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 55 per day, with a total trip mileage of approximately 275 miles. This year's route will include climbing on days 2, 3 and 4. Riders who follow our training plan will be very adequately trained for the ride.
Day 1 - 10/8 - Check-in day, Folsom, CA
Day 2 - 10/9 - Folsom to Davis (44 miles, 588')
Day 3 - 10/10 - Davis to Calistoga (68 miles, 3185')
Day 4 - 10/11 - Calistoga to Occidental (60 miles, 2595' -OR- 3376' alt. route)
Day 5 - 10/12 - Occidental to Corte Madera (60 miles, 3150')
Day 6 - 10/13 - Corte Madera to San Francisco/Oakland (40 miles, 1650')
Are there options for longer rides?
As our tour is designed with a very specific daily route and destination, any participant who chooses to ride additional miles or go off course will do so without the support of tour staff.
What will the weather be like?
The average temperature for northern California in October ranges from 69 to 78 degrees for the high, and from 48 to 54 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 breakfasts are provided daily.
Lunches will be provided at scenic locations along our route.
Dinners will be unique and delicious!
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, hotels and transportation
What’s not included?
Airfare and transportation to and from the tour
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for volunteer staff/guides, at your discretion
Will there be entertainment?
Yes, we have events planned for several of our evenings.
Will there be jerseys available for purchase?
Yes, there will be an option to purchase additional jerseys. All riders are provided with a jersey at registration.
Are we responsible to transport our own luggage?
Your luggage will be transported to the lobby of each hotel by our volunteer staff.
Where does the trip end?
Our tour ends in Oakland.
Is there parking available while we are on the tour?
Yes, we have made arrangements with the hotel in Folsom 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.
Will we get a map?
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.
What is the 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, 2017. Riders may continue to fundraise until November 30, 2017 and be reimbursed for any portion donated out-of-pocket to meet the minimum fundraising goal. Riders must pay or raise $500 by September 1, 2017.
Regardless of amount paid/funds raised, cancellation fees apply as indicated below.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made prior to August 15th, 2017, will forfeit the paid registration fee.
Cancellations made prior to September 1st, 2017, will incur a $250 cancellation fee.
Cancellations made prior to September 15th, 2017, will incur a $500 cancellation fee.
Cancellation is not permitted after October 1st, 2017, although funds may be applied toward the 2018 ride, at CalBike’s discretion.
All donations from personal fundraising will be distributed to the California Bicycle Coalition Education Fund and are nonrefundable.
Donations (excluding registration fee) may be applied toward a rider’s fundraising goal for the 2018 ride, at CalBike’s discretion, if the request for transfer is made by October 1, 2017 in writing to [email protected]. A written confirmation from CalBike will guarantee your spot for 2018.
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.