. The Fund is 100% volunteer-run — zero administrative overhead, every dollar goes to the mission.
Yes! We offer various sponsorship packages with recognition at the event and online. Email us at [email protected] to learn more.