JACKSON, Wyo. — After a three-year hiatus, Rock the Ride returns through Rock on Society, a newly incorporated Wyoming nonprofit that has filed for 501c3 status with the IRS and was formed by event founder and VIM fitness studio owner, Julie Guttormson.

Rock On Society invites all ages and fitness levels to participate in the Sixth Annual Rock the Ride, a high-energy, indoor team cycling fundraiser to benefit the St. John’s Health Foundation Stroke and Cardiac Fund for local patients. Groups of up to six riders can once again ride hard, hardly ride, sing, dance and party the night away, all for a valuable cause.

The event will be held from 5-9 p.m. on March 11 at The Virginian Lodge.

Since its inaugural year, Rock the Ride has raised over $300,000 for local stroke and cardio patients.

General symptoms of a stroke include:

  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

“Thanks to the support of St John’s Health Foundation, we were able to bring my vision to life for five, impactful years,” said Guttormson. “It was because of this success that I decided to form Rock On Society with a vision to provide aid for stroke and cardiac patients of all ages through community, camaraderie and connection. Rock the Ride will continue to grow with vim and vigor and continue to change lives right here in our own community and beyond.”

“Our community has been waiting for Rock the Ride to return for three long years,” said Foundation President Anna Olson. “This day of connection and celebration directly benefits local patients who are experiencing complex health issues and really need support. Thanks to Rock the Ride, we can eliminate financial stress and help our patients focus on prevention and recovery.”

Sign up for Rock the Ride, March 11 at the Virginian. Since its inaugural year, Rock the Ride has raised over $300,000 for local stroke and cardio patients. Photo: Katy Gray Photography

Guttormson can relate to the stress of a major health event, having experienced a stroke herself at the age of 31. Guttormson, a vibrant, active athlete who enjoyed skiing, running, and cycling, had lived in Jackson for only a year when she suffered a stroke from three blood clots in different, major veins of her brain. She was lucky enough to walk away healthy and have great health insurance to pay for her treatment. Because not everyone has the same fortunate outcome, Rock the Ride was born as Guttormson’s personal way to celebrate health, give back to the community and celebrate another year in business. 2023 marks VIM’s 11th anniversary. Her full recovery included completing an Ironman triathlon and launching her fitness studio.

“I had the idea of this event from the day I opened the studio almost 11 years ago. I knew that bringing fun, fitness and people together is what we do best and based on my own experience, I had a platform to help make a difference in people’s lives right here in our community,” said Guttormson.

Rock the Ride will include entertainment, energizing music, fabulous giveaways, great food and of course plenty of coffee! Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the highest mileage, highest fundraising total, most spirit, best costumes and more.

Advance registration for “Rock the Ride” is required, due to limited space. To sign up, go to www.rockonsociety.org