What will the funds I raise support?
The money you raise by participating in the California Dream Ride will support the California Bicycle Coalition's Bikeways to Everywhere Initiative, which advocates for safe, comfortable, connected bikeway networks for all Californians. Learn more...
What is the average daily mileage? Will there be a lot of climbing?
The average daily mileage is approximately 60 per day, with a total trip mileage of approximately 290 miles. Riders who follow our training plan will be very adequately trained for the ride. Total climbing feet to be posted soon.
Are there options for shorter or longer rides?
Our tour is designed with a specific daily route and destination, with few opportunities for shorter routes. Participants who choose to ride additional (unscheduled) miles or go off-course will do so without the support of tour staff. We do ask that you advise a Dream Ride staff member if you plan to leave the route at any time.
What will the weather be like?
The average temperature for southern California in October is approximately 80 degrees for the high, and 58 degrees for the low. Riders should be prepared for possible rain.
What kind of roads will we be riding?
Roads will vary from beach trails and bike paths to frontage roads to city streets and green lanes, to sections of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (Highway 1).
Will there be SAG support?
Yes. Support vehicles will be available for all cyclists while on the road.
Will there be a mechanic on tour?
Yes, a mechanic will be available for minor repairs on the road. For more complicated repairs, there are several bicycle shops along our route.
How many participants will there be?
We will be supporting approximately 50 riders.
Will there be a waiting list if the tour is full?
Yes. Wait-listed riders will be contacted on a first come, first serve basis in the event of any cancellations.
What are the safety requirements?
Our riders are expected to obey all applicable laws in the state of California and to wear a helmet at all times when on the bike. More detailed safety instructions are found here and will be included in your registration packet.
What kind of accommodations can we expect?
We strive to provide our CalBike supporters with a first-class cycling experience, while trying to keep costs down and providing an enjoyable experience for all. Lodging is provided in business class hotels whenever possible.
What if I do not want to share a room?
Our tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you prefer to guarantee a private room nightly, a single occupancy supplemental fee of $475.00 will be added to your trip cost.
Can I bring a spouse who does not ride?
As space is limited in our support vehicles, it will be difficult to accommodate non-cycling spouses.
What kind of dining will we be doing
- Full breakfast daily
- Lunch at scenic locations along our route
- Unique and delicious dinners nightly!
Will there be options for vegan, vegetarian and other special diets?
Yes. We do our best to accommodate special diets. Please let us know about any special dietary restrictions BEFORE the start of tour.
What’s included in the price of the trip?
- Accommodations during the trip
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All snacks and drinks for each day you ride
- Daily route reviews, detailed maps/cue sheets, GPS files and van support
- Experienced guides
- Mechanic support
- Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
- Commemorative jersey
- Water bottle
- Gratuities for restaurants and hotels
What’s not included?
- Airfare and transportation to and from the tour
- Alcoholic beverages at restaurants
- Gratuities for volunteer staff/guides, at your discretion
Will there be entertainment?
Yes, we have fun events planned for the evenings.
Will there be jerseys available for purchase?
Yes, there will be an option to purchase additional jerseys based on availability. All riders are provided with a jersey at registration.
Are we responsible to transport our own luggage?
Your luggage will be transported in the luggage truck to the lobby of each hotel by our volunteer staff.
Where does the trip begin and end?
Our tour begins in Santa Barbara and ends in San Diego.
Is there parking available while we are on the tour?
Yes, arrangements have been made for free parking for the five days you are on tour.
Do we bring our own bikes?
Yes.
Will there be bike rentals available?
No. Please contact our ride director if you need assistance with a referral to a local bicycle shop to rent your bike.
There will be e-bikes available for riders to test-ride for the duration of the tour. If you would like to secure the use an e-bike for one, several or all days of the Dream Ride, please contact our ride director, [email protected], to further discuss the details.
Will maps be available?
Yes, maps and cue sheets will be provided. GPS files will be available for those who wish to upload to smartphones or Garmin devices.
What do we bring?
A complete list will be provided after registration.
Registration policy
A credit card is required to guarantee your spot, with a nonrefundable registration fee of $100. The minimum fundraising goal is $2500, paid in full by October 1, 2018. Riders may continue to fundraise until November 30, 2018 and be reimbursed for any portion donated out-of-pocket to meet the minimum fundraising goal. Riders must pay or raise $500 by August 15, 2018.
Regardless of amount paid/funds raised, cancellation fees apply as indicated below.
Cancellation policy
- The registration fee is nonrefundable.
- All donations from personal fundraising will be distributed to the California Bicycle Coalition Education Fund and are nonrefundable.
- Cancellations made between August 7 and September 15, 2018, will incur a $500 cancellation fee.
- If you cancel after September 15, 2018, you agree to pay the full fundraising minimum. (We cannot fill your spot at that point).
- If you must cancel and wish to transfer to the 2019 ride, donations (excluding registration fee and cancellation fee, if applicable) may be applied toward the fundraising goal for the 2019 ride, at CalBike’s discretion. The request for transfer must be made by September 15, 2018, in writing to [email protected]. A written confirmation from CalBike will guarantee your spot for 2019.
- All registered riders must pay or raise at least $500 by August 15, 2018.
Are my donations tax deductible?
When your friends donate to your ride, those donations are 100% tax-deductible. When you donate personally to your own ride, only donations over and above the cost of rider support are tax-deductible. The exact costs of the ride, determined at the conclusion of the ride, amount to approximately $900.
For example, if you raise $1500 from donors and friends, all those donations are tax-deductible. If you donate $1000 to support your own ride and ride costs come out to $875, then $125 of your donation would be tax deductible.
Tax receipts (in a thank-you letter from CalBike) are provided to your donors within a month after their donation; they are provided to riders in January.
Insurance:
We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for your trip. Two options to consider are www.travelsafe.com and www.travelguard.com.
Email [email protected] with any further questions.