reason to ride / ́rēzən/to ̄o/rīd/ 1. the higher motive, goal or purpose for riding one’s bicycle.
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The final deadline for submissions is Thursday, December 5 at 5:00 PM CT, so share your reasons now!
The bike racing, world traveling, awe inspiring athletes of Rally Cycling want to get you motivated to move! Ahead of their visit to Optum HQ, the team is giving out chances to win a new bike and other amazing gear.
There are three ways UnitedHealth Group employees near and far can enter, and entries are unlimited:

1. Share your “Reason to Ride” below

Creativity is encouraged, our favorite entry will be read at the panel with a unique prize!

2. Complete a cycle class in the Optum Fitness Center

Class schedule available here. Proof of performance will be tracked by your instructor.

3. Submit a receipt from your local fitness studio or a photo from a workout below

Submit a class receipt, sweaty selfie, Fitbit photo, Strava ride, or other evidence you exercised using the link below.
Winners will be announced during the 2020 Team Launch Event at Optum headquarters (also available through webinar) on December 6.
At the launch event, attendees can mingle with the team and take in a panel discussion and Q&A with the 2020 athletes. The team will be introduced by Dave Wichmann, and unveil an all-new jersey look for the 2020 season.

The Prizes

Felt VR60 Road Bike
Impeccable handling, stability and speed.
Bell Z20 Helmet
Aero. Comfortable. Rock Solid.
Pactimo Ascent Aero Jersey
Stretch in the front, mesh in the back.
Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
Breathable “do-it-all” jacket.
Roka CP-1 Sunglasses
Full protection in a lightweight package.

The Event

Rally Cycling Launch Event
Optum Auditorium: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
In-Person Meet and Greet: 2:00 - 2:30 PM
11000 Optum Circle
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
December 6
Webinar Broadcast of Team Launch: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Reasons to ride
from our athletes and fans
  • I'm driven by the desire to push my physical, mental and emotional boundaries in search of the best version of myself.
    Krista Doebel-Hickok
  • Because when the wind is hitting my face the world's problems fall away and it's just me, my bike, and endless possibilities.
    Abby Mickey
  • Riding has been my ticket to seeing the world, meeting awesome people and getting to push myself to the absolute limit. That’s what it all about for me.
    John Murphy
  • It is my favorite way to chew through a problem. If you have got something going on in your life, a few hours of solitude or with a friend on the saddle is a great way to get a handle on it.
    Kyle Murphy
  • Reason to ride = I love the adventure. Reason to race = I love the chaos and going really fast is way too much fun.
    Sara Bergen
  • To have an escape. There’s something beautiful about riding when you’re settled into a rhythm and in the moment with your thoughts flowing in and out of conscious thought.
    Allison Beveridge
  • Being able to outperform myself and test my limits every day while also being able to go on easy rides, enjoying the places I travel too and the calm nature of a non-busy road on a bicycle.
    Pier-Andre Cote
  • I love the feeling of freedom a bicycle gives you. You can go pretty much anywhere on two wheels and you aren't dependent on anyone but yourself to get you there.
    Gillian Ellsay
  • I love knowing exactly how to get around my city and where to go to have a bit of peace and meditation that comes while producing the endorphins we all love so much.
    Robin Carpenter
  • It can be a solo escape, or an opportunity to connect with others. It can be a way to decompress or to test your physical and mental limits. I love the opportunity for adventure that biking brings.
    Sara Poidevin
  • Riding bikes, in general, is my passion. Solo training rides, group rides with beers after, mountain bike, building mountain bike jumps. My whole family rides, we all started around the same time and it's now a huge part of our life.
    Ty Magner
  • I love riding my bike to go fast, see the world, be active, and to try and be better than I was the day, week, or year before.
    Colin Joyce
  • It’s my escape from school and other stresses of my life. It takes me to places in the world I would never go otherwise. I’ve met my very best friends riding bikes. I love the freedom!
    Emma White
  • While riding my bike, I can choose anywhere I want to explore, any road I want to travel, and any view I want to enjoy.
    Megan Jastrab
  • To see and experience the world through an enjoyable and renewable mode of transport.
    Nigel Ellsay
Share your reason
Creativity is encouraged – our favorite entry will be read at the team launch and the writer will receive a special prize!
Share your workout
Submit a Strava ride, class receipt, sweaty selfie, Fitbit photo, or other evidence you exercised using the link below.
Winners announced team launch event on December 6. Must be present, either in person or via webinar, to claim a prize. The value of the recognition will be reported as taxable income and appropriate taxes will be withheld on the employee's next paycheck, MSRP amounts for each item as follows: Felt FR60 ($899), Bell Z20 Helmet ($215), Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody ($249), Roka CP-1 Sunglasses ($240), Pactimo Ascent Aero Jersey ($105).