23rd Annual Operation Red Sleigh

This event is hailed the safest cycling event in North Carolina, with the assistance of local law enforcement, fire departments, Emergency Services and a multitude of volunteers. Intersections are swept to remove debris that may be a hazard for the rider. Area bike shops are on hand to assist the rider, if needed. A rider would only need to stop if they wanted to at one of the rest stops along the route.

The Sleigh Ride has been the organization’s primary fund raiser. Last year was a virtual event but this year the event will be held at Southwestern Randolph High School at 1641 Hopewell Friends Rd., Asheboro, NC. Riders have a choice of three challenging routes: 20 mile, 39 mile and 55 mile. Routes are available to preview on our website. Much of the same routes that have been used in the past are still included through the Uwharrie National Forest. Participants will receive an annual T-shirt. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Staggered start will begin at 8:00 a.m.

Operation Red Sleigh is a non-profit organization that began in 2000.  Local law enforcement, including NC Highway Patrol, started the organization to assist families in Randolph County who were in need. Our organization is given names of children in need by both school systems’ counselors/social workers. We then help Santa shop for those children in Randolph County who will not have a Christmas. We raise money throughout the year and
normally provide a hot meal for the children and their family on the day the presents are distributed. In 2022 we were able to provide the lunch and gifts for 386 children.