Frequently Asked Questions
For other questions, post to the comments at the bottom of this page.
We have no registration fee for now - it's a very informal ride, somewhat like a group of friends getting together for a weekend ride.
All we ask is that you register with NephCure for this event and donate and/or raise some funds for the cause. We have no fundraising minimum. Do what you can. Your efforts it will go toward a good cause and will be very much appreciated.
To register for the ride, click here.
Then click on the "Join Now" button and follow the instructions.
No, things are casual right now. Just show up a bit early and be ready to go at 10am. We'll have our kickoff ceremony and we'll be on our way. No signing in, no numbers. Just be sure to get the cell number to call if you run into any problems. We'll try to help as best as possible.
We are trying to build up our fledgling ride right now and we don't have resources to organize a big ride with all the bells and whistles. We just put in a bit of time and there's no real cost right now to require a registration fee. We hope to build up the ride, so tell your friends. If the ride grows, we'll organize rest stops, tee-shirts, festivities, and the whole bit. We'll get sponsors to help with the cost and we may have to charge a nominal registration fee at that point. But for now, you're one of the charter riders! So make history. ; )
We don't want to place any barriers up for folks that want to do our ride and help NephCure. We welcome everyone. We know you'll do what you can to fundraise and we really appreciate that.
It's the same reason as to why we have no registration fee. Plus, we've done this ride for fun and haven't had any issues. But you should be aware of what is available on the route. Please read the FAQs for "Is There a Shorter Route?" and "How Should I Prepare for the Ride?" as well - they provide some good tips.
It's the same reason as to why we have no registration fee. It's a safe route w/ no cars on the route except when crossing one road and on the State Park entrance road. But just in case there are accidents or breakdowns, we'll provide a cell number for you to call and we'll do our best to get help to you. We also ask that riders help others if they see someone with a problem.
Is There a Shorter Route?
Sure! OK, maybe 52 miles offroad might be too much. The nice thing about the ride is you can turn around at any point and make your own distance. If you want to go 30 miles, turn around at the 15 mile point, if you want to go 10 miles, turn around at the 5 mile point. Whatever distance you go, it's a beautiful ride and for a great cause.
Just remember if you turn around after the 13 mile mark, you'll have farther to go to the nearest water or food. If you turn around at 20 miles, it'll be 40 before you get back to Jim Thorpe. So, be sure you have enough water and food with you. You should plan on needing 1 large water bottle (26-28 oz.) of fluid for every hour of riding. You may want to consider having more than just water, but also electrolytes (Gatorade, or better yet - electrolyte tablets like Nuun, Fizz, or CamelBak tablets). Carbohydrates are important, too so you have enough fuel and energy to get through the ride - things like carb gels, energy bars, donuts. ; )
Sure! OK, maybe 52 miles offroad might be too much. The nice thing about the ride is you can turn around at any point and make your own distance. If you want to go 30 miles, turn around at the 15 mile point, if you want to go 10 miles, turn around at the 5 mile point. Whatever distance you go, it's a beautiful ride and for a great cause.
Just remember if you turn around after the 13 mile mark, you'll have farther to go to the nearest water or food. If you turn around at 20 miles, it'll be 40 before you get back to Jim Thorpe. So, be sure you have enough water and food with you. You should plan on needing 1 large water bottle (26-28 oz.) of fluid for every hour of riding. You may want to consider having more than just water, but also electrolytes (Gatorade, or better yet - electrolyte tablets like Nuun, Fizz, or CamelBak tablets). Carbohydrates are important, too so you have enough fuel and energy to get through the ride - things like carb gels, energy bars, donuts. ; )
How Should I Prepare for the Ride?
If you haven't trained, it's OK - you can make the ride as short as you like and hang out for the after party!
The important thing to remember, though - this is a very informal and casually organized ride - think like a bunch of friends going out for a ride.
There will be no support or rest stops on this year's ride, so bring enough water and fuel (energy bars, gels, bananas, donuts, whatever) to make it through. There are shops in White Haven where you can get something to eat and some more water, but I usually bring a hydropak (like a CamelBak) and enough carbs to get me through the ride. You should be prepared for a 3-6 hour ride if you're doing the full 52 miles (depending on your avergage speed over the course of the ride).
If you haven't trained, it's OK - you can make the ride as short as you like and hang out for the after party!
The important thing to remember, though - this is a very informal and casually organized ride - think like a bunch of friends going out for a ride.
There will be no support or rest stops on this year's ride, so bring enough water and fuel (energy bars, gels, bananas, donuts, whatever) to make it through. There are shops in White Haven where you can get something to eat and some more water, but I usually bring a hydropak (like a CamelBak) and enough carbs to get me through the ride. You should be prepared for a 3-6 hour ride if you're doing the full 52 miles (depending on your avergage speed over the course of the ride).
Cyclocross, hybrid bikes w/
wide-ish tires, and mountain bikes are best. Road bikes with narrow
racing tires would not work well. If you can get cyclocross tires on
your road bike, it should be fine.
If you get to the Start/Finish area and no one is around - you're either one of the first riders back or you're one of the later riders. If you're one of the first, chill a while and others will roll in. If you're one of the later riders, come to Molly Maguires - we'll be there until 5pm having fun.
Sorry pal, looks like you're outta luck. -- Just Kidding...
Get ready for next year! And for now, make a donation to Nephcure. Sponsor one of your friends or family, or one of the other riders by searching for a rider on the NephCure fundraising site.
Any donation is very much appreciated and goes to this vital cause!
Any donation is very much appreciated and goes to this vital cause!
Or perhaps you might want to get involved in another way - you could volunteer to help our ride next year. Email Kevin Horio if you're interested at kevinhorio@yahoo.com.
Look for the story on the "Inaugural Colin Mackay Mad Scot Trail Ride" on our Past Rides page to learn about the Wee Dram tradition.
For other questions, post to the comments below.
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