This is the FAQ page for the Charity Treks HIV/AIDS Vaccine Bike Treks.
Please send any questions related specifically to this event that are not answered in this FAQ to david@charitytreks.org.
This FAQ was last modified on March 17, 2019.
Q. Who is Charity Treks, and why are they organizing these Bike Treks ?
A. Charity Treks Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit company made up of volunteers interested in raising awareness and money for the cause of finding a vaccine for AIDS. Charity Treks is made up of the core organizers of the successful Montreal to Portland, ME AIDS Vaccine Bike Trek in 2002, which was organized on short notice after a previously scheduled event was cancelled. We have produced a cycling event every year since, starting in Montreal or Burlington, and ending in Boston or Portland, ME. From 2015 to 2017, we produced our first events outside of these cities, by going from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC.
We will continue to produce events as long as we feel that we can make a difference in the fight against AIDS. As well as raising money, an equally important aspect of these events is to raise awareness in the general population of the devastating effects of the disease, and the importance of the continuing efforts of researchers to find a vaccine and eventually, a cure.
Q. What / When is the next event ?
A. The next event is the Charity Treks Tour de Champlain HIV / AIDS Vaccine Bike Trek 2019. It will be held in Burlington, VT from Wednesday, August 14 to Saturday, August 17, 2019. On-site registration will take place in Burlington, VT on Tuesday, August 13, 2018.
Q. When does registration begin, and how much does it cost ?
A. Registration begins on January 7, 2019. The registration fee is as follows:
$185.00 USD for full event riders, $50.00 USD for riders choosing the 1-day option, $50.00 USD for crew and $25.00 USD for medical volunteers. These fees are for the event registration only and do NOT include host hotel accommodations.
Q. What are these fees used for, and are there any other “hidden” costs ?
A. The fees are used to offset the costs associated with producing the event, so that 100 % of all money raised can be donated to the UCLA Aids Institute and the Emory Vaccine Center. As well, corporate and personal donations help cover the costs associated with the event. The event organizers volunteer their time because they truly believe in the cause.
There are no “hidden” costs associated with this event. We state as much as we can right from the start so there are no surprises during the event. We will provide breakfasts, lunches and suppers, as well as refreshments and water at PIT stops. Any incidental expenses are also your responsibility (ice cream or Gatorade at a convenience store, souvenirs, the odd donut here and there).
Q. How do I register ?
A. You can register by clicking on the “Register or Donate” button on our website and completing the online form at Crowdrise.com. You may also download our PDF registration form from the Charity Treks website and mail in your registration.
Event registration is only confirmed once your payment has been received. The event has a rider cap so it is important that payment be sent to guarantee you a spot.
Q. What methods of payment can be used ?
A. Registration fees can be paid using Visa, MasterCard or American Express via the Crowdrise.com website. You can also send a check payable to Charity Treks to the address on the registration form.
Q. What is the refund policy ?
A. Registration fees will be fully refunded if a rider cancels before June 1, 2019. Any cancellations received after this date will not be refunded, and the fees collected will be used to cover the operational expenses of the event.
Q. What is the fundraising minimum ?
A. We do NOT have a fundraising minimum. Yes, you read that right; we do NOT have a fundraising minimum. We believe that awareness and rider experience are just as important as the money raised. We feel that your riding effort is worth at least $500. We want you to set your own goals – your own limits – and raise what you can.
We ask that everyone who registers puts forth an honest effort to raise funds for our beneficiaries, as this is the primary reason of producing these events. We will provide guidance and fundraising letters and templates that can be used for those people not familiar with raising funds for charity.
Q. I don’t ride but would like to get involved. How can I volunteer ?
A. We are looking for 2 types of volunteers: crew and medical. Crew consists of helping in any capacity possible, which may vary from day to day during the course of the event. You could be packing and moving gear one day, driving a sweep vehicle the next and working at camp the third. You need only be willing to help, enthusiastic, able bodied and adaptable.
Medical staff requires some medical training / background, as your assistance is specific in nature. You can assist from a medical standpoint even if you are riding. You will help with medical clearance, and be willing to assist in case of medical emergency.
Other ways to help are procuring goods and services for the event, assisting with contacting riders and crew, recruiting new riders, event promotion, contacting local officials about the event, etc. Please send an e-mail to david@charitytreks.org for more details on this.
Q. How can I donate to the Trek ?
A. Donations for the Trek can be made via check or credit card. For checks, they should be made out to Charity Treks, and mailed to the address on the Donation Form from the website. Credit card donations can be made via secure server from the Crowdrise.com website, which processes all of our registration and donation transactions. Simply click on the “Register or Donate” button on the Charity Treks website. All donations are tax-deductible, since Charity Treks Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
Q. How much of my donation goes towards paying expenses ?
A. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Rien. Goose Egg. Donation checks made out to Charity Treks will be equally split and fully donated between our two beneficiaries.
Q. Can I donate to help with event expenses ? Is this amount tax-deductible ?
A. Yes. Donations can be made to Charity Treks Inc. to assist in covering operating expenses for the event. These funds are separate from the funds that go to our two beneficiaries. We are a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, which means that all donations we receive are tax-deductible.
Q. I’ve never raised funds before. Where can I get help ?
A. We will provide you with a fundraising guide (in PDF format) that will help you with this. You will be put in contact with experienced riders and fundraisers who can mentor you and answer any questions you may have. You can also log on to our Facebook page and ask for help from other riders.
Q. How will registration take place in Burlington ?
A. Onsite registration will take place from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in Burlington, VT at our host hotel (Doubletree by Hilton Burlington Vermont). You will meet some of the volunteers on the event, pick up your event T-shirt and jersey (if you ordered one) and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
There will be ongoing Safety and Rider briefings throughout the day, and you are also required to meet with a Medical Team member to assure you are fit for the event and discuss any medical related issues.
Q. What if I can’t make it to registration ?
A. You cannot ride or participate in the event without onsite registration and medical review. However, if you cannot make it to Burlington on time, alternate arrangements can be made for registration, but must be done IN ADVANCE. Please send an e-mail to david@charitytreks.org for more information about this.
Q. Have group rates been arranged at the host hotel in Burlington ?
A. Yes, the Charity Treks group rate is $135.00 + tax per night, from 1 – 4 occupancy per room. Each registrant is responsible for making their own hotel reservation and securing it with their own credit card. Charity Treks is not responsible for any hotel charges made by registrants.
Q. What about travel arrangements ? How do I transport my bike to Burlington ?
A. We do not get involved with the travel logistics of participants and their gear / bikes. We will provide as much information as we can to facilitate this, but it is up to you to make the arrangements. Any reservations (hotel, car, air) should be made in your name. If you choose to guarantee a reservation with a personal credit card, you alone are responsible for that charge.
The airport to fly into is Burlington (BTV). There are a number of alternate airports that may be used, depending on the departure point.
You will be able to ship your bike up to 5 days before the event. We will hold your bike for you and it will be available at registration.
Q. I’ve never done an event like this before. Where can I get information on how to train for it ?
A. We will provide you with a training guide (in PDF format) that will help you with this. You will be put in contact with experienced riders and volunteers who can mentor you and answer any questions you may have. You can also log on to our Facebook page and ask for help from other participants.
Q. How will departures take place in the morning, and at what times ?
A. Riders must depart within a certain time window in order for road crews to provide adequate support level. This time window will vary throughout the Trek, as outlined below. These are sample times and subject to change, but it gives you an idea of what to expect.
Day 1: Riders must be ready to ride at 8:00 am. There will be a small get-together and some opening words by the organizers, then riders leave at 8:15 am.
Day 2: Riders must leave between 7:00 and 8:00 am
Day 3: Riders must leave between 7:00 and 8:00 am
Day 4: Riders must leave between 8:00 and 9:00 am (slower riders leave first)
Ride-in to closing ceremony is between 12:45 – 1:00 pm, with closing ceremonies from 1:00-1:45 pm.
Q. When will we know what the route is ?
A. For safety reasons, we will only release the specifics of the route the evening before we ride it (i.e. we will release Day 2 route in the evening after Day 1). Printed copies will be distributed to all riders. The route will also have an elevation graph to give the riders some idea of the difficulty level of that portion of the Trek.
As well, the route is clearly marked by bright pink arrows that are difficult to miss no matter what the background is. The goal of the crew marking the route is for the riders to not need to use their route maps to make it to camp; just follow the arrows.
If you use a Garmin or similar device, you will be able to download the route map to your device the night before the event.
Q. What type of support will be available ?
A. We will provide everything else you need to enjoy a safe, carefree journey. We’ll provide road support (Sweep and SAG vehicles, caboose, moto), medical support, and PIT stops with water and snacks. You will also get to meet and be cheered on by a fabulous crew who make it all possible.
Q. Where are the PIT stops located, and do they all have bathrooms ?
A. The PIT stops are strategically located approximately 15-25 miles apart throughout the Trek. Some of them do NOT have bathrooms (don’t worry, you’ll know in advance which ones do and which ones don’t). Please keep this in mind as you are riding. We will be riding through small towns fairly consistently and if the urge to go strikes you, listen to your body and stop. Don’t assume there’ll be a bathroom at the next PIT. Specific PIT locations will be clearly indicated on the route plans you will be given daily.
Q. Am I free to stop along the way during the Trek ?
A. Yes, you may stop for a rest or pop into a store along the way if something piques your interest. You must be able to do this safely, it must be directly on the route and we recommend that you alert another rider so they know you have stopped.
REMEMBER – if you stop, do NOT leave your bike unattended. If you do, LOCK IT. We are not responsible for theft.
Q. What happens when we get back to the hotel at the end of the day ?
A. As you arrive at the hotel, you’ll check in to confirm so that we can account for all riders. We ask that you do not stop abruptly and rest. It is important to do some cool down exercises to prepare your body for the next day.
You will bring your bike to your hotel room or place it in the gear truck. There will be volunteers / crew at hotel to answer any questions you may have. Supper is generally served between 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
Q. What happens at the hotel in the evening ?
A. Evening time is at the discretion of the riders. All riders will need to attend a group meeting with the organizers every night. This meeting will last about 20-30 minutes and serve to discuss the day’s events, any changes to the route and any questions that the group may have. We also use this time to celebrate the day’s achievements and prepare for tomorrow.
Q. What happens at the end of the Trek ?
A. On Day 4, near the end of the route, we will have a small holding area set up where we will ask the riders to wait until all riders have arrived, so that we can ride back to the hotel together, as a show of unity. There may also be some media presence and/or police escort, which is why we schedule our arrival. We will have brief closing ceremonies, and will have a restaurant selected for an evening dinner for those who wish to participate.
Q. How do I get my bike back home at the end of the Trek ?
A. You would transport it the same way you did to get it to Burlington. We will provide the option of having your bike shipped back to you from the Charlottesville-area, when the gear truck returns from the Trek. Using this option means that you would not get your bike back until the Friday following the event.
There is an additional fee for this, since we are essentially driving your bike back to Charlottesville, then shipping it via UPS or FedEx back to you.