May 30-June 7, 2023

The 2023 Christian Elder Memorial 900 begins on May 30

The Merchants Bank Christian Elder Memorial 900 (CEM 900) is an annual charity bicycle ride covering 900 kilometers in nine days for the benefit of Kids ‘n Kinship, a non-profit mentoring organization based in Dakota County, Minnesota. The mission of Kids ‘n Kinship is to provide friendships to children ages 5-16 in need of positive role models.

The CEM 900 was founded in 2006 by John Elder, who pedaled with long time friends Ken Dean and Tom Behan, and support driver Gordy Clough from Wolf Point, Montana, to Apple Valley, Minnesota, raising over $16,000. The ride has evolved from a ride on county roads in Minnesota and neighboring states to a ride exclusively on trails in northern and southern Minnesota. This year, the CEM 900 team will be riding the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley trails in southeastern Minnesota.

The CEM 900 has grown from three riders and one support driver in 2006 to 11 riders and four support drivers in 2023. With over $540,000 raised over the first 17 years, the team’s goal is to add to the total raised. 100% of the funds raised go directly to Kids n’ Kinship.  Merchants Bank has been the title sponsor every year since the ride’s inception.

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100% of your donation goes directly to Kids ‘n Kinship

Kids 'n Kinship provides friendships and positive role models to children and youth ages 5-16 who are in need of an additional supportive relationship with an adult.

CEM 900's title sponsor, Merchants Bank, will be hosting a welcome home reception for the CEM 900 team and their supporters at their Apple Valley location (14990 Glazier Ave) on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 11:00 am. We hope you can join us!

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor:

Sponsors:

Road Diary

Celebrating a Successful Ride

June 16, 2023

CEM 900’s title sponsor, Merchants Bank of Apple Valley, hosted a welcome home reception for the CEM 900 team today, to celebrate this year’s…

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Journey’s End

June 7, 2023

Wednesday marked the final day riding for this year’s CEM 900. As of this writing, donations to the charity ride are at $33,000. The team…

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Houston, We Have a Problem (Again)

June 6, 2023

Jay had a breakfast of scrambled eggs and fried sliced potatoes going early, giving the riders a chance to start early and finish by…

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