By: Jessica Lawrence

I’ve always loved being on my bike—whether it’s mountain biking, road cycling, or touring. For me, cycling represents freedom, independence, health, and happiness.

In 2013, I cycled 4,200 miles solo on my Road to Rhode trip from the Oregon coast to Rhode Island. Now, as I approach my 50th birthday this summer, I feel incredibly fortunate to be healthy and able to take on this journey again!

This time, I’ve added a new purpose to my ride—raising funds for the LouCity & Racing Foundation, an organization I’m proud to serve on as a Board member. The LouCity & Racing Foundation is the charitable arm of Louisville’s two professional soccer teams, Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC. Their goal is to make soccer accessible to all youth, regardless of financial barriers, by providing programming, scholarships, and equipment across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. I’m deeply passionate about this mission, which is why I’ve chosen to dedicate my ride to supporting the Foundation. My role as a Board member is the perfect blend of my professional mission—helping young people thrive—and my love for the game.

Starting in Simsbury, CT, on May 18, after the Louisville City FC May 17 match versus Hartford Athletic, means a lot to me. I will attend three home games on the way back through Louisville early June, and off to Kansas City to see Racing Louisville FC play June 14. From KC, I’ll head to Colorado Springs to watch Louisville City FC take on Colorado Switchbacks, heading west to California and ending in San Diego to watch Racing Louisville FC play San Diego Wave FC August 24.

You can follow along here, donate here, and learn more by going to my website here! 

Kick off National Bike Month by joining us for Bike to the Game Night!

In conjunction with my trip, I’ve been passionate about supporting people cycling in their communities. Having lived in Portland, Oregon, for 20 years before moving to Louisville, I regularly cycled to and from Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer matches. When I arrived in Louisville and joined the Board of the LouCity & Racing Foundation, I started conversations with Soccer Holdings, the Foundation, and Metro to bring an event to life that encourages people to cycle to the stadium. And now, it’s happening this May!

Meet at: Trellis Brewing, 827 Logan St., Louisville, KY
Ride Starts: 6:00 pm, 2-mile ride (Kick-off 7:30pm)
Game: Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Special Offer: Free tickets to the first 50 riders!
Fellowship: Cyclists are welcome in the Seltzer Garden portion of the stadium starting at 6pm for pre-game $2 happy hour beers and networking time!

The Louisville Bicycle Club and Bike Louisville are leading a group ride to and from the Louisville City FC game, arriving in time for a pre-match happy hour and returning after the final whistle.

This event combines my love for cycling and soccer while bringing the community together in an active and meaningful way. I’d love to see you there—whether you’re riding alongside me for part of my journey, cheering from the stands, or simply supporting the LouCity & Racing Foundation in your own way.

Let’s ride for a cause, celebrate the sport, and make a difference together!