About The Trip

Riding will begin at 7am with pit stops every 2 hours for cyclists to replenish drinks and snacks, and make basic bike adjustments. Two pace groups will be available during the ride. The “A” group will ride at approximately 17-20 mph and the “B” group at approximately 13-16 mph. There will be a designated leader for each group. The leader of Group A will be at the front, and the leader of Group B will be the sweeper. Each rider will receive their own set of cue sheets. However, riding alone is not recommended.

There will be a bicycle mechanic traveling alongside the group in the support vehicle. However, cyclists will be required to change their own flats.

• A chance to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs
• 2 custom jerseys
• A fully supported ride with a SAG wagon and mechanical support
• Accommodations throughout the trip
• Training rides in various locations
• Personalized fundraising page
• Training and nutrition plan
• Access to a long distance cycling coach

Accommodations

Bike 4 Friendship will be staying at various locations along the route including campgrounds, community centers, schools, and college dorms. Showering facilities will be available each night. Cyclists are responsible for their own bedding. Laundry will be done weekly, as time allows.

Food

All meals will be strictly kosher and designed to provide cyclists with sufficient energy for the ride. A full breakfast will be served before the ride each morning. Lunch will be nutritionally designed to keep you going throughout the ride. A hot dinner will be served every night. See a sample menu.

Bicycles

Road, touring, and sport bikes are recommended. If you already own a bicycle, you can take it to a local shop to have them check it out. You should also get it fitted for long distance cycling. If you are buying a new bike, you can purchase one for about $750. You can also buy used bicycles for considerably less money, but arrange to meet with the seller at a local bicycle shop, so they can make sure it’s in good working order.

This ride is unquestionably an endurance challenge. The only way to be successful is to have a highly tuned, efficient engine. The only way to have that kind of human engine is by continual long-distance training. The best way to do that is by gradual build-up, to the point of consecutive days with 100-mile rides. You will be receiving the training plan upon completion of registration.

The Bike 4 Friendship Coach is Chaim Backman who can be reached via email, Chaim@Trichai.com, for cycling tips and answers.

When weather permits, group-training rides will be scheduled in cities with a large concentration of Bike 4 Friendship cyclists.

Fundraising

Each cross-country rider will be expected to raise $5,500. For students the fundraising requirement is $4,500. Those joining the trip for a weekly segment have a fundraising requirement of $2,000, or $1,700 for students. All donations are tax-deductible. Each rider will receive a personalized fundraising page, and fundraising materials, guidance, and tips from an expert fundraiser.

Registration Fee

Upon being accepted to the trip you will be asked to complete registration. There is a registration fee of $150 which will be applied to your fundraising goal.

Safety is the number one concern. There will be 50,000 – 60,000 man-miles being ridden over the course of the ride. Safety rules will be in place for every one of those miles, under all conditions. Safety ranges from adequate hydration, adequate calories, helmets, visibility in all weather conditions, distance between bikes, announcing all road obstacles in group rides, front and black flashers, bike mirror, among other things. These factors will be strongly emphasized throughout the ride. A full list of safety rules will be listed in the Bike 4 Friendship Rider’s Manual.