CERR FAQ

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
1. What is the deadline for registration?
2. On-line registration did not work - what should I do?
3. Where are the packet pick up locations?
4. Can I get a refund?
5. Can I receive my packet by mail?

FUNDRAISING QUESTIONS
6. What does it mean to participate in a charity ride?
7. How much money do I need to raise?
8. What makes youth development essential to the success of today’s youth?
9. Why should I raise money for SOS Outreach?
10. How do I set up a fundraising page?
11. Where can I find help and ideas to fundraise?
12. Is there help to write my fundraising letter?

JERSEY QUESTIONS
13. What if my jersey doesn't fit?
14. I did not get my jersey in the mail yet - what should I do?
15. What is the jersey sizing?

START LINE
16. Is there an official start?
17. Where can I park near the start line?

FINISH LINE
18. I'd like to leave a car overnight in Avon...where is the best place?
19. Is there food at the finish line?
20. I need a massage...
21. Are showers available at Avon?

THE COURSE
22. How much elevation do we climb on the ride?
23. Do you supply food and water on the course?
24. Do I have to wear a helmet?
25. Do I need rain gear?
26. What if I need mechanical support on the route?
27. What if I need medical attention on the route?
28. Are there SAG vehicles?
29. Are there any instructions for private SAGS?

GENERAL QUESTIONS
30. What about hotels in Avon and Eagle County?
30. Where does the money go?

Registration deadlines and fees (postmarked by or submitted on-line)

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On-line registration did not work
Contact PreRace.com for help with online registration. You can download and mail in your registration form as well. (Return to top)

Refunds

 In true cycling tradition, the Colorado-Eagle River Ride will take place regardless of weather; hence, no refunds. (Return to top)


What does it mean to participate in a Charity Ride?
The Colorado-Eagle River Ride is a Charity Ride meaning the sole purpose of the event is the raise funds and awareness for a cause. The cause? Investing in positive youth development through SOS Outreach.

Participating in a charity ride means you are using your athleticism and determination to raise money for and bring awareness to a cause. SOS Outreach is a unique blend of value based curriculum, a positive environment, a consistent adult mentor, spending time being active outdoors and a place where kids can have fun. Through SOS programs students make new friends, learn a new sport, gain a new understanding of the SOS Outreach core values and learn the importance of giving back to their community.

Here is a helpful article about what it means to do a charity ride and what to expect.
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How much money do I need to raise?
While the Colorado-Eagle River Ride does not have a mandatory fundraising minimum, we strongly encourage riders to reach the below fundraising goals:
100 mile - $750
68 mile - $500
42m - $250
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What makes youth development
essential to the success of today’s youth?

• A lack of parental involvement and interaction with children may increase children’s future risk of violence.
• Two-thirds of juvenile detention facilities hold youth who are waiting for community mental health treatment.
• Mentoring programs are invaluable community-based efforts, linking at-risk youths with adults who serve as role models and are trained to know when to refer youths to other community resources for needs they cannot address. The length of participation can last from several months to several years. Mentoring programs save an average of $5.29 for every dollar spent.
• Every dollar invested in high quality afterschool programs saves tax payers on average $3.00, Additional saving can be realized if crime reduction is factored in.
• The Afterschool Alliance suggests: (1) quality afterschool programs improved school attendance, engagement in learning, test scores, and grades; (2) frequency and duration of afterschool participation increases benefits; and (3) high-risk youth show the greatest benefits.
• Afterschool programs can increase engagement in learning by providing middle school students with opportunities to meet needs that schools often can’t, e.g., personal attention from adults, a positive peer group, and activities that hold their interest and build their self-esteem (Vandell, et al. 1996; Garmezy, 1991; Rutter, 1987; Clark, 1987; Masten, et al. 1990; Comer, et al., 1984; Werner, 1993; Halpern, 1992; As reported in Miller, 2003).
• Child Trends reports that school engagement is on the decline. Parents report that 39% of girls and 20% of boys are engaged in school. Researchers define school engagement in three domains, behavioral, emotional and cognitive. Afterschool programs can help youth reconnect and increase engagement in school by adapting well-established measures to help identify youth who are not engaged in school and develop services to address their needs. Programs that offer, sequenced, active, focused and explicit (SAFE) programming have been known to have positive effects on student engagement and other positive developments. [Lippman, L., & Rivers, A. (2008). Assessing school engagement: A guide for out-of-school time program practitioners. Washington, DC: Child Trends.]

Also see the Positive Youth Development Fact Sheet. (Return to top)

Why Should I fundraise for SOS Outreach?

SOS Outreach was founded in 1993 in Colorado’s Vail Valley. As a nonprofit organization, SOS programs build character and self-esteem in youth through outdoor activities and the SOS curriculum. SOS served 4,888 youth in 2010-2011 and offered 18,917 total program days. This year SOS is projected to serve 5,000 youth in 15 states and New Zealand.

SOS began as the Snowboard Outreach Society, with a group of snowboarders who wanted to expose underprivileged youth to the mountains, as well as to the sport of snowboarding. Since its founding, SOS has expanded across individual winter sports to include skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing while incorporating a youth development curriculum.

To provide our programs, we need to raise $900,000 in cash and nearly $3 million in in-kind contributions per year. Most our budget will come through grant writing, events and individual donors but we still need your help in raising funds. Small contributions of $25 to $50 from your family, friends and SOS colleagues will allow SOS to meet our budget.

Also See The Beneficiary: SOS Outreach (Return to top)

Setting up a Fundraising Page
See How to Set Up Your Fundraising Page (Return to top)

Ideas to Fundraise
See Fundraising Tips. (Return to top)

Fundraising Letter
See Sample Fundraising Letter. (Return to top)

Jerseys
If your jersey does not fit, you can exchange it at walk-in registration at the start/finish line (subject to availability), or with another rider. (Return to top)

When do we receive jerseys?
Your jersey and registration packet will be available at packet pickup on July 27 at the Beaver Creek Elk Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be available at the start/finish line on July 28 at 6 a.m. We do not offer rider packets, including jerseys, by mail. If your jersey size is no longer available, it shall be shipped separately no later than October 15. If your jersey / ride packet does not arrive in a timely fashion, email sosride@sosoutreach.org.

What is the jersey sizing?

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Start line
The official start time will be between 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., however riders may depart at their own convenience. (Return to top)

Start line parking
The start line, registration and parking area will be at the Elk Beaver Creek Lot, with overflow parking at the Bear Beaver Creek Bear Lot. You may not park in either lot overnight. The Elk Beaver Creek Lot will be open at 5:00 a.m. on ride day. Please follow the instructions you receive from the parking attendants. (Return to top)

Parking in Avon
There is no overnight parking in the Town of Avon, or in the Beaver Creek lots. There is camping at Wolcott.(Return to top)

Finish Line Party
The post party will be at the start/finish from noon to 5 p.m. We had a great time with the Dusty Boot last year and hope this year will be even better! (Return to top)

Massages

Simply Massage provides full massage services in Avon, CO. They will have massage therapists available at the finish of the ride for complimentary table massages. Please visit www.simplymassage.com for a highlight of their available services. (Return to top)

Showers
Showers are available for free at the Avon Recreation Center located adjacent to Nottingham Park. Towels are available for $5. Riders must present their wristband for admittance to the showers.  (Return to top)

Route description/elevation
There are three distinct routes for your riding pleasure. Choose the 100 mile loop from the East Beaver Creek Lot and back, the 42 mile route from the East Beaver Creek Lot to Eagle and back.There is a portion of the course that goes onto Colorado River Road. This road is not paved but is in great condition with packed dirt and plenty of SAG support.  The elevation gain for the 100-mile route is about 3,500 feet. A more scenic 100 kilometer option is to ride the 100-mile route and finish in Dotsero where shuttle busses will be available to return you and your bike to the Start/Finish line. (Return to top)

Aid stations
Four aid stations are strategically located along the route — all with appropriate cycling food, energy drinks, portable toilets and plenty of water. Riders must wear wristbands (supplied with registration) to obtain food. Riders are encouraged to start before 7:30 a.m. as the aid stations will adhere to a strict schedule as outlined below. Please plan your ride accordingly:

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Safety
All riders are required to wear ANSI or SNELL approved helmets, ride in accordance with State of Colorado traffic laws, ride single file, and stay to the right side of the road. Colorado State Patrol and local officials will issue citations for failure to do so. (Return to top)

Rain gear
Colorado weather changes quickly. Riders are encouraged to carry clothing suitable for hot and cold temperatures and wet and dry weather. (Return to top)

Mechanical support
Mechanical support will be provided; however, riders are encouraged to carry patch kits, spare tubes, pumps and tools. Air pumps, lube and a basic tool will be available on the route, and riders can purchase spare tubes at the start line. (Return to top)

Medical support
Trained volunteers from Eagle County Ambulance will be on hand to provide medical support, but it is recommended that cyclists carry their own first aid kits and be prepared to deal with minor medical problems. There may also be riding EMTs and ER doctors.

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SAG support
Sag support is included with your entry fee. Look for the signed vehicles. Each will be prepared to transport you and your bicycle to the next aid station. From there you shall be moved onward, or to the finish line. (Return to top)

Private SAGS
To ensure an optimal experience for all, the Comcast Colorado-Eagle River Ride would request that all participants rely upon official vehicles for their SAG needs. The majority of the course is very lightly traveled, and thus an optimal cycling experience. The use of private SAGs simply diminishes that experience for all. Thank you for adhering to this request. If you ultimately elect to utilize a private SAG, please park in designated locations at all aid stations and to stay off the rest of the route to the greatest extent possible. If you want to cheer on riders, the best places to do so are just before the Wolcott Gap aid station and at the start/finish line. (Return to top)

Staying overnight
We have secured multiple event rates from lodging properties in the area. Please request the “Colorado-Eagle River Ride” rate when booking your lodging. The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa is offering studios from $179 per night utilizing discount code 'Ride2011' (970-790-2000). The Resort Company (800-525-6660) has lodging options at The Charter, The Borders Lodge and The Seasons Lodge starting from $114 per night. (Return to top)

Where does the money go?
The vast majority of the registration fees go directly to cover the cost of the ride. Everything from permits to police patrols, aid station food, insurance, portable toilets, jerseys and the finish line party are covered out of registration fees. SOS Outreach pays a small but very dedicated part-time staff to manage the ride. The balance of the proceeds is distributed to SOS Outreach. (Return to top)