Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the age requirement?

A. All AIDS/LifeCycle participants must be at least 18 years old as of the first day of the event, June 3, 2012.

Q. What happens on Orientation Day? Do I need to attend?

A. All participants are required to attend Orientation Day, which is June 2, 2012. Orientation Day is the time when you get all of your required paperwork completed, view the mandatory Safety Video, and make sure you have met your fundraising requirement. It takes anywhere from two to four hours and when you’re done, you’ll be ready for the event!

Q. Does AIDS/LifeCycle recycle?

A. AIDS/LifeCycle is committed to creating an environmentally conscious ride. Not only do we have recycling bins on the Ride, but our caterers provide us with recycled paperware and biodegradable utensils at no additional cost to us. Also, AIDS/LifeCycle is committed to using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper whenever it is available. Finally, carbon credits were purchased on AIDS/LifeCycle’s behalf for the first time during ALC 8.

Q. What do I need to bring?

A. You’ll be spending a full week on the road, either as a Cyclist or Roadie, so you’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and all of your personal gear (we provide the tents). A full packing list can be found in the Travel Planner.

Life in Camp

Q. Can my friends and family visit me in camp?

A. Guests are welcome to visit camp. All guests must check in at the Info Services tent, where they will be issued a Visitor badge. Please remember that only official event vehicles are permitted in campsites and that meals provided by the event are for participants only.

Q. Where can I find the information about each campsite?

A. Once it’s confirmed, information about each campsite will be made available in your online Participant Center. 

Q. What if I don’t like to camp? Can I stay in a hotel?

A. We recommend staying in camp because it's all part of the AIDS/LifeCycle experience; however, if you would rather stay in a hotel, you are welcome to do so. All logistics and costs associated with your hotel stay are your responsibility. Also note that your bike cannot be used for transportation to and from the hotel.

Q. Will my bike be stored securely at night?

A. Absolutely. There is an overnight security team in place to keep your bike safe in our secured, well-lit Bike Parking area so no bike locks are required!

Q. What do I do if I have to leave the Ride early?

A. Participants who wish to leave the event prior to its conclusion should visit Participant Support in the Command Center. There, we will provide information and advice on finding transportation home. Transportation and all related costs will be your responsibility.

Q. Where will we sleep at night?

A. Each night, we’ll camp in a new town.  Sometimes, we might be at a public park. Other times, we might be at a campground. No matter where we stay, our camp will be well-equipped with everything you need. We are like a giant moving city!

Q. Do I need to bring my own tent?

A. No. We will provide you with a two person (8’X 8’) tent. You must set up your tent at your designated tent address so that we may find you in case of an emergency, and to reduce wear and tear at our campsites. Please do not bring your own tent. 

Q. Do I have to have a tentmate?

A. Yes. You can choose your own tentmate or one will be provided for you.

Q. Can Roadies and Cyclists tent together?

A. Yes.

Electronics

Q. Is there electricity available in camp?

A. In order to function, the event relies on electricity. However, there is no electricity available for personal consumption. Each campsite and rest stop is carefully planned and set up to best serve the needs, comfort and safety of the AIDS/LifeCycle community. Any participant's personal electronic equipment found to be plugged into the event's electrical supply will be removed and given to the ALC staff.

Q. Where can I charge my cell phone (or other electronic device)?

A. AIDS/LifeCycle does not currently provide a way for you to charge your personal items.  We recommend that you bring extra batteries or a solar charger for this purpose.

Showers

Q. Are there shower facilities?

A. All camps have separate men's & women's (hot) showers and sink/mirror areas for washing up & brushing your teeth. The shower stalls are individual with semi-communal changing areas. 

Food

Q. Are meals provided?

A. You will be served a hot breakfast and dinner daily in camp, plus a bagged lunch and plenty of snacks.

Q. Is the food good?

A. Yes, the food is great. There is always a tasty variety of food--both in camp and at the Rest Stops. It is impossible to go hungry!

Q. Can you accommodate my special diet?

A. While basic vegetarian meals will be provided for those who request them, we cannot accommodate the vast range of special dietary needs beyond that. If there is something that you must have, bring it along, or plan to stop along the way (although there may be some portions of the route void of shopping areas). Please check in with your Participant Representative about your dietary restrictions.

Q. Can my friends eat with me in camp?

A. Friends are welcome to visit, but due to limited supplies, they will not be able to eat the food provided by AIDS/LifeCycle. All guests must check in at Info Services when they arrive at a campsite.

Services

Q. What do I do if I’m not feeling well?

A. Medical services are offered twenty-four hours a day; simply go to the Medical Tent and seek assistance.

Q. How do I get a massage?

A. Each participant may receive one massage on the Ride. Just go to the Massage Tent and sign up. There may be a wait, but it is worth it!

On the Route

Q. How long will we have to ride each day?  What are the route hours?

A. The route is open from 6:30am to 7:00pm (except for the final day when the route opens at 6:00am to ensure everyone makes it to Closing Ceremony in time). Rest Stops have specific hours of operation each day. You can ride at a comfortable pace, however, you need to reach each Rest Stop before closing time and arrive in camp before dark. If event Staff and/or Roadie teams determine that your pace is too slow, you will be picked up and driven to the next Rest Stop or transported directly to camp.

Q. Can my friends and family visit me along the route or in rest stops?

A. We don’t encourage visitors on the route since it can add to car congestion and jeopardize the safety of our Cyclists. In addition, due to the high volume of bike traffic going in and out of the Rest Stops, non-AIDS/LifeCycle vehicles are not allowed to enter them. Friends and family may, of course, meet you at safe locations that do not impact the riders on the route and in camp.

Q. What if I can’t finish riding on any of the days?

A. If you are genuinely unable to finish any of the days, you will be picked up by one of our sweep vehicles and either taken to the next Rest Stop or directly into camp on the SAG bus.

Q. What happens if I get injured on the event?

A. A full-service Medical Team will be available on the route, at rest stops, and at camp to take care of any injuries incurred on the ride. You are responsible for your own prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you have medications that need refrigeration or special handling, our Medical Team can make arrangements to help you out.

Q. What if I have a mechanical problem on the road?

A. One of the sweep vehicles will take you to the next Rest Stop to check in with the Bike Tech team. If it is a serious mechanical issue, you may have to go directly to camp if they don’t have what you need at the Rest Stop. We advise that you always bring some cash with you on the route in case you need to purchase tubes or other bike parts.

Q. Do I need to bring a lock for my bike? 

A. Areas on the event are safe and overnight security is provided -- no bike locks will be needed.

Q. What happens if it rains?

A. Bring rain gear and be prepared to ride in the rain unless the weather is deemed unsafe by the ALC staff.

Q. What time does the route open?

A. 6:30 am.

Q. What time does the route close?

A. 7:00pm.

Q. How far apart are the rest stops?

A. There are several Rest Stops per day, including a Lunch Stop. The mileage between each one ranges from 15 to 20 miles.

Q. What kind of bike do I need?

A. Choose a bike that is comfortable and well fit to you. All bikes must have brakes. If you need help choosing a bike, please contact your Cyclist Representative.

Q. What is the route?

A. We don’t publish the exact route ahead of time because of the possibility of last minute changes. However, you can learn more about the route in the Life on the Event section of our website.

Q. Where do we start?

A. The Ride starts in San Francisco

Q. Where do we finish?

A. At the VA Center in Westwood, Los Angeles.

Q. Are there a lot of hills? 

A. The route has diverse terrain that includes many hills and long flats. 

Q. Do I need to have lights on my bike? Will I be riding in the dark?

A. There is no need for bike lights as you will not be riding in the dark.