TFO Iron Riders is a specialty program within The Fallen Outdoors (TFO) that supports the overall mission of reducing Veteran Suicide by offering opportunities for cycling trips and events to TFO members. This includes large in person events, small local “buddy rides”, and virtual events. We welcome cyclists of all types and experiences, from beginners to advanced, including adaptive cycling and stationary bike riders.

TFO Iron Riders was created in December of 2021 after piloting a virtual riding event (the first 22 Week Ride Challenge) and receiving positive feedback and engagement from participants. This ride challenge was inspired by the interest generated from the Iron Riders’ founding member doing a personal 22 Week ride series as a fundraiser for TFO, and as a way of dealing with her own personal demons. After reviewing the results of that first 22 Week Ride Challenge, TFO National Board agreed to launching the TFO Iron Riders group, as a way of diversifying the outdoor experiences available to TFO members. In that time the group has increased to nearly 200 members and is still growing.

Staffers and members hail from across the nation and occasionally overseas. We join each other for informal local rides, and also challenge each other with “virtual events” including the 22 Week Ride Challenge. We are proud to have helped send a team of 20-30 riders per year, to the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) and working on sending a team to the Seattle To Portland (STP) in Washington State.

Members using Strava or Zwyft can join the team/group we have created within those platforms, but neither of these is a requirement.

TFO Iron Riders, as with the rest of The Fallen Outdoors, is staffed by an all-volunteer crew tasked with providing (and coordinating) events, raising funds, and educating both our local communities and our fellow TFO members, about our program.

Sponsorship and donations help us to provide positive experiences for our members.

Funds and donations offset costs of Team Jerseys for large organized events, logistics (food, shelter for overnights), and event registration fees. It also helps provide giveaway prizes for virtual challenges. Each year our goal is to add another team to another formal riding event.

This all circles back to providing an environment fostering like-minded individuals in opportunities to build strong bonds and help reduce depression, anxiety, and ultimately reduce Veteran Suicide.

Membership to TFO Iron Riders is free, and the events we create are at no charge to participants to be on the team.

For any questions email tfoironriders@thefallenoutdoors.org