Ride 4 A Reason, a benefit for Oakland and Alameda public schools, took place April 25, 2026. For the second year, I served as event photographer.
As the event photographer for Ride 4 A Reason, I had the opportunity to document a powerful convergence of purpose and community. More than 400 cyclists took part, riding distances of 45, 65, or 118 miles before arriving at the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento—each mile a visible demonstration of their commitment to equitable funding for public school programs.
Now in its 18th year, Ride 4 A Reason has grown from humble beginnings into a deeply impactful regional movement. What started in 2009 as a small effort by just four parents riding from Oakland to Sacramento has evolved into a major annual event, bringing together students, educators, families, and advocates. Over nearly two decades, the ride has raised more than $2 million to support underfunded public schools in Oakland and Alameda, directly benefiting thousands of students through resources like books, arts programs, and academic support.
Despite its growth, the core mission has remained unchanged: to amplify awareness and generate critical funding for schools that often lack traditional fundraising infrastructure. Each year’s ride culminates at the Capitol not just as a finish line, but as a statement—an organized, collective call for sustained investment in education.
Through the lens, what stands out isn’t just the scale of the event, but its continuity—18 years of riders showing up, pushing forward, and turning individual effort into lasting impact.