What we do
Empowering Marin Students Through Bicycling
Cory’s Ride: Empowering Marin Students Through Bicycling
Cory’s Ride, a program of MCBC, opens new horizons for students across Marin by giving them their own bikes, often for the very first time. Since 2020, we’ve provided over 200 bikes through our earn-a-bike classes.
But Cory’s Ride is more than a bike giveaway; it’s a youth development program rooted in building confidence, connection, and community. Through mentorship, group rides, and hands-on learning, students gain skills that extend far beyond cycling.
Inspired by Cory Leonoudakis’ love of biking, the program helps students experience the freedom and possibilities that come with two wheels.
Five Life Lessons from Cory's Ride
At the heart of Cory’s Ride are five core lessons we aim to instill through every ride, repair, and relationship. These aren’t just cycling skills, they’re life skills. Each one is taught through real experiences, on real streets, with real purpose.
1. Experience the Joy of Riding
We start with fun. Students explore neighborhoods, trails, and city streets, often for the first time. Every mile builds confidence, independence, and a lasting love of cycling.
2. Learn Leadership
From planning routes to leading group rides and speaking at public events, students grow into leaders. Internships and peer mentoring give them real responsibility and a voice in their communities.
3. Take Responsibility
Students learn to care for and fix their own bikes. From flat tires to gear adjustments, hands-on repair builds problem-solving skills, ownership, and resilience.
4. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Biking becomes a daily habit—good for the body, mind, and planet. We promote biking as a tool for physical health, stress relief, and climate action.
5. Build Friendships
Shared rides create strong bonds. Whether biking to the Golden Gate Bridge or around their own block, students form friendships and a sense of belonging that lasts.
Our Vision for 2025 and Beyond
With your help, Cory’s Ride will continue growing its impact:
- Provide 100 new bikes annually to middle and high school students through our Earn-a-Bike program
- Use Bike Fest events to provide an additional 150 refurbished bikes annually to younger students (K–5) and parents, helping families start early with the joys and benefits of cycling
- Host 15–20 student-led rides in neighborhoods and open spaces across Marin
- Expand to new schools and under-resourced communities
- Partner with local businesses to support the program
- Develop Bike Fest events as student-run community celebrations of biking and repair
- Continue honoring Cory’s legacy by empowering the next generation of riders
How the Cory’s Ride Earn-a-Bike Program Works
Cory’s Ride is more than just giving away bikes—it’s a hands-on learning experience that helps students build confidence, independence, and community connection. Here’s how it works:
Student Referrals
Students are nominated by teachers, counselors, or local nonprofit partners who recognize their potential and interest in biking.
Training & Skill Building
Participants complete a six-session course where they learn essential bike safety, traffic awareness, and basic bike maintenance, from fixing a flat to adjusting brakes and oiling chains.
Earn Their Gear
Upon completing the course, each student receives their own bike, helmet, lock, and toolkit to keep.
Ride & Give Back
Students are invited to join monthly group rides that explore their neighborhoods and beyond. They also volunteer at events like Bike Fest to help others.
Grow into Leaders
Graduates have the chance to stay involved through paid internships, peer mentoring, and community leadership opportunities.
How Cory's Ride Has Grown
2021 – Launched with 6 students at San Rafael High; bilingual bike safety and leadership training
2022 – Expanded to Novato and Canal Alliance; 50+ students gained bikes, skills, and mentorship
2023 – Reached 100+ students; added Marin City partnership, group rides, and Bike Fest repairs
2024 – Grew with new partners across Marin; urban mobility training and park rides with Marin County Parks
Shop Cory's Ride
Show your support for Cory’s Ride every time you get on your bike!
Purchase our official Cory’s Ride cycling kits from Jakroo, available in a full range of fits and finishes.
About Cory Leonoudakis
Cory Leonoudakis was an outstanding young athlete who found joy and freedom through biking. From building backyard ramps to tackling Marin’s toughest trails, cycling was a source of adventure, friendships, and family bonding.
His love for biking inspired his family to create Cory’s Ride, ensuring that young people in Marin can experience the same sense of independence and opportunity that cycling provided Cory.
With the support of donors, MCBC members, and Safe Routes to Schools, Cory’s Ride continues to grow, changing lives one bike at a time.
Support Cory’s Ride
Making this program possible requires a collective effort. Join Team Cory’s Ride and help us change lives!
