Riding for Mental Health – 5 Years Strong
This year marks my fifth Ride for Mental Health, a journey that began in heartbreak and continues in hope.
In February 2021, I lost my best friend Brent Thurn to suicide. Brent was an incredible person—an avid cyclist, a loyal friend, and someone who brought joy and energy wherever he went. His loss shook me deeply, and I knew I had to do something in his memory.
That’s when this ride began.
Over the past five years, our team—Team Shake It Off—has grown from 3 to 11 riders, and together, we’ve raised over $40,000 for mental health awareness and treatment.
We ride in Brent’s memory—and in memory of all those we’ve lost to suicide. We ride for those who are still here and struggling. We ride because mental health matters, and because no one should have to face it alone.
Every dollar raised goes toward expanding access to care and breaking the stigma around mental illness.
Join us.
Whether you donate, share our story, or simply check in on someone you love—you’re making a difference.
Thank you for helping us ride for hope, healing, and change.
In memory of Brent. For everyone still fighting.
Brent Thurn "Shake it Off"
The Ride for Mental Health 2025
The Ride for Mental Health is one of the first rides in the country to benefit mental health. The proceeds raised will be donated to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, for the education, research, and treatment of mental illness including anxiety, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. Our mission is to raise funds for McLean so that we can help accelerate the progress being made to help others who suffer from mental illness.
We also hope to end the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and awareness. The promotion of this ride is a start. Many if not most of us are touched by close friends and relatives who have suffered from one type or another of mental illness.
MATCHING GIFTS:
Many employers will match your gift to the Ride. Please check with your company.
Checks should be made payable to Eric’s Ride Inc. and mailed to:
Mac Dorris
537 1st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Eric's Ride Inc. is a New York not for profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. 100% of rider pledges will be donated to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate.