FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COVID-19

The 2020 Dream Ride has been postponed to 2021, and we've gone virtual for 2020!

Refunds:  We will provide a refund, upon request, of what you have paid. We hope that some riders will choose to contribute to CalBike if they are able. Contributions from your friends and family will not be refunded. 

We urge you to register and continue to fundraise for the 2020 virtual ride! Please keep in mind that nonprofits like the California Bicycle Coalition need your support, and that your friends and family will likely understand that. We are a small organization, so individual contributions, including the funds that our riders raise, are a key part of our budget. The work CalBike does is truly critical, now and always. Fundraising is always about asking riders to support the work the organization does, not to support your ride. At times like this, people want to help, and you are offering them a way to contribute to a brighter, greener, safer future for everyone.

2021 DREAM RIDE  

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 work to make California a more bike-friendly state. 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 and 13,000 climbing feet.  Follow our training plan and you'll be very adequately trained for the ride. 

Are there options for shorter or longer rides?

Yes.  While our tour is designed with specific daily routes and destinations, there will be opportunities for riders to take advantage of our "challenge" routes, which include options for greater mileage and/or climbing.  Participants who choose to ride additional (unofficial) miles or go off-course will do so without the support of tour staff and are responsible for navigation to the next rest stop and/or that evening's hotel. We do ask that you advise the Ride Director if you plan to leave the route at any time.

There will be room in support caravan vehicles for riders who would like to “take a breather” between rest stops. 

What will the weather be like?

The average temperature for Southern California in early October is approximately 79 degrees for the high and 59 degrees for the low in the valley areas, and a high of 69 and low of 57 for the coastal areas.  Riders should always be prepared for possible rain and temperature changes.

What kind of roads will we be riding?

Roads will vary from class 1 bike paths, frontage roads, city streets and green lanes to a section of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route on Highway 1. 

Will there be SAG support?

Yes.  Support vehicles are 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 located along our route.

How many participants will there be?

We will be supporting approximately 75 riders for 2021.

Is there 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 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 $600.00 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 is difficult to accommodate non-cycling spouses.   

What kind of dining can I expect?

-    Daily breakfast

-    Lunch at scenic locations along our route

-    Unique and delicious dinners nightly!

-    Snacks, water and Nuun provided at rest stops 

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.  Riders who are concerned about a very specific diet are encouraged to bring foods that are suitable for their needs.  

What’s included in the price of the trip?

-    Six (6) nights of accommodations, including Sunday evening in Santa Barbara and Friday evening after our last day's ride to Oceanside 
-    Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
-    All snacks and drinks on the road
-    Daily route review, detailed maps & cue sheets, GPS files and van support
-    Experienced guides
-    Mechanic support
-    Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
-    Commemorative jersey and water bottle
-    Gratuities at restaurants  

What’s not included?

-    Airfare and ground transportation to and from the tour
-    Alcoholic beverages at restaurants
-    Gratuities for volunteer staff/guides

Will there be entertainment?

Yes, we have several events planned throughout the week. 

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 Dream Ride jersey on the day of rider check-in.

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. Riders are requested to have their luggage to the luggage truck each morning at least 20 minutes prior to departure.  

Where does the trip begin and end?

Our tour begins in Santa Barbara and ends in Oceanside.

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.

How do I get back to my car after the ride?

Amtrak is a great option for returning to our starting point, with train stations located within a mile of both the beginning and ending hotels in Santa Barbara and Oceanside.  Please refer to their website for specific information on which trains require bike packing versus using a bike rack, and making a free reservation for your bike.  The hotel in Santa Barbara does have provide shuttle service from the train station back to the hotel.

Please don't hesitate to consult your ride director if you have questions regarding the use of Amtrak or any other travel-related questions or concerns.   

Complete travel information will be made available to registered riders approximately two months prior to departure.

Do we bring our own bikes?

Yes.

Will there be bike rentals available?

Please contact our ride director if you need assistance with a referral to a local bicycle shop to rent your bike.  

Will maps be available?

Yes, maps and cue sheets will be provided.  GPS files will be available to upload to your smartphone, Garmin or other navigation device.

What do we bring?

A complete packing list can be found on our website.

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 or February. 

Should I Purchase Trip Insurance?

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for your trip. Two options to consider are www.travelsafe.com and www.travelguard.com.

REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

Registration policy

A credit card is required to guarantee your spot, with a nonrefundable registration fee of $100.  The minimum fundraising goal of $2750 is to be paid in full by September 15, 2021.  Riders may continue to fundraise until November 30, 2021 and be reimbursed for any portion donated out-of-pocket to meet the minimum fundraising goal. Riders must pay or raise $500 by August 1, 2021.

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 1 and September 1, 2021, will incur a $500 cancellation fee.

-    If you cancel after September 1, 2021, 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 2022 ride, donations (excluding registration fee and cancellation fee, if applicable) may be applied toward the fundraising goal for the 2021 ride, at CalBike’s discretion.  The request for transfer must be made by September 1, 2021, in writing to [email protected]  A written confirmation from CalBike will guarantee your spot for 2022.

Email [email protected] with any questions.