You’ll have an even better experience if you read through these frequently asked questions. Be sure to visit your event page to find out important information about your specific event.

For Green Fondos, visit the FAQ on the event page.

The Basics

Are these trips fundraising events?

Yes, Climate Ride events are charitable, fundraising events that support more than 100 beneficiary organizations. All participants commit to raising a required fundraising minimum to participate in the event.

How much is registration?

Registration for our events range from $100-$300 depending on the specific event and whether or not you register while early bird pricing is in effect.

What's included on a Climate Ride event?

Each participant who fulfills their fundraising requirement joins us on a fully supported, multi-day event. This includes:

  • A Climate Ride bike jersey or hiking shirt.
  • Nutritious and filling meals, as well as snack and water stops throughout the day.
  • Expert guides and support staff including on-route support, SAG vehicles, bike mechanics, and first aid or on-trail support that includes natural history interpretation, navigation, first aid and experienced hiking guides.
  • A well-designed route, with maps and daily turn-by-turn directions or hiking guides.
  • Overnight accommodations each night. Some camping, some indoor, some hotel options. See event pages for more specific information.
  • Daily luggage transport to the next camp. You don’t have to bike or hike with your gear!
  • Nightly events and talks from engaging speakers.
  • A Ride Guide, including detailed logistical information.
  • Access to online fundraising software, where you can create a custom fundraising page to manage your fundraising and donations.
  • Fundraising and logistical support from our amazing office staff!
  • Access to the Climate Ride community – a national network of professionals and thought leaders in the sustainability, conservation, active transportation sectors.
What kind of support can I expect on the road or trails?

Climate Ride has an experienced, friendly, and professional team of support staff. We have plenty of well-placed rest stops each day with snacks and water, and on-route we have vehicle support (‘SAG’ wagons), bicycle mechanics, and first aid. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the support staff and your fellow riders and hikers!

Are the routes open to the public (cars)?

While every route varies, all of the routes are held through roads that are open to the public (there are no roads closures for these events). In order to minimize additional drivers on the roads, please do not invite your friends or family to drive the routes.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover expenses that you pay for. On some trips, we may require that you purchase travel/medical insurance so please be sure to read the event page closely. You can contact your insurer for a recommended company, or you can try Travelguard or World Nomads. Please keep in mind that travel insurance can only cover costs that you have a receipt showing you paid for — such as hotels, flights, etc. It cannot cover fundraised dollars.

Climate Ride may cancel or reroute an event due to the occurrence of any force majeure event or credible threat thereof, including but not limited to any Act of God, fire, earthquake, acts of civil or military authority, casualty, flood, war, terrorist attack, epidemic, insurrection, civil unrest, strikes or other labor activities or any other similar cause beyond the reasonable control of Climate Ride Inc., including environmental conditions that might threaten the health and safety of Event participants, volunteers or staff. When you register, you understand and agree that your registration fees and other costs will not be refunded by Climate Ride Inc. if all or any portion of a Climate Ride Event is canceled or rerouted due to a force majeure event. You agree to release and hold Climate Ride Inc. harmless for any costs or damages incurred as result of cancellation or rerouting of a Climate Ride Event due to a force majeure event.

Do I need to be a hardcore cyclist or hiker to do one of your events?

Absolutely not! This is a tour, not a race. Our events are great for all abilities from new to experienced, and there are route options each day to help you achieve your personal goals. You don’t need expensive or fancy gear to get out there and push yourself for the cause. That said, to have the most enjoyable experience, it is important to find time to train up before your event. 

I see there are limited spaces available on these events, sounds like I need to sign up soon to get a spot?

Yes, our bike rides and hikes often fill up, so it’s recommended that you register as soon as you’re ready to commit.

Do you need to be a certain age to participate?

Yes, all participants must be at least 12 years old. Any participant who is under 18 at the start date of the event must sign a minor release waiver and be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the event.

What happens if I need to cancel or transfer to another event?

Please review the Cancellation and Transfer Policies here. We know the unforeseen can happen. If you are unable to attend the event you are registered for, please email us as soon as possible and we will cancel your registration.

Where can I buy carbon offsets?

You can purchase carbon offsets here:

The Gold Standard

Cool Effect

 

 

 

Need to borrow a bike to train and do the ride on?

Check out Bicycle Angels and their road bicycle loaning program if you live within 100 miles of one of these cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Oklahoma City, or Omaha. Alternatively, you can reach out to your local bicycle coalitions to check out their programs for earning bikes, or look into renting one from your local bike shop.

Fundraising

Can I get more info about these Algorand Foundation matches?

Sure! Please see this handy FAQ.

I’m nervous about fundraising. Can I do it?

YES! This is one of our participants’ biggest concerns before they sign up. We want you to know that it’s easier than you think, and we’re here to help you! We provide tools and individualized support to make sure your fundraising is successful. You’re here because you care about the cause and want to do something huge to support the organizations that are important to you. Your friends, colleagues, family, and community will want to support you! Please reach out to us if you want to chat about an individualized strategy. We also have fundraising tips on our website to get you started!

What happens if I don’t raise the required fundraising minimum by the deadline?

First off, if you’re worried about your fundraising, please call or email us. We’re here to help you be successful!

Climate Ride creates events that are not just an opportunity for participants to enjoy a unique and fulfilling experience, but also a crucial fundraiser for underfunded organizations that are working towards preserving our planet. It’s important to remember that the fundraising aspect of the event is just as important as the event itself, as the proceeds go towards supporting important causes that are working to make a positive impact on the environment.

As a participant, it’s essential to reach the fundraising minimum in order to join the event. We’re here to support you in any way we can. If you’re worried about meeting the fundraising minimum, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you with fundraising strategies that have been successful for past participants.

Additionally, we want to remind you that you always have the option to self-pledge. Self-pledging allows you to contribute your own funds towards your fundraising minimum, especially if you’re nearing the final fundraising deadline. This gives you the flexibility and assurance that you’ll be able to participate in the event, even if you haven’t been able to reach the fundraising minimum through other means. If you self pledge, you can continue fundraise until November 1st and receive a refund for self-pledged funds in the amount that you raised.

We believe that with our support, you’ll be able to successfully meet the fundraising minimum and be a part of our meaningful events. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help!

Are donations to Climate Ride tax-deductible?

Yes. Climate Ride events are produced by Climate Ride (Tax ID # 27-1777457), a nonprofit, public benefit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). Donations to Climate Ride are deductible for income tax purposes to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

How does the online fundraising software work?

When you sign up, you’ll receive access to our fundraising software. You’ll be given a personal fundraising page, which you can customize and then share with your friends and family. This is where they can make an online donation. When you login to the fundraising dashboard (through our website – click ‘Login’ at the top!) you will have options to send out emails, post to social media, and can even track and thank your donors. If you are having trouble with the fundraising software, email your support staff.

Can I make a donation by cash or check?

Yes. Please download the Donation by Mail form here and send it in with your check payable to “Climate Ride.”

If I cancel my registration, will my funds be disbursed to my beneficiaries?

Please review our Cancellation and Transfer Policies. Participants must fully fundraise to the event’s fundraising minimum in order for their fundraising to be disbursed to their beneficiaries through the Climate Ride Grants Program.

Are matching gifts from my donors’ company credited to my fundraising page?

Yes! Matching donations are often processed quarterly by companies, so it may take some time before you see the match on your fundraising page. Please let us know if you are expecting a match so we can keep an eye out for it.

The organization I want to raise money for is not listed as a beneficiary. Can I still fundraise for them?

A beneficiary must be approved by Climate Ride before you can fundraise for them. If you are interested in fundraising for an organization that is not currently a beneficiary, but meets our beneficiary criteria, please have them contact us and we can help them through the online application process.

Can I fundraise for any Climate Ride beneficiary on any event?

Most Climate Ride events support our full collection of beneficiaries, however, there are a few that support a single beneficiary. The Glacier Ride is a fundraising event for Glacier National Park Conservancy. Also, our international events are special Climate Ride Funders Trips. Proceeds from international events directly support Climate Ride’s community leader awards and our programs focused on education, building community, connecting generations, and funding sustainability work.

Logistics and What to Expect

What do I need to bring on the trip?

The Ride Guide for your event will contain a complete suggested packing list to help you have a comfortable trip. This will be distributed to participants several weeks before the event. In general, for cycling events you will need to bring a bicycle, helmet, and a small suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for several days on the road. Although we provide snacks, if you have a personal favorite please feel free to bring some along!

Can Climate Ride accommodate my special bike (recumbent, tandem, over-sized bike, electric, custom)?

Probably, so email us to find out! These types of bicycles may not fit on our support vehicle’s bike racks, depending on the size and style. We cannot put special bikes inside of vans, cars, or vehicle trunks because that space is reserved for support supplies and to support riders in need of transport. Our ability to support various bicycles depends on the event. Generally, you can bring a special bike if you are physically able to ride every mile of the route, in case we cannot transport your bike at the moment you might want a ride. Regarding e-bikes, generally, it is not a problem to ride an e-bike with the exception of some national parks that have banned them. Please email us to discuss the possibility of bringing a special bike and we will do our best to support you!

What will we do at camp in the evenings?

Climate Ride has arranged for a stellar line-up of discussions and engaging speakers in camp in the evening to enlighten and inspire us about innovative sustainable technologies, climate science, and active transportation and sustainability topics. You can kickback, hang out with your new friends, and delve into fascinating topics!

How will I know where to go?

Don’t worry! For our cycling events, we use Ride with GPS, so route finding is really easy on your phone or cycling computer. For our hiking events, you will always have a guide nearby to lead the way.

Can you accommodate my dietary restriction?

Yes! When you register, we ask for your dietary choice and any restrictions or allergies you have. Whether you are vegan, gluten free, both, or have other dietary needs, we will do our best do provide three square meals a day and plenty of snacks to keep you fueled up for long days of physical exertion.

Will I be able to charge my cell phone or other electronics?

We provide the means to charge electronics on all of our events. Many of our events are in areas with spotty cell coverage or have limited Wi-Fi access. Be prepared for reduced connectivity!

What if I don't have a bike? Can I rent a bike or camping gear?

Don’t let that stop you!

Check out Bicycle Angels and their FREE road bicycle loaning program if you live within 100 miles of one of these cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Oklahoma City, or Omaha.

Alternatively, you can reach out to your local bicycle coalitions to check out their programs for earning bikes, or look into renting one from your local bike shop.

We will have a preferred bike shop partner or gear rental for each event where you can reserve a rental bike or ship your personal bike. More information on renting a bike or shipping your bike will be made available after registering in our Event Guides.

I noticed some of the Glacier National Park events have a rafting component, what is that like?

This finale raft trip is an amazing way to experience Glacier from the water. It is a 2-3 hour long trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River along the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park. You’ll be going through John Stevens Canyon where the rapids are rated class II and III, which makes it a fun and splashy adventure (especially if you choose to sit in the front of the raft!). Following the simple commands of the river guide, you will actually become part of the crew that maneuvers your craft. Be sure to wear clothes you won’t mind getting wet. Wetsuits are available for no additional cost, but not really needed if weather is warm. If a participant would like to skip it, we can shuttle them to the endpoint.