Ride for AIDS Chicago
Saturday, June 7, 2008
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

ChicagoPride.com
sponsored event

Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 180-mile, bicycling event created by volunteers and designed to raise needed monies for TPAN and BEHIV.

The ride leaves Evanston on Saturday morning on the journey to Williams Bay, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Geneva. We'll start off from the city and soon after find a route of shaded bike paths and country roads. After arriving in Williams Bay, you may opt for a refreshing hot shower or a cool dip in Lake Geneva. Later, you'll enjoy a delicious hot meal.

This will be followed by an evening of star-gazing or making smores at the campfire. You'll sleep in one of the many cabins, waking up to a crisp Wisconsin morning while a hot breakfast awaits you in the dining hall.

Riders will return to Evanston on Sunday following the winding roads of southeast Wisconsin and shaded bicycle paths of northeast Illinois and then into the city. Upon returning, family and friends will welcome us home at a joyous closing ceremony.

Each rider is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 in pledges to participate. There are no fundraising requirements for Crew members, but don't let this stop you from fundraising too.

We're completely grass roots and committed to returning 100% of donations we receive to our beneficiaries: Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) and Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV).. We did it with the first four years of the ride, so we have a pretty good track record. We are able to do this by keeping costs down.

Your registration fee along with corporate sponsorship dollars covers the expenses of doing the event.

Registration is open! Register today!!

Before the Ride
The following must be completed:
All paperwork completed - All paperwork will be completed the morning of the ride. Please be sure to bring your insurance card, medical information, and emergency contact information with you to registration the day of the event.
Gear and bike drop off - You can arrive Saturday morning of the ride with your gear and bike.
Final Check-in - Saturday morning of the ride
*Get your ride identification
*Get ride map/directions
*Load your gear on the truck
*Enjoy a light breakfast
*Get last minute questions answered
When to be at Departure
We will depart from the Northwestern University Campus in Evanston.
All riders and crew should arrive at 6 a.m. for final registration procedures and check-in.
Please allow plenty of time to get everything done. Remember there will be more than 200 other riders and crew checking-in.
There will be a simple opening ceremony beginning at 7:00 a.m. sharp. The ride leaves promptly at 7:30 a.m. Invite your friends, family and sponsors to watch your departure.
The Route
In previous years we biked on shaded streets and bike paths in the northern suburbs to the Wisconsin border (at the lunch pit stop), we continued to Lake Geneva riding on southern Wisconsin’s country roads. This year’s route is still being developed. In the last three years of the ride the return route was a similar route as the one taken to Lake Geneva. We are looking into finding different routes for our journey to and from Lake Geneva. The route will be a max of 100 miles (each day), but more likely it will be around 90 miles.
Please be aware that on day two of our journey you will be departing as early in the morning and your time to ride is somewhat shorter due to closing ceremonies. Some riders will need to be swept to closing ceremonies. This is a matter of safety for all participants, as no one will be left on the route alone.
Pit Stops
Pit stops will be located on the route where there are appropriate amenities. Crew members will stop with their vehicles at designated areas. The ride will provide water and sports drinks. At every pit stop, you should fill up your water bottles and drink as much as you need.
Sweep Assistance
If you are injured or unable to ride, use a “thumbs down” signal to stop a passing crew vehicle. These vehicles are reserved for riders unable to complete the day’s ride; they are not to be utilized as a taxi service. Depending on where we are in the day, the crew may not go directly to camp. Only injured riders will receive prompt medical attention and transport. If you are picked up early in the day, it may be hours before you are delivered to camp. As it grows dark, crew vehicles will pick up riders who are still on the road.
Bicycle Repair
We have bicycle technicians on the route to assist with minor troubles. Use the “thumbs down” signal if you need assistance.
Medical Emergencies
With any emergency, dial 911, if possible. Then, immediately report any medical emergencies to the nearest crew member. If you’re on the route, after you call 911, contact the emergency number you will be provided with at final check-in. Crew vehicles rove the route on the lookout for accidents. Again, use a “thumbs down” signal if you need help.
Crew members will have mobile phones. They will have comprehensive information on local hospitals, emergency facilities, police, fire, and other important emergency information.
If someone needs to reach you in case of an emergency there will be an emergency number they can call. The ride emergency number will be announced closer to the time of the event.
Camp on Lake Geneva
The first thing you should know about camp is that it has cabins with electricity. You’ll still be camping out, which means bugs, hanging stuff out to dry, overhearing conversations and snoring in the next cabin, using a flashlight to find the bathroom, etc. But there are no tents. The cabins accommodate 6-8 people. The cabins have bunk beds with thick sleeping mats. You will still need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or blankets. While the cabins do have electricity, it is for providing light only. There are no electrical outlets available at camp.
Cabin Assignments
Your cabin will be assigned to you. If you wish to stay in the same cabin as another rider or crew member, please call the office, and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.
Meals
You will be provided with 3 meals on Saturday and 2 meals on Sunday.
Closing Ceremonies
On Sunday we will return to the Northwestern campus for closing ceremonies. The ceremonies will begin at 5:00 pm and we encourage you to invite your family, friends and sponsors to join in the celebration.

Website

Event type: Benefit/Gala, Community, Dating, Fundraiser, Gay Games, Leather, Lesbian, Make a Difference Partner Event, Sporting, Transgender, Youth, Sports, Local News, Entertainment, Romance, Lifestyle, For Kids, Hobbies, Education, Self Improvement, Special Recreation, National News, Health, Lesbian

Please Note: Indicating that you are interested or going to this event does not necessarily guarantee admission. Refer to the event description for details about attending the event.

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