AIDSRIDEDC FAQ Section 6: The Tour de Friends, Adventure of a Lifetime

This section contains these subjects:

6.1 What Do I Really Need to Bring on the Ride?

Thanks to Trish Chittams for contributing this section!

A reminder shopping list, for things to take on the Ride.

  • Flashlight
  • Alarm Clock
  • Batteries (for the clock and flashlight)
  • Gallon Zip Lock Bags (For your clothes, you can fit one day's worth of clothes in a gallon bag)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste (Travel Size)
  • Shampoo (Travel Size)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Play Clothes (You do need something to wear when not in bike clothes)
  • Witch Hazel (to clean your hands in the woods) or Baby Wipes (to clean yourself in the woods, keep some in a small zip bag on you)
  • Bag Balm (To prevent saddle sores: get it at CVS).
    [Some folks use Vaseline, chamois cream, etc. for the same purpose --RG]
  • Balmex (In case you get saddle sores)
  • Small amount of Band-Aids (to get you to the next pit stop)
  • Neosporin (small one, to get you to the med tent, put on cuts)
  • Towel (You will take a shower, otherwise no one will sit next to you at dinner)
  • Soap (Ditto)
  • Deodorant (Ditto)
  • Identification ( In case you crash)
  • Medical Insurance Card (In case you crash)
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6.2 How on Earth will I get my bike to Raleigh (or get it back from DC) ?

You have several options for transporting your bicycle, either on the same trip with you, or separately. (For the most up-to-date information on alternatives, consult your Travel Planner.):

  • You can have your bike shipped using a special program arranged by the Ride Office (in the past, this has used McCollisters trucking). Typically, you drop your bike off the weekend before the ride (it does not need to be disassembled), and it will be delivered to the Day Zero starting location for you. There is a charge for this service, and reservations are needed.
  • If you travel by train, you can ship your bike as checked baggage. Amtrak provides boxes for a modest fee (about $10), and only minimal disassembly is required (removing pedals and handlebars). If you want to use this option, make sure that you choose a train that has a baggage car (not all do), and that you allow enough time for your bike to get there -- it is not guaranteed to go on the same trin as you do.
  • You can drive to Raleigh, using a one-way rental (perhaps with a group), and carry your bike along.
  • If you are flying, you can take your bike as checked baggage. The bike must be disassembled and boxed (many bike shops will do this, but be sure to arrange it in adequate time). There is also a $50-75 excess baggage fee for taking a bike. Some riders have been able to get this fee waived due to the nature of the Ride; your mileage may vary. As with the train, the bike is not guaranteed to go on the same flight as you do.

On the whole, the McCollisters option is probably the most painless if it works for you.

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