2026 cadre dan Ride
1200+ miles. 5 states. One mission.
August 26-September 10, 2026
Cadre Dan Ride Video from 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.
the mountains are calling and i must go
Last years ride incorporating Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway have me wanting more climbing and more elevation.
The Cadre Dan Inaugural Ride was an epic journey and this year will be no different. Kicking off in Wirtz, VA-Blue Ridge Parkway North-Skyline Drive-Winchester, VA. Three Ruck based endurance events then drive back to Wirtz. Then Wirtz-Blue Ridge Parkway South-Linville, NC-Greenville, SC-Ruck based endurance event in Greenville-Lawrenceville, GA-Four Ruck Based Endurance Events-Operation One Voice “Honor Ride-Macon-Albany-Bonifay, FL-Destin.
Operation One Voice is the charity I am doing the ride for. I’ve been a rider in the Honor Ride since 2019. Two reasons:
#1 When I broke my foot in 2018, through the recovery my awesome strength coach Jason Pompili recommended I get into cycling. Days later….
#2 Operation One Voice was planning on honoring my teammate Ron Shurer for the 2019 Honor Ride and an asker went to 3rd Special Forces Group, my unit, if anybody wanted to ride in his honor during the 2019 Honor Ride. I talked to Bill Stevens (RIP) who was ecstatic that i was coming because of the connection. When I asked him about the Honor Ride, he told me as long as I can hold a 15 minute mile pace for 20 miles, I would be good. Bill was famous for this line because thats how he got most of us hooked into this ride!!!
The yearly requirement
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 "Every once in awhile, you have to do something that sucks to validate who you are”. Spread out over 1200 plus miles in five states, the team that I am putting together will support myself and some folks that mean the world to me. Riding my Trek Domane 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 Roanoke, VA to Destin, FL, the Cadre Dan Inaugural Ride will cross 5 states over 15 days, with 10 events held in 4 different locations.
Join us at any point along this epic journey as we build community, challenge ourselves, and support the Operation One Voice "Honor Ride" to finish out the journey. This years focus is the Blue Ridge Parkway and the beautiful scenery of the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia.
States Crossed: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
Mission & Purpose
“Every once in awhile, you have to do something that sucks to validate who you are”.
Spread out over 1200 plus miles in five states, the team that I am putting together will support myself and some folks that mean the world to me. Riding my Trek Domane the entire length, stopping in key places to execute rucking events and joining Operation One Voice 'Honor Ride' to finish out the journey.
Key Objectives:
Raise money for Operation One Voice
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.Continue to grow and refine before tackling a ride across the country
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 Operation One Voice by donating through a link on my website. Participants will also be encouraged to support the Cadre Dan Ride by signing up for an event, purchasing merch, but most important, supporting Operation One Voice.
Event Schedule
GORUCK Basic Challenge
Our Original Event
4-5 Hours - Our kind of fun with rucks on
Always a Team Event, Never a Race
Led by current and former Special Forces
The only Basic on the ride route, This is the 3rd year I have executed the Lawrenceville BASIC. 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. 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.
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 and a hitlist outlining a 12 mile route. Plot your route and get moving. You will ruck around town, stopping at cool places along the way. Cool points for going to any bar and cracking a cold one mid-event. Once you finish the hitlist, come back to the Cadre and he will hand you a patch, validating your effort.
Time Standard
You have 5 hours to successfully complete the RUCK 12 Miler and earn the patch.
GORUCK Headbanger 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. In addition to all that awesomeness, we will listen to the soothing melodies of the states metal/rock bands.
When you successfully complete the Challenge, your Cadre will hand you a cold beer and a patch that will never be for sale.
Support the Mission
Operation One Voice
Operation One Voice (O1V) is a volunteer based nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance, programs, and resources to wounded and fallen Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their families. Through fundraising, community engagement, and unwavering support, we aim to alleviate the burdens of these heroes and their loved ones.
Six focused programs supporting wounded and fallen Special Operations Forces and their families.
Immediate Care
Bike Rehabilitation
Team Building and Honor Events
Warrior Weekend
Family Support
Adaptive Sports
Ways to Support
Register for Events
Every registration contributes to the mission.Purchase Merch
Show your support with Cadre Dan Ride gear.Make a Direct Donation
100% of donations go to Operation One VoiceSpread 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 Basic & Ruck 12 Miler (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
Ruck 12 Miler only: Smartphone + spare battery for navigation
Training Suggestions
For Basic: Build up to rucking with weight for distances of 6+ 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 BASIC:
150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
<150 lbs = 10 lb. Ruck Plate
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
