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MARCH 2026 | 43
The 2024 route took the KPCRAA riders past Mount Rushmore.
Apart from the charity ride family that is formed on the rides, literal families also participate. Petty told me the story of a man named John who went on the very first ride in 1995. Years later, John’ s two sons joined him on the ride. After some time, his grandson also joined the ride. Before John had quit riding, the family was represented by three generations riding together.
To those wanting to use motorcycle riding to support their own causes, Petty recommends starting local and letting the community grow naturally.
“ This charity ride is a huge phenomenon, but don’ t think it started that way. You just got to put your toe in the water and start somewhere. Whether it’ s a local ride for a family whose house is burnt down, whether it’ s a local ride to send a kid to have surgery, whether it’ s a local ride to build a community center and build something in your own town. Start somewhere, and as long as you believe in it, other people will believe in it too, and it’ ll grow.”
Petty’ s ride is proof of his words. Since its beginning, nearly 9,600 riders have logged more than 13.3 million cumulative miles on these rides, and more than $ 23 million has been raised to support Victory Junction and other children’ s charities.
Although the 30th anniversary ride is already full, Petty encourages everyone to come out to the evening fan events when the ride passes through your area on its way east. You’ ll get to meet the celebrity riders and other participants, and you’ ll have the chance to support Victory Junction. If everyone else on the ride is half as friendly as Kyle, you’ re sure to have a great time.
The 30th anniversary of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America takes place May 1-9, beginning in Sonoma, California, and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina. More information can be found at KylePettyCharityRide. com.
Above right: Sending kids to camp is what it’ s all about. The KPCRAA visits Victory Junction often to remind riders what it’ s all for.
2026 KPCR ROUTE / DAILY SCHEDULE:
• DAY 1, FRIDAY, MAY 1: Sonoma, CA to Ely, NV
• DAY 2, SATURDAY, MAY 2: Ely, NV to Moab, UT
• DAY 3, SUNDAY, MAY 3: Moab, UT to Colorado Springs, CO
• DAY 4, MONDAY, MAY 4: Colorado Springs, CO to Wichita, KS
• DAY 5, TUESDAY, MAY 5: Wichita, KS to Springfield, MO
• DAY 6, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6: Springfield, MO to Memphis, TN
• DAY 7, THURSDAY, MAY 7: Memphis, TN to Chattanooga, TN
• DAY 8, FRIDAY, MAY 8: Chattanooga, TN to Asheville, NC
• DAY 9, SATURDAY, MAY 9: Asheville, NC to Charlotte, NC