PACKET PICK-UP:
May 31st & June 1st at Bicycles Inc., 5125 Granbury Road in Fort Worth

17. When is the bike tour?

A.  The Positive Spin for ALS Bike Tour presented by The Holloway Family Foundation is June 3rd & 4th, 2006.

17. How long is the bike tour?

1. The Bike Tour is 160 miles (short route is approx. 40 miles each day).

17. What is the route?

1. Day one begins on Saturday, June 4, 2006 at Bicycles Inc., 5125 Granbury Road in Fort Worth. Enjoy the beautiful countryside as you head west to Stephenville where a fabulous lunch will await tired cyclists. Professional massage therapists will be on hand to pamper your aching muscles and weary bones as our super volunteers prepare dinner and an awards ceremony. Overnight accommodations will be provided to all who ride.
   Day two begins early Sunday morning with a huge breakfast of pancakes, eggs and all the fixings! As you head out on Highway 377, the route takes you through challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. Fort Worth is your final destination of the day where once again, massages and lunch await!
    

17. Are there other activities being planned for the weekend?

1. Professional massage therapists will be on hand to pamper your aching muscles and weary bones as our super volunteers prepare dinner and an awards ceremony on Saturday night..      

17. What time does the tour start?

1. The tour will leave the start point at 7:00 am each morning.

17. What about meals and snacks during the tour?

1. We will provide fruit and salty snacks as well as sports drinks and water along the route both days.  Lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday and breakfast and lunch will be provided on Sunday for all participants and volunteers

17. Where will I sleep?

1. Free overnight accomodations will be provided for all cyclists in the dormatory at Tarleton State University.  Rooms are double occupancy so if you have a roommate in mind, you will need to let us know ahead of time.  If you plan to stay in the dorm, you will need to pack linens and toiletries.  If you don’t want to feel like you are back in college again, the ALS Association has negotiated reduced rates with several area hotels for Bike Tour participants.  Reservations and payment of hotel fees are the responsibility of the participant..  Call the ALS office (972.641.6200) for hotel rates and phone numbers. 

 Q.  How will my luggage get to the finish lines?

1. We will provide transportation for your luggage.  Due to space restrictions, please limit your bags to one per person.

 Q.  What if I can’t finish the tour?

1. This year we have implemented a short route on both days that are approximately 40 miles each. We will also have Rest Stops every 10-12 miles along the tour so that cyclists can refuel and relax.  In addition, SAG (Support And Gear) Vehicles will be patrolling the route to pick up tired cyclists and take them to the next Rest Stop or the Finish Line.  There is no shame in not finishing – this is not a race, but a personal accomplishment type of event.

 Q.  What if I need medical attention during the tour?

1. We require that each participant is in good health and has the ability to participate in this event.  Proper training must be undertaken prior to the tour.  However, should a participant need medical attention, volunteer EMS and ambulance services will be on hand the entire weekend to keep everyone in tip top condition.  Area hospitals and emergency centers will be notified of the tour and will be standing by should the need arise.

Q.  Can anyone ride?

1. This tour is designed for riders of all abilities.  However, we strongly encourage pre-event training for all of our participants.  Cyclists under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Q.  What if my bike has mechanical problems during the tour?

1. Your equipment must be in good working order prior to the start of the tour.  Our “Official Bike Shop”, Bicycles, Inc. will provide free pre-event check ups on bicycles of all registered cyclists.  During the tour, if your bike breaks down or has a flat and it has been previously inspected by Bicycles, Inc., they will fix it free of charge.  Cyclists who need repairs but did not receive a pre-event checkup will pay Bicycles, Inc. for any repairs.

Q.  What if it rains?

1. We ride rain or shine.  In case of dangerous weather conditions, event officials will determine if the tour will be canceled.

Q.  Why is this event being organized?

1. The Positive Spin for ALS Bike Tour has two purposes:

a.      To raise money for the ALS Association North Texas Chapter’s patient services programs and

b.      To raise awareness of this disease

Q.  What is the registration fee?

1. Every participant is required to pay a non-refundable registration fee.  The fee schedule is as follows:          

Reg fees:

Before 3/31/06 $25

4/1/06 to 4/30/06 $30

5/1/06 to 6/2/06 $35

6/3/06 ( Day Of Ride) $40

6/3/06        Total            $190.00 (reg. fee + minimum donation)

Q.  What is the minimum donation?

1. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $150.00. 

Q.  Do I have to ride as part of a team?

1. You can participate on an individual basis or as part of a team.  Team membership promotes camaraderie and we encourage team participation because it makes it more fun for all involved.  If you don’t have a team already, let us know and we can get you in touch with a team to join.

Q.  Do I register my whole team or do they register individually?

1. Each member of your team must register individually.

Q.  Does each team member pay a registration fee and minimum donation?

1. Each member of your team must pay the registration fee and make the $150.00 minimum donation.

Q.  When and where do we turn in our money?

1. You can turn in your money as you collect it or turn it all in the day of the event.  However, all donations and pledges must be turned in by July 4, 2006. 

Q.  What is this money being raised for?

1. The money raised is earmarked for local ALS patient services and programs administered by the ALS Association North Texas Chapter.

Q.  Can you give more details?

2. The ALS Association North Texas Chapter is unique among similar organizations in that we directly serve ALS patients and their caregivers with a wide array of programs and services.  These services include:
3.  
   1. Monthly support group meetings
   2. Power wheelchair and speech device equipment loan closet
   3. Grief and bereavement support
   4. Nutritional supplement program
   5. Veteran’s Affairs Referral Program
   6. Advocacy
   7. Telephone and in home referrals to community services
   8. Public education and awareness

Q.  Can you help me with my fundraising efforts?

A.  We have lots of tools to help you with your fundraising efforts.  A registration packet of information will be sent out to you and will include sample letters and fundraising ideas.  Still need more help?  Contact the ALS office at 972-714-0088.

Q.  Can I make a contribution in honor/memory of someone special?

1. Yes, just let us know who you are making the donation in honor or memory of and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. CLICK HERE: CONTRIBUTE

Q.  Can I ride in honor/memory of someone special?

1. We encourage each cyclist to ride for someone special.  Our “Pedal PALS” program pairs each rider up with a Person with ALS (PALS).  You will be given a special bib to wear with your PALS name on it.  If you already have a PALS, let us know and we will make sure you are matched up with the correct person. 

Q.  Do I have to participate or can I just raise money?

1. You can be a “Phantom Rider”, raise money and have all the priviledges of riding without the effort!  “Phantom Riders” are invited to join us for all of the festivities throughout the weekend.

Q.  I can’t ride, but could I volunteer?

1. Yes, the Positive Spin for ALS Bike Tour is a huge undertaking and we need many volunteers.  We would love for you to be a Rest Stop volunteer, assist with meals, be a finish line cheerleader, be a SAG driver etc.  Call the ALS office.

Q.  Can I register online?

1. Yes, you can register online.  CLICK HERE:Online Register to register online. 

Q.  Can sponsors donate to me online?

1. Yes, sponsors can donate to you online using our secure credit card donation form.  Click on www.alsanorthtexas.org to donate. Or CLICK HERE: Contribute

Q.  Can I register by phone or mail?

1. Yes, you can register by phone (972-714-0088 or toll free 877-714-0088) or mail in your registration to:
   1231 Greenway Dr. Ste. 385
   Irving TX 75038.

Q.  Can I make a contribution with a credit card?

1. Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.