For almost 150 episodes, The Dark Zone has been free — stories of grit, uncertainty, partnership, and the long road through the unknown.
Now we’re turning those miles into something bigger.
From March 19-22, 2026, Bob Mina and Brian Gatens of TDZ will attempt to ride 400 miles from West Chester, Pennsylvania to The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. No guarantees. No shortcuts. Just four days and a whole lot of pedaling.
We’re calling it Katie’s Cookie Ride.
For years, Bob has baked cookies for his daughter Katie. This time, he’s baking a batch and carrying them 400 miles south — turning a simple family tradition into a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
At St. Jude, families never receive a bill for treatment. Every dollar raised goes directly to their lifesaving mission. Bob and Brian are covering the full cost of the ride themselves.
If The Dark Zone has ever kept you company on a long run, a long drive, or a long trainer session — this is a chance to pay it forward.
Live tracking for the ride is being generously provided by Mark Harris of Enabled Tracking, and we’ll be updating along the way.
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast 