What is the Christian Elder Memorial 900?
The Merchants Bank Christian Elder Memorial 900 (CEM900) 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 CEM900 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 CEM900 has evolved from a ride on county roads and trails in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin in the early years, to a ride exclusively on trails in northern and southern Minnesota in recent years.
The CEM900 has grown in participants from two riders in 2007 to a peak of 12 riders in 2016, along with four support drivers. Likewise, the amount raised has increased nearly every year, totaling more than $45,000 in 2017, with 100% of donations going directly to Kids ‘n Kinship. Merchants Bank has been the title sponsor of the CEM900 each and every year since the inaugural ride in 2006.


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.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ride will be conducted a bit differently; riders will pedal independently from their respective homes each day. Our Merchants Bank Welcome Home Reception for the 2020 CEM900 team will look a little different this year as well, and details will be announced soon.
Road Diary
Riding to the Finish
Wednesday marked the final 62-mile ride for the 2019 CEM900, and like each of the preceding five days, it promised to be another perfect…
Read MoreJim Won’t Quit
Tuesday morning began with the aroma of Jay’s breakfast being made, a medley of fried eggs and sliced potatoes with toast and jelly. It also…
Read MoreSurprised on the Trail
Monday marked the beginning of the final three-day leg of the 2019 CEM900. It promised to be another perfect day, sunny and cool in the…
Read More