Every year at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), industry insiders have fine-tuned their spokes and donned their helmets to participate in the ADE Charity Cycle Event — a quintessential and favorite tradition among the attendees of the electronic music conference.

Headed by the non-profit Bridges For Music with support from Pioneer DJ and Beatport, the charity event raises money for students and artists in underserved communities in South Africa, giving them the tools and education they need to fulfill their creative aspirations.

With ADE taking place online this year, it seemed inevitable that this year’s ride around Amsterdam would have to wait until 2021. But instead of giving up, the industry has organized a virtual cycle relay, with bikes set up in cities and renowned venues worldwide. Spinning in from places such as Berlin’s Watergate, London’s Ministry of Sound, Amsterdam’s ADE Headquarters, and the Bridges Academy in Cape Town, the cycling app Zwift will connect the riders virtually as they crank away for this worthy cause.

Amongst the participating teams and riders will be some of the world’s most respected industry leaders, event coordinators, labels, and DJs, including Armada, Defected, Awakenings, Richie Hawtin, Pan-Pot, GIGEE, Rebekah, Floyd Lavine, Juliet Fox, GoldFish, and Pete Tong. Viewers can enjoy real-time tracking of riders’ progress, as well sets from international guests, including two of South Africa’s hottest acts. Themba and Lady Z.

Dance music fans who want to ride with their DJs from their own home can follow along on their Zwift App and Tacx Neo Smart Trainer, or via the Cycle For Music website. Just choose the artist you want to ride with on the Zwift App and share the page link to help raise funds for South African students. Hop on your bike and join the event here.

You can further support the cause by purchasing an exclusive ADE x Bridges For Music cycling jersey by GOBIK here.

Get the lead out! Donate directly and sponsor a student here.