Ride with Passion: Discover Ward's Rides
Experience the thrill of cycling adventures where every ride unfolds a new story.
The Journey of Ward's Rides LLC
From humble beginnings, Ward’s love for the open road and the thrill of discovery led to the creation of a company dedicated to inspiring others. With a mission to educate and empower cyclists of all levels, Ward’s Rides offers unique touring experiences that blend skill-building with unforgettable adventures.Join us as we pedal towards a future where cycling transforms lives and communities.
Howard Ward Kradjel
Ward Kradjel’s cycling journey began at the tender age of 14, when he took on the challenge of planning routes and fixing flats for local rides. This early experience ignited a passion for cycling that has fueled his adventures across the country. From mastering the art of route planning to overcoming mechanical challenges, Ward’s youthful enthusiasm laid the foundation for a lifetime of cycling exploration and innovation.
Explore Our Highlights
Why Choose Ward's Rides
Expert-Led Training Our programs are guided by certified instructors with years of experience in cycling education.
Tailored Programs We offer customized training sessions to meet your specific cycling goals and needs.
Adventure Tours Join us on thrilling tours across breathtaking landscapes, designed for all skill levels.
Safety First Our top priority is ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Community Engagement Become part of a vibrant community that shares a love for cycling and outdoor adventures.
Comprehensive Support Receive full support from our team, from planning your ride to achieving your cycling milestones.
Our instructor, Ward Kradjel, was so positive and encouraging. I loved the rides and I loved the drills!
Liz M.
The best part of the class was Building confidence in riding and having a great time while learning.
Linda L.
Howard is a clear communicator and I got more out of the suggestions than I expected.
Abe L.
Ward's Commitment to Education
Ward Kradjel, a certified League Cycling Instructor, is dedicated to imparting essential cycling skills to enthusiasts of all ages. With a passion for education, Ward has developed programs that not only teach the mechanics of cycling but also instill confidence and safety awareness. His commitment extends to working with children and adults alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the freedom and joy of cycling. Through partnerships with local organizations and schools, Ward’s educational initiatives aim to create a new generation of informed and skilled cyclists.
The Full Story
Ward’s love for cycling began at age five when his grandfather taught him to ride. Over the years, he expanded his love for cycling through self-supported touring, including ambitious cross-country rides and memorable adventures around the U.S. and abroad. From his early days on local tours with friends and family to navigating the Rocky Mountains and completing his cross-country ride, Ward has experienced the challenges and rewards of cycling in nearly all its forms.
As a League Certified Cycling Instructor, Ward’s passion for cycling is matched by his dedication to education. He has taught cyclists of all ages and skill levels, from children learning to ride to adults refining their cycling techniques or preparing for tours. He combines his years of experience with a mission to foster safety, confidence, and a lifelong love of cycling. His work spans from leading one-on-one training sessions to group classes, and he is particularly focused on helping older riders prepare for their tours.
Driven by the joy he saw in others and the opportunity for education that encourages more people to ride confidently, Ward founded Ward’s Rides. Through Ward’s Rides, he envisions inspiring riders to experience the thrill and freedom of cycling. Whether you are just starting out or preparing for more ambitious adventures, Ward is here to inspire and guide you on your journey.
Join the Cycling
Revolution
Become a part of Ward’s Rides community today!
Whether you’re looking to enhance your cycling skills or embark on unforgettable tours, we have something for everyone. Sign up for our training sessions or join our community rides to experience the thrill of cycling with like-minded enthusiasts.
Get started on your cycling journey with us!Ward's Anecdote Journal
Teenage Adventures: As a teenager, Ward took and helped organize two bicycle tours. The tours where formative in Ward's lifelong love of cycling and adventure. The first ride was a 200 mile tour with his aunt and sisters through New Jersey to Dover, Delaware. His next tour started in New Haven Connecticut.
Velodrome Training: While attending college, Ward spent two semesters learning about track and road racing from Olympic athletes. With classes led by Olympian Valley Preferred Cycling Center Hall of Famer Leigh Barczewski, Ward trained on the road, on the track, and in the weight room ultimately racing in class scrimmages.
Cross-Country Adventure: Ward's adventures took him across the United States, not in one sweeping ride but through meticulously planned tours, each starting where the last ended. From crossing the Appalachian Mountains, tackling Midwest headwinds, and navigating the Rock Mountains, Ward persevered through every challenge.
Harrisburg to Cleveland Tour: Ward completed a six-day, 350-mile solo ride from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio, to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This ride presented significant physical challenges crossing the Appalachian Mountains with 50 pounds of gear.
The Big Muddy tour: Ward had a friend join a tour from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Moline, Illinois. Despite two days of 25 mph headwinds, they persevered and ended the ride at the Mississippi River.
Portland to Lewiston Tour: Ward Flew with his bike for a six-day, 350-mile solo ride from Portland, Oregon, to Lewiston, Idaho. The ride paralleled the Columbia River before he headed off through Walla Walla, WA, ending in Lewiston, ID.
Beartooth Pass Tour: With a group of 8 friends, Ward organized and completed a nine-day, 600-mile ride from Cody, Wyoming, to Rapid City, South Dakota. The ride climbed a total of 38,000 feet through the Rocky Mountains, over the Bighorn mountains, across prairie, past Devil's Tower, before ending in the Black Hills.
Holy Rollers Adventures: Ward’s church community expressed interest in bicycle touring, leading to the formation of a riding group, amusingly named, the Holy Rollers. Together, with the Holy Rollers, Ward planned and completed a 4-day tour around the New York Finger Lakes and a 5-day hilly ride in northeast Pennsylvania.
Self-Supported Touring: Ward developed a keen interest in self-supported touring, carrying all necessary gear including tents, sleeping bags, food, water, stoves, clothes, rain gear, tools, and spare parts. He attended tour leader training for self-support touring with the Adventure Cycling Association.
Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania: Ward completed a self-supported group tour along the Pine Creek Rail Trail through the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, the tour was notable for the canyon‘s grandeur and camping in remote areas with black bear precautions.
Burlington Vermont: Ward joined a self-supported group tour in Vermont that circled northern Lake Champlain. The tour was memorable for highlighting the vastness of the lake, ferry rides, and coordinating with a shuttle boat in order to cross a rail trail causeway gap.
Ward's Vision for Cycling
Ward’s Rides was born from a dream to create a thriving community of cycling enthusiasts who embrace the excitement, liberty, and practicality of biking. Ward Kradjel, the visionary behind Ward’s Rides, aims to engage, educate, and inspire riders of all backgrounds. His mission is to foster a world where cycling not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens communities.
Through innovative training programs and captivating tours, Ward dreams of expanding the community of riders who enjoy the thrill, freedom, and utility of cycling. He founded Wards Rides to engage, educate, train, and inspire a community of riders, building a world where cycling enhances lives and communities.
Ward’s Rides is dedicated to empowering cyclists and promoting a culture of exploration and adventure.
