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FAQ

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 fees 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 support stops to stock up on snacks and water throughout the day.
  • Experienced cycling/hiking guides, support staff, and bike mechanics who provide on-route support and first aid, drive SAG vehicles, and offer on-trail navigation and natural history interpretation.
  • A well-designed route with maps and daily turn-by-turn directions or hiking guides.
  • Overnight accommodations each night — some camping, some indoors, some hotels. 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 Climate Ride staff!
  • Access to the Climate Ride community — a national network of professionals and thought leaders in the sustainability, conservation, and 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 with snacks and water each day, and on-route, we have vehicle support (‘SAG’ wagons), bicycle mechanics, and first aid as needed. 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 traverse over roads that are open to the public — which is to say, 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 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 and get in shape before your event. You can find tips and example training plans here.

I see there are limited spaces available on these events — how quickly do events sell out?

Our bike rides and hikes often fill up quickly after being announced, so it’s recommended that you register* as soon as you’re ready to commit to guarantee your spot.

*Please note that registration fees are non-refundable, so if you sign up and decide to cancel later, the registration fee will not be refunded.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover travel expenses that you personally 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 you need to be a certain age to participate?

All participants must be at least 12 years old by the start date of the event. 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

I don’t have my own bike — is there a resource for renting affordable bikes to train with/bring on the ride?

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.

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 email your participant manager. 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 a participant, it’s mandatory 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 of the year of the event and receive a refund for self-pledged funds in the amount that you raised above the minimum.

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. Please consult a tax professional with any questions regarding your unique situation.

How does the online fundraising software work?

When you sign up, you’ll receive access to our top-of-the-line fundraising software, DonorDrive. 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 log into the fundraising dashboard (through our website – click ‘Login’ at the top!), you will have options to send out emails, post to social media, and you can even track and thank your donors. If you are having trouble with the fundraising software, please email your participant manager.

Can I make a donation by cash or check? What about donor-advised funds?

Yes, yes, and yes! To donate through any of these means, please download the Donation by Mail form here and send it in with your check, payable to “Climate Ride.” You can find more info about donating through your DAFs here.

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

Please review our Cancellation and Transfer Policies. Participants must reach 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 — and sometimes annually — by companies, so it may take some time before you see the match on your fundraising page. If you’re hoping to take advantage of your company’s matching program, be sure to get on it ASAP so you can get those funds before the fundraising deadline. Please let us know if you are expecting a match so we can keep an eye out for it.

What happens if matching funds come in after fundraising has closed for my event?

We will attempt to reach you via email for any matching donations that come in after the fundraising for your event has closed. You’ll have three options:

  1. Use those funds for your own participation on an upcoming event;
  2. Designate those funds to a participant on an existing event;
  3. Donate those funds to our Annual Fund to support our Community Leader Scholarship spots, grant acceleration, and other programs.

If we do not hear back from you before December 1st of the year we reach out, these funds will go into our Annual Fund to support our Community Leader Award Program and Environmental Justice Action Grants.

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 Climate Ride Beneficiary, but meets our Beneficiary criteria, please have them contact us and we can help them through the online application process. In order to keep our list of organizations relevant and manageable, we can only add one Beneficiary per participant per year.

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 singe-Beneficiary fundraising event for Glacier National Park Conservancy. Also, our international events are special Climate Ride Funders Trips. Proceeds from these events directly support Climate Ride’s Community Leader Award scholarships and our programs focused on education, building community, connecting generations, and funding sustainability work.

What do I need to bring on the trip?

The Ride/Hike Guide for your trip 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 duffel 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, electric, custom)?

Probably, but please email us to find out for sure! Depending on the size and style, these types of bicycles may not fit on our support vehicle’s bike racks. 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 as long as you have a way to charge your batteries at the end of each day. That said, some national parks have banned them, so please be sure to check in with your Participant Manager before deciding to bring your e-bike.

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 arranges a stellar line-up of discussions and engaging speakers in camp in the evenings to enlighten and inspire us about innovative, sustainable technologies, climate science, and active transportation topics. You can kick back, hang out with your new friends, and delve into fascinating topics!

How will I know where to go?

For our cycling events, we use the navigation app, Ride With GPS, so route finding is really easy on your phone or cycling computer. Routes will be sent via email a week or so ahead of the ride. For our hiking events, you will always have a guide nearby to lead the way.

Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?

Yes! When you register, we ask for your dietary preference and any restrictions or allergies you have. Whether you are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, or have other dietary restrictions, 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.*

*Please note that Climate Ride will have less control over food options on international rides. If you’re concerned about your dietary restrictions for one of these rides, please reach out to us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

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

We provide the means to charge electronics on all of our events, but we strongly recommend bringing your own external battery pack for charging your phone or bike computer along the route, as well.

Note: many of our events are in areas with spotty cell coverage and 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! Please reach out to your Participant Manager to learn about options for renting camping gear (if your trip is a camping trip).

For an affordable option, 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 and have it assembled for you. More information regarding renting a bike or shipping your own bike will be made available after registering via our Ride 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.

What’s included? (Accommodations & Meals)

What’s included:

  • Camping, which includes access to shower facilities.
  • Full route support including bike mechanics, water & snack stops, and cheerful leaders!
  • Nutritious meals from appetizers on Friday to lunch on Sunday (Saturday: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, and snacks at aid stations along the routes; Sunday: breakfast, lunch, and snacks at aid stations along the route.)
  • Really awesome people to spend the weekend with!

Not included:

  • Cabins: We have indoor accommodations available. If you wish to book a semi-private or shared bunkhouse room, there is an extra charge.
  • Hotels: If you prefer a hotel, you can book your own room at a hotel nearby.
  • Alcoholic beverages: We will provide beer & wine each evening, but if you prefer special libations, please bring them along!

Want to bring your camper van? Please reach out to make sure we have space to park. We cannot accommodate large RVs or fifth wheels.

Who benefits from my fundraising?

Fundraising Participants: 100% of all funds raised go to grants! Wow! Fundraisers on Green Fondo can choose from the more than 100 incredible Beneficiary organizations in the Climate Ride network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to Benefit through the Climate Ride grants program. Our Beneficiaries were selected for their work in the areas of conservation, environmental justice, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride distributes the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations via unrestricted grants. Learn more about Beneficiary Partners here.

This year, every dollar raised by participants will go directly to their selected Beneficiaries!

Pay in Full Participants: Funds raised from participants who signed up for the Pay in Full option will directly support Climate Ride and its programs, including our Environmental Justice Grants and Community Leader Award scholarships. Pay in Full participants will not have the option to choose other organizations from our Beneficiary List. If you want to be able to fundraise for an organization other than Climate Ride, you will need to register as a Fundraiser.

Participants on Green Fondo events will be able to fundraise until June 30, 2024. Funds raised on all 2024 Green Fondos will be sent out through our Grants program in early July. This special disbursement of grants will allow Climate Ride Beneficiaries to access the funds raised from these events shortly after they are completed, rather than at the end of the calendar year.

Scholarships: Community Leader Awards for Diversity and Inclusion

Climate Ride is committed to building an inclusive environmental movement, led by people with varied backgrounds and perspectives. Since 2016, we have given awards to active transportation and climate advocates. These awards are given to individuals as well as bike coalitions and eligible organizations, so that their Climate Ride teams can better represent the diversity in their communities and widen the conversation on sustainability. We prioritize these awards for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color, low-income, young women, and LGBTQ+.

On last year’s Green Fondos, we gave out nearly 40 scholarships to amazing local organizations and young leaders.

If you would like to apply to receive a Community Leader Award, you can do so here!

Where can I find the GPS routes?

Our chosen routes depend on a lot of factors, including what we’re able to obtain permits for, weather complications, difficulty, variety of terrain, and overall experience. Due to this variability, we are often still finalizing routes in the weeks leading up to a ride, and thus cannot share GPS routes for them until closer to the event. As soon as routes have been confirmed — usually a week or two before the ride — we will share that info with all participants via email.

Are the roads open to the public?

While each route varies, all of the routes traverse over roads that are open to the public — which is to say, there are no road closures for the Green Fondo events. In order to minimize additional drivers on the roads, please do not invite your friends or family to drive the routes.

We also ask that all riders do their best to be respectful of the folks living and driving in the area by riding single file and pulling off to the side — when appropriate/safe — to let cars pass.

How do I get my bike to/from the event? Can I rent a bike?

If you wish to ship your bike to the event, we will recommend a local bike shop where you can ship your bike and have it assembled for you. At the end of the ride, your bike can be packaged and shipped home by that same bike shop. We recommend using BikeFlights for shipping.

We will soon recommend a local bike shop for bike rentals. Stay tuned!

Can I bring my friends/family/pets?

Due to limits on parking, facilities, and catering, we cannot accommodate companions or visitors at this Green Fondo. Folks are welcome to sign up as non-riding participants, which will allow them to fundraise and participate in meals and other activities without riding the routes. Registration fees and fundraising policies are the same for riding and non-riding fundraising participants. Once the ride is full, you’re welcome to join the waitlist for the event. We will contact the wait list if spots open up, and you can sign up for those spots on a first come, first served basis.

Cancellations and Transfer Policy

If you cannot attend the Green Fondo event, you may request to transfer your fundraising to a future event. Donations cannot be transferred to another participant in the year you are registered or future years. Participants may transfer to another event within the same calendar year, or to an event in the next calendar year. Climate Ride requires that participants who transfer to a new event fundraise to meet or surpass the new event’s fundraising minimum.

Participants who cancel their registration after the Transfer Deadline (3 weeks prior to the event) are NOT eligible for a transfer. If you withdraw from the ride within three weeks of the event or don’t participate without notifying us, any fundraising you’ve received will go to support programs of Climate Ride.

More Questions?

Email us at [email protected]!