Life on the Road and In Camp
Once you and all the other participants leave San Francisco on May 31, your worries are over -- well, at least they're limited! All you have to do for the next week is pedal -- and make sure you stay safe while you are doing it. Everything else will be taken care of for you.
The Route -- you will be provided with a map or turn cues. Route markings will be posted all along the way, and there will be traffic Roadies to help point you in the right direction.
Cycling Hours -- are from 6:30am to 7:00pm (except for the final day). Rest stops have specific hours of operation each day. You can ride at a comfortable pace, however, you want 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 might be picked up and driven to the next rest stop before it closes or transported directly to camp if the route is about to close.
Roadie teams will also start "sweeping" the route each evening at approximately 6:30pm. If the sweep team determines that you will not make it to camp before dark, they will pick you up and drive you in.
Route Support -- includes rest stops with food, drinks, bike mechanics, medical support, toilet facilities at frequent intervals, a lunch stop at about mid-day, and sweep vehicles throughout the route (in case you really need to be picked up).
Medical Team -- 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.
If you are an HIV+ participant, you might consider contacting the Positive Pedalers, an independent group of HIV+ cyclists that provide physical and emotional support. For more information, visit their website at www.pospeds.org or the HIV+ Participants section on our website.
A confidential medical questionnaire will be sent to you prior to May 31.
Weather -- California in June is pretty reliable, but we will ride in any weather, so be prepared for heat, cold, and rain. In extreme cases we may make the decision to be "Storm Bound" for safety's sake -- evacuation sites will have been pre-arranged and you'll be bussed there until the weather clears.
Tents -- will be supplied. You can choose your own tent mate or one will be provided for you. Yes, you have to share! You will need to learn how to set up and take down the tent. We will teach you how to do it (it's very easy) and carry the tent for you during the day.
Gear -- you will be limited to one 70-pound gear bag, including your sleeping bag, so pack carefully! That should be plenty of room to get you through the week.
Food -- you will be served a hot breakfast and dinner daily in camp, plus a bagged lunch and plenty of snacks. While basic vegetarian meals will be provided for those that 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).
Showers & Wash-Up Facilities -- all camps will have separate men's & women's showers (hot ones!) and sink/mirror areas for washing up & brushing your teeth. There will also be plenty of clean toilet facilities -- gotta love those porta potties.
Cycle Parking -- areas are safe and overnight security is provided -- no bike locks will be needed.
Entertainment -- will be provided each night (but we cannot rule out karaoke, skits, or charades!) Spontaneous singing on the hills while riding is greatly encouraged and appreciated!!
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