Cyclists Begin 172-Mile NOLA to Angola Charity Ride

More than 100 riders departed New Orleans to fund family prison visitation transportation.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cycling

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a group of cyclists in motion on a road, depicting a charity journey. — More than 100 cyclists began a 172-mile charity ride from New Orleans to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola on Monday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Over 100 cyclists kicked off a 172-mile journey from New Orleans to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. The annual event raises money to help families cover the costs of visiting incarcerated relatives.

Why it matters

The bike ride provides financial support for the Cornerstone Builders Bus Project, which organizes essential transportation to four state prisons. These funds ensure families can maintain contact with loved ones during incarceration.

Cyclists have raised $54,000 this year, a significant figure given the average cost to rent a 55-passenger motorcoach is $2,400. This trek covers a total distance of 172 miles between New Orleans and the state penitentiary.

The players

Cornerstone Builders Bus Project

This organization facilitates transportation services to four state prisons for families visiting incarcerated individuals.

Leo Jackson

He serves as the Cornerstone director and is credited with organizing the inaugural bus ride in 2007.

Louisiana State Penitentiary

Located in Angola, this is the destination for the annual charity bike ride and houses an immigration detention center.

The details

Support vehicles and a U-Haul truck accompany the riders to carry camping equipment and provide medical or mechanical aid throughout the multi-day trip. The initiative specifically supports travel to visit the 194 detainees held at the immigration detention center at Angola.

2007: Cornerstone Director Leo Jackson organized the first bus ride.
September 2025: Camp 57 opened on the grounds of Angola.
October 23, 2026: Cyclists departed New Orleans for the bike ride.

Season Trajectory

This annual charity ride follows a pattern established by the Cornerstone Builders Bus Project, which has long provided vital prison transportation services. The event marks the 16th consecutive year of the ride, reinforcing the long-term commitment to maintaining family connections in the state.

The fundraising success directly impacts the number of motorcoaches the Cornerstone Builders Bus Project can charter for upcoming visitation cycles. With $54,000 raised, the organization can afford roughly 22 bus rentals at the standard $2,400 rate to facilitate family visits.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how community-led athletics can address significant logistical barriers for families navigating the prison system. Organizers rely on the annual consistency of the 172-mile ride to sustain their long-term transportation efforts.