Getting there
Location
Where does the ride start and finish?
Bike for Brain Health returns to Exhibition Place in Toronto. All four routes start and finish there.
Every rider must use the official start and finish — our event permit and safety requirements do not allow riders to join the route anywhere else.
How do I get to Exhibition Place?
From the west: there are three entrance points to Exhibition Place from Lakeshore Boulevard — British Columbia Rd., Ontario Dr. and Newfoundland Dr.
From the east: take Lakeshore Blvd. to Strachan Avenue and enter via Manitoba Drive, just north of the Princes' Gates.
Where can I park?
Limited parking is available on the south side of the Enercare Centre.
Because space is limited, we strongly encourage carpooling or taking transit where you can.
Can I get there by TTC?
Yes, but plan ahead: TTC subway service does not begin until 8:00 a.m. on Sundays, which is after the route closes.
These TTC night bus lines run during early morning hours on weekends and stop at Exhibition Place:
- 307 Bathurst night bus
- 363 Ossington night bus (southbound)
- 329 Dufferin night bus
Call 416-393-INFO for details, or visit ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules.
What roads are closed for the event?
Gardiner Expressway: all ramps closed from the Humber River east to the Don Valley Parkway from 2:00 a.m.
Don Valley Parkway: all ramps closed from Lakeshore Blvd. to Highway 401 from 2:00 a.m.
On the road
Routes
What are the route distances?
There are four routes — 10 km, 25 km, 50 km and 75 km — four different challenges for recreational and endurance riders alike. All distances are approximate.
See the 2027 routes, elevation profiles, maps and GPX files →
What time does the event start?
The routes open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 a.m. sharp, with no exceptions.
We recommend starting your ride between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. if you're taking on one of the longer routes.
What happens if I miss the start time?
Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done. The start line closes at 9:00 a.m. to allow for a safe ride for everyone involved.
Please see the details on the Bike Routes page.
What happens if I'm on the route and can't make it back by 1:00 p.m.?
There will be sweep vehicles (school buses) following along the route to support participants throughout the ride. If a rider is unable to continue due to injury, fatigue, mechanical issues, or falling too far behind the pace required to safely complete the route, they and their bike will be transported back to the start and finish area.
The start line closes at 9:00 a.m. sharp, with no exceptions. We recommend starting your ride between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., especially for those on the longer routes, to ensure you have ample time to complete your chosen distance.
Are there any timed segments for experienced riders?
No. This event is operated as a safe bike ride for all skill levels, and all riders must keep safety in mind. Faster riders use the left lane while slower riders stay to the right.
I live along the DVP route. Can I start near my house and hop on?
Our event permit and all safety requirements state that you must use the official start and finish.
Are there food and drinks along the route?
Yes! No matter what distance you select, there will be at least three rest stops for you to grab a drink and a snack.
Signing up
Registration
Is there a fee to register?
Yes. This is a non-refundable registration fee and is required to participate. The fee helps cover administrative and operational costs for the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health.
The fee listed in the registration details section is for people 16 and older. Under 16, it's always $25 to register.
The registration fee does not count towards your fundraising minimum. If you are unable to attend, your dollars will still go towards Baycrest's mission to defeat dementia, and we thank you for supporting the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health.
We cannot refund or transfer registrations in cases of schedule conflicts, injury, etc., and we cannot defer your registration to the following year. Registration fees are not tax receiptable.
All cyclists are required to register online before participating in the event and will need to sign a waiver.
What are the registration types and minimum fundraising amounts?
A fundraising minimum is established in order to participate in the event. Participants who have not reached their fundraising minimum before the event are asked to make a self-donation or raise the required amount prior to being permitted to ride on any of the routes.
The fundraising minimum for any of the routes is $195 for riders 16 and older. Riders 15 and under are not required to raise $195, but are encouraged to raise funds for participating.
Please note: participants are required to show the minimum amount on their personal pages. On teams, each rider is required to raise the minimum to participate by event day.
Can I register on the day of the event?
Yes you can. However, registering in advance gives you more time to reach your minimum fundraising goal.
If you register on event day, you will need to pay both your registration fee and your minimum fundraising amount of $195 before the Bike for Brain Health starts.
Can I defer my registration to next year?
Registration fees and donations cannot be refunded, transferred to another participant, or deferred to the following year.
Do I need to be a cyclist to participate?
No! You don't need to be a cyclist, marathon runner or triathlon enthusiast to sign up for the Bike for Brain Health. All you need is a bike and a passion for the cause. With different route length options, this fully assisted bike ride is accessible to all cycling levels and ages.
Can children participate?
Yes! All ages are welcome at this event. However, all children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult and be registered as a participant.
Can I bring my child in a bike seat or trailer/chariot?
Yes, this is permitted. The child must be registered for the event and wear a helmet. Fundraising is not required, but certainly encouraged. No pets are allowed in trailers or on the route.
For the safety of all riders, please cycle on the right side of the road if you have a trailer, are riding at a moderate pace, and/or are riding with children.
How do I create a team after I register?
- Log into your Participant Centre.
- On the top left-hand side, select the Profile tab.
- Click on the Event Options tab.
- At the bottom, select Create a team.
- From there you can select a team name.
- Company can be left blank unless you are a corporate participant, in which case you would select your industry from the drop-down.
How do I join a team if I'm already registered?
- Log into your Participant Centre.
- On the top left-hand side, select the Profile tab.
- Click on the Event Options tab.
- At the bottom, select Form team.
- From there you can search for the team you want to join by team name or the captain's name.
- The results will appear at the bottom. When you see the team you want to join, click the Join Team button.
On the day
Event Day Details
Will the ride take place if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event. However, in the event of extreme weather, we may need to cancel for everyone's safety.
What can I bring with me into the event?
All bags must be checked at bag check or left in your vehicle before you're permitted on the road.
Please note: backpacks, saddle bags and bike panniers are not allowed on the ride. Bags must not exceed 5" x 15" x 5" in size. Tool pouches that fit under your seat are allowed.
How can I make sure I'm safe on the road?
We take road safety very seriously. We will have route marshals along the roads, as well as EMS and paid-duty Toronto Police.
For the safety of all riders, please cycle on the right side of the road if you have a trailer, are riding at a moderate pace, and/or are riding with children.
When encountering large groups of riders, it is incumbent upon you to prepare and know basic cycling etiquette.
See our tips for safe cycling → Remember, your safety is your responsibility.
Are dogs or pets allowed at the event?
For the safety of all participants and spectators, pets are not permitted at this event. The course and event areas can be crowded with cyclists and moving equipment, making it unsafe for animals.
Registered service animals as defined by the OADA are permitted access. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Are drones permitted at Bike for Brain Health?
No, participants are not permitted to use drones along the route or at the event. Baycrest staff will be documenting the day, with photographs and videos shared online afterwards.
Your ride & gear
Bikes & Equipment
What kind of bike do I need for this ride?
If it has pedals, you can ride it. That includes Class 1 e-bikes, pedal-assisted bikes, unicycles, tricycles and cargo bikes.
Can I use an e-bike?
Yes, but only e-bikes that are considered Class 1 — pedal assist only, no throttle, and a maximum speed of 32 km/h.
Are helmets mandatory?
Yes. A helmet is mandatory and must be worn at all times while cycling on the roadways.
Do you rent bikes, helmets or other equipment?
No, we do not rent any of the items needed to ride in this event. Please check with your local bike retailer.
What should I wear?
Wear all-weather comfortable clothing that is safe for cycling, as this is a rain or shine event.
Please note that a helmet is mandatory and must be worn at all times while cycling on the roadways.
For longer distances, consider wearing padded bike shorts. For cooler, early-morning rides, consider light layers on top so you stay comfortable throughout the event.
Raising your total
Fundraising
Why do I have to raise a minimum amount to participate?
The BIKE is first and foremost a fundraising event, produced to raise funds for research, innovation, care and education in Alzheimer's and other dementias. The incidence of dementia is expected to double by 2031 and will disrupt many aspects of life for an aging population, their caregivers and even the health care system.
We are here to help with any fundraising questions. Check out our fundraising resources to see how easy it can be to reach well beyond the minimum of $195 before the event starts.
How do I fundraise online?
We have made fundraising easy:
- Log in to your Participant Centre.
- Upload your address book.
- Use one of our pre-written emails or create your own.
- Send it out to all of your family and friends.
You'll be notified when someone sponsors you, and you can send thank-you emails from your Participant Centre.
How do I collect off-line donations and pledges?
Your supporters can donate using cash, cheque or credit card. Access the offline forms here. Once you're finished fundraising, you can submit the offline donations and pledges by mail or in person to:
Baycrest Foundation
Attn: Bike for Brain Health
3560 Bathurst Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6A 2E1
Where the money goes
Donations
Where do donations go?
To provide crucial funding for breakthrough research into cognition, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and aging brain health; medical programs and services for older adults living in our community; and education that supports healthy aging and healthcare solutions for a growing aging population.
How much of the money raised goes to the cause?
One hundred percent of all donations go directly to the Baycrest Foundation, some of which supports the cost of the event. Proceeds are then invested in leading-edge cognitive neuroscience research, advancements in the mitigation of age-related illness and impairment, and the care and treatment of patients living with dementia, Alzheimer's and other brain function related illnesses.
Am I really making an impact?
Absolutely. Bike for Brain Health in support of Baycrest will make a profound impact on the Baycrest Foundation's mission to support Baycrest, a global leader in brain health and aging.
How does Baycrest impact the community?
There are currently more than 500,000 people living with Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia in Canada. As the population ages, the number of people with dementia or cognitive impairment in Canada is expected to almost double to about 1.4 million by 2031. At Baycrest, our work helps to preserve and extend the cognitive and emotional well-being of older adults.
Donors to the Baycrest Foundation play a critical role in keeping Baycrest running, as government funding only makes up about 64% of our revenue. Contributions to the Foundation support Baycrest's ongoing efforts in research, innovation, education and care.
Can I receive a tax receipt?
Tax receipts are not issued for registration fees. However, donations made to the event are, providing these conditions are met:
- The donation is $10 or greater.
- The tax receipt is being issued to the person who made the donation.
- The tax receipt information and donations are received within 60 days after the event, with all donor contact information.
- All other CRA conditions are met.
When will donors and sponsors receive a tax receipt?
Personal tax receipts are emailed immediately after all online donations over $10.00.
Corporate donations, sponsorships and donations that are mailed in will have a slight delay while they are being processed.
Can I bring cash donations to the registration desk on event day?
Unfortunately, we are a cashless event. Cheques and all major credit cards will be accepted.
Another way in
Volunteering
Can I participate if I don't ride a bike?
You sure can — you can join us as a volunteer. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here.
Can I volunteer for the event?
Stay tuned — volunteer opportunities are coming in early 2027. Check the volunteering page for updates.
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Email the Bike teamStill have a question?
We're here to help
Ready to ride — or want to give? Jump in below, or get in touch and we'll get you an answer.
Bike Team
416-785-2500 ext. 6600
BikeForBrainHealthDVP@Baycrest.org
Sponsorship
Stacey Carcao
Manager, Corporate Sponsorships and Events
scarcao@baycrest.org
Media
Natasha Nacevski-Laird
Specialist, Media Relations
nnacevski-laird@baycrest.org







