Steeple Chase Ride Pauses for 2025,
Sets Sights on a Reimagined Ride Fest in 2026

After careful consideration and heartfelt discussion, the partner organizations behind the annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour—Project Imo, Windham Area Interfaith Ministries (WAIM), and Project HOPE (formerly the Windham No Freeze Project)—have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Steeple Chase Ride. This decision was not made lightly, as we recognize the deep community ties, traditions, and critical fundraising impact this event has fostered for nearly three decades in northeastern Connecticut.

The cancellation reflects a convergence of challenging factors impacting nonprofits across the country. The current economic climate has created an increasingly uncertain philanthropic landscape, including the loss of several large-scale funding streams and an anticipated multi-year decline in smaller-scale donations. In response, each of our organizations has undertaken substantial internal transitions, including shifts in leadership and the restructuring of operational roles. As a result, our staff members are carrying expanded day-to-day responsibilities, while also working to build new large-scale funding partnerships to stabilize and sustain our core services. Given the extensive planning, coordination, and volunteer mobilization that Steeple Chase demands to deliver the high-quality experience our riders, sponsors, and vendors have come to expect, we determined that a pause was necessary to preserve the integrity of the event and the wellbeing of our teams.

This is not a farewell—it is a regrouping. All three organizations remain deeply committed to Steeple Chase as a cornerstone community event and a symbol of compassion, wellness, and regional solidarity. We are excited to announce that planning is already underway for a bold new vision: Steeple Chase Ride Fest 2026. This reimagined event will build on the legacy of the ride while expanding into a full-day festival atmosphere featuring food trucks, a family fun run, expanded athletic events, and new activities designed to bring together people of all ages and interests. Our goal is to deepen community connection, raise even greater support for our causes, and offer fresh ways for our generous sponsors and champions to maximize their impact. We thank our incredible community of riders, volunteers, sponsors, and donors for your continued belief in this cause. Please stay tuned in the coming months for announcements about Ride Fest 2026—we look forward to welcoming you back for a powerful and renewed experience that rides stronger than ever. Our organizations each depend greatly upon the generosity of our Steeple Chase community. If you would like to continue supporting during 2025, please reach out to steeplechase@projectimo.org.