The Ride 2018

We can’t believe we’re 8 years into this! It is the second longest running gig we have the pleasure of putting together for you and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.

Thanks to Peddler's Shop for helping bring this thing together year after year. They really help to make this day happen. We are happy to thank RIDE supporters Sneakers & Spokes, too. Same goes for Advocare Lerch & Amato, Holman Auto, and Glassboro Thrift Village. These companies love cycling for special needs students and families as much as you do. We hope you choose to give them a little love back.

I’m sure most of you are aware of the route layout. If you are not, check out the cue sheets linked below and in the attachments included in this email, and remember that a copy of the cue sheet for the route you signed up for will be at the registration table along with your pack (with your tee, bib, and other goodies).

Registration will open at 7AM at Lot E of the Rowan College at Gloucester County Campus. We are including a map for you to get to Lot E (stars on lot E, building with bathroom is circled), and will have signs at the entrance and around the campus to get you there. Staging and pre-race meeting starting at 7:45AM. Race starts at 8AM (50-miler first). Remember to drop your bib number into the prize bucket -- we have some cool gift cards to giveaway when you return from the route.

As always, we remind everyone: Be sure to ride with your head up and follow the course markings. The course is well marked.

Our hospitality tent will be totally stocked by then end of your ride, so make sure to stay and grab a plate with your fellow riders.

Also check back at the registration tent to see if your bib number got pulled for a prize or if you were a top fundraiser scoring a North Bay Sun Bike (Thanks Peddler's Shop!). So keep fundraising so you can capture this stellar prize, and remember you can bring checks and cash to add to your pot at the registration table!

Our route is all finished! Here are the links for cue sheets

See Links below for routes.

10 Miler
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27657256

25 Miler
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27658516

50 Miler
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6965957

Are you fundraising? Do you know what you could win?

Fuji and our primary bike shop sponsor Peddler's Shop have donated a Bicycle to be awarded to the rider that raises the most money this year! How can you win? FUNDRAISE!

Here are our tips:

Change Your Mindset
-This cause touches most of our lives. While you’re fundraising, you’ll be surprised at who might thank you for this opportunity to make an impact.

Rally a Team
-Create an email thread or Facebook group to share ideas, words of encouragement—and urge teammates to do the same.

Give to Yourself
-The best way to encourage others to give is to show them that you've donated to your own efforts first, with a kick-off gift!

Make it Personal
-Tell YOUR story about why you ride.

Ask, Ask, Ask!
-It’s powerful to cast a wide net and make each ask personal! See email templates on your fundraising page!

Show Your Gratitude
-Say thank you early and often to your donors. Update them on your progress and show them the impact they are having. Facebook is great for that!

Get Social
-You'll be surprised at the support you'll receive from a Facebook post, Tweet, Instagram photo, or YouTube video, and if you’re looking for social media tips, email [email protected].

Think BIG
-Ask for specific amounts from people you know can make bigger gifts, and don't be afraid to follow up with a phone call or an in-person meeting. Need help on how to ask for these gifts? Just e-mail our team at [email protected].

Follow-Up
-Most people are willing to give, even just a small amount, but need the reminder. Just because they didn't initially respond doesn't mean that they don't want to support you. It's okay to follow up!

Meet for Coffee
-Meet face-to-face with some of your potential donors. Nothing is more personal or effective than sitting down and having a conversation.

Wear Your Gear
-It's a great excuse to talk to people about the event, the cause and why you ride. Our shirts last year are conversation starters, and the one's this year are even COOLER!

Special Events
-Donate your birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion to The RIDE - and ask people to give in amount of the year you are celebrating!

This April, our team that runs The RIDE lost our most dedicated member, Bill Robinson. Bill was truly the