#111 The Ride For Mental Health - Mac Dorris and special guest Wayne Stetina
We sit down with Mac Dorris, founder of The Ride for Mental Health, and call in special guest Wayne Stetina, Olympic cyclist and U.S. cycling legend, to explore how one deeply personal loss has sparked a movement of hope, healing, and action.
The Ride for Mental Health is more than a cycling event—it’s a growing national movement dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness and raising critical funds for research, education, and treatment. Since its founding in 2017, the Ride has brought together hundreds of cyclists, families, and advocates in the Hudson Valley and beyond, raising over $1 million to support mental health initiatives, including programs at McLean Hospital, a leading psychiatric institution.
What began as a tribute has evolved into a powerful community—one that creates space for conversations, honors lives, and reminds us that no one has to face mental illness alone.
In this episode, Mac shares the story behind the Ride, the impact it continues to have, and why awareness and connection are just as important as funding. Wayne adds his perspective from a lifetime in competitive cycling, highlighting the role of sport, resilience, and community in supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Mac Dorris
Mac Dorris is the founder of The Ride for Mental Health, an annual charity cycling event based in New Paltz, New York. A lifelong cyclist and former attorney, Mac created the Ride in 2017 following the tragic loss of his son, Eric, to mental illness.
Driven by a mission to honor Eric’s life and help others, Mac built the Ride into one of the country’s premier cycling fundraisers dedicated exclusively to mental health. The event raises funds for education, research, and treatment while working to break down stigma and encourage open, honest conversations about mental illness.
Wayne Stetina
Wayne Stetina is a retired American professional cyclist and one of the top U.S. riders of his era. A two-time Olympian (1972 and 1976) and gold medalist at the 1979 Pan American Games, (1980 Olympic team, US boycotted the games.), he is also a 13-time U.S. national champion and winner of prestigious races such as the Coors Classic.
Following his competitive career, Wayne remained deeply involved in the sport, contributing to cycling leadership and innovation and earning induction into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame.
