Civil Rides
Rio Grande Valley
On March 29, 2019, we will leave South Padre Island, TX, and begin our trek into the Rio Grande Valley along the Mexico border. This area is making news right now because of the immigration crisis at the border. What we found in our preview trips was people of incredible hospitality who worked very hard. We are humbled and excited for this opportunity to raise awareness about the persistent rural poverty in the Rio Grande Valley.
Border Wall along Texas/Mexico border.
Day 1
We will leave the beautiful island of South Padre on March 29, 2019, and ride direction into the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Our stops will include beautiful small towns with incredible hospitality that tell the story of farm laborers who fought for their rights to a living wage under the inspiration of Cesar Chavez.
South Padre Island, TX
Day 2
We will leave Mission, TX, which is right on the Texas/Mexico border and go north into the heart of "the valley." As we move through the small towns of the valley we will hear the story of local labor rights advocates who worked hard in the fields and fought hard for their rights to a decent wage.
Jason Coker, Diann Berry, Katie Sciba
Day 3
Our ride will bring us back to South Padre Island on Caesar Chavez Day--we will ride and celebrate with the people! The finish line will be the most spectacular of any of our rides in 2019 due to the raw beauty of the beach--not to mention the food!!!
Continuing the success of the inaugural Civil Rides (a partnership between Out Hunger and Together for Hope) through Tennessee and Mississippi, we are taking the message of unity and the work of cycling to Texas' lower Rio Grande Valley.
The Civil Rides - Rio Grande Valley ride is in conjunction with Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) and we will work to continue his work of fair labor practices and livable wages for workers.
Register by clicking here.
On March 29, 2019, we will leave South Padre Island, TX, and begin our trek into the Rio Grande Valley along the Mexico border. This area is making news right now because of the immigration crisis at the border. What we found in our preview trips was people of incredible hospitality who work very hard. We are humbled and excited for this opportunity to raise awareness about the persistent rural poverty in the Rio Grande Valley.
While the term “valley” could mean that we will have a lot of climbing to get out of said valley, I assure you, it’s a flat route. Each day’s full route will be between 70 and 75 miles with an “abbreviated route” for those who want to ride about 20 miles each day.
Civil Rides - RGV is like our other rides, things are all-inclusive. By that I mean your registration gets you: hotels, breakfasts, ride snacks, SAG, jersey, suppers, swag, camaraderie, fun times, and the satisfaction of helping people while enjoying your hobby. We have three different ride groups so any and all cycling abilities are welcome and encouraged - you will have people to ride with. Each day’s stretch points (about 20 miles apart) are in wonderful small towns with incredible hospitality that tell the story of farm laborers who fought for a living wage under the inspiration of Cesar Chavez.
Day 1 - March 29
We depart beautiful South Padre Island and ride into the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and end the day in Mission, TX.
Day 2 - March 30
We leave Mission and go north into the heart of the valley and end in Raymondville.
Day 3 - March 31 (Cesar Chavez Day)
Departing Raymondville and heading back to our starting point of South Padre Island, but on a different route, we will end on the afternoon of Cesar Chavez Day right on the beach with wonderful food and hospitality.
Looking forward to riding with you!