Ride for the Light 2026

Pontotoc, Mississippi. The Tanglefoot Trail. Ride for the Light returns on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM CDT. A family‑friendly recreational bike ride on the beautiful, shady Tanglefoot Trail. Choose 50 miles (Pontotoc to Houston and back), 30 miles (Pontotoc to Houlka and back), or 10 miles (Pontotoc to Algoma and back). Youth Ride Pass for ages 8‑17 (half price). Kids 7 and under ride FREE with a paying adult. Event t‑shirt (guaranteed for registrations by May 18), finisher medals for all who complete the ride, and a light lunch at the Gateway (starting at 11:30 AM). Proceeds support clean water projects in Africa and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Location — Pontotoc, Mississippi (Tanglefoot Trail):

• Pontotoc is a small city in northeast Mississippi, about 20 miles west of Tupelo, 2 hours south of Memphis
• The Tanglefoot Trail is a 43.6‑mile paved rail‑trail that runs from Houston to New Albany, Mississippi, passing through Pontotoc, Algoma, and Houlka
• The trail is flat, shaded, and car‑free — perfect for family cycling
• Start/finish at the Pontotoc trailhead (Gateway)

Tanglefoot Trail Distances — All Out‑and‑Back:

• 50 miles: Pontotoc to Houston and back (approx 25 miles each way)
• 30 miles: Pontotoc to Houlka and back (approx 15 miles each way)
• 10 miles: Pontotoc to Algoma and back (approx 5 miles each way)
• All distances are on the same paved rail‑trail, so riders can turn around at any point if they prefer a shorter ride

Youth Ride Pass — Ages 8‑17, Half Price:

• Youth riders (ages 8‑17) can register at half the adult price
• Must be accompanied by a registered adult (parent/guardian) on the ride

Ride Along — Kids 7 and Under Ride FREE:

• Children ages 0‑7 ride FREE with a paying adult
• No registration required for ride‑along children (but they must be accompanied by a registered adult)
• Children in bike trailers or tag‑along bikes are welcome

What's Included:

• Event t‑shirt (guaranteed for registrations by May 18 — limited sizes after that)
• Finisher medal for all who complete the ride
• Light lunch provided at the Gateway starting at 11:30 AM (sandwiches, chips, drinks?)
• Aid stations on the trail? Not specified — Tanglefoot Trail has amenities at some trailheads (water, restrooms), but bring your own hydration and nutrition
• Medical support? Not specified — likely limited (ride at your own risk)
• Parking at the Pontotoc trailhead

Registration — Non‑Refundable:

• Registration fees are non‑refundable
• Early bird pricing ended May 11; late registration available until June 5
• No race day registration? Check event website — likely available but shirt not guaranteed

Logistics:

• Parking available at the Pontotoc trailhead (Gateway) — arrive early
• Bib pickup: race morning at the start (check event website for exact times)
• No dogs allowed on the trail (Tanglefoot Trail rules — service animals excepted)
• Strollers allowed on the trail (paved, flat, wide) — but not recommended for longer distances (50 miles would be challenging with a stroller)
• Helmets required? Not specified — but strongly recommended for all riders, especially youth

Charity Mission — Clean Water Projects in Africa & Humanitarian Efforts Worldwide:

• Ride for the Light is an annual bike ride dedicated to raising funds for initiatives such as clean water projects in Africa and humanitarian efforts worldwide
• Previous beneficiaries not listed — check event website for details

Nearby Attractions (post‑ride — make a weekend of it in Pontotoc):

• Downtown Pontotoc — historic courthouse, antique shops, and local restaurants
• Tanglefoot Trail — explore more of the trail (the full trail runs 43.6 miles to New Albany)
• Tupelo (20 minutes east) — birthplace of Elvis Presley (Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum), the Tupelo Automobile Museum, and the Natchez Trace Parkway
• Natchez Trace Parkway — scenic drive, hiking trails, and historic sites
• Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area — rolling hills, small towns, and Southern charm

Contact: Renee' Smith — phone 662‑488‑6010.