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IAFF Fire Fighters Gear Up for 39th Trans-New Hampshire Bike Ride Benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Association
Concord, New Hampshire, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced today the 39th Annual Trans-New Hampshire Bike Ride (TNHBR), taking place Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28. Cyclists from across the region will come together for three unforgettable days of endurance, camaraderie, and purpose. Participants can explore the full route itinerary and are encouraged to register early to secure their spot for event. Registration includes meals, overnight accommodation, and full ride support, ensuring every cyclist can focus on the journey and the mission to make a difference. To register or donate, click here. Learn more about the event here.
The fully supported three-day bicycle ride through New Hampshire benefits MDA's mission to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate to support access for families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.
Alumni MDA National Ambassador Leah Zelaya, who lives with neuromuscular disease, and her mother Bevi Zelaya are on the TNHBR committee and will be participating in the event.
“I’m incredibly excited to be part of this year’s Trans-New Hampshire Bike Ride—not only as a rider, but as a proud member of the committee and as someone representing the entire MDA community,” said Alumni MDA National Ambassador Leah Zelaya. “This event is such a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together with purpose. I’m especially grateful to the IAFF and the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire for their dedication and support for 39 years! Their commitment means so much to families like mine and to everyone living with neuromuscular disease, and I’m honored to ride alongside them to help move our mission forward.”
The funds raised at this event help advance multidisciplinary care for people living with neuromuscular disease at over 150 MDA Care Center Network locations in the U.S. and accelerate research and access to treatments. In New Hampshire, MDA Care Centers are located at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire for pediatric and adult care, with an affiliate Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester. MDA serves over 8,600 people living with neuromuscular disease throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
“Since 2015, there have been more than 30 new FDA-approved treatments for many types of neuromuscular diseases and there are more on the horizon. We would not be able to fund our mission for the families we serve without the partnership and dedication of people like Michael Roberts and the IAFF Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire,” said Jennie King, Vice President, Fire Fighter Partnership at MDA.
“The Trans-New Hampshire Bike Ride is truly an incredible event! It’s hard not to feel a deep sense of pride when you see what this event has become,” said TNHBR Committee Chair, Michael Roberts of the IAFF Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire. “We’re excited to carry this tradition forward for another year alongside IAFF and MDA. With the commitment of our riders and support teams, we’ve been able to raise more than $4 million to advance research and bring us closer to new treatments for neuromuscular diseases.”
Itinerary for the 39th Annual Trans-NH Bike Ride:
- Day 1 – The three-day ride kicks off with a fire truck escort from Beecher Falls, taking cyclists through scenic northern New Hampshire with rest stops hosted by local fire departments and a celebratory finish in Littleton.
- Day 2 – The ride follows the Connecticut River south with picturesque views, rolling terrain, and stops in Woodsville, Orford, and Hanover, ending with community meals and rider recognition in Lebanon.
- Day 3 – The final day features a flexible start and a scenic ride through lakes, rivers, and small towns, culminating in a group finish and end-of-ride celebration with family, friends, and Concord Fire..
- See the full itinerary here.
The 2026 MDA IAFF Trans-New Hampshire Bike Ride community is grateful to all local sponsors for their support.
Media inquiries contact press@mdausa.org.
About the Trans-New Hampshire Bike Ride
The Trans-NH Bike Ride is a fully supported 1, 2, or 3-day exploration of New Hampshire roads, scenery, and fire stations. Its mission is to raise funds and awareness for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. Every June, cyclists, fire fighters, support volunteers, and members of the Muscular Dystrophy Association community come together to traverse New Hampshire – rain or shine – to support a shared vision: accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of MDA families. We fundraise, connect with our community, recognize the hardships of these diseases, and ride to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission to empower the people they serve to live longer, more independent lives. All proceeds from the ride go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to fund research, summer camps, and other services for those affected by muscular dystrophy. To date, the Trans-NH Bike Ride has contributed more than $4 million to MDA’s mission. Learn more about the different types of muscular dystrophy including Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), and others.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
