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.

Juergen Beneke was born in Germany and was a professional road cyclist in Europe before switching to mountain biking. In 1995, he moved to the U.S., living in the Bronx, where weekend cycling trips led him up to the Gunks—riding iconic loops in Mohonk and Minnewaska. He went on to become a World Cup winner and X Games gold medalist. After living out West, he returned to New Paltz, making the Gunks his home for 26 years. Now, drawing on his experience and construction knowledge, he helps others find active-lifestyle homes in the area. Learn more at CatskillsNomad.com .

Heather Barton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, parent and child therapist, and New Paltz High School alum with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Known for her grounded, relational approach, she helps build emotional awareness, connection, and resilience. In addition to her clinical work, Heather is a life coach and Reiki Master Teacher, offering spaces for both practical growth and deeper self-reflection. Deeply rooted in her community, she can often be found at the Gardiner Collective or cheering on the sidelines as a proud swim mom.

Recorded live at Fourth Fridays in New Paltz, this podcast brings real conversations to the heart of a community block party. Hosted at Water Street Market during the town’s monthly Fourth Friday celebrations (April through October), this episode captures the spirit of the evening—local voices, shared stories, and the energy of music, food, and connection. The podcast invites listeners into a relaxed, welcoming space where community comes first.

Dr. David Ness is a certified sports chiropractor based in New Paltz, New York, helping athletes and active individuals recover, move better, and perform at their best. Dr. Ness is also Certified Master Active Release Techniques® Provider, Certified Kennedy Spinal Decompression Specialist, and a Certified Titleist Golf Fitness Instructor®. Since 2015, he has served as the official chiropractor and ART® provider for the Army West Point football team. Outside the office, Dr. Ness is a husband and father of two, who enjoys yoga, golf, mountain biking, snowboarding, and spending time outdoors with his family—bringing a well‑rounded, real‑world perspective to health, movement, and recovery.

Paul Steely White is the Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, where he leads efforts to expand and protect access to parks, trails, and public lands across the state. Previously, he spent 14 years as Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, helping transform New York City’s streets and public spaces through successful pedestrian, bicycling, and car‑free initiatives, including Car‑Free Central Park. Paul holds degrees from the University of Illinois and the University of Montana and enjoys biking and hiking the Hudson River Valley with his family.

William Weinstein is a licensed acupuncturist with over two decades in private practice, offering a modern, neurologically grounded approach to traditional acupuncture. Based in New Paltz, New York, he combines palpation‑based assessment with contemporary neuroanatomy to create collaborative, evidence‑informed treatment plans that emphasize the nervous system as the primary mediator of acupuncture’s effects. Through acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, and gua sha, William works to demystify acupuncture—presenting it as a clinically relevant medical intervention that supports pain relief, improved function, and the body’s innate capacity for healing.

Mike Monastero is an endurance sports coach with over 20 years of experience coaching athletes in cycling, running, and triathlon. A founding coach at Altered States Coaching and owner of Babylon Bike Shop, Mike has worked with everyone from first‑time racers to elite Ironman athletes. Known for his early adoption of power‑based training and expertise in bike fitting, he’s helped hundreds of athletes improve performance, prevent injury, and achieve major endurance milestones.