Fenner Ride 2026 Cancellation
Our team has been working diligently to gather the information needed to make the best decision for our participants, volunteers, vendors, and community. With heavy hearts, we are now able to share our official announcement.
Unfortunately, the 2026 Fenner Ride has been canceled.
Due to the impacts of the hurricane and the ongoing recovery throughout our community, we are unable to confirm that road conditions meet the necessary safety requirements to host this year’s event. This was not an easy decision, but the safety of our participants and community must come first.
Our community has been hit hard, and we recognize that recovery takes time. We want to be mindful of the challenges our neighbors are facing and allow our area the time it needs to recover safely. We sincerely appreciate your patience, grace, and understanding as we navigate these circumstances together.
What this means if you're already registered for the 2026 Fenner Ride:
- Registration: Due to the nature of cycling, we recognize that road conditions and other hazards are inherent risks of participating in the activity. However, given the impacts of the hurricane and the current uncertainty surrounding road safety, we cannot confidently ensure that conditions meet the necessary safety requirements for this year's event. We believe the most responsible decision is to prioritize everyone's safety and allow our community time to recover. All registrations will be carried over to next year’s Fenner Ride. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult decision.
- Packet Pickup: We would still love for you to stop by and pick up your Fenner Ride shirt and swag bag as a small way to thank you for being part of this year's event! Packet pickup will take place on Thursday, October 22, from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. If you are unable to make it that day, you are welcome to visit our office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, through November 9.
- 100-Mile Finishers: If you choose to complete the 100-mile ride independently and can provide documentation verifying your mileage, we would still love to recognize your accomplishment with a Fenner Ride medal! Please contact us to coordinate, and be sure to submit your documentation by November 30.
We are truly sorry that we will not be able to come together for this year's ride. The Fenner Ride means so much to us because of the incredible people who support it and the mission behind it. While we are disappointed, we remain committed to protecting our community, supporting its recovery, and coming back together for an even stronger event next year.
If you have any questions, please call our office and ask for Madison. We are happy to help however we can.
Thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding. Please take care of yourselves and one another as our community continues to recover.
With gratitude,
The BBBS Team
Information
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Clyde L. Gracey Community Center
7:30 A.M.
October is a great time to get outside, enjoy the cooler temperatures, reconnect with nature, and enjoy all that life has to offer. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and the West Florida Wheelmen present the annual Fenner Ride on Saturday, October 24, 2026. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.
Fenner Ride 2026 Information:
Registration will be open until October 24th!
Make sure when registering to select the correct mileage you want to participate in 18-mile family fun, 44.6, 64.5, or 100.3 -mile century ride!
All participants who register by October 1 will receive a t-shirt. Sizes are subject to availability at packet pickup, and changes cannot be made onsite.
Registration includes: event giveaways, fully supported rest stops, limited sag support, a post-ride meal provided by Sonny's BBQ, great prize opportunities, and a t-shirt for all participants.
Day-of-ride registration begins at 6:30 A.M. Day of registration does not guarantee a t-shirt.* This year there will be a staggered start. 100.3 mi riders begin at 7:30 A.M., 64.5 mi riders begin at 7:40 A.M., 44.6 mi riders begin at 7:50 A.M., and all other riders at 8 A.M.
Online registration will close on Friday, October 23 at 3:00 PM. In-person registration will be available at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office from 3:00–6:00 PM, with day-of registration beginning at 6:30 AM at the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center.
Packet Pick-Up Information:
Packet pick-up will be at the home of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida located at 1320 Creighton, Pensacola, FL 32504. Packet pick-up is on Thursday, October 22nd from 8 AM- 6:30 PM. If you are unable to make it that day, you are welcome to visit our office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, through November 9.
What is Fenner Ride?
A bike ride takes cyclists from the historic city of Milton, all the way to the woodlands of the Blackwater Forest, and back again. Along the way, the winding course gives a unique chance to experience Northwest Florida’s native wildlife, natural environments, and beautiful scenery.
This cycling event is dedicated to the memory of Fenner McConnell and Matt Wantz. Both men were avid cyclists and former members of the West Florida Wheelmen. Dr. Fenner McConnell, a medical examiner for a four-county district in the Panhandle, was killed in 1998 by a hit-and-run driver as he rode his bicycle across the Bob Sikes Bridge, which connects Pensacola to Santa Rosa Island. Matt was tragically killed while working in a local bike shop.
Questions?
Please contact bbbs@bbbsnwfl.org or call 850-433-5437 or visit us at 1320 Creighton Road Pensacola Florida.
Contact Us
Location
Clyde L. Gracey Community Center
5629 Byrom Street
Milton, FL 32570 US
View Location on Map
The 18-Mile Ride is the perfect “just right” distance — long enough to feel accomplished, but approachable for riders of all experience levels. Every mile matters as we ride together in support of a great cause, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail.
This route is ideal for an easy-paced hour ride, whether you’re joining with friends, family, or riding solo. Smooth pavement, shaded stretches, and a relaxed atmosphere make these 18 miles fly by faster than you think. It’s not about speed — it’s about showing up, having fun, and making an impact one mile at a time. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40676558
Want a little more challenge? The 44-Mile Ride is the perfect middle-ground for riders looking to push themselves while still enjoying the journey. This route gives you more time to settle into your ride, enjoy the scenery, and feel that rewarding sense of accomplishment as every mile counts toward supporting a great cause. Whether you’re training for longer rides or simply ready to level up from the shorter route, 44 miles is a challenge worth taking.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44931448
Looking for more than just a challenge? The 64.5-Mile Ride is designed for advanced riders ready to push into high gear and take on longer distances, and uphill battles along the way. This route tests endurance and determination while rewarding riders with beautiful scenery, open roads, and an unforgettable ride experience.
Whether you’re chasing a new personal milestone or simply love the thrill of a demanding ride, the 64.5-mile route offers the perfect balance of intensity, accomplishment, and adventure. Every climb is worth it when you cross the finish line knowing you conquered the miles for a great cause.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44523458
Ready for the ultimate test? The 100.3-Mile Century Ride is the longest and most demanding route of the event — built for advanced riders ready to go the distance. With challenging climbs, long stretches of road, and a required finish time of 4:00 PM, this route is designed for experienced cyclists prepared to maintain a strong pace throughout the day.
But this ride is about more than reaching the finish line — it’s about the journey along the way. Riders will experience beautiful scenery, moments that push both physical and mental endurance, and the rewarding feeling of conquering every mile one pedal stroke at a time. Whether this is your first century ride or another milestone in your cycling journey, the 100.3-mile route offers an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40678279
