Inaugural Ride
1200+ miles. 7 states. One mission.
August 16-31, 2025
It's all about the team
The Vision
Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a famous movie and the start of a conversation.
A long time ago, Jason McCarthy, my smoking hot wife and I discussed events in Europe. How awesome would it be to set something up, where folks sign up and we as in GORUCK provide a "Rucking Vacation". Fast forward a lot of years, sprinkle in some kids, great people and experiences through GORUCK and now we are here, retired from the military, ready to start ACT III of this wonderful play.
Military Career & Transition
I have always wanted to do something awesome to cap off my military career.
The first half of my service to my country was all about learning the Basics. How to be a good soldier, how to be a good leader, how to give back to the Army instead of constantly receiving. The second half was started with the phrase "It's all about the team" and an upgrade to Business class. Throughout my life, I have seen first hand the power of the team. How when you empower like minded folks to execute a mission, whatever it is, that mission will get executed.
The Perfect Finale
What better way than riding my bike some miles, rucking, yoga and community for a couple weeks.
The Cadre Dan Inaugural Ride is an action that validates the phrase "It's all about the team". Spread out over 1200 plus miles in seven states, the team that I am putting together will support myself and some folks that mean the world to me. Riding my Cannondale Synapse the entire length, stopping in key places to execute rucking events and will join Operation One Voice "Honor Ride" to finish out the journey.
The Route
From Pittsburgh, PA to Destin, FL, the Cadre Dan Inaugural Ride will cross 7 states over 16 days, with 19 events held in 18 different locations.
Join us at any point along this epic journey as we build community, challenge ourselves, and support the Special Forces Charitable Trust as well as Operation One Voice "Honor Ride" to finish out the journey.
States Crossed: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
Mission & Purpose
The Cadre Dan Inaugural Ride is an action that validates the phrase 'It's all about the team'.
Spread out over 1200 plus miles in seven states, the team that I am putting together will support myself and some folks that mean the world to me. Riding my Cannondale Synapse the entire length, stopping in key places to execute rucking events and will join Operation One Voice 'Honor Ride' to finish out the journey.
Key Objectives:
Raise money for Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT)
Supporting the brave men and women who give everything to protect our freedom.Revenue from Ride covers costs
Creating a sustainable model for future events.Proof of Concept for further implementation over a longer distance in 2026
Building the foundation for even greater challenges ahead.
I want people to be inspired to do hard things and to understand that giving back is important.
Participants will be encouraged to support the SFCT by donating through a link on my website. Participants will also be encouraged to support the CDIR by signing up for an event, purchasing merch, but most important, supporting the SFCT and other benevolent organizations along the route.
Event Schedule
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Featured Event: Pittsburgh Kickoff
Join Us in Pittsburgh - Where It All Begins
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, my hometown, will be the start of the CDIR. We will have kick off events followed by patches, food, beer and community. I'm inviting everybody I know to come hang out with us in Pittsburgh.
Three Key Events - Saturday, August 16
GORUCK Tough
An old-school Tough Challenge for those seeking the ultimate test of teamwork and endurance. Not for the faint of heart, but life-changing for those who dare.
12 Miler
A scavenger hunt-style ruck around North Park. Go at your own pace, alone or with friends, and collect patches at checkpoints along the 12-mile route.
After-Party (6PM)
Open to all event participants. We'll grill and drink beer, sharing stories and celebrating accomplishments. Price of admission: One of the patches from one of the events.
Event Details
Start Time: 0800 for both events
Location: North Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Tough Event: Begins with the legendary "Welcome Party" followed by a 12-mile route focused on leadership and teamwork
12 Miler: Includes administrative brief with option to ruck individually or as a team
Special Promotion: 12 Miler/Tough Combo package for the truly ambitious
GORUCK Tough Challenge
Our Original Event
10-12 Hours - Our kind of fun with rucks on
Always a Team Event, Never a Race
Led by current and former Special Forces
The OG GORUCK Event that we've executed in thousands of cities worldwide since 2010. This Challenge is not for everyone. You need to train hard with a rucksack and a sandbag prior to showing up. Not so that we can test you as an individual, but so that you can better serve your team. The weight will be heavy, the distance will be long, and there is no way to get through this without the people to your left and the people to your right. Strangers at the beginning are a team by the end. This is a life changing event, a rite of passage where you will learn about yourself. You'll learn about leadership and teamwork and you get to take that back with you to your daily life.
When you successfully complete the Challenge, your Cadre will hand you a cold beer and a patch that will never be for sale.
Trail Ruck (12 Miler)
Ruck it solo or with friends
Fun ruck it or race for time - your call
This is our kind of fun and we have cold victory beers at the finish line
GORUCK is The Rucking Company and we have executed over 10,000 rucking events since 2010, empowering a global community of ruckers.
How It Works
Your Cadre will give you a map outlining a 12 mile route which will mostly be on trails. At the 5K/10K/15K stops along the way, you can secure a patch and either stop there and call it a day or continue to the next point and secure the next patch. Patches will have the distance outlined on them so if you want to complete all 12 miles, you will present the Cadre at the end with the 3 patches (5K/10K/15K) and he will hand you the 12 Miler patch.
Time Standard
You have 6 hours to successfully complete the TRAIL RUCK 12 Miler and earn the patch.
GORUCK Light
2-3 Hours - Our kind of fun with rucks on
Always a Team Event, Never a Race
Led by current and former Special Forces
The GORUCK Challenge is our flagship and original team building event - we've led over 10,000 since 2010. At your Light, you'll have some team building fun organized by your Cadre. You will stay with your class from start to finish, you'll ruck some miles and really get to know the other participants as you become a team. This Light Challenge is an introduction to our way of life and accessible to all who want to join a tight-knit community of ruckers all over the world and have fun doing it.
When you successfully complete the Challenge, your Cadre will hand you a cold beer and a patch that will never be for sale.
Special Combo Events
12 Miler/Tough Combo - Double Down on Challenge
"People make choices. Some people just want to ruck miles, some people just want to be challenged in a new way." - Inspired by Marty from Ozark
For those who want it all, we're offering special 12 Miler/Tough Combo packages at three key locations along the route:
Pittsburgh, PA - August 16
Bedford, VA - August 23
Atlanta, GA - August 30
This combo package lets you experience both the camaraderie of the team-based Tough Challenge and the personal achievement of completing the 12 Miler route. It's a full day of rucking, learning, and pushing your limits - followed by well-earned celebration.
Special pricing available for combo registrations.
Support the Mission
Special Forces Charitable Trust
The Special Forces Charitable Trust provides meaningful and sustainable support to the Special Forces Community and their families.
They ensure that the sacrifices made by these brave men and women are recognized, honored and supported through programs focused on:
Family and Community Support
Educational Support and Scholarships
Veterans Support
Wounded, Injured, and Ill Support
Every donation makes a difference. Your contribution helps provide crucial support to those who have given so much in service to our country.
Ways to Support
Register for Events
Every registration contributes to the mission.Purchase Merch
Show your support with CDIR gear.Make a Direct Donation
100% of donations go to the Special Forces Charitable Trust.Spread the Word
Share this journey with friends, family, and on social media.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear for All Events
A rucksack (Rucker recommended) - must have reflectivity
Ruck Plate or equivalent weight
Water/Hydration: GORUCK Tough & Trail Ruck (3L Minimum), GORUCK Light (1L Minimum)
Any medication you might need
Photo ID
Smiles
Recommended Items (All Events)
Gloves (1 pair) - working gloves, not medical gloves
Extra layers of clothing (merino wool socks, shell jacket appropriate for weather)
Dry Bag or contractor bag to keep items dry
Change of clothes and flip-flops for after the event
Supportive footwear (GORUCK recommended)
Food, snacks, electrolytes as desired
Special Requirements
Trail Ruck (12 Miler) only: Smartphone + spare battery for navigation
Training Suggestions
For Tough: Build up to rucking with weight for distances of 10+ miles
For 12 Miler: Practice rucking at your target pace
For Light: Focus on comfort with your ruck and general fitness
For All Events: Break in your footwear well before event day!
Weight Requirements by Event Type
GORUCK Tough:
150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck Plate
<150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
Trail Ruck (12 Miler):
Men = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
Women = 10 lb. Ruck Plate
GORUCK Light:
150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
<150 lbs = 10 lb. Ruck Plate
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not for the Light events or 12 Miler! The Light events are designed to be accessible to beginners. For Tough events, prior experience with rucking is strongly recommended.
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Absolutely! You can choose to complete 5K, 10K, or 15K and receive the corresponding patch.
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Tough events require full participation from start to finish. Consider a Light event or 12 Miler if you have time constraints.
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Start by rucking with a weighted pack, gradually increasing distance and weight. Break in your footwear well before the event!
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Participants must be 18+ for all events.
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Events proceed rain or shine, but safety is our priority. In case of dangerous conditions, event details may be modified.
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Contact us directly through the website. Note that people who donate time and resources will be compensated fairly.
