Special to the NEWS
Until the development of the interstate highway system in the 1950s, the United States was dotted with small towns along state highways, each with its own personality.
Now, as people hurry down the interstate, they pass dozens, or even hundreds, of these towns, bypassing the people and stories that make each one unique.
For Matt King, that is unacceptable. As the CEO of Gobundance, King is rooted in accountability and awareness.
This summer, through the Gobundance Foundation and the generous donations of others, King is undertaking theRide, a 2,000-mile bike ride that passes through America’s underserved cities, from the Mexican border at Matamoros, Mexico to the United States/Canada border between Minnesota and Manitoba.
His journey is also taking him through the Resaca City on his scheduled launch date, May 27, 2026, according to Sara Burgos of Sunwest Communications.
Along the way, King hopes to showcase the stories of the people in these towns by donating $1 million along his route. The ride begins on Wednesday, May 27, and is scheduled to be completed on June 8.
King and his team at theRide are nearly one-third of the way to their fundraising goal and continue speaking to groups and individuals while he trains. They’ll use dynamic, real-time visual storytelling during theRide to encourage others to donate. King hopes others can see his vision.
“We are setting out to raise $1,000,000. Not to sit in a fund, not to wait for the perfect moment, but to place resources directly in the hands of people who need a turning point, when it can change everything,” said King. “This support moves in real time along the route, meeting people where they are, restoring stability, expanding access, and reminding them they are not alone.”
King encourages others to dig deep and support theRide. Gifts can be made at any level, and sponsorships begin at $10,000. Donate at backtheride.com.
TheRide is not only seeking to raise funds from others but also to collect stories from those in need. Individuals can nominate people along the route for assistance at backtheride.com.
Over the course of nearly two weeks, King will travel from the Texas-Mexico border, traversing seven states on the 2,000-mile ride.
Planned stops include: May 27, Matamoros, Mexico; May 28, Ben Bolt, TX; May 29, Seguin, TX; May 30, Evant, TX; May 31, Paradise, TX; June 1, Slaughterville, OK; June 2, Ponca, OK; June 3, Council Grove, KS; June 4, Tecumseh, NE; June 5, Sergeant Bluff, IA; June 6, Elkton, MN; June 7, Breckenridge, MN; June 8, Stephen, MN; June 8, Manitoba, Canada.
People can follow King as he trains and completes theRide on his social media channels.
TheRide is a 2,000-plus-mile cycling journey from Mexico to Canada with one purpose: to raise $1,000,000 and put it into motion in real time, placing support directly into the hands of people and communities who need a turning point along the way.
TheRide exists because too many people across America are living one setback away from crisis, often in the communities the public moves through every day, according to a press release. “Opportunity isn’t evenly distributed, and many are doing everything they can and still fall behind,” says King.
TheRide is choosing action over intention, showing up in real time for people who need immediate help, not just support from a distance, according to his statement.