Rider Questions
What are the route distances?
Obliteride weekend will feature four different route distances:
25,
50,
100, and
180 (2-day) miles.
What is the event shedule?
Friday, August 9: Kick-off party 4-9 p.m. at Gas Works Park (for all riders plus one guest)
Saturday, August 10: Ride starts at 7:30 a.m. at Magnuson Park
Sunday, August 11: 180-mile riders start at 7:30 a.m. at University of Puget Sound
Visit
THE RIDE page for more info.
What is the total elevation profile for each route?
What time does the ride start?
All riders should arrive to Magnuson Park no later than 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 10.
The 180-mile riders start at 7:30 a.m. We'll then release the 100-mile, 50-mile and 25-mile riders starting at 7:45 a.m.
How is Obliteride different than other pledge rides?
1) 100% of every dollar raised benefits lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch.
2) First class experience all the way with a kick-off celebration at Gas Works featuring live entertainment and food by Tom Douglas; challenging routes with gorgeous scenery and a sense of community.
How old do I need to be to participate in Obliteride?
Riders and volunteers must be at least 14 years old by Saturday, August 10, 2013, and obtain parental/guardian consent to participate in the 25-mile, Pagliacci 50-mile and KING 5 100-mile routes. You must be at least 18 years old by August 10, 2013, to ride the 180-mile route. You can be any age to be a Virtual Rider.
Can I ride my recumbent bicycle?
Yes, recumbent bicycles are welcome.
Can I ride my tandem bicycle?
Yes, tandem bicycles are welcome. Tandem bicycles with two riders will be counted as two separate riders and each rider must pay separate registration fees and separate fundraising commitments. Tandem participants must be 14+ years old for the 25-mile, Pagliacci 50-mile and KING 5 100-mile routes and 18+ years old for the 180-mile route.
Can I ride with a bicycle trailer, handlebar bicycle seat or with my pet?
No. Bicycle trailers and handlebar bicycle seats are not allowed. Passengers (human or furry) are not allowed on any bicycles with the exception of a tandem where each rider must be a registered participant of Obliteride.
How do I know which route is best for me?
All routes are achievable with the proper amount of training and physical preparation and we encourage you to match this with your capability and determination. You may want to consider consulting a health professional to help determine the best route for you.
Where can I find training tips so I’m prepared to tackle my route?
We’ve got you covered. We’ll provide training tips along the way via our blog, Facebook page and our
TRAINING page to help you achieve your goal. We also encourage you to join a team and do regular training rides or connect with other participants on our
Facebook page and train together.
What kind of support is provided on the route?
We’ll have reFUELing stations (rest and water stops) about every 12 -15 miles where you can hydrate, grab a snack or seek mechanical or medical support. We’ll also have SAG (Support And Gear) vehicles on course if you need help and/or a lift back to home base for any reason.
What do I need to know about rider safety and rules of the road?
You can find detailed rules of the road and rider safety tips on our
Safety page.
Can I change my route?
Yes, you can change your route by sending an email to
info@obliteride.org or a letter to Obliteride updating your route and corresponding fundraising commitment by Friday, July 19, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. You can’t reduce your fundraising commitment after Friday, July 19, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. even if you do not ride or cannot ride the route for which you are registered for any reason, including illness or injury that may limit or prevent your participation. Even if you change your route or decrease your fundraising commitment before 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2013, any funds donated by you or others to Fred Hutch to satisfy your fundraising commitment are not refundable. You may increase your fundraising commitment at any time prior to 11:59 p.m. on October 1, 2013.
Is there a registration fee and if so, what do I get?
Registration is $100 for the 25-mile, Pagliacci 50-mile and KING 5 100-mile routes and $150 for the 180-mile (2 day) route until Friday, July 19, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. Registration fee includes the Friday kickoff celebration, your route’s finish line celebration, an official Obliteride jersey and much more! Registration for the 25-mile, Pagliacci 50-mile and KING 5 100-mile routes increases to $150 and $200 for the 180-mile routes on Saturday, July 20, 2013. All registration fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Does my rider registration fee count toward my fundraising commitment?
No. The registration fee covers the cost for a great ride experience. Together with help from our
generous sponsors, your registration fee ensures that every dollar you raise as part of your fundraising commitment goes directly to support cancer research at Fred Hutch.
Is my registration fee refundable if I’m unable to ride for any reason?
No. Your registration fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Do riders have a fundraising commitment?
Yes. Each rider must raise a minimum (and we welcome over-achievement!) of $1,000 - $1,975 depending on your route.
What is the fundraising commitment for my route?
25-mile route = $1,000
Pagliacci 50-mile route = $1,250
KING 5 100-mile route = $1,500
180-mile (2 day) route = $1,975
Over achievement is encouraged. You can enter any fundraising goal you wish, but you are only required to meet your minimum fundraising commitment.
How do I get started on my fundraising?
We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks on our
Fundraising Tips page to help you get started and finished! The first step is completing your participant profile and then telling all your friends and family about your commitment to Obliteride.
What is the deadline to hit my fundraising commitment?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. This means that for nearly two months after Obliteride, you can share your amazing experience with friends and family. Many of these people will choose to donate again after they see what you’ve accomplished. It also gives you more time to meet your goal.
What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising commitment by the fundraising deadline?
We will charge your credit card on file for the remaining balance of your fundraising commitment as of Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. For example, if your fundraising commitment is $1,000 and you have raised $750, we will charge your credit card for $250.
Do I need a credit card to participate?
Yes for online registration. Your credit card is required at registration to pay your non-refundable registration fee. You also need a credit card to cover your fundraising commitment should you not meet your fundraising commitment. You are personally responsible for your minimum fundraising commitment. As you fundraise, you reduce the amount remaining on your fundraising commitment. If you are unable to fundraise the full amount of your fundraising commitment, any remaining balance will be charged to your credit card on file after the fundraising deadline of Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. You can also send us a check or drop off cash to pay your balances.
What if my plans change/I get injured and can no longer participate in Obliteride?
We’ll miss you on the route. You can cancel or you can easily convert to a
Virtual Rider by simply emailing
info@obliteride.org or sending a letter to the Obliteride office alerting us to your status change by Friday, July 19, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. By changing your participation type by the deadline, you are no longer responsible for the balance of your fundraising commitment. We will change your registration fee to a donation toward cancer research and keep all other donations made to your page (good news is, they’re in a good place doing good work!). After 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2013, you may not cancel or decrease your fundraising commitment even if you do not or cannot ride the route for which you are registered for any reason, including any illness or injury that may limit or prevent your participation.
If I cancel my participation, what happens to my donations?
Any funds donated by you or others to satisfy your fundraising commitment are not refundable. All donations will stay with Fred Hutch to fund and fuel breakthrough cancer research even if you cancel before 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2013.
Can I rollover my registration fee and fundraising commitment to next year if my plans change/I get injured?
No, registration fees are non-refundable. Any funds donated by you or others to Fred Hutch to satisfy your fundraising commitment cannot be rolled over or transferred to or used for the benefit of another participant, even if you do not or cannot ride in Obliteride for any reason. If you are unable to participate in Obliteride, you can cancel or change your fundraising commitment by converting your participation type to
Virtual Rider. Simply send us an email at
info@obliteride.org or a letter to the Obliteride offices by Friday, July 19, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. to adjust your fundraising commitment. After 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2013, you may not cancel or decrease your fundraising commitment even if you do not or cannot ride the route for which you are registered for any reason.
Is my registration and fundraising commitment transferrable?
No, neither your registration fee nor amounts raised toward your fundraising commitment are transferrable even if you do not or cannot ride in Obliteride for any reason, and you may not allow another person to ride in Obliteride in your place under any circumstances. If you are unable to participate in Obliteride, you can convert your status by updating your participation type to
Virtual Rider by emailing
info@obliteride.org or sending a letter to the Obliteride office by Friday, July 19, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. After 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2013, you may not cancel or decrease your fundraising commitment.
How do I know what size Voler to order?
Here’s a handy
size chart to help you determine the size that works best for you.
Need help or have questions about registering?
Team Questions
Do all team members have to do the same ride; if I ride the 50, can my other team member register for the 180?
Yes! Teams can consist of riders from a variety of routes; you can even have a Virtual Rider or Volunteer on your team.
How many people do we need to sign up as a team?
Just five (5) or more participants constitute a team. Whether you’re all riders, Virtual Riders, volunteers or a combo of all three, you’re a group of people sharing a common interest, riding in common honor, or a group of friends just out to have a great time together. It’s all good.
Can team members ride different routes?
Absolutely! Members within a team can ride any route they choose; they could even be a virtual rider but not actually ride!!
Can a Virtual Rider or volunteer be on my team, even though I'm riding?
Of course! All virtual riders, riders and volunteers are encouraged to form a team. We welcome you to mix it up and join or start a team! Let's get everyone involved in the fight to end cancer.
How do I start a team?
Gather five friends who will ride, volunteer or fundraise as a Virtual Rider. Then, simply sign up to
START A TEAM. Be sure to create your team name before you complete your register (during Step 1).
If you decide you want to create a team after you are alraedy registered as an individual, please contact
info@obliteride.org.
How do I join a team?
Use our easy
PARTICIPANT SEARCH function to look up the name of the team you want to join. Click the ‘join this team’ button and a request to join the team will be sent to the team captain for approval. Upon approval, you simply sign up to
JOIN A TEAM.
Can our team make a personalized jersey?
Yep! You can work with our jersey partner, Voler, or any other jersey maker you choose. To place an order for custom team apparel, please contact Voler at
sales@voler.com or 800.488.6537. A minimum order of 15 jerseys applies to all team orders. You can even deck out your custom jersey with the Obliteride mark and message. Voler has all our assets so just let them know when you contact them that you want to add Obliteride to your jersey. Or, if you work with another vendor, just shoot us an email at
info@obliteride.org and we’ll send over brand guidelines so you can rock the Obliteride look.
I signed up as an individual, but now want to join a team, how do I do so?
Awesome! Contact us at
info@obliteride.org or 206.667.RIDE (7433) and we would be happy to add you to a team. Please provide us with your name and the name of the team you'd like to join.
Can donations be made to my team?
You bet! Team donations are accepted (and encouraged). But, please note team donations will NOT be counted towards any one individual team member. For a donation to be credited toward an individual team member, the donation must be made directly to that participant.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Can I solicit donations for my team?
Of course! Keep in mind that any donations made to the overall team will count toward the team, NOT toward any individual team member.
Can team donations be transferred to individual team members who haven't met their fundraising minimum?
Yes. The donor needs to contact us,
info@obliteride.org or 206.667.7433 (RIDE) to let us how they would like their donation divided (what the increments are and which participants the donation goes to). This process needs to happen by the fundraising deadline, Tuesday, October 1, 2013.
Does my gift to a team count toward an individual team member?
No. Team donations benefit the overall team.To have your donation go towards a specific individual, please make sure you searth for the participant's name on the donation page.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Need help or have questions about team registration for Obliteride?
Virtual Rider Questions
What is a Virtual Rider?
Anyone interested in raising funds in the spirit of Obliteride. No bike required here, just an interest in supporting the cause.
Is there a registration fee to be a Virtual Rider?
No, but a self-pledge of $25 is required to participate as a Virtual Rider. The good news is, your self-pledge counts as a tax-deductible donation.
Is there a minimum age requirement to be a Virtual Rider?
No, you can be any age to participate as Virtual Rider.
What is the fundraising commitment to be a Virtual Rider?
Virtual Riders must make a minimum self-pledge of $25 to kick-off fundraising.
What’s involved with being a Virtual Rider?
Virtual Riders make a self-pledge of $25, create a fundraising page and then invite every friend, family member and co-worker possible to donate to cancer research.
Do I need a credit card to participate?
Yes, for online registration. Your credit card is required for your Virtual Rider self-pledge of $25. You can also send us a check or drop off cash to pay your self-pledge and for donations.
Does my self-pledge count as a donation?
Yes, your self-pledge is considered a tax-deductible donation. If making a donation from outside the U.S., please check tax deductibility in your country.
How do I register to become a Virtual Rider?
Just select the
Virtual Rider participation type during registration.
Need help or have questions about how to register as a Virtual Rider for Obliteride?
Donation Questions
How do I donate via check/where do I send checks from my donors?
Complete the
Offline donation form and mail your check to the address below, payable to Fred Hutch/Obliteride. Be sure to include the participant’s name to whom you are donating on the check FOR/memo line:
Obliteride
c/o Fred Hutch
1100 Fairview Ave. N., LM-120
PO Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
How do I donate to Obliteride to support cancer research?
Donate online with your credit card. Alternatively, you can mail in donations (cash, check or credit card) using our
Offline donation form. Please make checks payable to Fred Hutch/Obliteride.
How do I enter cash/check donations I’ve received on my Participant Page so that my fundraising amount is up-to-date?
Any donations you receive offline (e.g., checks and cash) need to be sent or delivered to the
Obliteride event office.
Click here to easily track your offline donations; please complete and return this tracking form with your donations. Offline donations typically take five business days from the date received to appear on your participant page.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Does my gift to a team donation count toward an individual team member?
No. Team donations benefit the overall team. To have your donation go toward a specific individual, please indicate the participant's name on the donation page.
Contact us if you have any questions.
What do I do if a donor gives me cash?
Cash donations can only be accepted in-person at the
Obliteride office from the actual donor if a tax acknowledgement is required. Please do not mail cash.
For your convenience, an
Offline donation tracking sheet is available.
Is Obliteride/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center a 501(c)3 nonprofit institution?
Yes. Obliteride is an event put on by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the state of Washington and accepting donations from all 50 states. Our tax ID number is 23-7156071.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes, all donations made payable to and received by Obliteride will receive an acknowledgement for tax purposes. If you donate online you will receive your tax receipt instantly via email – please keep it for your records. If you donate via check, the name and address appearing on the check will receive a thank you and tax acknowledgment. If you donate cash and have the name and address of the donor, we will send a thank you and tax acknowledgement. If a donation is not received directly to Obliteride by the donor, we cannot provide a tax acknowledgement.
When will I receive my tax receipt?
Online donations are acknowledged immediately via email, please keep this for your tax purposes. Donations received via check or cash will be acknowledged via mail no later than Friday, January 31, 2014.
How do I donate to a specific Obliteride participant?
Use our
participant search function by entering the participant’s first and last names and clicking the ‘search’ button.
Do you accept matching gifts?
Definitely! Simply ask your HR rep or your employers matching gifts rep to submit the paperwork to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Be sure to note the matching gift is for Obliteride. Once we receive the matching gift, we’ll post to your Participant Page. Please note the time it takes to receive the actual gift can vary depending on your company. Some companies will send the money within a couple weeks of your request, while others take months to send the money.
Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your fundraising. Be sure to encourage your donors to submit matching gift requests to leverage your fundraising.
How do I make a general donation to Obliteride?
Need help or have questions about how to make donations to Obliteride?
Volunteer Questions
What volunteer jobs can I do to support Obliteride?
We’ve compiled a list of all the ways you can help both pre-event and the weekend of Obliteride. Visit the
Volunteer page for details.
What if I’m out of town for Obliteride but really want to help?
We’ll need lots of help leading up to Obliteride weekend. Visit the
Volunteer page to learn how you can help and register to volunteer.
How do I register to volunteer for Obliteride?
You can register online now. Just click
here and select your volunteer (adult or minor) participation type. Follow the prompts.
Where along the route can I help out?
Our routes cover the entire Seattle/Tacoma region, and we’ll need volunteers throughout. Visit the
Volunteer page for details.
When will I receive confirmation of my volunteer job, date, time and location?
We’ll do our best to match you to your preferred job and will confirm this assignment no later than two weeks prior to your assigned job.
What if my plans change and I need to switch jobs or cancel?
The success of the ride depends on our volunteers. It’s important that once you sign up your commit to your job. We understand things happen, so please notify us via email at
volunteer@obliteride.org as soon as possible if you are unable to do your volunteer job for any reason—the sooner, the better, of course.
I was recruited by a Volunteer Chair. Do I need to register for my volunteer shift online or do I just tell my Volunteer Chair?
You must personally register via the
Volunteer registration page to confirm your volunteer role and receive your thank you gifts. You are not considered a registered volunteer until you have completed this form. You will receive a confirmation email upon registration with further details.
What should I wear for my shift?
You will receive an official Obliteride t-shirt when you check in for your shift. Please wear your t-shirt throughout your volunteer shift. You should also wear comfortable shoes, be prepared for changing and inclement weather, and wear sunscreen!
Do I need to bring my own snacks and meals during my volunteer shift?
We’ll aim to keep you fed and hydrated throughout your shift. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please plan accordingly.
Is there a registration fee to volunteer?
No.
Is there a fundraising minimum to volunteer?
No. We’re grateful for your time, effort and energy. But, you’re more than welcome to volunteer AND fundraise.
Can I volunteer and be a virtual fundraiser?
You bet! When you register to volunteer simply enter a fundraising amount during registration. You can then personalize your participant page and start fundraising!
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
You must be 14 years old by Saturday, August 10, 2013, to volunteer for insurance purposes. Minor volunteers ages 14-17 must have parental/guardian consent.
I want to share the importance of volunteerism with my children; can they join me during my shift?
We encourage families to volunteer together as long as everyone is at least 14 years old by Saturday, August 10, 2013. Children under 14 years old are not eligible to volunteer but they are welcome to help raise money for Obliteride through bake sales, penny drives or other activities. Children under 14 are welcome at the venues as long as another adult is available to care for your children during your shift, we encourage you to have your family join you at your job location to help cheer on riders.
Need help or have questions about how to register to volunteer for Obliteride?