FAQ

• Registration is $75.
• Access to donation software via the web, where you can customize your own Personal Fundraising Page to manage your fundraising and donations.
• A Climate Ride jersey, provided you sign up before August 2nd and complete your fundraising before rider registration. (If you sign up after August 2nd, we'll do everything we can to make sure you get a jersey in your size, but there are no guarantees, because we need to order jerseys 6 weeks before the ride). Jerseys and shorts for friends and family are available for purchase any time after you sign up. You can pick up and pay for extra jerseys and shorts at registration. 
• A chance for top fundraisers to win amazing gifts and swell prizes (Specialized Bikes, messenger bags, bike accessories, and more).
• Maps, cue sheets and a water bottle (at registration).
• The Climate Rider's Travel Planner. This includes detailed information on the ride (also available to registered riders on their Personal Fundraising Page).
• Breakfast, cyclist's lunch (pb&j, snacks, etc), and dinner, camping/retreat center accommodations, expert support, luggage transport, expert speaker series.

Can I create a team or join a team after I have registered as an individual? 
You can, but it requires a bunch of clicks. If you think you'll eventually create a team, better to register as a team. Email geraldine@climateride.org for more information.

Do I need to be a racer/hardcore cyclist to do Climate Ride?
Absolutely not!  Most of our cyclists are new to bicycling.  You don't need an expensive racing bike or Lance Armstrong thighs to get out there and pedal for the cause.  It is important to find a bicycle that is comfortable for you to ride most of the day and to begin a training program.  This will help you to be more comfortable and confident.  Please see our tips on training here.  

What happens if I don't raise the $2,400 minimum by the September 15th deadline?
First, please feel free to call or email us if you need further advice on how to fundraise successfully. If you are unable to raise the $2,400 fundraising minimum by September 15th, you can self pledge the remainder of the balance. 

If my company does gift matching, is there any way I can get that matching amount credited towards my fundraising amount?
Absolutely! We encourage donors to ask their company if it matches gifts. As long as the matching gift comes in by September 15th, then yes, it counts toward your goal. Be sure to check how often your company sends out matches- some only do it annually, while others do it quarterly.

What are the beneficiaries' addresses and tax EIN #'s?
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy:
The Duke Ellington Building
2121 Ward Court, NW 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037
Tax ID #52-1437006

1Sky
6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 1000
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Tax ID #26-1181604

Green America
1612 K St NW, Suite 600 
Washington, DC 20006 
Tax ID #52-1660746 

Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.  Thanks to Climate Counts for providing non-profit sponsorship while the Climate Ride application pends approval by the IRS. 

Climate Counts
PO Box 4844
Manchester NH 03108
Tax ID #42-1721562

How does the online donation software work? 
When you register, the online software will lead you to create a personal
webpage that you can use for fundraising. Look at your webpage when you have registered and it will explain how people can donate (and should help to answer your questions). When you meet people you can ask them to visit your webpage to donate (they can use a credit card). Or you can send a link to your personal webpage in an email and then your friends can click and donate. The donation software tracks and records all of your donations.

There is also an "offline" donation form which people can use to send in a
check. While credit cards make it easy for people to donate quickly online, more money goes to beneficiaries if they write a check (because of credit card fees and software fees 3-5%). So, if you want to ask people to write a check, print out a few offline forms. Also, the non-profit taxpayer ID# is listed on the forms, so that donors can write off their donation. Checks are made out to Climate Counts and sent to Climate Ride (address is on the downloadable form).

Can a donor make a donation to my whole team?
Not yet. That functionality should be available soon though, so keep an eye out for the change.

Should I get my bike tuned before Climate Ride?
YES!! We highly recommend getting your bike tuned up before Climate Ride, especially if it's old and/or your bike mechanic skills are limited. We recommend using your local bike shop (support local retailers!) While we will have mechanics on the ride to help you if something goes wrong, the line is long, and there's nothing worse than seeing your friends peel out of camp while your bike is getting a shifter fixed. You'll have a lot more fun riding a smoothly running bike than standing around in your chammy, waiting. Also, the mechanics asked that you not use them as your free yearly tune-up. It's poor form. Please go support your local bike shop and get your bike tuned pre-ride! We suggest doing this at least two weeks ahead of the ride, in case your bike needs a new part or something that has to get ordered.

Can I order extra jerseys and shorts?
Yes! We put in the order for jerseys on August 2nd, so if you want to order additional jerseys (in addition to the one you get for free for successful fundraising), please email geraldine@climateride.org with your size (note W or M). We will order extra jerseys to have on hand. If you register after 8/2, we will try to get you a jersey in your size, but if we don't have extras in your size on registration day, we'll get one to you after the ride. (In 2009, everyone got a jersey in the size they wanted.) Jerseys have a relaxed fit but are generally true to size. You can view a sizing chart at www.Voler.com.

Climate Ride bike shorts will be available as well: if you would like to order a pair, please email geraldine@climateride.org with your size (note W or M). Check out this year's jersey design here!

Can I create custom jerseys for me team?
You are welcome to create your own jerseys for your own teams, etc. Email geraldine@climateride.org if you need logos. We like Voler, Mt. Borah, and Blackbottoms.

What if I like to ride slow, and stop for ice cream?
We encourage it!  There's absolutely no rush on Climate Ride. You can take all day to complete the ride, if you like. In fact, many of our riders take it easy, stopping often for photos, coffee, and historic spots.  Be assured that no matter what your pace, you'll meet people to ride with!

What if I like to ride fast?
We encourage it! If you want to get up and go, and do some hard riding, have at it. On a typical 60 mile day, some riders are arrive at camp around 2pm, while others take a more leisurely pace and arrive around 5pm. Climate Riders come in all speeds and sizes! 

What kind of support can I expect on the ride?
Climate Ride has the most experienced and highest quality support staff. All you need to do is ride. We'll provide plenty of rest stops, snacks, healthy meals, restful camping, vehicle support (the 'sag' wagon), bike mechanics, luggage transport, and showers. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie, encouragement, and cheer! 

How will I know where to go?
We give you directions at the start of the day, and we mark each turns with signs, so route finding is really easy.

Will there be food for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. When you register, you can choose either option.

What kind of bicycle do I need?
It's very important that you have a bicycle that you will be comfortable riding for most of the day- up to six hours in the saddle. Talk to your local bike shop about proper bicycle fitting. Most people choose to ride road bicycles, but hybrid bicycles are fine. You may also ride a mountain bike, but consider putting "slick" tires on your wheels, as wide, knobby tires tend to move slower on paved roads.

For what am I responsible?
All riders need to bring a bicycle, helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a small suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries and anything else necessary for five days on the road. In the Climate Ride Travel Planner, you will find suggestions from the pros on proper clothing, equipment, and packing for the ride. Climate Ride provides breakfast, dinner, and heavy snacks, which includes the cyclist's favorite on-the-road lunch--PB&J. We encourage you to enjoy a sit down lunch or indulge in a daily ice cream cone in the small towns along the way, so bring some extra cash. We'll tell you the good stops each day.

If you need to rent gear, check out www.GearToGoOutfitters.com.

Where will we sleep?
We have selected the best camping and hotel locations along the route. When you arrive at camp, all you have to do is set up your tent and relax. If you would prefer not to camp any of the nights, you will find a list of hotels and B&Bs in Travel Planner 2 that are near the camping locations, which will be emailed in August. If you choose to use any of these indoor accommodations, you will be responsible for making your own reservations, arranging transport to and from the campground, and associated costs. Please email Caeli at caeli@climateride.org for more information.

Are showers available during the ride?
We have hot showers available every night of the ride!

What will we do in the evenings after riding all day?
Climate Ride has arranged for renowned authorities to meet us at camp in the evening to enlighten and inspire us about innovative sustainable technologies, climate science, and easy ways to reduce our carbon footprint. So you can kick back, hang out with your new friends and delve into fascinating topics! You receive all of this and a great night's sleep.

Don't see your question? Contact Us.

***Note! We say the trips starts in Eureka, because it's a more recognizable name. But the trip start and registration are actually 10 miles south of Eureka in the small town of Fortuna.*** 

How can I learn more about all the details of traveling to and from Climate Ride?
Ha! We knew you'd ask that, so we built these pages: Getting There & Away. It's pretty comprehensive, so check it out!

When do I need to arrive in Fortuna?
You need to arrive in Eureka/Fortuna on Monday, 9/20, by 5:30pm, for registration.  If you are planning to arrive the morning of Tuesday, 9/21, please let us know so we can plan accordingly. 

Where do I stay in Fortuna?
There are 4 hotels and a nice campground right next to the registration building. 

When should I plan to depart from San Francisco?
We recommending leaving San Francisco after 7pm on Saturday, 9/25, though you could leave a bit earlier if necessary.

How do I get myself and my bike to Eureka/Fortuna and home from San Francisco?
While it's a lot to think about, it's not as hard as it seems! There are several options including the bus, Amtrak, carpooling, and flying. Check out Getting There & Away for numerous options and tips.

Can I bring my hard shell bike box?
If you are traveling to Fortuna with a hard-shell bike case, email geraldine@climateride.org to reserve your space. We will likely have space for a limited number of hard shell bike boxes in the luggage truck. If we do, we'll carry it for you. If we don't, you'll have to ship it forward to San Francisco and meet it there.

Can I bring my cardboard bike box and re-use it to box my bike at the end of the ride?
Yes. Just collapse so it is flat.