FAQ's
Please reach out to Jake Obid ([email protected]) with any questions you may have!
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 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.
5. Join as a Volunteer -- Our Ride could not happen without the support of our volunteers. They bring the joy and hard work necessary to make a memorable experience for those riding and fundraising to create a world without ALS.
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, support on ride day, permitting of routes, etc.).
All Riders: $75
Online registration closes on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Participants can register for $100 on the morning of the event - does NOT include $250 fundraising minimum requirement.
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 18 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 [email protected] or give us a call at 401-264-0913.
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.
70-Mile Ride
Registration: 6:30am
Ride Begins: 7:00am
50-Mile Ride
Registration: 7:00am
Ride Begins: 8:00am
25-Mile Ride
Registration: 8:00am
Ride Begins: 9:00am
10-Mile Ride
Registration: 9:00am
Ride Begins: 10:00am
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: Is there a deadline for online registration? If so, will there be Event Day registration?
A: Yes, the online registration deadline is Tuesday, September 12. You will able to register on-site on Ride Day and will need to pay the registration fee of $100 plus the $250 fundraising minimum.
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 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.
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.
Route Details
Q: What are the route options?
A: We offer a 70-mile, a 50-mile, a 25-mile, and a 10-mile 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 & Finances
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, which is 13-3271855.
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
Attn: Ride to Defeat ALS: Massachusetts
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: Yes! 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.
Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions you can reach out to the Ride to Defeat ALS Coordinator.
Jake Obid
774-217-1147
[email protected]
