My bikes — yes, plural — have been loyal partners for more than 30 years. After a slew of surgeries on my legs, starting in college with soccer injuries, my running days were numbered. As someone who needs a physical outlet, I had to find a substitute. I found my escape on two wheels.

Cycling allowed me to stay active, without putting stress on my joints. During my early professional life, the road bike was my outlet. Then, the mountain bike came into vogue, and more recently, cyclocross.

For a while, bike racing fed my competitive urge. I wanted to test myself, while exploring new riding locations throughout New England.

These days, though, charity rides fill that void. Now, it’s all about the in-ride camaraderie. My cycling buddies and I can still push ourselves, but we don’t need to win. The post-ride get-togethers are just as much fun. But most of all, we’re riding for causes.

Good causes, important causes.

I’ve ridden to benefit research and treatment of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. People pedal as survivors, or to support family members and friends. In 1987, I rode the Pan-Mass Challenge for my father, when the event was held in September, and the fundraising demands weren’t so daunting (the two-day ride now requires donations of $4,500 to $7,500, depending on when you register). The PMC will be held Aug. 6-7 this year.

More recently, I’ve opted for single-day events, diversifying my pedaling adventures and fundraising efforts. Fortunately, there are numerous charity rides to choose from.

On Sunday, close to 500 cyclists will starting pedaling in Waltham for the annual Boston Brain Tumor Ride . To date, almost $500,000 has been raised for the National Brain Tumor Society . Like many charity rides, there are several route options, allowing weekend warriors and serious cyclists to tailor their effort.

For an epic journey, the multi-day Tour de Cure to support diabetes research starts on July 9 in Woburn. Options include 150- and 550-mile rides, to the Maine seacoast and the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont.

This year, I hope my surgically repaired hip will allow me to repay my debt to my bicycles and take part in the Bikes Not Bombs Bike-A-Thon on June 5. Like many charity rides, the Bike-A-Thon offers a variety of ride options, with four routes ranging from 10 to 80 miles.

More importantly, it’s an opportunity to give back.

Rider donations support Bikes Not Bombs’s bike-centric youth and international programs, and the group’s mission “to promote environmental sustainability and social justice.’’ Last year, the ride attracted more than 800 riders, raising more than $200,000.

In short, there’s a charity ride for almost any cause.

There are all-women ride options, such as Cycle the Wave in Ashland in September. Most allow for individual and team registration, and most rides are fully supported, with rest stations every 15 to 20 miles, offering refreshments and mechanical help. Registrations and fund-raising requirements vary.

Charity rides

NORTH OF BOSTON

?May 22 — The annual North Shore Tour de Cure, which benefits the work of the American Diabetes Association; launches from the Topsfield Fairgrounds. Routes range from 15 to 100 miles, with the century Gran Fondo option stretching up into southern New Hampshire.

?July 24 — Cycle for Shelter in Haverhill offers four scenic rides (from 21 to 100 miles), and supports Emmaus, Inc. The nonprofit provides housing, shelter, and services to homeless families and individuals.

?Sept. 11 — North Andover’s Ride for Angels is a non-competitive charity event that benefits Angel Flight Northeast . This nonprofit arranges free flights in private aircraft, manned by volunteer pilots, for people requiring medical care. The event consists of four different rides (20 to 100 miles) all beginning and ending at the Lawrence Municipal Airport . A post-ride barbecue lunch is provided.

WEST OF BOSTON

?June 11 — The 20th Cycle for Life is a scenic 25-, 50-, or 80-mile bike ride through picturesque Middlesex County, around Walden Pond and past other historic landmarks. The grounds of the John H. Pierce House serve as the start and finish line, and the post-ride festival site. The event supports pediatric cancer patients and Child Life Services at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center .

?June 12 — More than 300 cyclists have registered for the American Cancer Society’s 6th Bicycles Battling Cancer . The event will start and finish at the Hillside School in Marlborough. Routes include 30-, 70-, and 100-mile options.

?July 11 — The 20th annual Ride to End Alzheimer’s in Devens offers four distance options, including a Family Ride, 30-, 62-, or 100-mile routes, through the scenic landscapes of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

?July 16 — The Bike MS: Minuteman Ride 2016 starts and finishes at Concord-Carlisle High School and traverses several towns in MetroWest. Choose between two routes, 25 or 60 miles. The event benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society .

?Sept. 18 — Cycle the Wave is an all-female, non-competitive ride, beginning and ending in Ashland. This ride is intended to raise awareness of domestic violence and raise funds for Web of Benefit Inc. , a local nonprofit assisting survivors of domestic violence. Three ride options range between 25 and 62 miles.

SOUTH OF BOSTON

?June 11 — The Ride for Habitat supports South Shore Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing programs. Choose from 15-, 25-, or 50-mile ride options. The route along the scenic South Shore provides several breathtaking views of the ocean.

?Sept. 3 — Held on Labor Day Weekend, the Bike to the Beach New England is a fully supported ride from Boston to Newport, R.I., along the East Bay Bike Path. The ride, which offers metric and century options (60 and 100 miles), highlights awareness and funding for autism research.

?Sept. 17 — Harbor to the Bay is a single-day, 68- or 126-mile pedal from Boston to Provincetown that raises funds for four HIV/AIDS organizations. All donations go directly to the beneficiaries. Administered by Harbor to the Bay Inc., a nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer staff.

For a more complete listing of charity bike rides in eastern Massachusetts, visit The Charity Bicycle Ride Website (charitybicycleride.com/charity_bike_events.htm).

If you have an idea for the Globe’s “On the Move’’ column, contact correspondent Brion O’Connor at brionoc@verizon.net..