BASICS
REGISTRATION
ROUTES
FUNDRAISING
VOLUNTEERING
TEAMS
REST STOPS
RIDE FITNESS CLUB
RELATED LINKS

BASICS

What is the date of The Ride For Roswell 2010?

Saturday, June 26, 2010.

Where is the event located?

All routes with the exception of the Peloton start and end at University at Buffalo North Campus (Baird Point area) – Amherst, NY. The Peloton starts at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and ends at UB’s Baird Point.

How do I get to the University at Buffalo?

For a map and directions to Baird Point, click here.

What are the hours of the event?

The hours vary by which route you have chosen. Click here for a schedule of events.

Where should I check in on the day of The Ride?

Registration and check-in will take place at the Student Union at UB’s North Campus. The check-in for the Peloton is at Roswell Park’s Kaminski Park.

Does The Ride provide food?

Yes. When you arrive breakfast foods will be available. There are rest stops about every 10 miles along each route with drinks and refreshments. After you complete The Ride, lunch will be available at Baird Point. A special catered lunch is available for Extra Mile Club members in the Extra Mile Club tent.

What if it rains?

Rain or shine, The Ride For Roswell will take place.

Where can I park?

The parking lots surrounding UB's Baird Point will be open to the public. Parking guides will help direct you to the best available spots.

What phone number can I call if I need more information?

716-THE-RIDE (843-7433)

What happens if I or someone in my riding group is injured or their bike is broken?

Route Guides can help you get in touch with Ride Communications to send a bike mechanic, support vehicle, or certified first aid personnel.

Do you have a procedure in place for medical or weather-related emergencies?

Yes. There will be an informational seminar at the Ride’s Packet Pickup Party to review safety procedures, including medical, bike-related emergencies and how to prepare yourself for inclement weather. See more information on bike safety here.

I am not a seasoned bike rider. Can I still ride?

Of course! The Ride For Roswell has routes for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. For more information about the routes available, click here. 

Can my child participate?

Yes. All ages can enjoy the Ride! We even have a FREE tricycle ride available right at UB’s North Campus in the Family Fun Town area. For children under 14 who plan to ride one of the regular routes, there’s a special minimum fundraising amount of $50. If you choose, you can use a bike trailer or bike seat to take your child with you. There is no extra fundraising fee for this, but for safety purposes we ask that you register your child for the event and helmets are required.

What should I bring with me on Ride day?

• Any pledges you still need to turn in (do so at the Student Union)
• Bike (bring a lock if you feel it’s necessary)
• Water bottle
• Helmet
• Weather-related items – sunscreen, windbreaker, long pants (please be aware of potential weather situations on the day of the Ride – watch the news in the morning or check the forecast online)
• Cell phone for emergencies
• Driver’s license or other identification (don’t forget to bring some for your children too!)

REGISTRATION

How do I register as a rider for The Ride For Roswell?

Register online, call a Ride Coordinator at 716-THE-RIDE (843-7433), fax your completed registration form to 716-845-1478, mail your registration form and fee to: The Ride For Roswell, P.O. Box 644, Buffalo, NY, 14240.

Can I register the morning of the event?

Yes, you can register on the day of the Ride at the Student Union at UB’s North Campus. To be eligible to participate you must turn in your $50 day-of registration fee and minimum pledge total of $150 ($200 total) - $50 for children under 14 ($100 total).

Do I really need to raise $150 in pledges to participate?

Yes, you need to turn in at least $150 in pledges to ride. For children under 14 years old, the minimum registration is $50.

ROUTES

How many routes are there?

There are 9 routes in The Ride For Roswell: 3, 8, 12 (Extra Mile Club Peloton), 20, 30, 33, 44, 62.5 and 100-mile routes.

What are the start times for each route?

• The 100-mile route begins at 7 am from Baird Point
• The 62.5-mile route begins 7 am from Baird Point
• The 44-mile route begins at 7:15 am from Baird Point
• The 33-mile route begins at 7:30 am from Baird Point
• The 30-mile route starts at 8 am from Baird Point
• The 20-mile route starts at 9 am from Baird Point
• The 8-mile starts at 10 am from Baird Point
• The 3-mile starts at 11 am from Baird Point
• The Extra Mile Club Peloton starts at 6:15 am from Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Check-in is 45 minutes before each start time. Staggered starts may be necessary to ensure that everyone gets onto the routes safely and with minimum congestion.

Are helmets required?

Yes, each rider is required to wear a bike helmet. Volunteers will be checking for helmets at the starting line, and riding marshals will make sure they are worn for the entire Ride.

How can I get a flat tire fixed while on the route?

Riding marshals have basic bike repair tools and are trained to change tires. Additionally, bike mechanics transverse each route continually to provide minor bike repair services. Lastly, bike mechanics are available at each rest stop. To request a bike repair support vehicle call 716-THE-RIDE (843-7433).

What is the Peloton? How can I participate?

The Peloton is a unique 12-mile non-stop police escorted ride from Roswell Park to the University at Buffalo – Baird Point. The concept of this ride is to connect Roswell Park Cancer Institute with The Ride event at UB. The Peloton is limited to 200 riders and you must raise at least $1,000 to ride. For more information, see http://giving.roswellpark.org/Page.aspx?pid=588.

How will I get help if I need it? Will I be riding all alone?

Don’t worry about being alone! Safety is very important to us. Route guides will help steer you through turns along the route. However, they are not authorized to stop traffic at intersections. There are also riding marshals on each route who are trained in basic bike mechanics, and rest stops are found every 10 miles or so. Each has a certified first aid professional and a bike mechanic.

How will police and fire police help me on my route?

These personnel are trained to help guide you safely through traffic intersections.

Can I switch routes?

Of course. Contact the Ride at rideforroswell@roswellpark.org and your request will be taken care of as soon as possible. It’s also possible to change your route on the day of event if necessary. Simply let the person helping you with check-in know so they can make a note of the change in your registration paperwork. For safety purposes it’s important to know exactly which riders are on each route.

What time do the routes close? What if I’m still riding?

The routes close at 3pm. If you’re still on the roads a support vehicle will pick you and your bike up to transport you to Baird Point.

FUNDRAISING

How can I get fundraising materials?

You can download fundraising materials here or by e-mailing rideforroswell@roswellpark.org. Please note Ride piggy banks are only given out by request. You can request a piggy bank by e-mailing rideforroswell@roswellpark.org as well. There is a limit of five (5) piggy banks per rider.

What is the Extra Mile Club?

The Extra Mile Club was started as a way to say thanks to riders who display an extraordinary commitment in their fundraising efforts. Riders who raise $1,000 or above will receive two (2) entry passes to the Extra Mile Club tent at Baird Point where they will enjoy massage therapists, a selection of fresh fruit, special gifts, bike detailing and a reserved port-a-potty. You'll be invited to a special Extra Mile Club recognition event.

Do you have sample fundraising letters?

Yes, sample letters, tips, fundraising ideas and printable tools are available in the Fundraising Center.

To whom do my donors make their checks payable?

They can make their checks payable to "The Ride For Roswell".  Please make sure your donors write your name (the rider's name) in the Memo field to ensure your receive credit on your personal fundraising page.

Where should I send my pledges?

You can send them to: The Ride For Roswell, PO Box 644, Buffalo, NY 14240-0644.

Can I drop off my donations in person?

Certainly. The Roswell Park Alliance Foundation’s offices are located at 901 Washington Street on the 3rd floor. Office hours are from 9am-5pm. There is free visitor’s parking available in the front of the building. There is a phone in the vestibule to dial the Ride office at x7433 for entry into the building. If you’re dropping off cash, a pledge form is required. You must sign a receipt to verify your donation amount.

What is the purpose of the Packet Pickup Party? Where is it held and when?

The party gives riders and volunteers the chance to turn in pledges, pick up their rider t-shirts, or pick up their volunteer materials. Packets can be picked up at the Student Union on UB’s North Campus on Thursday, June 24th from 9am-8pm and Friday, June 25th from 9am-4pm. The party will be held on Thursday from 4-8pm, also at the Student Union. There will be food, entertainment, safety seminars, bike shop vendors, bike inspections, a special welcome reception for Extra Mile Club members, and more!

When will I receive my fundraising incentives/prizes?

It takes a few months to complete data compilation. After all donations are tallied gift cards will be mailed to all eligible riders who have raised $750 or more. Gift card values are 10% of your fundraising total (ie. If you raise $750 you will receive a gift card for $75, if you raise $1,000 your gift card will $100.)

I’ve forgotten my user ID and password. How can I recover them?

When you click “My Ride Login” on the Ride’s home page, there’s a link that says “Forgotten User ID or Password”. Click that link. Enter your e-mail address to retrieve your User ID. To retrieve your password you must also enter that User ID. An e-mail will be sent to you to confirm this information.

I am having trouble with my personal fundraising page. What can I do?
E-mail rideforroswell@roswellpark.org with any questions or problems you experience. Please be as specific as possible so we can assist you.

I’m designing my personal fundraising page. How do I upload a photo? Change my fundraising goal?

To upload an image to your page, from the “My Home” page, click on “My Page”, then “Edit My Web Page”. Click on “My Photos” and then “Add Image” to upload from your computer. To edit your pictures, you can use Picasa, Google’s free photo editing software. There’s a link right on your personal page. To change your fundraising goal, log in to your personal page. On the “My Home” page, on the right-hand side, simply enter your new goal and click Update.

VOLUNTEERING

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Check out the Volunteer opportunities here or download the volunteer form here.

What jobs are available?

On the route, you can help riders as a Route Guide or in a support vehicle. At Baird Point, several jobs are needed, including working in the food tent, handing out water, checking helmets, giving directions to riders, working in the Extra Mile Club tent, cleaning, set-up/tear-down, and more. Volunteer opportunities fill fast! Contact a Ride Coordinator to confirm your volunteer assignment.

What age is required to volunteer?

Anyone over the age of 14 is welcome to volunteer, but children aged 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Families with younger children are eligible to become cheerleaders along the routes!

Can my company or group all volunteer together?

Yes, we encourage groups to volunteer and “adopt” a rest stop or at Baird Point. Groups should select a volunteer leader to organize and recruit participants. To hear about what’s available contact a Ride Coordinator.

I’m a cyclist. Is there any way I can volunteer too?
If you’re a seasoned cyclist, please consider becoming a Riding Marshal. You are an extra set of eyes on the route to assist riders. More information is available here.

TEAMS

Is there a minimum number of people on a team?

Yes, you must have a minimum of four (4) people to create a team and be eligible for contests and prizes.

Is there a maximum number of people that can be on a team?

There is no maximum. Teams can be as big as you want them.

How do I order a team tent?

Fill out the form located here. Order forms are due no later than June 1st and spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee a tent will be available. If you’d rather bring your own tent, it must be flame-retardant, and you are still required to fill out the form in order to reserve a space. There is a separate area set aside for these tents at Baird Point. If you are bringing your own tent you must set it up on the day before the Ride (Friday) before 6pm.

How do I create a team?

If you’re designated as the Team Captain, you must be the first registrant for your team. During the registration process there is a step which asks you if you’d like to be an individual rider, create a new team, or join an existing team. Follow the directions to create a new team. If you’re a returning Team Captain you must recreate the team each year.

I forgot to join my team when I registered. Can I change my team or join a team?

If you realize you did not join the correct team during your registration, simply e-mail rideforroswell@roswellpark.org and a Ride Coordinator will be happy to assist you. Please note the system takes at least 24 hours to refresh once we’ve completed your request.

REST STOPS

Will there be food and drinks at the rest stops?

Yes, there will be fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, water, and other snacks at the rest stops.

Are there bathrooms at the rest stops?

Yes, there will either be port-a-potties or indoor bathrooms.

Is First Aid available at the rest stops?

Yes, certified EMTs are positioned at each rest stop.

Can I have my bike fixed at a rest stop?

There are experienced bike mechanics available at each rest stop to assist you with minor repairs.

RIDE FITNESS CLUB

RELATED LINKS

Roswell Park Cancer Institute
RideConnect (The Ride’s social networking site)
The Ride on Facebook
The Ride on Twitter
Roswell Park Giving (other ways to give)
Where the Funds Go