FAQs
What are the requirements to participate in this ride?
Raise 4000 dollars have national health insurance, and be willing to ride across America.
Will we be camping?
No we will be staying on the floor at schools, Rotary clubs, and religious institutions (although this event is independent from, and has no religious affiliation).
What is the registration fee?
$200 dollars. This amount will be counted as your first 200 dollars in donations.
What if I can't get two months off work?
We allow potential riders to participate in any portion of the event. Please contact rider administration (via email or phone) and we will work within your schedule to create an amazing adventure.
How do I train?
We provide a complete training assistant and training guide.
How will I fundraise?
We provide a personal website as your fundraising hub, and you will be able to direct donors to a secure online connection. We provide you with a personal fundraising assistant and a complete fundraising guide.
What we know, and what you may not yet realize, is that your friends will be more inspired by what you are doing than you can imagine. You see, what we've learned is that people like to invest in dreamers. There are so few people in the world who actually go for it that when someone like you does; it's a breath of fresh air to everyone around you. That's why Americans so love to support dreamers. Once you register, you'll be a dreamer, too.
People who have never raised a dime for charity before, who have never asked anyone for a cent, find themselves raising thousands of dollars for the Yes Ride. Why? Because of their commitment and support of them. Your fundraising guide is pretty exhaustive: lots of helpful hits, sample fundraising letters and tried and true strategies, goal setting tips and examples of things that have worked well for others.
What if I just want to volunteer?
We need volunteers, and this ride could not happen without them. It's a great way to see America and save lives in the third world. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering - and of course you need not commit to the whole length of the ride.
What type of roads will be riding on?
We will stay overwhelming on small non-highways roads. The route we are taking is one of the safest bike routes across America.
Will I have to carry my gear with me?
No, support vehicles will transport gear every day, and food will be provided.
What will I have to pay for on the ride?
We will provide lodging, food, and as much bicycle repair as we can manage. Entertainment, and all other expenses, generally, are you own.
What happens if my bike breaks?
We will have trained technicians on the ride, and if we are unable to fix the bike we have the location of all the bike shops across the route. So if all else fails, in the evening we can bring the bike to a professional shop.
What happens if I am unable to ride or finish for a day?
It is not mandatory that you finish everyday, although we of course encourage it; you are welcome to ride in one of the support vehicles if you fall ill, have medical limitations, or for any other reason.
What if I become hurt on the ride? How will I get to a doctor/hospital?
We require riders to have national health insurance, and we have the location of each emergency room along the route.
What should I bring?
Sleeping bag, 3 sets of riding clothes, 2 sets of casual clothes, swimming clothes, tennis shoes, bicycle helmet, pre addressed and stamped post cards, bike multi-tool, space tubes, bike mounted pump, water bottles.
How will I check my email?
We will stop at local libraries and schools to access email and allow you to update your personal blog that will be provided to you with registration. It is unlikely that we will be able to have daily email access.
What should I wear?
For riding, we recommend cycling specific shorts with a comfortable pad, that you have extensively tested before.
How will I get mail?
You will be able to receive packages at post offices on rest days. We will provide specifics at a later date.
Should I bring my laptop?
We suggest against bringing it since because of the numerous moves it could easily be damaged, and we will be able to access email other ways. Nevertheless, of course it’s up to you.
How much gear can I bring along?
You are allotted approximately 7000cc bag for this event.
What are we going to eat? Is Vegetarian or Vegan options available?
We will be relying on towns we stay in to provide pot luck dinners and breakfasts, as well as in kind donations from sponsors. We will attempt to make the ride as vegetarian and vegan friendly as possible.
How large is the event?
We are hoping for a maximum of 50 riders
What does an average day look like?
Awake early, eat breakfast, and pack our bags.
Ride 20 miles. Snack (which will be prearranged). Ride 20 miles. Lunch.
Ride 20 miles. Snack. Ride 20 miles. Evening unpacking, dinner, and free time.
How will I be able to call family?
You can, and we suggest, that you bring a cell phone, however because we will be cycling through and staying in remote areas, we also advise buying a few calling cards before you leave in case cell phones do not get reception.
How do I transport my bike to the start line/home?
Bikes can easily be partially disassembled and put into a box to be taken on an airplane. We suggest contacting a local bike shop if you have never done this before and they can advise you. Most bike shops are also happy to give away bike boxes since the cardboard would otherwise be thrown away/recycled.
What type of bike should I ride?
We strongly suggest a road bicycle with 700c wheels and 20-25cm tires. Mountain and hybrid bikes, due to their larger tires, have significantly more resistance, although these types of bikes can be fitted with thin, efficient tires as well. In the end, it’s up to you.
What we will see along the route?
See our route map.
Where does the money exactly go?
All net proceeds go directly to these benefiting charities.
What if I am unable to meet the fundraising requirement?
All donated Funds (including registration fees) to the Yes Ride are non-refundable. You must have at least your minimum pledge commitment raised no later than one week prior to the date you are scheduled to join the Yes Ride. If you do not, you will be asked at that time to complete the balance yourself. If you cannot, or do not wish to, you will not be allowed to join the Yes Ride.
Can anyone do this event?
Yes! All one needs is dedication, passion, and the time (as well as the aforementioned requirements).
When is the deadline for fund raising?
one week before you are scheduled to join the ride. For individuals completing the entire ride this day is May 25th, 2006.
