It is with much regret that we must announce our decision to cancel the 2020 Ride Across Indiana (RAIN). The BBC leadership team has been tracking the progress of the novel coronavirus since its introduction into the region and has come to the conclusion that we would not be able to guarantee a safe environment for our riders, our volunteers, and those who allow us to use their facilities. The RAIN route depends on a 160-mile string of location and vendor puzzle pieces, and under the current conditions many of our partners across the state who enable the ride cannot yet make commitments. With just eight weeks before the ride, there simply wouldn’t be enough time to make safe adjustments should—for example—drinking water not be available at a rest stop. Such issues, in addition to continued uncertainty about the course of the disease transmission, have forced our sad conclusion.
The BBC understands the disappointment this decision will bring. It was not an easy decision to make. Many riders look forward to RAIN all year as the highlight of their summer. There are many others who were looking forward to riding in their first RAIN. Aside from the fact that we are all cyclists too, this cancellation is a blow to the BBC in that we are a non-profit organization that relies on RAIN as our only fundraising event of the year. The proceeds from RAIN allow us to provide grants to other worthy non-profit organizations that promote and encourage the safe enjoyment of bicycles in our area.
Ultimately, the BBC does not want to contribute to the continued spread of COVID-19. The next few months could be pivotal in our nation’s efforts to reduce the number of lives lost to this pandemic. It is imperative that we all do whatever is necessary to remain healthy and to protect the health of others.
The club sincerely regrets the disappointment and any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of this year’s event. We hope you will cycle safely this year and join us next year as a rider or volunteer on July 17 for the 34th running of RAIN. Production of 2020 merchandise has been cancelled, and the awesome jersey and t-shirt designs unveiled for this year will be used next year, appropriately dated 2021. If you have already registered or ordered merchandise this year, you will be receiving an email from GetMeRegistered regarding transfer of your order to next year and refunds.
We hope that this hard decision helps our state and country get through these difficult times. Thank you for your understanding and support, both now and in the future.
Sincerely,
The BBC and RAIN leadership team
RAIN is a one-day bicycle ride across Indiana that is now in its 34th year. The 160-mile course runs from West Terre Haute to Richmond, following the Historic National Road (US 40) for much of the way.
The RAIN ride is on July 18 this year. Get registered, and get ready to ride 160 miles!
One Day – One Way – 160 Miles!
Click to Register
Call for Volunteers
Volunteers are needed before and during RAIN to help with everything from registration to rest stops to the finish line. Contact us if you are able to help.
RAIN Results
See 2019 finishers by name and by place. Ride results going back to 1996 are available here.