RIDE TOWARDS TOMORROW 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRYCE RIVER FOUNDATION’S “RIDE TOWARDS TOMORROW”
SUPPORTS MENTAL WELLNESS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Features: Cycling Event, Ruck “With You”, Mental Health Expo and Pop-up Market
Lake Charles, Louisiana (June 16, 2025) – On August 16, 2025, the Bryce River Foundation will begin driving awareness of Suicide Prevention Month (September) with its second annual cycling fundraiser, "Ride Towards Tomorrow." Hosted by Crying Eagle Brewing Company from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the event invites cyclists, wellness advocates and anyone impacted by the loss of suicide from Southwest Louisiana and beyond to join this important initiative to strengthen community support and promote mental health.
The 2025 event features a variety of challenges for participants to choose from:
RUCK “With You” (3 miles): New this year, RUCKing is an event where participants will carry a weighted pack during a supportive walk, similar to military training. This event benefits our mental wellness partner, With You, which serves first responders and veterans.
Family Ride (6 miles): A gentle, closed‑course pedal to the upscale horse stables at Le Bocage—ideal for kids and parents to ride worry‑free away from traffic. After the ride, families can enjoy breakfast, inflatable jumps, and 360 cameras!
Intermediate Ride (27 miles): Ideal for cyclists seeking a moderate challenge, this picturesque route explores the scenic farmlands and quiet rural roads of Southeast Calcasieu.
Advanced Ride (50 miles): A rigorous course designed for experienced cyclists, showcasing the natural beauty of Louisiana’s countryside.
Not quite ready for the saddle? No problem! Register for the "Don't Make Me Ride" VIP option. Use this time to explore the pop‑up vendor market and connect one-on-one with mental health professionals and partner organizations of the Bryce River Foundation. Discover local support resources, gather wellness tips, or simply soak up the community spirit.
Ride Towards Tomorrow will also feature a garden of memorial ribbons to remember those who have died by suicide and to show support for the families and loved ones who have been affected by it.
“Cycling was one of River’s coping mechanisms for depression, so hosting a fundraiser that promotes cycling felt very fitting," said Scott Waldrop, CEO of the Bryce River Foundation. "Our goal is to build a community that openly engages in meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Join us on August 16th as we pedal towards a future where mental wellness is prioritized, stigma is eradicated, and everyone feels valued and supported. Together, let's ride towards tomorrow."
Suicide prevention is vital and affects millions of people each year. In Louisiana, there are approximately 700 suicide deaths and it’s the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 34. The issue impacts people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Importantly, every suicide is preventable, and it is essential for us to take collective action to address the crisis.
All proceeds from Ride Towards Tomorrow support the Bryce River Foundation. Register now by visiting https://www.bikereg.com/ride-towards-tomorrow. Follow us on facebook.com/bryceriverfoundation for updates.
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About the Bryce River Foundation
Bryce River Foundation is born from a family’s journey through suicide loss, and guided by hope and healing. We break the silence around mental health by encouraging open conversations and equipping our community with suicide prevention training. Through postvention programs, we stand alongside suicide loss survivors and their families. By forging partnerships with coalitions, professionals, and organizations, we ensure no one walks their path alone—and empower everyone to ask for help. Learn more at: bryceriverfoundation.org.
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 for help.
GO FLY A KITE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2025
LAKE CHARLES, La. — The Bryce River Foundation, in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, invites families to Take a Break for Your Mental Health and GO FLY A KITE on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the brand-new Port Wonder facility.
The event is a partnership between the Bryce River Foundation and the Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana, and it will take place in the lobby of their brand-new facility at Port Wonder. "Things like sunshine, exercise, and connecting with others in community are really beneficial for your mental health," Scott Waldrop, CEO of the Bryce River Foundation, " and this event allows for all three." The Bryce River Foundation will be giving away 100 kite kits in the Children's Museum lobby and there will be space for kids to craft and create their own designs on the kites. After the children have completed crafting their kites, everyone will step out into the museum's back yard on the lake and send the kites into the air. “One of the things we experienced raising River was that we knew he was facing mental health challenges, but we didn't have a clue what resources were available or where we could get help. This event will provide opportunities for us to talk with parents, share our story, and direct them to the assistance they may be needing."
The Children's Museum opens at 9:30AM and the kite kits will be available starting at 10:00AM. At 11:30AM we'll head outside to fill the sky with kites! While this event is free to the public, it does not include admission to the Children's Museum, or the Nature & Science Center so be prepared if you wish to visit those experiences.
The Children’s Museum at Port Wonder located at 1011 North Lakeshore Drive Lake Charles, LA 70601. Free parking is available at the facility and also at the parking garage to the East of the property.
Ride Towards Tomorrow 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BRYCE RIVER FOUNDATION PRESENTS INAUGURAL
"RIDE TOWARDS TOMORROW"
Cycling Event, Mental Health Expo and Pop-Up Market Support Suicide Prevention
Lake Charles, Louisiana (June 24, 2024) – On August 24, 2024, the Bryce River Foundation will kick off suicide prevention month (September) with its inaugural cycling fundraiser Ride Towards Tomorrow. Hosted by Crying Eagle Brewing Company from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the event invites cyclists and advocates from across the Southwest Louisiana region and beyond to join in a significant initiative to foster community support and promote improved mental health and well-being.
The foundation, named in memory of Bryce River Waldrop, is dedicated to supporting mental health professionals and organizations who are proactively working to educate the community, train leaders to identify at-risk individuals and counsel everyone toward mental well-being. Through Ride Towards Tomorrow, the foundation raises awareness to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. By combining the power of physical activity with advocacy, the event provides a platform for open dialogue and support for those affected by mental health issues.
The foundation, named in memory of Bryce River Waldrop, is dedicated to supporting mental health professionals and organizations who are proactively working to educate the community, train leaders to identify at-risk individuals and counsel everyone toward mental well-being. Through Ride Towards Tomorrow, the foundation raises awareness to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. By combining the power of physical activity with advocacy, the event provides a platform for open dialogue and support for those affected by mental health issues.
Event participants have the opportunity to choose from three different cycling routes tailored to their experience level and preferences. The routes include:
Family Ride (6 miles): Perfect for families and beginners, this leisurely ride provides an enjoyable experience for riders of all ages. Participants will enjoy a rest stop at The Stables at Le Bocage where they can stretch their legs and admire the ponies before returning to Crying Eagle.
Intermediate Ride (27 miles): Designed for cyclists seeking a moderate challenge, this route explores the picturesque landscapes surrounding Southeast Calcasieu, offering a mix of farm and pastureland on quiet rural roads.
Advanced Ride (50 miles): Geared towards experienced cyclists, this route ventures into the heart of Louisiana's countryside, presenting a demanding yet rewarding journey for those seeking a more rigorous challenge.
For non-cyclists, there are many other opportunities to support the initiative. Crying Eagle’s parking lot will be turned into a mental health expo where visitors can access practical and educational resources, counseling services and information about suicide prevention training. A pop-up market will feature products for sale from local retailers, craftspeople and artists. Each vendor will be donating to the foundation, so everyone is encouraged to come out and shop!
Ride Towards Tomorrow will also feature a memorial garden to remember those who have died by suicide and show support for the families and loved ones who have been affected by it.
“Through this initiative, our goal is to create a supportive community that isn’t hesitant, nor resistant to having difficult conversations about mental health and suicide,””
“Cycling was one of River’s coping mechanisms for his depression, so launching the foundation that bears his name in conjunction with a cycling event felt like the right thing to do. Through this initiative, our goal is to create a supportive community that isn’t hesitant, nor resistant to having difficult conversations about mental health and suicide,” said Scott Waldrop, CEO of the Bryce River Foundation. “Please join us on August 24th, as we pedal away the darkness towards a future where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eradicated and every individual feels valued and supported. Together, let's ride towards tomorrow.”
Suicide prevention is a critical concern that impacts millions of lives each year. Louisiana experiences 700 deaths by suicide annually. It is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-24 and 24-34 in the state. Suicide affects people of all races, religions and economic classes. Every suicide death is preventable, and we mustn't ignore it or remain passive.
All proceeds from Ride Towards Tomorrow will benefit the Bryce River Foundation. For more information, event pricing and registration, visit bryceriverfoundation.org/what-we-do or email bryceriverfoundation@gmail.com. Follow us on facebook.com/bryceriverfoundation for updates and announcements.
About the Bryce River Foundation
The Bryce River Foundation is dedicated to supporting mental health professionals and organizations who are proactively working to educate the community, train leaders to identify at-risk individuals and counsel everyone toward mental well-being. These advocates need more resources to reach a wider audience and serve the many people currently affected by mental illness, while also assisting the survivors of suicide loss through their grief and recovery process. Learn more at: bryceriverfoundation.org.
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 for help.
Media Contact:
Scott Waldrop, CEO
Bryce River Foundation
bryceriverfoundation@gmail.com
337.302.4938
bryceriverfoundation.org
#RideTowardsTomorrow
ALPHA TANGO LIMA
The River by Alpha Tango Lima Kinfe & Tool
For our first Christmas without our son, River, my wife Jessica wanted to do something special for me. Something that would help evoke joyful memories of River rather than reminders of his absence and the deep pain we experience in that loss. Through a mutual friend, Jessica connected with Adam Love of Alpha Tango Lima Knife & Tool, and they started the process of crafting a knife that would be fitting of River and would bear his name.
Adam was extremely empathetic of River’s story and our desire to honor him. He spent a great deal of time asking Jessica questions about River and the things he enjoyed doing and how he might use his knives. After he completed his research, he started designing a fixed blade knife.
Designed for the outdoorsman at heart. This EDC can carry you through your day-to-day or your campsite activities. The blade features the engraved symbol for River and serves as a constant reminder to get outside and enjoy life!
The River is constructed from Nitro-V steel which is a super stainless metal. The scales are vintage canvas Micarta with blue and black liners. 7” total length and 3.25” cutting edge. Each River is made to order and available for purchase from Adam at Alpha Tango Lima