The Underground Railroad Café and Gallery is proud to partner again this year with the Senator Mark Montigny Children's Fund and the New Bedford Cape Verdean American Veterans Association aka "The Vets" to bring the Annual Cape Verdean Independence Day Bike Ride back to the Southcoast community after record-setting attendance last year.

Through a very generous donation from the Senator Mark Montigny Children's Fund we are able to provide FREE t-shirts to every child that registers for this year's Bike Ride!

The "Vets" has been a cornerstone of Cape Verdean-American life in New Bedford for nearly 80 years.

Together we continue the cherished tradition and meaningful celebration of the Cape Verdean Independence Day Bike Ride in honor of the 51st Anniversary of Cabo Verde Independence.

First held in 1979 as a fundraiser for the Cape Verdean Universal Development Association (CUDA), this ride has long symbolized pride, resilience, and community connection for the Cape Verdean diaspora in the South Coast. This year, we will once again ride through the heart of New Bedford’s Cape Verdean neighborhoods, honoring our shared heritage and culture and uniting generations along the way!

Thank you for joining in the celebration again this year!

2026 Cape Verdean Independence Day Bike Ride

Celebrating 51 Years of Cabo Verde's Independence

Team Members