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Frequently Asked Questions About The New Jersey Ride Against Aids
Q.
How long is the ride, and where does it go?A. The ride is approximately 250 miles in length, and runs from High Point State Park (the Northwest corner of NJ) and ends in Cape May, NJ (the southern most point). The next ride is scheduled for September 25 - 27, 2009.
Q. 250 miles in three days sounds like a lot. I don't think I can do it.
A. Any average person in good health can train and do the ride. We have vans to carry your supplies and gear and to help you around the larger hills or whenever you get tired. Plus we have rest stops along the way with food and beverages. All that and every other rider and volunteer to support and encourage you along the way!
Q. Is there an age requirement to participate in the ride?
A. Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the
ride.
Q. How much time do I need to train to do the ride?
A. Conventional wisdom says that about 10 weeks of training are needed
to get a person in shape to successfully ride 100 miles in a day. If you
can complete a century (100 miles) then you can complete the Ride. Of
course, if you train longer, you’ll probably be in better shape,
and enjoy the Ride more.
Q.
I’ve never done something like this. I’m
feeling rather overwhelmed by the thought of it.
A. Don’t worry about it. The little voice inside your head that says
“No way”, and “I can’t do it” has been around
a long, long time. We suggest that you tell that nasty little voice “thank
you for your opinion”, and start taking on something that you know
you want to do. We’ll provide the coaching and guidance to help make
your training and fundraising possible. Meanwhile, you’ll be taking
on something that you know is worthwhile, and maybe experience something
truly remarkable. Yourself. Able, confident, and connected to others who
are taking on Life.
Q. I don’t like to ask for money. I can’t
dream of raising $1500.
A. It’s actually a lot easier than you think, but the trick is to
get started now. Experience has shown that people who start early, meet
and exceed their goals. Remember, that you are not asking for yourself,
you’re asking for a great cause. Also, by asking for a donation,
you are helping to raise awareness about AIDS. You, and your fundraising
efforts, are an integral part of what the Ride is about – education
and awareness. Finally, we have a lot of tips and tricks to help you succeed,
and a coaching staff that is dedicated to your success.
Q. Why do I have to raise at least $1,500 in order to ride?
A. We feel that $1,500 is a reasonable amount to ask our riders to raise.
It works out to a mere $6 per mil. Other charity biking events ask for
even more.
The money you raise goes to New Jersey charities that help people living
with HIV and AIDS. We donate it to these organizations as unrestricted
funds without strings attached so they can use it where it's needed
most.
One hundred percent of the money you raise goes directly to the beneficiaries.
Not one cent is used for our administrative costs. This is almost unprecedented
in fundraising events for charity.
Ultimately, however, the requests you make for donations are as important
as the money you raise. Every time you ask someone to pledge, you help
to remind him or her of the effects that AIDS and HIV are still having
on hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey. You're raising awareness
and giving everyone you speak to the chance to help.
Q. Where does the money go to?
A. This year’s beneficiaries are all well-known charities. They
include
- The Center in Asbury Park
- South Jersey AIDS Alliance
- The Eric Johnson House
- The NJ Women And AIDS Network
- New Jersey Family-Centered HIV Care Network
- HiTOPS
- Broadway House for Continuing Care
- Access One
Q.
How much of the money goes to the charities?
A. 100% of the pledge donations raised by the riders and crew go directly
to the charities.
Q. Where do we stay?
A. We will be staying at various hotels along the ride route.
Q. How do I get to/from the starting/ending locations?
A. We do not provide transportation. Most Riders get friends or family
to drive them. Considering the huge challenge that you are taking on,
your loved ones will usually respond in a big way. Some Riders even get
their friends to Crew and use their own vehicles. At the end of the Ride,
their ride home is right there with them.
Q.
What do I need to get started?
A. Just your commitment is needed. Like so many things in life, once you
are committed, all of the life’s little details are just that –
details. We suggest that you come to an orientation meeting. They are
highly effective on getting your questions answered, and starting the
coaching process to help you meet your goals. Some Riders don’t even
own a bike – they borrow one from a friend!
Q. How do I register?
A. Go to the website,
download a form, then send it in with your registration fee. If you are
Internet challenged, visit our Contact
page for alternate ways to contact us.
Q. When can I register?
A. You can register right now! We expect that the event will sell out,
so please sign up early. We are accepting the first 100 riders and the
first 100 crew.
Q. Do I need to be a rider or crewmember all 3
days?
A. Yes. We are a small, but committed group. From an organizational and
logistic view, it is more manageable for everyone to start and finish
together. From a participant view, we want you to be able to experience
the positive rewards of team work -- the bonding, caring, and sharing
which takes place. It also helps the chemistry of the team to participate
from the start.
Q. Are there any bicycling laws that I need to
know about?
A. Yes! Please be sure to review and understand all of the State
of New Jersey bicycling laws prior to participating in the ride. We
expect all of our riders to comply with all of these laws.
Q. Why
should I do the NJ Ride Against Aids instead of some other ride?
A. There are several reasons to do the NJ Ride Against Aids instead of some
other ride. First is its locale. NJ has some wonderfully scenic places,
and the Ride will showcase many of them. We suspect that many Riders will
have a new found respect for the Garden State. Next, the Ride directly
benefits NJ AIDS charities. Finally, the Ride is committed to minimize
its expenses, to maximize the impact of your contribution dollars.