Ride FAQs Header

What type of questions to do you have: REGISTRATIONEVENT LOGISTICSROUTE DETAILSFUNDRAISING & FINANCIALYOUR PERSONAL PAGE?


For any other questions, please contact the Massachusetts Ride Staff at ashley.carrier@als-ma.org or by calling 781-255-8884.

Registration

Q: How do I register?
A: You can register online in three ways: 
1. Join a Team -- If you are joining an existing team that a friend started, you can search for your team and register yourself here.
2. Start a Team -- If you plan to captain a new (or new to 2021) team and are ready to get the wheels rolling, get started here.
3. Join as an Individual -- If you are signing up on your own, you can get started here. 
4. Join as a Virtual Rider -- If you cannot make it to the Ride, you can still fundraise as a virtual rider. 

Q: What are the costs involved?
A: Each participant will pay a registration fee to secure their place in the Massachusetts Ride to Defeat ALS.  This registration fee helps to pay for the expenses incurred to participate in the event (personal webpage set up, food and support on ride day, permitting of routes, etc.).  

All Riders: 
$45 from January 1 - February 29 - use code EARLYBIRD
$55 from March 1 - April 30 - use code SPRING
$65 from May 1 - June 30 - use code SUMMER
$75 from July 1 - September 18
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 4:00PM
*$100 on Ride Day (September 19, 2021)

Riders Under 16: $45 when you enter discount code CHILD at registration (only applicable to children registering to ride). Parents must stay with their children on their selected route. 


Q: Do I have to fundraise?
A: If you are a rider, yes. All riders 16 and older are required to raise a minimum of $250, not including registration fee, by the day of the event. If you are a first-time fundraiser or are interested in learning more, check out our Fundraising Tips and Tools. Our staff is another resource for you and we will be here for you at every step of the way! Don’t hesitate to reach out and we can come up with a fundraising plan together! 

Q: What happens if I am not able to raise $250 by ride-day?
A:
 We have a solution for that! We will ask that you sign a "promise to pay" agreement, which will give you another six weeks following the ride to raise the remaining balance to reach $250. A lot of donors are moved to give after seeing photos and hearing about your experience at our event to make a difference in the lives of people with ALS. If, after those six weeks, you still owe a balance you will be charged per the agreement that you sign.

Q: My friends might start a team, can I register as an individual now and switch to their team later?
A:
 Of course! We can easily move you onto a team if you choose.  Just email us at ashley.carrier@als-ma.org or give us a call at 781-255-8884. 

Q: Do I have to join a team?
A: Nope. You can participate as an individual – or on a team!  Whatever works best for you. 

Q: If others on my team raise more than $250 can that count toward my minimum?
A: No. Each individual is responsible for raising the $250 minimum that is reflected on their personal fundraising page.



Event Logistics

Q: When does the Ride start?
A: Each ride starts at a different time. We stagger our route start times strategically and along with permitting guidelines. Please check out the table below for your start time (these times are subject to change -- check back for updates).

ROUTE

START TIME

70 Mile

7:00 AM

50 Mile 

7:30 AM 

25 Mile  

10:00 AM

 

 

10 Mile

11:00 AM

 

 

Note: We will open the courses based on the times listed above and will announce when it’s time for each route to begin. Please plan to begin with your group time -- not before or after.

Q: Where are the start/finish locations?
A: The start and finish locations for the Ride will be in the same place: Longfellow Tennis & Health Club 524 Boston Post Rd. Wayland, MA 

Q: When and where will Check In/Registration be held?
A: On Ride Day: Check In and Registration will be located at Longfellow Club.  Each route has its own schedule for Check In and Registration (this information is subject to change -- please check back for updates): 

ROUTE

REGISTRATION BEGINS

70 Mile

6:30 AM

50 Mile    

7:30 AM

25 Mile

9:00 AM

40 Mile Motorcycle 

9:30 AM

10 Mile

10:00 AM

 

 

Q: Is there a deadline for online registration? If so, will there be Event Day registration?
A: The deadline for online registrations is September 17, 2021 at 4:00pm. Day of registration will be available for each route during the registration times listed on the Event Details page and above. 

Q: Where will parking be located and is there a cost?
A: Yes, parking is available and it is FREE to park. 

Q: Can I ride in the Massachusetts Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk if I am under 18?
A: Yes, all ages are welcome. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their participation waiver at Check In. Participants under 16 may participate and will receive a discount on their registration using dicount code CHILD. A parent/guardian must accompany children under 16 at all times. 

Q: I am coming from out of town and would like to rent a bike. Do you have any suggestions?
A: Urban AdvenTours will be providing rental bikes again this year! Check out the details here.

Q: What if my family or friends want to join me after the Ride?
A: Your family and friends are more than welcome to join you at the finish line festival. There is a recommended donation of $10 for lunch for people who did not participate in the Ride. If your friends and family are interested in getting more involved with the event, there are a number of volunteer opportunities for them to consider. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of Massachusetts Ride to Defeat ALS, and there are a variety of jobs throughout the weekend for any age, interest, or skill set. Visit the Volunteer page of the website for job descriptions and to register as a volunteer. 

Back to top!

Route Details

Q: What are the route options?
A: ALL ROUTES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Currently, we offer a 70-mile route, a 50-mile route, a 25-mile route, and a 10-mile family route.

Q: Will there be SAG support on the course?
A: Volunteer SAG “wagons” will be patrolling each route throughout the day. If you need assistance, give the standard "thumbs down" signal to indicate you need support. 

Q: How many rest stops will there be?  How far apart are they?
A: There will be five rest stops located throughout the courses. Each rest stop will have a selection of food and drinks to keep you fueled and supported on the course, as well as port-o-potties and shade for a little comfort and rest before getting back on the road.

Fundraising and Financial Questions

Q: What is the deductibility of my donors' contribution?
A: The ALS Association is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Registration fees are not accepted as tax deductible. 

Q: What is the Ride to Defeat ALS's Tax ID?
A: We will be using the Tax ID for The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, which is 04-3085718.  

Q: How do I turn in donations made by cash or check?
A: Please download the donation form and include it to ensure we give your team full credit for your fundraising efforts. You can bring your donations to the event and hand them in at check-in, or you can mail your donations to the Massachusetts Chapter office:
The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter
Attn: Ride to Defeat ALS
685 Canton St., Suite 103
Norwood, MA 02062

Q: Is it safe to mail cash?
A: It is NOT safe to mail cash. To turn in cash, please bring it to the event. If you would prefer to convert it to a check to mail to the office, please include the donation form so that we can mail acknowledgement letters to your supporters.  

Q: What if my donors need a receipt?
A: All people who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Those who send checks valued $100 or more will receive a thank you letter by mail that can be used for tax purposes. If you have a donor who needs a receipt, please let us know and we will be happy to provide one. Also, if you turn in donations within 2 weeks before or after the event, please let us know if one of those donors needs a receipt.

Q: Do matching gifts count?
A: Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your fundraising. For detailed information about matching gifts, please refer to our Matching Gifts FAQ.

Q: Where does the money go?
A: We work hard to make sure every dollar you donate has maximum impact on the fight against ALS. From patient programs to cutting-edge research, your fundraising efforts for the Ride to Defeat ALS will never go to waste. We pride ourselves in functioning with a high standard of efficiency.

Back to top!

Your Personal Page 

Q: What is a Personal Page?
A: Your Personal Page is an online promotional tool to use when asking your friends and family to join your team or make a donation. Once you're registered, a personal page is automatically created for you. You can customize this page with photos and your personal story by logging into your Participant Center. Our staff is here to help you every step of the way.

Q: How do I login to my Personal Page?
A: To login to your personal page, you will enter your username and password into the Participant Center Login Area at the top right of the Ride’s website. Once you’ve entered your username and password, you will be taken to the homepage of your Participant Center. 

Q: What if I forget my username or password?
A: If you do not remember your username that you set up during registration, just contact our staff and they can look it up for you.  If you do not remember your password, the link under the login area will help you reset your password – or you can always give us a call! 

Q: Do I have to change my Personal Page?
A: You don't have to, but we know from experience that the participant’s personal touch makes the page more compelling to prospective donors. Be creative and have fun with it. Please know we are here to help you do this. 

Q: How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
A: Login to your Participant Center. At the top of that page, you'll see your current goal and a link to change it directly below it. Or you can contact us and we can do it for you. 

Q: How can I see who has donated on my behalf?
A: Login to your Participant Center. Click the Progress tab at the top of the page, then scroll down to view your donor list. You can also download a list of your supporters from this page.

Q: How can I see who is on my team?
A: Login to your Participant Center, then click on “View Team Roster” from the navigation on the right side of the page.

Back to top!

Additional Questions:

Please reach out to 

Ashley Carrier at 781-255-8884 or ashley.carrier@als-ma.org