CT Challenge
JULY 26 & 27, 2013
| TIME TO RIDE |
Rider Fundraising FAQ
Rating: +1 No portion of a rider's registration fee counts toward the fundraising minimum. Registration fees help defray event operating expenses. Riders may make a voluntary contribution to their ride at the time of registration or at any other time that would count towards their fundraising minimum. Rating: +0 Yes. The CT Challenge Bike Ride is a required fundraising event. All registered riders commit to raise a minimum amount of money depending on the distance they select when they register. If a rider has not raised his/her minimum amount by September 27, 2013 the balance of the minimum will automatically be charged to the credit card provided at registration. Rating: +0 Yes. In some cases this is an easy change, but in others it may be more complicated, requiring you to re-register. If you want to change your distance, please notify the Connecticut Challenge Info Desk at info@ctchallenge.org. You must notify us in advance of the event date. Rating: +0 No. All registered riders are required to raise their individual minimum. All donors to a team should be directed to specify which rider they want to credit their donation to so it can be properly recorded and credited to a rider's fundraising account.
Does any portion of my registration fee count towards my fundraising minimum?
Is there a minimum amount of money that a rider must raise to participate in the Connecticut Challenge?
If I register to ride one distance. Can I later change my mind and ride a difference distance?
If I am a member of a team riding in the Connecticut Challenge, can my team cover my fundraising requirement?
Donor Fundraising FAQ
Rating: +0 Yes to both questions. Please contact the CT Challenge Info Desk at info@ctchallenge.org with your desired change. Rating: -1 Checks made payable to "Connecticut Challenge" should be mailed to Connecticut Challenge, P.O. Box 566, Southport, CT 06890. Please print, complete and include a Donor Form. Rating: +0 No. You cannot change the amount of a previous donation. You can only make another, separate donation. Rating: +0 Contact us at info@ctchallenge.org and we can direct your donation to the correct rider. Rating: +0 Click on “Rider Search”. Search for the name of the rider and click on their name to be linked to their donation page. Their current fundraising results will be displayed on their page. Rating: +0 When you click on “Give Now” on a participant’s fundraising page you will see the option to “Print form to donate by check.” Print this form and mail it with your check to Connecticut Challenge, PO Box 566, Southport, CT 06890. Your donation will be credited to the rider you designate on the form. Rating: +0 You can download a pdf of our IRS Affirmation Letter letter from the Charitable Information page of this website, which is under the "Give" tab. Rating: +0 Yes. Before you submit your donation for processing you will have the option to dedicate you donation In Memory, Honor or Support of someone. Rating: +0 Send them to Connecticut Challenge, PO Box 566, Southport, CT 06890, fax them to 203-621-3279 or email them to info@ctchallenge.org. Rating: +0 All donors who provide their email address will receive a donation receipt via email that can be used for tax purposes. The CT Challenge does not share its email list with outside organizations. All donors of $250 or more will receive a written acknowledgement of the donation from the Connecticut Challenge. This can act as a receipt for tax purposes. Donors by check of less than $250 should keep their canceled check as their receipt. Rating: +0 The Federal Tax ID # for Connecticut Challenge, Inc. is 20-2777748. All information like this can be found on the website under the “Give” tab. Rating: +0 Select "Give" from the main menu or click the rider search button. Search for the name of the rider, click on their name, and you will be linked to their donation page. Rating: +0 Many companies will match donations by their employees to qualifying organizations. After making your donation online or by check, employees should mail or fax their company's matching gift form to the CT Challenge. We will take care of the rest. When the matching gift check arrives (often months later) the amount will be credited to the cyclist who was credited with the original donation. Matching gift programs are a simple way for donors to double their donation. You can view more information on the Matching Gifts page on our website under the "Give" tab. Rating: +0 You cannot change your dedication yourself after you have submitted your donation for processing. Contact us info@ctchallenge.org and we can change your dedication for you. Rating: +0 They are still credited to the rider's account and count toward their fundraising goal! Can I change how my donation or name shows up in the Honor Roll? Can I have my name and donation amount removed from the Honor Roll altogether?
Where do I send a donation check?
Can I go back and change the amount of my donation?
I made a donation to the wrong rider. Can I change it?
How can I see how much a rider has raised to date?
How do I make a donation by check?
How can I get a copy of a letter that certifies the CT Challenge as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization?
Can I make a donation in honor or memory of someone and have it recognized on the website?
Where do I send company Matching Gift forms?
Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
What is the CT Challenge Tax ID #?
How do I make a donation on this website?
What is a Matching Gift Donation?
Can I change the dedication for my donation?
What happens to donations made after the September 27, 2013 deadline?
Volunteer FAQ
Rating: +0 There is no fee to register as a volunteer. Most volunteers do make a donation to support cancer survivors. Others choose to register as a virtual rider, for which there is also no fee, in order to actively solicit donations from friends and family to support CT Challenge programs for cancer survivors. Rating: +0 The ride goes on rain or shine. Cyclists will ride in the rain and the weather can change quickly. We need all our volunteers to report for their assigned jobs regardless of the weather. We will have cyclists on the road and we will need our volunteers to ensure their safe, smooth and enjoyable ride. Rating: +0 There is no fundraising requirement for volunteers but we encourage all of our volunteers to raise money. Everyone has a personal reason for participating in the CT Challenge - as a volunteer or cyclist. If you communicate your reason to your friends and family and ask them to support a cause that motivates you - helping cancer survivors - you will be pleasantly surprised by how much money you can raise for a great cause. When you register as a volunteer you will automatically get a fundraising webpage that you can customize with your message. Send the link to this page to your friends and family and ask for their support. If you have questions about how to do this, you can email info@ctchallenge.org. Rating: +0 We do our best to assign volunteers to work in the position they request. If you are assigned to a position that you cannot fulfill, let us know and we'll make the necessary changes. In general, most volunteers get their first or second request. Rating: +0 Yes, all volunteers must register online. 350+ volunteers help us to run the event. During the registration process you will choose the job(s) you would like to do. This helps us to efficiently task and organize our volunteers. Rating: +0 Our volunteer coordinator will begin final volunteer assignments in June and begin contacting volunteers with their final assignments. When you register, please block the event date on your personal calendar so you are sure to keep it open. It is important that you contact us if your plans change and you can not fulfill your volunteer commitment. Our volunteer coordinator is Dan Root. He can be reached at dan@ctchallenge.org. Rating: +0 Dress casually and comfortably. Late July can be hot and humid so please dress accordingly. Shorts are definitely acceptable. All volunteers will receive a brightly colored volunteer t-shirt when you arrive that must be worn while you are working. Rating: +0 With the exception of volunteers who are working at rest stops and as corner marshals, all volunteers will report first to Volunteer Check-In at the Hunt Club where you will check in, receive your t-shirt and any additional instructions you will need to do your job. There is plenty of parking on-site at the Hunt Club. All volunteers should be at their assigned post no less than 15 minutes before their shift is scheduled to start. Rating: +0 We will do our best to accommodate specific requests. The sooner you register, the better the chances are for success. After you and your friend(s) register on the website, send an email to our volunteer coordinator, Dan Root at dan@ctchallenge.org to make your request. Rating: +0 Because we assign specific people to specific roles, it is absolutely critical that you notify us as soon as possible if you discover you cannot fulfill your role. We cannot risk having your position go un-filled. Make sure to contact our volunteer coordinator, Dan Root at dan@ctchallenge.org. so we can find a replacement for you. Do I pay a registration fee to volunteer?
What happens if it rains on the day of the event?
Is there a fundraising requirement for volunteers?
Is it possible to choose which volunteer activity I get assigned?
Do I have to register in order to volunteer?
When will I find out my final volunteer assignment?
What should I wear when I volunteer?
When and where should I report on the day of the event?
Can I request to be assigned to work with my friend(s)?
What do I do if my plans change and I can no longer volunteer at the event?
Training FAQ
Rating: +0 Yes. When the weather turns warm enough for outdoor riding, we'll be planning training rides to depart from locations like the Center for Survivorship in Southport, the Trek Store in Fairfield, and others yet to be determined. Sign up for the CT Challenge e-news and you will receive notice of planned events related to the ride. Become a Fan of the CT Challenge on Facebook and you will also hear about training rides in the spring and summer. I need help training for my ride. Do you plan to host any group rides to prepare for the event?
Registration FAQ
Rating: +0 Start a Team: If you want to be a team captain and haven't already registered, you can register as a rider and sign up your team at the same time. Join a Team: If you know the name of the team you want to join and haven't already registered, you can sign up as a team member and register as a rider at the same time. Join as an Individual: If you want to register as an individual rider, click here. If you decide later to form or join a team, you can easily do so at any time. Rating: +0 Yes. In some cases this is an easy change, but in others it may be more complicated, requiring you to re-register. If you want to change your distance, please notify the Connecticut Challenge at info@ctchallenge.org. You must notify us in advance of the event date. Rating: +0 No portion of a rider's registration fee counts toward the fundraising minimum. Registration fees help defray event operating expenses. Riders may make a voluntary contribution to their ride at the time of registration or at any other time that would count towards their fundraising minimum. Rating: -1 Yes. A team consists of two or more riders. Rating: +0 When you register for the ride you automatically receive a personal fundraising page that you can customize with text and photos/videos. Then, when you reach out to friends and family for donations, you direct them to your page where they can make a donation. You access your personal page through your “personal HQ” by clicking on “Login” in the top right of http://bike.ctchallenge.org and using the username and password you established during registration. Rating: +0 Yes. In some cases this is an easy change, but in others it may be more complicated, requiring you to re-register. If you want to change your distance, please notify the Connecticut Challenge at info@ctchallenge.org. You must notify us in advance of the event that you want to change distances. Rating: +0 Road Warriors are riders who commit at the time of their registration to raise at least $3,000 to support their ride. Road Warriors receive special recognition on the website and, for the following year, at the Center for Survivorship and in the Annual Report for the Connecticut Challenge. We are incredibly grateful for the passion and commitment of our Road Warriors. You can learn all the details of the Road Warrior program on the Road Warrior tab on the website. If you are not confident that you can raise $3,000 and are not prepared to make a personal donation for any shortfall, do not register as a Road Warrior. Rating: +0 Yes. The Connecticut Challenge is a required fundraising event. All registered riders commit to raise a minimum amount of money depending on the distance they select when they register. If a rider has not raised his/her minimum amount by September 27, 2013 the balance of the minimum will automatically be charged to the credit card provided at registration. Rating: +0 Do not register to ride unless you are committed to raising the money or are prepared to donate the money yourself. Take that commitment seriously. Experience has shown that riders who put a good effort into their fundraising can raise their minimum easily. Take advantage of the fundraising tips on the website. Most importantly, start early and don't be shy about asking for money. You are supporting cutting edge programs and services for cancer survivors, a very noble cause. If you still don't believe you can raise the money, but want to be involved, we would welcome your help as a volunteer. Rating: +0 The Fundraising Goal you established when you registered is just a goal, not an obligation. You may raise or lower it anytime you wish. You are obligated to raise only your required fundraising minimum. The average 2012 rider raised over $1,300. You can achieve that level too! Rating: +0 Login to your Personal HQ by clicking on “Login” in the top right corner of http://bike.ctchallenge.org. Then, click on “edit my profile”. You can edit most parts of your profile, including your fundraising goal. Remember that your fundraising goal cannot be set lower than the minimum for the ride distance you selected. Rating: +0 Yes. When you register, you may make an initial donation to your ride to jump-start your fundraising effort. You can also make additional donations to your ride at a later date. Rating: +0 Yes. Just log into your personal HQ in the top right corner of http://bike.ctchallenge.org and click on “edit my profile. At the bottom of the page, you will see the option to “start a team” or “join a team”. If you have questions, just contact the CT Challenge Info Desk at info@ctchallenge.org. Rating: +0 No. You are charged only your registration fee when you register. You have until September 27, 2013 to raise your required fundraising minimum. After that date, any balance remaining will be automatically charged to the credit card that you provided at registration. Rating: +0 When you register, you automatically receive a personal fundraising web page on the CT Challenge website. You can provide people with a link directly to your personal page where they can read about your ride and make a secure donation with a credit card. People can also get to your personal fundraising page by visiting http://bike.ctchallenge.org and clicking on “Rider Search.” Rating: +0 The Connecticut Challenge is a fundraising event. This special event is intended to be a reward for riders who do the work necessary to raise their money. Of course, we hope that the people who participate are as committed to the cause of cancer survivorship as we are. The expense of funding the Center for Survivorship and the programs supported by the CT Challenge Survivorship Network is considerable, so we need to raise as much money as efficiently as possible. We also try to make the event memorable for each participant. If we had a lower fundraising requirement, our participation numbers would increase, but that would put stress on our organization and volunteers and we could not ensure the safe and great event experience every rider deserves. We also believe our fundraising minimums are very attainable. Our average rider raised over $1,300 in 2013. You can too! Refer to our Fundraising Tips for help with your fundraising. Rating: +0 Photos taken by CT Challenge photographers will be posted for viewing and purchase after the ride at www.backprint.com/ctchallenge. Prices of photos are very reasonable and any proceeds from the sale of photos support the CT Challenge. Rating: +0 If you don't reach your fundraising minimum by the deadline of 9/27/2013, the balance will automatically be charged to the credit card you provided at registration. Rating: +0 You have until September 27, 2013 to raise your required minimum. If you have not raised your minimum by that date, the balance will be automatically charged to the credit card you provided at registration. Rating: +0 All two-day riders will receive a special, custom CT Challenge cycling jersey. For the one-day ride we also produce a custom cycling jersey and dri-fit performance shirt. One-day riders who register before March 1, 2013 can choose to receive either the jersey or a high quality dri-fit performance shirt for free and will receive their jersey or shirt by mail in May. If you register after March 1, but before May 3, you can choose between the cycling jersey or dri-fit shirt and you will receive the item when you check in on the morning of the ride. If you register after May 3, the only way to ensure you can do your ride in a 2013 jersey is to raise $1,500 before the day of the ride – your will receive your jersey when you check in on the morning of the ride. If you surpass $1,500 in your personal fundraising account after the ride, the jersey will be mailed to you after the ride. Rating: +0 2013 Cancellation Policy Two-Day Ride Registrants for the CT Challenge two-day ride, July 26 - July 27, 2013, may cancel their registration prior to June 1st and receive a refund of their registration fee and release from the balance of their fundraising commitment. After May 31, registrants who, for any reason, cancel or do not ride on either or both days of their ride forfeit their registration fee and are responsible for fulfilling their fundraising commitment. Any remaining balance of a fundraising commitment on 9/27/2013 will be charged to the credit card used at the time of registration. No donations will be refunded. Cancellations of hotel reservations are subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the hotel. One-Day Ride Registrants for the CT Challenge one-day ride on Saturday, July 27, 2013, may cancel their registration prior to July 1, 2013 and receive a refund of their registration fee and release from the balance of their fundraising commitment. After June 30,2013, and before July 13, 2013, registrants who cancel their registration or do not ride on July 27, 2013, forfeit their registration fee and are released from the balance of their fundraising commitment. After July 12, registrants who cancel or, for any reason, do not ride on July 27, 2013 forfeit their registration fee and are responsible for fulfilling their fundraising commitment. Any remaining balance of a fundraising commitment on 9/27/2013 will be charged to the credit card used at the time of registration. No donations will be refunded. How To Cancel Participants wishing to cancel their registration MUST send an email to info@ctchallenge.org requesting a cancellation and MUST receive a confirmation email from the CT Challenge that the cancellation has been processed. The cancellation is not valid until that confirmation email has been received. What is the difference between registering as an individual, starting a team, or joining a team?
If I register to ride one distance. Can I later change my mind and ride a difference distance?
Does any portion of my registration fee count towards my fundraising minimum?
Can two people become a team?
What is my personal fundraising page? How do I find it?
If I register to ride one distance. Can I later change my mind and ride a difference distance?
What is a "Road Warrior"?
Is there a minimum amount of money a rider must raise to participate in the CT Challenge Bike Ride?
I want to ride but I am not sure I can raise the required minimum. What should I do?
Am I obligated to raise the amount I state as my "Fundraising Goal"?
How do I change my "Fundraising Goal"?
Can I make a donation to my own ride?
Can I form a team later, after I've registered to ride as an individual?
Will I be charged for my fundraising minimum when I register?
How can people make an online donation to my ride?
Why do your fundraising requirements seem so high compared to other charity events?
How do I get copies of photos taken at the event?
What happens if I don't reach my required fundraising level?
How long do I have to do my fundraising?
How do I get the 2013 Cycling Jersey or Dri-Fit performance shirt?
What do I do if I need to withdraw from the ride?
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