Before the Ride

The following must be completed

All paperwork completed - All paperwork will be completed the morning of the ride. Please be sure to bring your insurance card, medical information, and emergency contact information with you to registration the day of the event.

Gear and bike drop off - You can arrive Saturday morning of the ride with your gear and bike.

Final Check-in - Saturday morning of the ride

• Get your ride identification
• Get ride map/directions
• Load your gear on the truck
• Enjoy a light breakfast
• Get last minute questions answered

When to be at Departure

We will depart from the Northwestern University Campus in Evanston.

All riders and crew should arrive at 6 a.m. for final registration procedures and check-in.

Please allow plenty of time to get everything done. Remember there will be more than 200 other riders and crew checking-in.

There will be a simple opening ceremony beginning at 7:00 a.m. sharp. The ride leaves promptly at 7:30 a.m. Invite your friends, family and sponsors to watch your departure.

The Route

In previous years we biked on shaded streets and bike paths in the northern suburbs to the Wisconsin border (at the lunch pit stop), we continued to Lake Geneva riding on southern Wisconsin’s country roads. This year’s route is still being developed. In the last three years of the ride the return route was a similar route as the one taken to Lake Geneva. We are looking into finding different routes for our journey to and from Lake Geneva. The route will be a max of 100 miles (each day), but more likely it will be around 90 miles.

Please be aware that on day two of our journey you will be departing as early in the morning and your time to ride is somewhat shorter due to closing ceremonies. Some riders will need to be swept to closing ceremonies. This is a matter of safety for all participants, as no one will be left on the route alone.

Pit Stops

Pit stops will be located on the route where there are appropriate amenities. Crew members will stop with their vehicles at designated areas. The ride will provide water and sports drinks. At every pit stop, you should fill up your water bottles and drink as much as you need.

Sweep Assistance

If you are injured or unable to ride, use a “thumbs down” signal to stop a passing crew vehicle. These vehicles are reserved for riders unable to complete the day’s ride; they are not to be utilized as a taxi service. Depending on where we are in the day, the crew may not go directly to camp. Only injured riders will receive prompt medical attention and transport. If you are picked up early in the day, it may be hours before you are delivered to camp. As it grows dark, crew vehicles will pick up riders who are still on the road.

Bicycle Repair

We have bicycle technicians on the route to assist with minor troubles. Use the “thumbs down” signal if you need assistance.

Medical Emergencies

With any emergency, dial 911, if possible. Then, immediately report any medical emergencies to the nearest crew member. If you’re on the route, after you call 911, contact the emergency number you will be provided with at final check-in. Crew vehicles rove the route on the lookout for accidents. Again, use a “thumbs down” signal if you need help.

Crew members will have mobile phones. They will have comprehensive information on local hospitals, emergency facilities, police, fire, and other important emergency information.

If someone needs to reach you in case of an emergency there will be an emergency number they can call. The ride emergency number will be announced closer to the time of the event.

Camp on Lake Geneva

The first thing you should know about camp is that it has cabins with electricity. You’ll still be camping out, which means bugs, hanging stuff out to dry, overhearing conversations and snoring in the next cabin, using a flashlight to find the bathroom, etc. But there are no tents. The cabins accommodate 6-8 people. The cabins have bunk beds with thick sleeping mats. You will still need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or blankets. While the cabins do have electricity, it is for providing light only. There are no electrical outlets available at camp.

Cabin Assignments

Your cabin will be assigned to you. If you wish to stay in the same cabin as another rider or crew member, please call the office, and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Meals

You will be provided with 3 meals on Saturday and 2 meals on Sunday.

• Saturday:
  • Breakfast will be something light before departure (likely bagels and muffins)
  • Lunch will be on the road at a designated pit stop (likely sandwiches, chips, pasta salad, and fruit)
  • Dinner will be at camp in the dining hall (an all you can eat buffet)
• Sunday:
  • Breakfast will be at camp in the dining hall (again, an all you can eat buffet)
  • Lunch will be on the road at a designated pit stop (likely sandwiches, chips, pasta salad, and fruit)

Showers, Sinks and Toilet Facilities

There are hot showers and bathroom facilities at camp. The camp is located on Lake Geneva, so you may opt for a dip in the lake. Pit Stops will be located at places that have bathroom facilities available.

Bike Parking

At camp you will take your bike to your cabin and park it overnight. There is probably not a security risk, but you may wish to lock your bike for peace of mind.

Gear (Luggage) Transport

Your gear will be transported to and from camp. Please mark your bag clearly or use a luggage tag. You will be expected to load and unload your own gear.

Camp Activities

The camp is located on Lake Geneva and you are welcome to take a swim. In the evening, after dinner we will have a traditional camp fire (weather permitting). The cabin area is to be considered a quiet zone from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The camp is sizeable so if you like to stay up late chatting and watching the stars, there’s room for that. A cabin at camp will be designated as Camp Services. You can go there to get questions answered. The cabin will be staffed by volunteers after dinner until 9:00 p.m.

Weather

The average temperature for this time of year is 65 degrees. In the event of rain, the ride continues. Should extreme weather occur, please seek shelter and wait for it to pass. If it is unlikely that the weather is going to clear, we will pick up riders, but it will take time.

Maps / Directions

On Saturday at final check-in, you will receive route details.

Closing Ceremonies

On Sunday we will return to the Northwestern campus for closing ceremonies. The ceremonies will begin at 5:00 pm and we encourage you to invite your family, friends and sponsors to join in the celebration.