Break the Cycle is a series of cycling events, run relays, and other endurance events across the US, UK and Norway, which raise funds for Hope for Justice to transform lives in the fight against human trafficking.

Our flagship event series is Break the Cycle 200, where we ride 200 miles together in a single day with one purpose: to end human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Through our ‘Challenge’ events, we can also offer shorter rides of 100, 50 or 25 miles for some locations.

You can see confirmed events and locations below. We have had rides in places including Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Minnesota, Norway and the UK, and we are expanding each year! So take a look if there’s an event near you!

When you sign up for a Break the Cycle event, you aren’t just registering for an endurance event. You’re joining a movement to end the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

You’ll need to commit to raising at least $500 for Hope for Justice. We’ll give you all the help and support you need to ensure you succeed!

Here are the upcoming events:

Funds raised by the amazing cyclists and athletes who choose to get involved with Break the Cycle help rescue and restore the lives of survivors like Esther. She was forced into sex trafficking in the United States but is now free, and is turning her life around. Your efforts will also help prevent human trafficking, and bring about the societal change we need to stamp it out.

It’s unacceptable that across the world, it’s estimated that 50 million people are victims of human trafficking. Adults and children are being forced into sexual, labor or criminal exploitation, or forced marriage, to profit traffickers who benefit from their misery.

Riding 200 miles in one day is not easy. We depart before sunrise and we go all day, arriving before sunset. The weather can drastically affect the comfort level of this ride. The difficulty level does mean that not everyone will make it on a bike. Please consider your riding level and you can of course reach out to speak with past participants. Email events@hopeforjustice.org to arrange this.

Once you register, you will be sent full details on how to get equipped for your ride, including training plans and tips, fundraising ideas, fitness, stretches, nutrition, mechanical checks, ride rules and philosophy, what-to-bring checklists and more.

The ride moves along between 18-22 mph in a tight group over open roads. So each rider should be:

We have averaged 18 mph during our past rides. A sustained wattage will be monitored by those of us using power meters. Should the group wattage exceed 220 to 250 watts, a bell will ring to indicate the need to pull back a little bit. This ride is NOT a race.

Remember, through our ‘Challenge’ events, you can also choose to do a shorter ride of 100, 50 or 25 miles for some locations, if 200 miles is not for you.

We need volunteers to help us the evening before the events, and throughout event day. If you would like to be part of the volunteering team, click on the event you want to help out at, and you’ll see all the volunteering opportunities!

By sponsoring Break the Cycle 200, you can help our event to transform the lives of trafficking victims and bring about an end to exploitation. Contact us at events@hopeforjustice.org for more information on unique sponsorship opportunities.

Originating in 2012 from the collective passion of five friends in West Des Moines, Iowa, Break the Cycle (BTC) emerged as a shared vision to make a difference while engaging in athletic endurance events. The beginning of BTC took the form of a 200-mile cycling event held in a single day, serving as a catalyst to raise awareness about the global issue of human trafficking. This initial endeavor showcased the group’s commitment and also laid the foundation for a growing network of advocates dedicated to combating human trafficking.  

2019 brought a new opportunity for BTC to become part of Hope for Justice. By providing a new platform for Hope for Justice as a Fundraising Event Series, BTC has amplified awareness and community, expanding the portfolio of events to numerous cycling, and running events annually in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. The BTC community, consisting of hundreds of cyclists, runners, volunteers, and donors, has collectively raised over $1.5M. These funds are directed towards supporting Hope for Justice in rescuing and restoring victims and working towards the eradication of exploitation. Joining the BTC team offers you the opportunity to contribute and play a vital role in breaking the cycle of human trafficking.

Using the Break the Cycle brand? Download our Brand Guidelines to get links to logos and guidance on usage in various contexts.