COUNTDOWN TO RIDE DAY: SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

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Frequently Asked Questions

Although we are not able to offer a searchable FAQ site at this time, we did want to post the answers to at least the most frequently asked questions.  Please check back often as new questions will be posted and updates will be made!

If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us at info@neparkinsonsride.org.  Thank you for your patience as we continue to grow!

Registration

How do I register as part of a team?

If you are bringing back or creating a Team, the Team Captain should be the first to register. Once the Team Captain has set up the Team, all other members will use the same registration process and select “Join a Team” before entering your personal information. If you have already registered as an individual and would like to join a team follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to your Fundraising Dashboard
  2. Click on “view” under 2023 New England Parkinson’s Ride
  3. Click “Manage” at the top of the page. If you do not see the manage button, you may need to log in again using the login button in the top right corner
  4. Scroll down and click “Team Fundraising” then there will be a button to create or join a team

How do I register a child or teen?

Every child must be registered as a “cyclist”, even if they are attached to a parent’s bicycle. Teen Registration Fee (ages 13-17 as of ride day) is $30.  There is no fee for riders under the age of 13 but all youth riders, both child and teen, must be accompanied by an adult family member (or have a notarized permission slip to ride with someone else).  Parents will be required to agree to the Youth Waiver during registration before any youth is allowed to ride.

For more details click here.

Is there a fee to register for the Ride?

The standard Adult Registration Fee is $90 (Early Birds before 4/15 are $75 and Late Registrations after 7/31 are $115, if space is still available). Teen Registration Fee (ages 13-17) is $30.  There is no fee for youth riders under the age of 13 but all youth and teen riders must be accompanied by an adult family member (or have a notarized permission slip to ride with someone else). The standard Registration Fee for Cycling In Sync is $30. Since 100% of the funds raised by cyclists goes directly to The Michael J Fox Foundation to be used for research toward a cure, the Registration Fee covers the actual operation of the ride….things like porta potties, food and drink at all rest stops and the start and end of the ride, t-shirts for all participants, entertainment and chip tracking technology. Registration fees are non-refundable and do not count toward your minimum fundraising.

For more details click here.

What is the registration deadline to guarantee a t-shirt?

In order to assure that you get a ride t-shirt you must register by July 15. Although we will of course order a few extras in miscellaneous sizes, we simply cannot guarantee that there will be t-shirts available for those who register after July 15th.

I made a mistake when typing my name, email, or address during registration, how can I fix that?

  • Log in to your fundraising dashboard
  • Click the your profile picture in the right hand corner
  • Click my profile then click settings
  • Scroll down to contact information and click edit. 
  • If you already received any donations, don’t worry they will follow you with the corrected name. 

If you have any issues or further questions, send an email to info@neparkinsonsride.org.

Ride Day

What time do I need to arrive for my ride?

You should plan to arrive at Packet Pick-up a minimum of 45 minutes before the start time for the ride distance you have registered for.
Ride times are as follows:
100 Mile Ride: 7:30 am
62 Mile Ride: 8:15 am
50 Mile Ride: 9:00 am
30 Mile Ride: 10:30 am
10 Mile Ride: 11:30 am
Due to the number of cyclists this year, each ride will be staggered with waves of cyclists going out 10 – 15 minutes apart.
If you are riding with a group, please be sure to line up together.

How do I change my ride distance?

To change your Ride Distance, please send an email to info@neparkinsonsride.org. If it is ten days before the Ride , you will need to change your distance at packet pick-up.

Can I change from the In-Person ride to Cycling In Sync?

Yes, if you registered to ride in person with us in Maine but have decided to ride on your own, please send an email to info@neparkinsonsride.org before registration has closed.
If time allows, we will mail your t-shirt to the address on file.
Please note, the difference in registration fees cannot be refunded.

What happens in case of inclement weather?

The ride will take place rain or shine!* 
*Should the weather conditions be deemed unsafe for participants, or in the case of extreme unforeseen events, the New England Parkinson’s Ride reserves the right to cancel or alter the event at any point before or during the ride. Though we hope it never happens, riders and volunteers would be notified via email if that decision were made. We would also post any cancellations on our website and Facebook pages. Registration fees would not be refundable, as all expenses would have already occurred. There is no rain date, as an event of this size and scope cannot just be recreated on another day.

Where can I get a map of the various routes?

Free Mapmyride downloads as well as turn by turn cue sheets are available under Maps and Directions. Please note, we are not able to print out maps for cyclists. All routes will be clearly marked but if you are more comfortable having a map with you, please print out before arriving at The Ballpark.

Is there a time limit to finish?

While we try to be as flexible as possible, please remember that our SAG vehicles and those manning the rest stops are all volunteers. Most of them start their day before the first ride even takes off at 7:30 am. That makes for an extremely long day.  Please be sure to pick your route based on your ability to comfortably finish in a reasonable amount of time and in time to enjoy the post-ride food, booths, and music back at The Ballpark. Support of SAG vehicles and rest stops will end no later than 5:00 pm.

Do all the rides start at the same place?

Yes, all rides start and end at The Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach.  Start times are as follows but please plan to arrive at least a 45 minutes early to sign in at the Registration Table.

100 Miles – 7:30

62 Miles – 8:15

50 Miles – 9:00

30 Miles – 10:30

10 Miles – 11:30

Am I required to wear a helmet?

Absolutely!  All cyclists (or parents of cyclists under age 18) are required to sign a Waiver and agree to abide by the Rules of the Road.

Do you allow electric assist bicycles or trikes?

Because this is a Ride, not a race, and given that many of our cyclists have PD, we do allow electric hybrids, as well as recumbents, tandems, etc, provided that you can ride safely and follow the Rules of the Road.

Where can I rent a bike in Old Orchard Beach, ME?

We have partnered with Unlimited Biking to provide high quality rentals and convenient service at affordable prices. From hybrids to carbon Cannondales, single seaters to tandems and attachments for kids, get the bike you want without the frustration of getting it to Maine. And, every bike comes with a helmet at no additional charge. Best of all, you simply pre-book your bike of choice and pick it up/drop it off at the Ride. Rent your bike here.

What food options are available to me on Ride Day?

Morning of the Ride coffee, fruit, and breakfast breads will be available within the main gates. Each cyclist and volunteer will receive a meal and drink ticket for the post-ride celebration with a wide selection of meals including gluten free and vegan options.

Fundraising

Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?

Since the sole purpose of doing this ride is to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, all adult cyclists are required to raise a minimum of $250 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. These funds must be raised before Ride Day. Registration fees are tax deductible but do not count toward the fundraising minimum. The minimum fundraising amount for those who Cycle In Sync from around the world is $50. Teen and Youth riders are not required to raise these funds but it is our sincere hope that this will be a learning opportunity for them to get involved in some capacity.  Even the youngest of them can have a lemonade stand, help at a yard sale, or do chores around the house for neighbors and other family members. 

How do I fundraise as part of a Team?

It is important that each cyclist supports the cause by doing their own fundraising. Rest assured however that if you are a member of a Team, your fundraising total will also show up as part of the Team Total. With well over 1000 cyclists riding toward the cure, Individual Fundraising is the only way that we can track things like VIP status and invitations to MVP events.

How do I access my Fundraising Dashboard?

You will use your Fundraising Dashboard to make changes to your personal page, email donors, track fundraising, etc.

Simply use the red FUNDRAISING DASHBOARD button on the top right of our Home Page (in the drop down menu on Mobile View).  You will be linked directly to the Team Fox page where you will login with the user name and password that you used to register for the Ride. If you have any trouble, please email our friends at teamfox@michaeljfox.org.

What if I have NOT met my fundraising minimum by Ride Day?

The whole purpose of this Ride is to raise the funds for research that will lead us to a cure.

When you registered, every adult committed to raise a minimum of $250 as an Individual.  That minimum must show in your personal fundraising account in order to ride.

If you have not done so prior to Ride Day, the credit card you used to register will be charged the remaining balance due.

Please note, your registration fee does not count toward your fundraising minimum.

How can I send a link to my Personal Page in emails or FaceBook?

You were given an opportunity to create your own url when you first registered to ride. If you do not have that, go to our Home Page and click on the FUNDRAISING DASHBOARD login button at the top right. Login to your Team Fox fundraising page with the email and password you used to register. Follow the links to “create your personal url”. You can simply copy and paste that into emails and Facebook posts or create a hyperlink and rename it “My Personal Page” or whatever you like.  If you need help, please contact our friends at Team Fox directly at teamfox@michaeljfox.org.

When posting your URL to Facebook, there will be a suggestion to “add a button” please DO NOT go forward with this suggestion but simply X out of that option. Creating a fundraising button will not allow friends and family to make donations directly to your personal fundraising page and there is no way for us to credit the funds to a particular rider.  We get one check several times a year with zero donor information.

You may also send donors directly to our website where they can simply search for a cyclist by clicking on the DONATE button on the top right hand side. From there they can “search for a cyclist” by putting in just a few letters of your name and making the appropriate selection in the drop down box.

How do I qualify for VIP status?

Each cyclist who raises $1,000 before the end of the year will qualify as a VIP and receive a VIP Bib Number for the following year’s ride. Those who raise the $1,000 minimum before certain deadlines will also qualify for a VIP Jersey. Fundraising must be done on an Individual basis. Rest assured however that if you are a member of a Team, your fundraising total will also show up as part of the Team Total. With well over 1000 cyclists riding toward the cure, Individual Fundraising is the only way that we can track things like VIP status and invitations to MVP events.

Can I continue to fundraise after the Ride?

Absolutely! Fundraising continues right through the end of the year!

Donations

What should I do if a donor would prefer to write a check rather than donating online?

In order to make sure that the funds are credited to you and the ride, the check should be made out to The Michael J Fox Foundation (or MJFF) and given or mailed to you. If you receive a check for $100 or less made out to the New England Parkinson’s Ride, simply write “Payable to MJFF” on the back.*

When you are ready to send in your checks, you will need to complete the NEPR – MJFF DONATION TRACKING FORM (also available under the Forms section of our website) and mail everything in to the address listed on the form. (You may notice that we are using a different address after the ride to get things in more quickly.) Please make absolutely sure that your name is large and legible at the top of the form so that you receive credit for the donations. Please note, the Michael J Fox Foundation cannot accept cash.

*If you receive a check made out to the New England Parkinson’s Ride for more than $100, please add a note indicating the name of the cyclist it should be credited to and mail to: New England Parkinson’s Ride, PO Box 1124, Merrimack, NH 03054. We will deposit the check and make an online donation in the name of the cyclist. If you have additional questions please contact us at info@neparkinsonsride.org or 207-466-0880.

The checks I mailed in with the Tracking Form have not posted to my Fundraising Page yet. How long does it take?

If you mailed your checks in to The Michael J. Fox Foundation with the NEPR – MJFF DONATION TRACKING FORM you will normally see them posted on your fundraising page within two weeks. However, due to reduced staffing during Covid-19, the checks have been taking closer to a month to post. If you have already sent checks in, do not worry, they will get posted. If you have new checks to send in, please use the updated NEPR – MJFF DONATION TRACKING FORM which will temporarily go directly to our contact at Team Fox.

If you have additional questions please contact us at info@neparkinsonsride.org or 207-466-0880.

How do I access a list of my donors from this year and/or last year?

If you need to access your donation list from 2023 or earlier, please reach out to axi@neparkinsonsride.org. For 2024 and later, please go to your fundraising page, click manage, and select donations tab to view your donors.

Can I thank donors directly from my Fundraising Dashboard?

To easily send thank-you emails to donors, follow these steps. (Note: This only works while the donation site is live. Once it shuts down at the end of the year, you won’t be able to access your Fundraising HQ until Registration opens again.)

  • Log in to your fundraising dashboard by clicking the FUNDRAISING DASHBOARD link in the top right
  • Click the Manage button
  • Locate the emails tab
  • Click the “Thank You Donors” email template

If you have any trouble please contact axi@neparkinsonsride.org.

Cycling In Sync

Do I have to ride on a specific day in order to participate?

No. Whenever and wherever you ride, the important thing to remember is the reason you are riding.

I am registered to Cycle In Sync, how will I get my t-shirt?

Each cyclist will be mailed their t-shirt before Ride Day at the address given during registration.

Do I need to ride a specific distance?

NO! This year is different and we all just need some fun in our lives. Whether you ride alone or get together with a group (safely and in compliance with local ordinances), pick a distance that is comfortable for you to ride without the support of SAG vehicles and Rest Stops.  The important thing is to remember what we are riding for!

I am not part of a Team, how can I find others who are riding for NEPR in my area?

Our hope is that we will be able to make connections via email if we know of groups riding in your area.

Please reach out to info@neparkinsonsride.org if you are riding solo or as a couple and hope to connect to a larger group.

Am I required to wear a helmet?

Absolutely!  Even though we aren’t riding together, all registered cyclists (or parents of cyclists under age 18) agreed to the abide by the Rules of the Road. Please do the right thing and be safe!

Pre-Ride Dinner

Do I need to purchase tickets for the Pre-Ride Dinner?

Yes! The Pre-Ride Dinner will be held on the Friday night before Ride Day at The Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach, the same location as the start/finish on Saturday. Tickets and more information can be found on our Pre Ride Dinner webpage.

What food options are available at the dinner?

The featured selection for dinner is a Maine style lobster roll available on regular or gluten free rolls. You can also select chicken, hot dogs, or veggie burgers. One free beer or wine comes with each ticket.

Accommodations

Are there any hotels or campgrounds in the area that offer discounts?

  • The Alouette Beach Resort is offering a discounted rate of $149 a night plus tax. Please note there is 2 night minimum and it is only for a select block of rooms. When calling to book, reference the Parkinson’s Ride for the discounted rate.
  • Paradise Park Resort has given us a promo code “nepark” for 20% campsites when booking anytime from Wednesday, September 6th until Monday, September 11th.
  • There are also numerous motel, hotels, and rentals listed with the OOB Chamber of Commerce. Check out their accommodations page for these option