Past riders share their personal stories of meeting locals in towns across the U.S., laughing and crying with co-riders, grinding up steep mountain passes or devouring any and all food in sight. Being part of a community and learning about critical issues that affect people throughout the U.S. and around the world is an experience of a lifetime.

In 2008, Bike-Aid's 22nd cross-country ride will traverse 3800 miles and stay with 60 different communities on a route traveling through Nations to DC. With so many human rights and justice issues being put to task within the U.S., let alone abroad, Bike-Aid is promoting listening to the voices of the people! So, pull out your favorite beater bike and start training! This is not a ride for the faint of heart. Tentative dates are June 3rd through August 14, 2008.

Can't wait or have a shorter amount of time? Check out Bike-Aid's California or Hawai`i ride! Ride from San Francisco to the Mexico border or in one or more of the Hawaiian islands. The Hawai`i ride is a 10 day ride focused on Self-Determination and Sustainability!

We look forward to hearing from you! If you have further questions after reading this site, please do not hesitate to call us at 415-575-5544 or 1-800-RIDE-808, or email us at bikeaid@globalexchange.org.

Let's Ride!

The Bike-Aid Crew

Contents

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• Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
• What is a typical day like?
• Bike-Aid Program Goals
• Roles and Responsibilities of Participants
• Where does the Money Go?
• Bike-Aid Leadership, Orientations, and Finale
• Reflections of past Bike-Aid participants
• Alumni Contact Information
• Example Cross-Country Route Itinerary
• Estimated Costs and Expenses (PDF 7kb)
REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

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Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

What is Bike-Aid?

Bike-Aid is a cross-country cycling adventure that combines global education, community living, physical challenge, service learning, fundraising, and international solidarity in the summer experience of a lifetime! Since 1986, Bike-Aid has been taking people to places they never thought was possible.

Over 1350 riders from Mali to Bolivia to Virginia have accepted the Bike-Aid challenge and pumped their beloved bicycles over mountains and across plains.

These riders have collectively raised over $1,800,000 for locally initiated development projects and education in 25 countries, including the U.S. They have been inspired by over 350 towns across the nation to take an active part in their own communities and find constructive solutions to social injustices around the globe.

What if I am not an experienced cyclist?

Bike-Aid has a route for people of all backgrounds and cycling abilities. Cyclists from 16-63 years of age have successfully completed the ride, and the majority of them have not been experienced cyclists. If you are in good health and know how to pedal, you can do Bike-Aid. Mental determination is as important as physical ability on Bike-Aid. Bike-Aid's noncompetitive nature makes it attractive to a wide spectrum of people. Although you will certainly build some muscles, you will grow in ways beyond mere physical strength and endurance.

What if I can't ride fast?

Bike-Aid is NOT a race. Each route consisting of 15-25 people travels a predetermined number of miles every day (75 is average) There is a non-cycling day, approximately once a week, when riders participate in community service projects. Everyone cycles at his/her own pace.

Where does Bike-Aid ride?

Bike-Aid offers a cross-country route departing from either San Francisco or Seattle, ending in Washington DC; 2 routes within California (see CA rides link), and Bike-Aid Hawai`i.

How much does it cost?

Registration is $200. (Because this is a non-refundable fee, we will engage in dialogue with you to make sure there is a fit between the ride's goals and your own.)

Some meals are provided by hosts or donated by restaurants; riders cover the cost of their remaining food by chipping into a communal food fund, usually $20-30 a week. Riders are responsible for some camping fees ($35-45 total each), their own bicycle, tent, and personal gear - like your favorite bike tools / gadgets. Riders also make their own arrangements for transportation to and from the starting and finishing cities. Bike-Aid requires each rider to raise $4000 for the cross-country route, or $2000 for the Hawai`i route, or $1350 for the California route. Funds raised go in part to cover your share of the ride's infrastructure costs, honorariums, Partner Rider Program, and Global Exchange's educational work.

Most cross-country bicycle rides require you to fundraise anywhere from $4500-$10,000. (The California Life Cycle' one week ride has a fundraising requirement of at least $2500!)

Who will carry my stuff?

Support And Gear (SAG) vehicles accompany all Bike-Aid routes (In past years, routes even with fewer than 10 people have been self-supported, meaning that the riders share the work. Typically, these have been shorter, 2-3 week long rides but have been the 10 week cross country ride as well). Riders rotate the responsibility of driving the SAG. The SAG carries the riders' personal gear, a first aid kit, cell phone, a foot bike pump, lunch food, coolers to refill water bottles and other needed materials. Since cyclists travel at their own pace, the SAG is not with Bike-Aid riders at every moment of the day. The SAG generally meets up with cyclists at least twice a day to offer food, water or a friendly wave. If you are sick, hurt or unable to ride on any given day, the SAG can carry you.

Where do Bike-Aiders stay?

Bike-Aid organizes community host stays in the towns you pass through. You will unroll your sleeping bag in organizations such as YMCAs, churches, gymnasiums, campgrounds and people's homes. Frequently, locals will invite you to potluck suppers, pancake breakfasts and community activities. You will meet with environmental and peace groups, farmers, youth clubs, and other grassroots organizations working for social justice. These meetings are your opportunity to learn about local issues and how they fit into the local/global picture as well as your own community.

What kind of bicycle should I use for Bike-Aid?

Bike-Aid has been done with everything from an old 10-speed to a recumbent to a top-of-the-line-racing bike. The bikes best suited to the ride are touring or road bicycles with at least 18 speeds, though many people adapt mountain bikes by fitting them with road tires. Most important is what YOU are comfortable riding. A good fit is also imperative, so visit your local bike shop and get fitted to your bicycle. More detailed information on bike selection is included in our Health and Safety Information Packet that all registered riders receive.

Who rides in Bike-Aid?

Although most cyclists are students or recent graduates, people from 16-63 years old have done the ride. (ages 16-17 accepted on a case by case basis). Riders come from all over the country and from a variety of backgrounds.

In addition, each route may have two international "Partner Riders" from Africa, Asia or Latin America. The Partner Rider Program is only able to happen because of the fundraising efforts made by other participants. Bike-Aid's Partner Rider program brings people from the Global South to participate in Bike-Aid and share their perspectives on sustainable development and activism in their community. Some routes will also have Domestic Partner Riders. In the past, domestic partner riders were members of US-based organizations working for social change.

Is it Safe?

There are significant risks associated with bicycle riding. Road conditions, including bad weather and heavy traffic, can lead to unsafe cycling conditions which are beyond the control of the cyclist. We do everything possible to help you minimize your risks and have a safe and comfortable ride. There will be times that you find yourself in potentially dangerous situations; you must share the responsibility for your safety and that of the other riders by recognizing when you should get off the road. Riders should understand that Bike-Aid can only minimize risks to cyclists, we cannot eliminate them.

You will receive a much more detailed Safety information packet when you register, and part of your orientation sessions will be devoted to maximizing safety on Bike-Aid. There will also be mandatory safety meetings periodically scheduled throughout the summer. We enforce basic safety rules such as always riding with a helmet, using a "third eye" mirror -- (a rear view mirror attached to your helmet, sunglasses or handlebar), riding in groups and prohibiting night riding ("Bike-Aid Policies" are available for more details). Each Bike-Aid SAG vehicle is equipped with a first-aid kit and a phone card for emergencies. SAG drivers meet with cyclists during the day for water, lunch, rest, and moral support. All riders should carry directions, host site information and a copy of their medical insurance in case of emergencies. Feel free to contact the office if you have specific concerns about the issue of safety on Bike-Aid.

What is a Typical Day Like?

Every day on Bike-Aid is a little different depending on mileage, terrain, pre-planned host activities, and unplanned interaction with locals and the group. Below is an outline of what an average day on Bike-Aid might be like.

• Waking Up...

  The average day starts between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, depending on the mood of the group, temperature readings, and distance to travel for the day. Often, hosts ask that cyclists arrive by a certain time (for dinner or to unlock the site) or leave by a certain time. This will also affect your speed and departure times. You will have an average of 75 miles to cover before dinner. This means some days you may only bike 30 miles while other days you should be ready for 100+ miles. About once a week, you won't pedal at all. On these days, you'll be helping out with community service projects, meeting with media and enjoying your free time.

• Setting Off...

  Once you coax your body out of your sleeping bag, you pack your gear in the SAG, eat a hearty breakfast, copy down directions for the day, help clean the host site and set off. During the day, everyone rides at their own pace and stays on the designated routes. For the first few weeks, we ask that everyone ride with a "buddy" for safety reasons, but for the most part, you ride with the people who share your pace, or alone as long as others are aware of where you are. (Riding can sometimes be the only source of precious private time during a summer of intense group living!). Most cyclists travel at an average speed of about 12-15 mph and take a total of about 7-9 hours to pedal, refill water bottles, chat with locals and enjoy the scenery before arriving at their destination.

• Lunch and rest stops...

  The SAG vehicle will meet you at a pre-determined lunch stop to replenish your water supply and offer you yet another delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On longer days, routes often designate two or even three SAG check-in meeting places. Cyclists ride at their own pace and rest when they need to. If you are unable to complete the day's ride for any reason, you can hop in the SAG. Cyclists will take turns driving the SAG vehicles. By sharing the driving responsibility, each person drives only a few times during the summer and gets a sense of what it's like to support their co-riders from the other side.

• Cruising into your host town at day's end...

  Riders usually roll into their destination cities between 3:00 and 6:00 PM. Arrival time depends on the number of miles to be covered that day, your departure hour, the headwinds or tailwinds, how often you stop for snacks and conversation with locals, and how many flat tires you have to fix. On the nights with a pre-scheduled meeting with hosts, riders must plan accordingly in order to arrive on time. Though arrival time can be fairly flexible, everyone must arrive before dark.

• Dinner and evening activities...

  Dinners are sometimes planned and hosted by local community groups, churches, or families. Bike-Aid riders make their own dinners on nights no potluck is planned. Dinners usually take place around 6:30 PM and are sometimes followed by discussions, presentations, or local events. Community groups sometimes invite cyclists to come to their meetings and participate in a discussion. This is your opportunity to learn about local issues and ask questions. Hopefully, these discussions will leave you with a better idea of the range of differences and similarities that face communities around the world.

  Cyclists are often tired at the end of the day and it can be quite a challenge to keep the educational and spiritual momentum strong. This is the time that riders draw inspiration from local hosts and each other in order to maintain the energy to do more than just bike from one town to the next.

• Patching your tire tubes and sending post cards...

  Keep in mind that your schedule is flexible and will vary from town to town. In the evening, there are always some route tasks to take care of (cleaning vans, checking maps, calling hosts and planning what road to take, writing thank you cards). We encourage cyclists to engage in internal educational discussions at least once a week, maybe discussing an article / book from the Bike-Aid library or the previous week's experience. The Education Facilitator will help arrange these gatherings and keep them focused. Sometimes Group Facilitators will call a meeting in the evening to discuss organizational needs or concerns (FOOD is always a big one). There might be group dynamics to be worked out, or chores to be reassigned, or just a group check-in or decision. The rest of the evening is yours to do laundry, write inspiring thoughts, adjust your bicycle brakes, or check out some local nightlife.

• Building your Community On Wheels... (COW)

  By immersing yourself in an environment, which constantly demands your attention and cooperation, you begin to appreciate the complexities of group processes. Please keep this "community on wheels"(COW) idea in the front of your mind. The spirit of cooperating and working together is the basis on which this project and its long term "global goals" have been established. It's not always easy to be considerate and friendly to those around you after a long day of riding in the hot sun. Between the slow and fast riders, late sleepers and early risers, the health food fanatics and junk food junkies, we would be lying if we said it was easy. But remember, learning how to deal with others when you're tired, hungry, and frustrated is part of the whole beautiful learning process!

Are you hesitating?? Responses to your concerns.

Joining Bike-Aid is a big commitment; But it's well worth it. Here are answers to a few of the most commonly voiced concerns. In the Appendix, you will find a list of alums who are available to answer your questions and talk to you about their experiences. Feel free to contact them or us anytime.

• "I've never done anything like this. People who join events like Bike-Aid do them all the time."

  Not true! Very few of this summer's cyclists will have ever done anything like Bike-Aid. Some are good athletes; some always come in last in the mile run. Some have strong activist backgrounds; some are just becoming interested in social, environmental, and global economic issues. Some can take their bicycles apart and put them back together in the dark, some have just mastered pumping up their tires. Bike-Aid attracts folks from a variety of backgrounds, which makes Bike-Aid such a unique experience!

• "I have to work. I can't possibly take off 10 weeks from my job."

  Many Bike-Aid cyclists have taken a leave of absence from full-time jobs in order to join the ride. Students and teachers have taken a second job during the year in order to take the summer off. For some, Bike-Aid becomes the impetus to leave old jobs behind and take a daring fresh path in life. Also, college and HS students have qualified for independent study or research credit - ask us about this. And finally, don't forget - we have our two-week California route as well, which is a beautiful ride that explores the intricacies that exist in the communities of California and the Mexico border areas.

• "I'll never be able to raise the money"

  You don't have to have wealthy friends and family to be a successful fundraiser! All it takes is plenty of persistence, an early start, and a belief in what you're doing and why you're doing it. When you solicit pledges, you are not just asking for money, you are providing people with the opportunity to invest in an incredible experience for you, as well as to support innovative community projects that will make a difference for the planet and for people's lives. You're inviting them to take part in the movement for global justice. We'll show you how to plan out a concrete fundraising strategy and timeline, and supply you with lots of tips on fundraising once you register.

• "I don't think I can make it. I've never biked 75 miles at once."

  Yes, you can! Bike-Aid is challenging, but the pace is moderate, and you have all day to complete the given mileage. You'll grind up and glide down hills, chat with co-cyclists, and stop at lemonade stands. One of the most exciting parts of the ride is being able to surpass expectations you previously held of your physical capacity. And remember, for those days when you are truly exhausted, there is always the SAG van to carry you to the host site.

• "I don't have a bike."

  There are ways to get one. An investment in a bike will last longer than the summer. In many cities there are recycle-a-bicycle programs that sell bikes at a nominal cost- a great ways to support an innovative community program and not add more scrap metal to the landfill. If buying a bike is out of the question, try to borrow one from a friend. You might also persuade a local bike shop to sponsor you by donating a bike in your name, or have local patrons of the shop pitch in to buy you a bike for this historic trek. Some bike shops have also been known to rent bicycles for the summer, for as low as $100 (student run bike shop in Palo Alto).

Bike-Aid Program Goals

Bike-Aid is much more than a bike-ride; we hope that each rider will find new strengths in themselves as well as understand the struggles of communities around them and how to become an important part of that in solidarity. In the process, riders become inspired to be part of the struggle for a more just society. Bike-Aid combines:

• Political Education: Bike-Aid combines a unique activity (cycling) with a commitment to engage you in a different form of education - one that enables you to be conscious of and critically discern social, political and economic realities. Throughout the summer riders will engage in anti-racism trainings and critical consciousness workshops around the global economy and current international events. As you pedal across the country, you will connect with local people everywhere who are organizing to improve their communities. Meeting with community-based organizations along the route, and interacting with International Partner riders who are affiliated with Global Exchange's international human rights campaigns, will enable true global solidarity and community alliances to be built.
• Community Living: Your Community on Wheels (COW) is a microcosm of the world around you, with people of different ages, beliefs, and backgrounds. Keeping this community healthy and functioning can be as challenging as conquering any mountain pass! The COW is also instructive as a basis of comparison with the various communities you ride through, and a hands-on introduction to "cooperative living".
• Service Learning: Giving back to the communities you meet with is an intrinsic part of the learning exchange. You might take part in this by sending books to women in prison, painting a house or cleaning up a park, in different cities and towns during your journey. The service projects are always designed by locals living in that community. It's all about learning by doing and learning by sharing.
• Fundraising: By raising $1350, $2000 or $4000, depending on your route, you will help support political education and organizing for social change through Bike-Aid and other Global Exchange programs. Through your efforts, you also gain valuable skills in planning for and reaching a personal goal, as well as first-hand experience in grassroots fundraising for social change.
• Life-long commitment: After your Bike-Aid experience, you will be encouraged to reconnect with you own local community to apply your knowledge, experience and skills gained on, to affect socio-political change. Bike-Aid is the experience of a lifetime, but it's only the beginning.

Roles and Responsibilities of Participants

Bike-Aid is an exciting, challenging and often intense experience. In this section we describe what is expected of Bike-Aid participants.

• Fundraising

  Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $1350 for the California route, $2000 for the Hawaii route or $4000 for the cross-country routes, in order to participate. Many riders raise substantially more. Bike-Aid staff will work with you to help you reach your goal. Riders have come up with all sorts of creative fundraising strategies. We will share them with you and give you a lot of advice in this area once you register. With creativity and persistence, you'll not only raise money for a great program, you'll pick up a valuable skill. For every rider you recruit once you've officially registered, we will "credit" you $250 deducted towards your fundraising tally, so tell your friends.

  Note: Funds raised are non-refundable unless Bike-Aid chooses to not allow you to ride for some reason. Only in this event will pledges be refunded. Pledges are not refunded if you drop out of all or part of the ride.

• Actively Participate and Work to Build a Community on Wheels

  We will provide you with some guidelines and suggestions for creating an effective group environment, but it is ultimately up to you, the riders, to organize the route in a manner that is equitable and comfortable for all. Your Group Facilitators will help to organize group discussions, but it is generally the group's responsibility to make decisions together, resolve conflicts, build trust, share your experiences and have fun!

• Learning

  We will facilitate dynamic and interactive learning sessions that revolve around economic literacy, globalization, race, class, gender and community. These will be organized by Bike-Aid staff during orientation, and by your Education Facilitators throughout your ride. In order to provide an opportunity to process the experiences and the learning taking place everyday, the cross-county route may meet up with Bike-Aid staff half-way through the ride for a two-day series of trainings and reflections. A similar exercise can be organized for all participants at the Finale upon rider request. Your hosts along the way are also a big part of your educational experience. It is important for you to interact and share stories with them as often as you can - they are important resources. All of the educational exercises organized during Bike-Aid will have the overarching goal of enhancing participants' critical analysis of global issues as these relate to your own lives and communities, helping to make all of us more effective advocates for social and economic justice at home and abroad.

• Represent Bike-Aid and Global Exchange

  No matter how you see yourself, the people you encounter along your journey see you as a representative of Bike-Aid and Global Exchange. It is therefore important for riders to understand the goals and objectives of the program and our organization, and to treat host communities with respect. You are also required to follow all Bike-Aid policies as outlined in the end of the application.

• Expect the Unexpected

  Bike-Aid is a huge organizational endeavor with many variables. Despite careful planning, every year each route encounters the unexpected. Massive flooding in the Midwest in 1993 resulted in major re-routing and a few unplanned stays. Sometimes a 70-mile day will turn into a 100-mile one due to road construction (unfortunately, 100-mile days turning into 70-mile days due to construction are much less likely). Sometimes you may have inaccurate directions (This is NEVER the fault of hardworking and dedicated Bike-Aid staff, but has been known to occur on occasions when the hole over the ozone layer is particularly large). Sometimes hosts will fall through at the last minute and that warm meal that was going to be prepared for you is no longer a reality. On the flipside, sometimes road construction will lead you to a hidden bike path with amazing views, communities will go above and beyond sharing their town's secrets with you or surprise you with dessert at a local ice cream shop. And sometimes you'll be touched by someone you meet on a random street corner in a small unheralded town who changes the way you thought about life. If you don't like surprises, Bike-Aid is not for you. Bike-Aid is an educational adventure, not a commercial bike tour. We do our best to ensure that the trip will go smoothly for you, but be prepared for unplanned adventures!

Where does the money go?

Bike-Aid is not only an important participatory learning program; it is also a large fundraising event. The funds you raise cover Bike-Aid's costs (including honorariums to key hosts), and support on-going organizing and education for social and economic justice in the US and around the world.

Some of your fundraising efforts will provide for Partner Rider scholarships to help others participate in Bike-Aid. These scholarships allow young community organizers from other parts of the world or from low-income communities in the US to participate in bringing grassroots voices and perspectives to movements for social change, and building international partnerships and alliances.

Any net profits will go towards Global Exchange's educational or relevant campaign work. In 2002 they went to the "No More Innocent Victims" campaign. Created in response to the 9/11 tragedy, this campaign aims to promote peace, tolerance and justice during these times of heightened violence and prejudice. To see all the positive work which has been accomplished and learn more about this campaign visit our Afghanistan campaign.

In short, your fundraising efforts allow you to both participate directly in and promote significantly the emergence of a powerful global movement for social and economic justice.

**It is important to note that non-profit organizations are well placed to be essential catalysts for positive change, even beyond governments. It was Margaret Mead who once quoted, "Never doubt that a small group of people can make a difference; indeed it's the only thing that ever does."

Non-profit organizations usually depend on individual contributions and outside grants to fund their projects. A lot of time and energy can be spent on writing grant proposals that may or may not come through from year to year. Bike-Aid is unique in the fact that it is a self-sustaining program that not only pays for itself but also invests money into other programs and projects.

Route Leadership

Each route has a leadership team of Group Facilitators (GF), Education Facilitators (EF), and a Media Coordinator. Participants based on interest and experience fill these positions. If you are interested in being a part of the leadership team, please circle the appropriate position on the general application. All members of your route will help out with leadership, so GF's, EF's and MC's will not be alone. Descriptions are listed below.

We will be sending registered cyclists applications for leadership positions. An important consideration when applying for a position is your commitment and ability to attend our Leadership Training in San Francisco (long weekend over Memorial Day weekend - May). This is an intensive, educational and FUN time to learn more about Bike-Aid, your role as facilitators, and enhance your leadership skills. Bike-Aid has limited funds to help with transportation costs.

Group Facilitators (GF's)

In the words of a Bike-Aid alum, the GF's main responsibility is to "act as the grease on the chain" for the group's interaction with each other, with host communities and with the Bike-Aid office. The GF helps encourage riders to follow safety policy, calls group meetings, and helps set up task rotation systems to make sure everything runs smoothly. The GF's also help run the route Orientations before the ride starts. The Group Facilitator's job is not to run the group, but to help things get rolling until the group can run itself. The GF is also the main link between the head office and the riders. Qualifications: leadership experiences and/or experience with collective living situations. A desire to motivate and work to make your ride a successful adventure. Knowledge of consensus decision-making is a plus.

Education Facilitator (EF)

EF's are responsible for motivating the route to maintain the educational focus of the ride. This involves setting up informal gatherings among cyclists about once a week to discuss different issues. These informal discussions in conjunction with unique host stays help participants process information learned during the ride and maximize the learning opportunities. An educational reader will be given to each rider, and the EF may pull ideas and resources from this. The EF will also be given a leadership manual with ideas for facilitating different workshops. Qualifications: strong commitment to maximizing the educational opportunities of the ride, good motivational skills, and an ability to work with different learning styles. Team-teaching experience helpful and knowledge o