Blog

We’re excited to share that Stone Bicycle Coalition is participating in the American Empathy Project this spring.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, communities across the country will come together for a national day of service organized by the American Humanist Association. The goal is simple: show up for your neighbors, take action, and build connection through empathy.

Stone Bicycle Coalition will be hosting Pedal for Empathy—a community bike ride and street cleanup right here in Rapid City.

What Is Pedal for Empathy?

It’s a morning of riding, cleaning, and connecting:

• Community bike ride through Rapid City’s urban bike corridors—casual pace, all experience levels, families welcome
• Street and trail cleanup along the route—supplies provided
• Community gathering afterward with food and a chance to meet your neighbors

No experience required. No fancy bike needed. Just show up.

The Details

• When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
• Time: Morning (exact time coming soon)
• Where: Rapid City (meeting location TBA)
• Cost: Free
• Who: Everyone. Families. Kids. First-timers. Seasoned riders. You.

Don’t have a bike? Reach out and we’ll help you find one. That’s not a barrier.

Why We’re Doing This

Cycling is one of the most democratic forms of transportation—affordable, accessible, and human-scale. When you’re on a bike, you see your city differently. You notice the streets that need care. You see your neighbors.

Pedal for Empathy is about taking that feeling and turning it into action. Ride together, clean together, eat together. That’s it. That’s the whole idea.

Stay In the Loop

We’ll be sharing route details, timing, and more as May 2 gets closer. Follow us on Instagram at @stone_bicycle_coalition for updates.

See you on May 2, Rapid City.

This past Saturday, Stone Bike Co joined 20 cyclists for “Pedaling for Alex and Democracy” – a community solidarity ride hosted by Josh Bruhn as part of the cycling industry’s “Ride Together, Stand Together” movement.                

The Ride                                                                                                             

 Under overcast skies, we rolled out for 7 miles through the community. The turnout was strong and the energy even stronger – 20 riders united, pedaling with purpose.                                                                                            

 Why We Rode                                                                                                          

This ride answered the call from Salsa Cycles and bike shops across the country to show up, ride together, and stand together. Cycling has always been about community. Saturday reminded us why.    

Thank You                                                                                                            

Big thanks to Josh Bruhn for organizing and to everyone who came out. This is what showing up looks like.          

We’re giving away a brand-new yellow 12-inch Strider Sport balance bike AND a 2026 Family Season Pass (admits 4) to Old MacDonald’s Farm in Rapid City.

Giveaway runs now through midnight December 20, 2025  

Winner announced December 20, 2025

How to enter  

– Every $5 donated at Donation = 1 entry  

  (Donate $25 = 5 entries, $50 = 10 entries, etc.)  

– OR fill out the contact form at Contact for 1 free entry

Open to everyone – grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles – anyone who wants to surprise a little rider this Christmas.

Good luck and thank you for helping us keep more kids on bikes!

The Stone Bicycle Coalition team went through 18 bikes and adult trikes. We finished with 15 fully operational and ready to ride, and 3 that just need a little more brake work and new tubes. We’re hoping to return December 9th to wrap up the last three.

Huge thank you to Black Hills Works for the opportunity to help get these wheels rolling again. Nothing better than seeing residents ready to ride!

We’ll be at Black Hills Works Repair Workshop on Tuesday, November 18, from 3–5 PM!

We’re gathering as a community to roll up our sleeves, review the bike inventory, and make sure each one is ready to ride. Every repair and adjustment helps get another set of wheels out on the road — supporting mobility, freedom, and joy through cycling.

These workshops aren’t just about fixing bikes — they’re about connecting with each other, sharing what we know, and building a stronger cycling community together. Whether you wrench regularly or just want to see what we do, you’re welcome to stop by and be part of it.

When: Tuesday, November 18, 3–5 PM

Where: Black Hills Works Repair Workshop

What: Reviewing and tuning up bikes to get them ready for use

We’re sending a big shoutout to our new friend Sarah, who just took her freshly donated red Giant bike — now named “Candy” — out for her first ride!

“The bike’s new name is Candy and this was her inaugural ride! I only made it around the block—but this morning I went twice as far. Thank you again!!!!”

Stories like Sarah’s remind us why we do what we do — every donated bike means new opportunities, fresh air, and a few more smiles out on the road.

If you’d like to sponsor a bike donation or connect us with someone who could use a ride, we’d love to hear from you. Every connection helps us get another set of wheels rolling in our community.

stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com
stonebicyclecoalition.com/contact/

Last week we celebrated a huge moment: a Rapid City woman pedaled again after 13 years away from cycling due to a knee injury.

This week, the movement spread—this time at the Minneluzahan Senior Center, where two riders from two generations rediscovered the joy of riding.

One was her granddaughter, in her 20s, stopping by for a refresher. It had been a while since she’d ridden, and she rolled in looking a little unsure… but not for long.

The second rider was a Minneluzahan member in her 70s. Same gentle prep, same patient support, and the exact same spark when she felt those wheels turning again.

With a quick tune-up and a little coaching—balance drills, slow starts, knee-friendly posture—those first cautious pedals turned into a confident cruise and a big smile.

Free Bike Update: Two Placed, One to Go

We’ve now placed two of our three free bikes:

• Sarah — commuting on a Giant internal-hub commuter with a rack
• Joe — rolling local paths on a vintage Sprite

If you (or someone you know) needs a bike for transportation, mobility, or independence, reach out:

stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com

Contact

We respond in order of requests and arrange pickup or delivery in the Rapid City area.

---

Help Us Keep the Wheels Turning

Every bike we repair, donate, or teach on keeps more people rolling in the Black Hills.

You can support the movement:

• Donate a bike (any condition)
• Sponsor parts or a rebuild
• Connect us with someone who needs wheels or a tune-up

The 4th Annual Fall Fondo, hosted by Mat Peters, brought together an incredible community of cyclists for another unforgettable day in the Black Hills. Representing Stone Bicycle Coalition, Rory took on the challenge for the second year in a row — and this time, it was even better.

Covering 44 miles with over 4,000 feet of climbing, this route blends gravel and pavement across the scenic Custer State Park and the legendary Wildlife Loop. Riders were treated to smooth descents reaching speeds up to 42 mph, endless rolling hills, and wide-open South Dakota skies.

The weather couldn’t have been more ideal — around 79°F with clear skies and a gentle breeze, creating the perfect backdrop for spotting local wildlife. Along the way, participants encountered bison, deer, elk, and even a pair of buffalograzing along the route.

Beyond the challenge, what makes the Fall Fondo truly special is the community. About 75 riders came together with a shared spirit of adventure, encouragement, and camaraderie. This event isn’t just about pushing limits — it’s about connecting, celebrating the ride, and soaking in the Black Hills’ natural beauty.

Whether you’re a gravel grinder, a road enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, the Fall Fondo is a must for your cycling calendar. Big thanks again to Mat Peters and all who make this ride one of South Dakota’s hidden gems.

Whether you’re a gravel grinder, a road enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, the Fall Fondo is a must for your cycling calendar. Big thanks again to Mat Peters and all who make this ride one of South Dakota’s hidden gems.

 See Rory’s full Strava activity →

Looking for a set of classic, ready-to-ride bikes with character? This pair of vintage Schwinns is in excellent working condition and comes equipped with racks and bags—perfect for cruising, commuting, or exploring the Black Hills with a friend.

These bikes are solid, smooth, and built to last—ideal for anyone who values craftsmanship and wants to ride something with a bit of history. Sold together as a pair for just $300, they’re meant for shared adventures and community connection.

Whether you’re a local collector, a weekend explorer, or just looking for an eco-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, this vintage duo is ready to roll.

Price: $300 (for both bikes)

Contact: stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com

 stonebicyclecoalition.com/contact

Let’s keep more people pedaling and enjoying the ride—together.