Frequently Asked Questions1. How do I begin?
Want to Participate? Just register here and join us! You will be able to create and manage your own personal page, share your photos and goals, and get sponsors.
Want to sponsor a participant? Click here for details.
If you have further questions, please contact Stephanie Schultz, Marketing and Communications Director at [email protected].
2. What are the ride options and schedules?
There will be an 8-mile ride and a 20-mile ride. The 8-mile ride will take about 1.5 hours and the 20-mile ride will take about 3 hours. Rides will take place rain or shine.
Please register for whichever route you feel most comfortable riding. We will begin and end each ride at Triangle Park in Minneapolis (on the north side of Franklin Avenue between 25th and 26th Avenues), with a BBQ lunch after the rides. And remember--this isn’t a race! You will be able to ride at your own pace and there will be many others riding along with you. Think of this as a way to meet other people who love bicycling, while raising money for a bicycle advocacy and education organization.
Event Schedule 8:30am - 20-mile riders gather 9:00am - 20-mile riders depart 10:00am - 8-mile riders gather 10:30am - 8-mile riders depart 12:00-1:00pm - Riders return and enjoy lunch
3. What does it mean to ride and fundraise for the Bike BBQ?
The Bike BBQ is an annual fundraising event for Cycles for Change. Formerly known as the Bike-a-Thon, this is our 7th year hosting this ride!
This year, we have a goal of raising $15,000! Funds raised from this event will support C4C general operations and programming, including our Youth Apprenticeship program, community Open Shop and Grease Rag nights, and adult Learn to Ride classes.
Since this is a fundraiser for Cycles for Change, we'll need you to help get donations from your friends, families, and other networks. We ask each participant to create a fundraising page and raise $50 (or more!) for Cycles for Change. When creating your fundraising page, share your story! Tell us and our community why you are riding and raising money for C4C. Tell us why C4C’s work is important to you or how it has affected your life as a bicyclist. Your stories are compelling and we want to hear them!
4. How can my sponsors submit payment?
Online contributions can be made by credit card on the participant's personalized page found on this website. Just make sure to tell your sponsors to select your name from the list of participants.
5. I am concerned that I might not be able to raise the required funds. Will I be able to do it?
Even if you've never fundraised before, our materials and strategies will make it easy for you to solicit and collect donations from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and others. It is not only possible, but also enjoyable, to set and reach your goals. Please refer to the sample letters found on your personal fundraising page, which explain the programs the Bike BBQ supports, and you will be surprised to see how quickly friends, family, and co-workers will respond to your request to help this wonderful organization. Just remember to make it personal, as you want them to know that they are sponsoring YOU and YOUR efforts! And, as many companies offer charitable donation matching programs, make sure to ask your sponsors to check with their employers, as it will help you meet your goal ever more quickly.
6. Is there a refund/exchange policy?
Yes, for donations. If a donation was made accidentally or for the wrong amount, simply make us aware of the issue and we will be happy to make any necessary refunds, changes, or corrections. Bike BBQ registration fees are not refundable.
7. Is parking available?
There is free on-street car parking on 26th Avenue as well as other streets around the Seward neighborhood south of Franklin Avenue. You may lock your bike to the fence along the south side of the park. There will be "Bike Parking" signs there. Participants are responsible for their bikes and personal belongings. Cycles for Change will not provide locks or supervision. Cycles for Change is not responsible for lost bikes or belongings.
8. Can I access the event via public transit?
Metro Transit bus lines 2 and 67 run along Franklin Avenue. The Franklin Avenue Blue Line Station is half a mile to the West of Triangle Park.
|