Questions & Answers
Please submit your questions regarding the bike trek here.
Answers will be posted below.
Training & Riding the Trek
Q: How often will we be able to take breaks?
Taking a break will be up to the riders of each group. If someone is feeling tired and needs to stop, they should bring it to the attention of one of the adult leaders. Breaks are necessary so don't be hesitant to speak up.
Q: How many training rides will we have to do?
Getting in shape for this event goes beyond being physically fit. You may be a good soccer player, X-country runner, BB player or avid walker, but those fitness abilities won't prepare you for sitting on a narrow bike seat with your arms extended and head bent back for hours at a time, or the continual rotation of the peddles being pushed down by your feet. Don't think you will be able to accomplish this ride on pure strength alone, it won't happen. That said, there will be two 50 mile group rides before the big day, with an assortment of shorter rides before that.
Training will start early Spring.
Q: Do you recommend we have a map program on our bike or will the route be clearly marked?
There will be adult riders leading the way who will have route information, but it's always nice to personally know how far you've gone, how many miles remain, what your speed is, etc. These stats and more can easily be available using the free version of RideWithGPS, Strava, or an array of other tracking programs to use on your phone. Acquire a phone mount for your bike and you'll be set! It's also great for tracking your training.
Q: How many water bottles should we carry?
I always say, "it's better to be safe than sorry." That said, I recommend carrying two water bottles if you have the mounts. The 23.7 FL OZ Smart Water bottle makes for a great affordable and reusable water bottle.
Here's a great secret for being hydrated, load up on water before you ride. Before any physical activity, you should hydrate early and often. You can easily down a water bottle minutes before riding and that will sustain you for longer than you think.
Keep hydrated and remind others to hydrate on your ride. Take stops specifically to drink up!
Q: Are there places to refill water? How often?
SAG vehicles will be available every 10-15 miles, as well as other sources available along the route. They will be identified on the route map.
Q: Do I have to ride with the same people every day or can I choose who I ride with?
You can ride with whomever you prefer, but realize that if your riding speeds differ from your friends, there will be natural separation between you. Changes in groups can occur each morning or at the lunch break.
All riders will start off together in Cleveland, but groups will naturally form as the day progresses: fast, medium, slow.
On the second day of the Trek, those who identify themselves as the slower riders will drop off their equipment first at the trailer, eat first, and depart the campsite first, with the medium riders following next, and the fasted riders last. It seems to be a natural occurrence that the slower riders actually pickup the pace so the faster riders don't catch them, and the faster riders try not to let that happen.
Q: Will we still ride if it rains or there is bad weather?
The simple answer is YES we will ride if it rains. You and your clothes will dry out. :) If weather conditions worsen to more than a typical downpour, we will shelter in place until they improve.
Q: What is the average speed I should prepare for?
10 MPH is a good average speed. Riding at this speed makes it easy to determine distance - 10 miles left to ride = 1 hour. You will find that as you train and prepare, 10 mph is very easy to obtain.
Q: When will group training rides begin?
"Official" Group Training rides will begin early Spring, but you are encouraged to do training rides on your own or with a group before then. Visit the Facebook or GroupMe sites to collaborate with other riders planning to ride the Trek.
Q: Is the whole route paved?
About 90% of the route is paved. The other 10% is crushed limestone, which is extremely packed down and smooth from the thousands of riders who cross it annually.
Q: If I get a flat tire, will there be someone to fix it for me??
There should be someone knowledgeable to fix your flat, but we hope to teach you the skills before the Trek so that you can easily perform the task yourself and you provide that service to someone.
Q: Can I ride an eBike?
Absolutely! You'll be the envy of the pack, until your battery runs out!
Q: How will the bikes be transported to Cleveland?
The majority of bikes will be transported in enclosed trailers, stacked next to each other. If you have a bike that you care dearly for, you may want to wrap it with padding or find something driving to Cleveland to transport it for you.
Q: Will we have access to bathrooms along the way?
There are locations along the route for you to take care of business. If you incur an immediate potty break, use your best judgement on what to do. Note: The final route will be marked with bathroom and water stops, besides the SAG stations. Some individuals will be riding the entire route a few weeks prior to the event to document such locations and to identify any route changes.
Support and Gear (SAG)
Q: What will support be doing all day?
The support team will oversee the various 'aid stations' along the route. Preparation for this task will require more time than expected. Every 10-15 miles along the route a SAG team will be available with water and sports drink, fruit and snacks. SAG teams will leap frog to the next destination ahead of the riders. We are hoping to have a member of each SAG team who is knowledgeable in basic bicycle maintenance/repair to assist a rider if a problem occurs, along with someone to do a video style interview and take pictures of the riders as they come in.
Support will also provide assistance with loading and unloading camping gear from the trailers. Note, two of the nights we will be staying in College Dorms.
Q: If I can't ride the entire distance and decide to quit, will someone take me home?
If you can't make the distance each day due to physical limitations or mechanical difficulties, the SAG team will transport you to the next stop. If you feel you can't finish the trek and want to go home, that will have to be arranged through your parents.
Medical Assistance & Safety
Q: My 15-year old daughter has physical disabilities which make it impossible to ride a bike. Will there be any type of motorized vehicle for those with disabilities that can't ride a bike?
Although there is an array of vehicles/bikes designed for physical limitations, the Stake does not have access to them. Perhaps a local bike shop(s) can shed additional light on this subject.
Q: Do we have to wear helmets the whole time?
YES, for personal safety and liability reasons. Get use to wearing a helmet on every ride. It will save you from a more serious injury if you have an accident.
Q: If someone gets injured, will there be a doctor riding with us?
There will be a doctor (or two, or more) riding with us, but they can't be everywhere at the same time. Local emergency locations will be marked on the route (as best we can) and there will be ample cell phones available to call 911.
Q: Do I need specific safety gear for my bike; head light, tail light, mirror, bell?
Great question! Bike helmets are mandatory, but all other items are optional, yet recommended if your budget allows it.
Q: Can we ride bikes with headphones listening to music?
Actual "headphones" are not recommended for safety reasons. It's important to be aware of other riders and your surrounding, perhaps a single earbud would suffice. That would be a determination you and your parents should make.
Camping & Lodging
Q: Will there be access to showers daily?
There will be showers at each overnight location. The only location in question may be Dalton High School. The facilities manager is going to try and make that happen.
Q: What should I bring for camping and lodging?
The basics, a tent, sleeping bag (bed covering of your choice), pillow and folding chair if you desire. If you and a friend(s) want to share a tent, go for it. We will have designated camping areas (and dorms) for the Young Men and Young Women. The less you pack, the less you have to carry back and forth to the trailers daily.
More info will be posted later about preparing and packing for the Trek.
Q: Can I stay at a local hotel and not camp with the group?
Yes, if you are an adult. Your child can join you if you/they prefer. You'll have to ensure you are back to the campsite for the morning devotional and kickoff.
Q: Will there be a place to charge my phone each night?
We will be staying the first and last nights in College Dorms, which will have outlets for charging. The other two nights we will be camping with NO power options. The planning committee is working to acquire portable power options, but it may to best to bring a personal battery pack in your luggage.
Q: Will we have to prepare any of our own meals?
All meals are covered by the Stake. There will be a team of cooks to provide that service. It is recommended you be kind to them if you want a chance for seconds at meal time.
We will try to accommodate for special dietary needs, but no one knows your needs better than yourself, so if there is something you need to bring, arrange it with our great cooks.
Misc Questions
Q: Will there be chocolate and marshmallows available at the campsites?
There will be IF you bring them, and don't forget the gram crackers to go along with it.
Q: If it rains, how are we going to dry out our clothes, gear, etc?
If there is a break in the weather, the breeze from riding and your body heat help dry out clothing, much like when you sweat. It is best to bring extra undies, shorts, socks and shirts to change into and hang your wet clothes on something to dry at camp.
Q: Will the girls be able to keep up with the boys?
I fully believe there will be some young men surprised when they get passed by some of the young women. Just saying...
Q: Are all of our bikes going to fit on the train?
The train can accommodate a large number of bikes. We will confirm the number it can haul and update this post later.
Q: Does it conflict with other youth programs/camps?
This event is the last week of June 2024. No other Stake or Ward activities are scheduled during this time. Visit the Stake Calendar for more info.
Q: Can I ride my grandma's electric chair?
You'll have to get her permission first and beat her in an arm wrestle. Grandma's are stronger than you think!
Q: Do we have to wear those tight bike shorts?
Only if you want to look cool and stylish. You may also want to shave your legs to be more aerodynamic!
Q: What will each day's schedule be like?
Pray, Peddle, Camp, Repeat. :) More info about daily schedules will be posted under Trek Route in the near future since doing so here would take up a couple of pages. Riding a bike is only a small part of the overall trek experience. The things you'll see, the friends you make, the memories created are only the beginning.
Q: Will there be time to just relax and whine down or will we have a full schedule?
Besides the time spent riding and a short evening devotional, there will be no other planned activities. You will be able to "relax and whine down." In the past youth have gone swimming, played Ultimate, corn hole, card games, or just sat around camp. Note: The earlier you arrive into camp, the more time you will have to hang out.
Cost & Misc
Q: How much does it cost?
The estimated cost is $150 per person. This fee, along with the Stake budget, will cover the cost of transporting riders to Cleveland, SAG vehicles transporting water/sports drink, fruit & snacks, regular meals, lodging, two custom shirts, train ride and an array of misc items for five days, four nights. (compare that to a one night stay in a hotel)
Q: Will the Stake reimburse us for fuel if we drive to Cleveland?
If your drive is in support of the Trek.