Hundreds of riders line up at the starting line of the Trek 100 Texas in Fort Worth, Texas.

There’s something truly awe-inspiring about watching more than 800 cyclists come together, each with their bikes, helmets, and determination, all united for a cause much bigger than themselves.

On September 14, 2024, the sight of hundreds of riders with their bikes lined up, ready to embark on a journey, was a humbling reminder of how powerful collective effort can be. This wasn’t just about the miles or the thrill of the ride—it was about making a tangible difference in the lives of children battling cancer. With over $70,000 raised for Cook Children’s Hospital, the event was an undeniable success, blending the passion for cycling with a powerful mission to support pediatric cancer patients.

Romain Taupier stands at the start line of the Trek 100 Texas as riders prepare to embark on a 100-mile journey.

This year marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time Trek 100 expanded beyond Wisconsin, bringing its unique spirit and mission to Fort Worth, Texas. What made this especially meaningful was the partnership with Cook Children’s Hospital, one of the most trusted names in pediatric care in North Texas. Almost everyone has a story about how Cook Children’s helped them through a difficult time in their lives - myself included.

And it has to be mentioned that none of it would have happened without a remarkable amount of hard work by Romain Taupier and the incredible Trek DFW team. Hundreds of hours went into making Trek 100 Texas a reality and I have to say, it really paid off.

For over three decades, Trek 100 has been raising funds to support pediatric cancer research, primarily through the MACC Fund. Now, the event has taken a bold step into new territory. The funds raised will directly benefit children and families of The Lone Star State as they navigate the difficult journey of cancer treatment, making every pedal stroke, every registration fee, and every donation count in a big way.

Patient Ambassadors from Cook Children's Hospital pose for a selfie at Rest Stop 1 at Lake Benbrook for the Trek 100 Texas.

What is the Trek 100?

Trek 100 Texas riders in Cook Children's Hospital jerseys chat while grabbing a bite to eat.

The Trek 100 is so much more than just a cycling event—it’s a journey with heart and purpose, uniting riders from all over to pedal for a powerful cause: fighting childhood cancer. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the event has grown into a major annual charity ride, drawing cyclists from all walks of life to support the MACC Fund and, in Texas, Cook Children’s Hospital. It’s a ride that brings people together, from seasoned cyclists tackling the full 100 miles to families riding for fun, all with one shared mission.

And when I say "ride," I’m talking about real miles here. This isn’t just a loop around the park – the Trek 100 takes riders on a true adventure.

This year's Texas debut was no exception, offering a route that spanned far and wide across the scenic stretches of Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Aledo. From the start, riders quickly traded the urban streets and Chisholm Trail Parkway for rural landscapes that seemed to stretch on forever.

Three riders cycle on country roads for the Trek 100 Texas. amidst the Texas landscape

Scale and Excitement

Now, let’s talk about the rest stops—and trust me, they were nothing like your typical "grab a water and go" stops. The Trek 100 is known for turning these into full-blown themed parties, and Texas did not disappoint.

This year’s themes were Barbie’s Malibu Party, Mario Kart Rainbow Road, Carnival, and the ultra-groovy Far Out. Each stop was hosted by a mix of Trek employees and local cyclists, adding a layer of community spirit that you could feel in the air. I can’t tell you how many times we found ourselves grinning behind the camera, snapping shots of riders cooling off with popsicles at the Carnival stop, battling it out in real-life Mario Kart racing, or climbing inside a life-size Barbie box for a photo op. It was more than just a place to refuel—they are experiences designed to energize everyone who passes through.

Two volunteers for the Trek 100 Texas and NICA play real-life Mario Kart at Rest Stop 2 for the Trek 100 Texas.

The mix of fast-paced action, lively rest stops, and heartwarming moments with riders made this a dream to photograph. Every time we looked through our lenses, we saw stories—stories of grit, fun, and a community coming together for a cause that really matters. There was never a dull moment, and everywhere we went offered something new to capture

The Heart of the Event: Cook Children’s Patient Ambassadors

Among all the excitement, costumes, and miles of cycling, one of the most touching aspects of the Trek 100 Texas was the presence of the patient ambassadors from Cook Children’s Hospital. At each rest stop, there was a young ambassador, not just observing the event but fully participating—taking photos with riders, playing the themed games, and enjoying every moment of the day. It was both heartwarming and humbling to see these kids, who’ve faced more challenges than most of us can imagine, out there having fun and cheering on the riders.

Two Patient Ambassador's from Cook Children's Hospital pose by a groovy fan at Rest Stop 4 "Far Out" for the Trek 100 Texas north of Aledo, Texas.

It wasn’t just about the miles anymore; seeing those smiling faces reminded everyone of the true purpose behind the ride. Sure, cycling 100 miles is no small feat, but it pales in comparison to the battles these kids have fought and continue to fight. Every rider, whether pedaling through the scorching heat or catching their breath at a rest stop, knew they were doing it for these kids—and you could feel that unspoken connection at every turn.

Seeing them there made the event about much more than charity and fundraising – it made it personal. The kids and the riders – some of them cancer survivors themeslves – shared a bond that transcended the day.

A patient ambassador from Cook Children's Hospital wearing a red clown nose poses next to a Trek employee dressed in a clown outfit at the Carnival Rest Stop 3 for the Trek 100 Texas.

We came to capture the miles, the sweat, and the grit—but it was these moments of connection that really defined the Trek 100 Texas.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Ride

At the end of the day, the Trek 100 Texas was about so much more than just a bike ride. Yes, there were miles to cover, hills to climb, and costumes to admire at every rest stop. But the heart of the event was the community that came together—riders, volunteers, patient ambassadors, and the team at Cook Children’s Hospital—all united by one mission: to make a difference in the lives of kids battling cancer.

Riders enjoy a trip around Rainbow Road at Rest Stop 2 of the Trek 100 Texas.

From the 800 cyclists who showed up to ride, to the $70,000 raised, I can’t’ help but feel like the event was a resounding success. For Dani and me, capturing every moment—whether it was a rider’s grit, a team laughing it up at a rest stop, or an ambassador posing proudly with riders – was a privilege we won’t forget.

We’re so grateful to have been part of this incredible day, and we want to thank everyone who helped make it possible. If you’d like to learn more about the Trek 100 and how you can support their mission, check out their website. And if you want to see the incredible work Cook Children’s Hospital does year-round, head over to their site as well. Together, we can keep making strides—both on and off the bike.