Closer to Free Ride

06/03/2026

We’re at Yale New Haven Hospital today for Closer to Free Day and will be here until 2 PM, stop by and say hello!

We’ve already had a great turnout with many employees stopping by, registering to ride, and signing up to volunteer. We’d love to see even more of you, so come visit our table in the Atrium before 2!

06/02/2026

Attention Yale New Haven Hospital employees!

Tomorrow is Closer to Free Day at Yale New Haven!

Wear your CTF gear and stop by our table in the hospital atrium from 10am–2pm.

We’ll be giving away Closer to Free store items, so come early!

Our team will also be there to help you get signed up to ride or volunteer—whether you’re new or returning.

And if you’re based at another delivery network, don’t worry—we’ll be heading your way soon.

06/01/2026

We’re spreading the word one table at a time.

The Closer to Free Ride is showing up in cafeterias across Yale New Haven Health, helping connect more people to a cause that impacts so many.

Next time you grab a coffee or lunch, keep an eye out and learn how you can be part of this year’s Ride.

Register to ride or volunteer TODAY: www.rideclosertofree.org.

05/28/2026

This submission comes from longtime rider Sue Caperino, who took her CTF jersey all the way to Costa Rica. Thank you, Sue, for representing Closer to Free internationally!

Share photos of your adventures this summer in your CTF jersey by tagging on social media or by emailing [email protected].

05/27/2026

05/22/2026

Need a fresh fundraising idea? Try CTF Bingo!

Our Bingo boards are a great way to engage your friends and family on social media while building momentum toward your goal.

Choose your board, share it, and start filling those spaces!

Download your board: https://www.rideclosertofree.org/fundraising

05/21/2026

🚴 Ready to ride? We’ve got you covered! 🚴

Our Closer to Free Training Rides powered by Zane’s Cycles kick off May 30, and we still have room for you!

Whether you're new or experienced, these no-drop rides will help you build confidence and skills leading up to Ride day 🚴

✅ Learn the basics (and beyond!)
✅ Ride with an awesome community
✅ Get prepared for success
🟢 Don’t wait—secure your spot TODAY!

👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTF26-MayTrainingRide

05/20/2026

WHY I VOLUNTEER | CLOSER TO FREE

"My Uncle Vin was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and after a short but strong fight he passed in May of 2019. He was a police officer for 17 years and a funny, caring, and generous man - loved by so many people in our family and the community.

His wife, siblings, children, myself and many other friends and family spent countless hours within the walls of Smilow and the hospital’s surgical care centers during his diagnosis and treatment. The staff were kind, compassionate and above-and-beyond patient. They took care of my uncle but also our family during a time that was immeasurable hard for us all.

When he passed in May my mother and I felt a strong desire to give back in some way. The Closer to Free Ride has been a way to honor my uncle, the incredible staff at Smilow, and the other patients and families whose lives have been changed in the same way. It is something I look forward to every year and am honored to be a part of."

- Leslie M., Closer to Free Volunteer, Rest Stop Captain

Interested in volunteering? Learn more and register at www.rideclosertofree.org

05/19/2026

REFER A NEW RIDER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A NIGHT OUT!

The Closer to Free Ride is better together — and this May, inviting your friends to ride can earn you a chance at something extra.

Invite a friend to join the Ride and you could win a $100 gift card to Heirloom, courtesy of The Study at Yale.

How it works:
1. Have a friend register at rideclosertofree.org by May 31 (first-time riders only)
2. Make sure they list your name in the “I was referred by…” field
3. Each new rider = one entry to win

A winner will be selected in early June!

Help grow the Closer to Free Ride community and bring someone new along for the ride!

Invite your friends and register today: rideclosertofree.org