FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About Ride 4 A Reason
1) What fundraising resources do you have?
We are glad to support your fundraising efforts, whether you've done R4R for 12 years or this is your first time. Please visit the fundraising tools page to get started.
2) Do you provide transportation home from Sacramento?
We will charter buses that can transport 150 people from Sacramento to Oakland. Bikes of riders taking the buses will be transported by rented box trucks, very carefully loaded, and unloaded by trained volunteers; we will use moving blankets and bungee cords to secure and protect bikes during transport. Transportation from Sacramento to Oakland must be reserved and booked ahead of time to ensure a space on a bus. If you didn't select a seat on the bus when you registered but now would like to reserve one, please email r4rschools1@gmail.com.
3) Do I have to raise $250 in order to ride?
There isn't a fundraising minimum. However, we do hope you will consider participating in the fundraising part. Our goal is to raise $200,000 to be split evenly between parent-teacher organizations at 12 public schools: Edna Brewer Middle, Emerson Elementary, Claremont Middle, Life Academy, Montera Middle School, Oakland International High, Oakland Technical High, Roosevelt Middle School, Skyline High School, Westlake Middle, Encinal Jr. and Senior High School and the Equity Fund for Oakland Schools , to support essential enrichment programs.
Click here to learn more about the impact of donations. If you prefer not to fundraise, you can also choose the "Buy Out" option when you register for $350. Those who raise $250 by April 15th will receive rainbow stars on their bibs; those who raise $1,000 will receive gold stars!
4) Do you accept check and cash donations?
Yes! All checks should be payable to "Claremont Middle School PTA" with "R4R" in memo line and sent to:
Ride 4A Reason
PO Box 11386
Oakland, CA 94611
If you have cash, please turn in an envelope with your donors' names, addresses, and donation amount at registration check in.
5) What are the routes?
110-mile course: New this year, we have a fabulous route that avoids the road closures.
66-mile course: The ride gains about 1,300 feet of elevation.
45-mile course: The ride is largely flat.
6) Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes! You can transfer your registration to someone else, who can then register for the same ride distance you registered for. Please login to your RunSignUp account and follow the instructions here.
7) What if I need to change my ride distance after I've registered?
Sometimes, training doesn't go as planned...or goes much better than expected...and you may find yourself wanting to switch routes. Follow these steps to change your event route in your RunSignUp account:
- Login to your RunSignUp account (you must use the same email that you registered with)
- Scroll down to “Upcoming Races” and select “Manage Registration” next to Ride 4 A Reason
- Click on “Transfer Event” (top right-hand corner under profile pic)
- Click on “Start Transfer” and complete required information to switch your event
7) I have never ridden my bike a long distance, what should I do to prepare?
Please visit our Training page.
8) What kind of “support” is provided on the day of the ride?
We provide all the fluids and energy products you will need throughout the day, as well as a hearty lunch at the finish. There are five rest stops on the 110 mile course, and several other locations where SAG wagons (support vehicles) will be stopped and you can receive fluids or energy products. We also provide you with a set of route directions, and route markers will be posted to help you to avoid getting lost. We will have SAG wagons roaming the course throughout the day to provide assistance to riders (e.g., minor bike repairs, first aid, fluids, energy products), and transportation to riders who are not able to make it to the finish line by the designated cut-off time.
9) What should I wear and bring on the day of the ride?
In the spring, we experience a wide range of temperature and weather conditions. Wool, polypropylene, and lycra all breathe very well and keep you warm/dry in wet weather. We advise you to save a cotton shirt for the finish line! You need to bring personal identification and a medical card. You are strongly encouraged to bring a cell phone and some cash. You are required to wear a bike helmet in order to participate. We also recommend that you wear a good pair of cycling shorts with a chamois to keep you comfortable en route, and a pair of padded bike gloves. If you signed up for the 110 mile ride, you also should consider using clip-in pedals/cycling shoes, or pedals with toe-clips. You should have a comfortable seat, and at least one large (24 ounce) water bottle, and a water bottle holder on your bike.
At Oakland Tech on the morning of the ride, prior to starting the ride, you can check-in a change of clothes (to wear after completing the ride), and/or any layers you would like to shed before you start. We’ll have plastic bags and marking pens to keep track of your clothes, which then will be transported to Sacramento, where you can pick them up after you finish.
10) Do I need to ride a road bike?
A lightweight road bike is highly recommended to complete the 110 mile ride. All bikes, regardless should be fitted with slicks (tires with smooth, not knobby, treads) to reduce rolling resistance to improve your efficiency and enjoyment of the ride. Make sure your bike is in good working order and safe to ride before you start. Keep it tuned-up, tires properly inflated, chain clean and well lubricated, and brakes and derailleurs properly adjusted and in good working order.
11) How do I change my fundraising target?
Login to RunSignUp and click on your Profile by hovering over the icon in the top right corner. Scroll down to "Fundraising" and then select "Edit Fundraiser" to change your goal, your fundraising ask, etc.
12) What is your Tax ID?
The fiscal sponsor of R4R is Claremont Middle School PTA which is a 501 (c)3 organization. The Tax ID is 94-6171801. Donations (not including registration) are tax deductible as allowed by law.
