The 2025 Christian Elder Memorial 900 begins on May 15
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 teams will be riding in three separate legs across Minnesota, stretching from the Root River to the Iron Range.
The CEM 900 has grown from three riders and one support driver in 2006 to 11 riders and four support drivers in 2024. With over $640,000 raised over the first 19 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.


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 12, 2025, at 11:00 am. We hope you can join us!
Road Diary
Let’s ride on another day
On Saturday morning the CEM 900 team was greeted with more blustery wind, more trees down, and a cold 37 degree wind chill. Not…
Read MoreA CEM 900 first: Rolling over power lines
The CEM 900 riders experienced varying weather conditions, and trail hazards galore on Friday. After downing Jay’s breakfast of bacon, eggs, and blueberry pancakes,…
Read MoreA windy day one
The CEM 900 Mother Ship rolled out of Bloomington on Thursday morning bound for the Old Barn Campground located conveniently adjacent to the Root…
Read More