(Ride the Nation Press Release, October 28, 2026)
Pocatello, ID. (November 2, 2026) – As part of his ambitious Ride the Nation journey across the United States, ultra-endurance cyclist and nine-time world record holder Jack Thompson will join nearly 100 students from local Outride Riding for Focus school programs for an inspiring meet and greet and send off ride on Monday, November, 2, 2026 from 12:00 – 12:30 PM at Barrie’s Ski and Sport.
This is one of several community activations taking place along Thompson’s bicycle ride through all 48 contiguous states. Led in partnership with NewForm and with community activations supported by Outride, this event aims to bring people together through cycling while highlighting the positive impact riding can have on brain health, well-being, and community connection. School staff and students in the Riding for Focus program will have the opportunity to meet Jack, learn more about Ride the Nation, and Jack’s personal connection to the bicycle.
“Ride the Nation is about much more than miles,” said Jack Thompson. “It’s about meeting people where they are, hearing their stories, and showing how something as simple as a bike ride can create meaningful human connection. I’m excited to ride with the students in Pocatello, and can’t wait to learn more about how their Riding for Focus programs have made an impact in their lives.”
About Ride the Nation: Ride the Nation is a nationwide storytelling project led by nine-time world record-holding ultraendurance cyclist Jack Thompson. The continuous ride through all 48 continental states is designed to connect communities through cycling, celebrate the people who make America unique, and demonstrate the power of human connection in a digitally disconnected world. Having maintained sobriety for nearly a decade, Thompson is also a passionate advocate for mental health, with cycling playing a transformative role in his own well-being. Along the way, Thompson will visit Outride partner organizations, such as She is Focused, and Riding for Focus schools across the country to highlight Outride’s impact and raise funds to support its programs. The project is presented in partnership with NewForm, a global wellness platform and community reaching more than one million users. Learn more about the project and other activations here.
About Outride: Outride works to empower all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling. Outride has distributed over $10 million in funding, bikes, equipment, and programs to schools and nonprofits. In collaboration with universities and other institutions, Outride advances and supports research to better understand how cycling supports brain health across the lifespan.
