Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is registration, how much do I need to fundraise, and what does it include?

Registration is $75.  The fundraising minimum for the 5-day event is $2400. This is what is included:

• Access to donation software via the web, where you can customize your own Personal Fundraising Page to manage your fundraising and donations.
• The Climate Ride jersey, provided you sign up at least 6 weeks before the ride and complete your fundraising minimum of $2400 before rider registration. (If you sign up within 6 weeks the ride, 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 out). 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. 
• Maps, daily cue sheets and 2 water bottles (at registration).
• Fully marked route
• The Climate Rider's Travel Planner. This includes detailed information on the ride (also available to registered riders on their Personal Fundraising Page).
• All breakfasts, picnic and pack lunches, and dinners once the ride begins
• Multiple snack and waterstops each day
• 4 nights of camping on Climate Ride California (1 night camping, 3 nights at retreat centers/summer camps on Climate Ride NYC-DC)
• Hot showers every night!
• Expert bike support throughout the day (aka multiple sag wagons)
• Bike mechanics
• Daily luggage transport  (you do not have to carry your gear!)
• Nightly Expert Speaker Series 
• A chance for top fundraisers to win amazing gifts and swell prizes (cool bikes, messenger bags, bike accessories, and more).

How do I create a team?

When you register online, it will ask you if you want to join as an individual or as a team. Please choose the team option. Since you are registering the team, it will automatically make you the Team Captain. You will have the tools to manage the team page (you can add photos/special text) as well as your individual page. Furthermore you can set a team fundraising goal. Each team member must raise the minimum ($2400). Let your potential teammates know that when they register they can choose to join your team from the dropdown menu.

Can I create a team or join a team after I have registered as an individual? 
You can, but it requires a bunch of mouse-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!  This is a tour, not a race. Both Climate Rides are great for new cyclists and seasoned riders. 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.  

Are donations to Climate Ride tax-deductible?
Yes. All donations made to support your fundraising are fully tax-deductible. All donors will receive an e-tax receipt via email as record of their donation. Climate Ride's Tax ID/EIN is 27-1777457.

 

Want to help? Become a fan of Climate Ride on Facebook and write a comment on our Wall. Thanks!

What happens if I don't raise the $2,400 minimum by the 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 the deadline, you can self pledge the remainder of the balance.

What are the fundraising deadlines? 
The fundraising deadline for the NYC-DC ride is May 19th. For the California ride it's August 31st. 

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 the fundraising deadline, 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. If you're waiting and counting on a match to meet your minimum, but it doesn't come until after the ride, we can hold a check from you as a guarantee until the match arrives. Email Geraldine@climateride.org for more details.

What is Climate Ride's address and Tax ID/EIN?
Climate Ride
114 West Pine Street
Missoula, MT 59802
406-322-3448 
Tax ID #27-1777457 
All donations made to support Climate Riders' fundraising are fully tax-deductible. All donors will receive an e-tax receipt via email as record of their donation. Climate Ride's Tax ID/EIN is 27-1777457.  

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 of 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.

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.

I have a special bike (recumbent, tandem, over-sized bike, electric, customized)...Can Climate Ride accommodate my bike? Please email us to discuss the possibility of bringing a special bike. These types of bicycles most likely will not fit on our support vehicle's bike racks, depending on the size and style. Generally, you can bring a special bike if you are physically able to ride every mile of the route, since we will not be able to transport it. We cannot put special bikes into vans, cars or vehicle trunks because that space is reserved for support supplies and to support riders in need of transport. If you are thinking about bringing a special bike on Climate Ride, please email us at info@climateride.org.

Do you have a relationship with any bike shops?
Yes! Climate Riders can get 10% off bikes and 15% off parts and accessories at any of the 8 Mike's Bikes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just bring in some proof you're a Climate Rider- a print out of your registration confirmation works best. We're working to partner with other shops (especially on the east coast) and will let you know as it happens.

Can I order extra jerseys and shorts?
Yes! We will put in the order for jerseys 6 weeks before the ride, 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 within 6 weeks of the ride, 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 2010, 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 the jersey design here!

Can I create custom jerseys for my 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, REI.com, or ask your friends!

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

Will I be able to charge my cell phone or other electronics?
Yes, We bring extra power strips.

Is there good cell service or wi-fi available on the ride?
On Climate Ride NYC-DC, there is good cell service along most of the route. All campgrounds/retreat centers have wi-fi--once again, be prepared for slower bandwidth if many riders are attempting to connect their smartphones to the network.

On Climate Ride California, there is very limited cell service along the coast. Verizon has some service; AT&T has almost none. You may not get a decent signal until we reach the Bay Area. Our campgrounds have wi-fi, however be prepared for slow bandwidth as all the riders try to connect to the network. Be prepared for reduced connectivity!

Is this a camping trip?
Climate Ride NYC-DC is half-camping/half-retreat center with beds and Climate Ride California is all camping.
Each trip is different, though, so read on about each ride:

On Climate Ride NYC-DC, we camp on 2 nights of the ride, and then have retreat center/modest hotel rooms for the other 2 nights. You are responsible for bringing your own camping gear (tent, pad, sleeping bag are recommended), which we will transport along with your luggage. There is an option to 'rent-a-bunk' at one of our camps, which would mean you would only set up a tent for 1 night.  Being in camp is one of the best parts of the Climate Ride experience. 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 a month before the ride. 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.

On Climate Ride California, we camp each night. You are responsible for bringing your own camping gear (tent, pad, sleeping bag are recommended), which we will transport along with your luggage.We have selected the best camping locations along the route. When you arrive at camp, all you have to do is set up your tent and relax. Being in camp is one of the best parts of the Climate Ride experience: it's where people connect. 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 a month before the ride. 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.

Got recommendations for camping gear?
You bet! When you register, you will have access to purchasing tents, sleeping bags, and pads for 50% off, from NEMO Equipment, our favorite gear sponsor. 

Can I rent camping gear?
In the NYC area try: www.geartogooutfitters.com or try REI.

In California or beyond, check out REI. They carry a lot of rental camping gear. At this link, you can search by state:  http://www.rei.com/stores/rentals.html

We also recommend reaching out to your friends! You'd be surprised who has a tent, sleeping bag and pad and would be happy to share it with you for one week.

Can I stay in hotels instead?
Being in camp is one of the best parts of the Climate Ride experience. We highly recommend it. But 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 a month before the ride. 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. If you select to stay in hotels, you must let Caeli know in advance.

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.

How can I learn more about all the details of traveling to and from Climate Ride?
For the NYC-DC ride, please visit this page: Getting to and from the NYC-DC Ride.

For the California ride, visit Getting to and from the California Ride.

How do I get myself and my bike to the trip start and home from the trip end?
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 the links above for numerous options and tips.

Can I bring my hard shell bike box?
If you are traveling to the trip start 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 the trip end 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.

 

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Questions about NYC-DC:

When do I need to arrive in NYC?
You need to arrive in NYC by 6pm on the day before the ride start for registration.

When can I depart from DC?
We recommend leaving the day after we arrive in DC, preferably later in the afternoon, to allow time for a visit to Congress.

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Questions about California:

***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.***

When do I need to arrive in Fortuna?
You need to arrive in Eureka/Fortuna by 5:30pm the day before the official trip start, for registration.  If you are planning to arrive the morning of the trip start, 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 the day the trip ends, though you could leave a bit earlier if necessary.