Frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please contact us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org
Who's behind the Closer to Free Ride?
The Closer to Free Ride is produced by the Yale-New Haven Hospital Office of Development and is the primary fundraising and awareness event for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. You can learn more about Smilow here
When and where is the Ride?
The 2013 Ride takes place on Saturday, September 7. It begins and ends at the Yale Bowl Complex in New Haven.
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist or elite athlete to participate?
In a word, no. We’ve got three beautiful routes to challenge riders of all skill levels 25, 62.5 and 100 miles. No matter what distance you choose to ride, you’ll benefit from reading our training tips. And if you’re not into cycling, we've got lots of volunteer opportunities available.
How old do I need to be to ride?
There is no minimum age to ride. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 21 at all times during the Event. If you would like more information please contact rideclosertofree@ynhh.org.
Do I have to raise money to ride?
As the Closer to Free Ride is designed as a fundraising event, each rider must raise a minimum of $400 in addition to the registration fee. In 2012, the average rider raised more than $1,100 and we've got lots of fundraising tips to help you reach (and even exceed) your goal! Note that all riders are required to raise the minimum of $400 no matter which distance route they choose to ride. Click here for fundraising tips. Please do not use any commas when entering your fundraising goal.
What kind of support is out on the route?
We’ve got a dedicated team of staff and Road Crew volunteers whose only job on the day of the Ride is to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our routes are well marked and feature Rest Stops every 20 miles. Rest Stops have snacks, hydration, first aid, and bike techs. If you have trouble between stops, our SAG (Supply and Gear) operation can get you back on the road or transport you to the next stop. You'll also be able to contact our Emergency Command Center at any time if you need immediate help.
I’m having trouble with my online fundraising page.
For any questions concerning your online fundraising page, click here.
I want to register as part of a team but my team captain hasn't set up the team yet. What should I do?
Sign up as an individual. We can move you to a team at any time between now and Ride Day. Just email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org if you wish to join a team.
I am not sure if I want to sign up as an individual or a team. What should I do?
Sign up as an individual. We can move you to a team at any time between now and Ride Day. Just email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org if you wish to join a team.
My donors have given me cash or a check towards my fundraising. What should I do with it?
You can either drop off these donations to our office during normal business hours, or mail the checks to our office.
We are located at: 2 Howe Street, on the 3rd Floor. The main office number is 203-688-9644. If you wish to mail in the donations, please mail them to:
YNHH Office of Development
PO Box 1849
New Haven, CT 06508
Please make sure whether you drop off your checks or mail them, that the donations are accompanied by a donation form which you can print off by logging into your personal headquarters. This form asks you to complete your donor’s contact information so that we can send them an acknowledgement.
When is the deadline to register?
You can register any time online until September 4th. After 9/4, you must register in person at the Yale Bowl on Ride Day. If you register in person, please arrive no later than 6:00 am.
How old do you need to be to volunteer? How old do you need to be to ride?
Anyone can ride in the Closer to Free Ride. Minors under age 18 MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 21 at ALL times. Bike trailers are permitted for children. However, please note that no streets are closed. We use police escorts to get in and out of New Haven safely, but you will be riding with vehicle traffic
Yale Bowl Volunteers must be 16 or older. Volunteers between 16-18 years of age will be assigned to the Kid Zone area at the Yale Bowl. Road Crew Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
What is the difference between Yale Bowl Volunteers and Road Crew Volunteers?
Yale Bowl Volunteers work in shifts, rather than for the entire day. Road Crew Volunteers must commit to working with us all day. You must be 18 years old to be a Road Crew Volunteer
I am riding as part of a team. Do I still need to raise $500 as an individual?
Yes, every participant in the Closer to Free Ride must pay a $100 registration fee which covers your ride day jersey, all food and beverages including beer, massage, medical assistance, and bike tech support. All riders then have until September 30th to raise the additional $400 commitment. Please note that there is a student discount - $50 registration fee and $200 fundraising commitment. Student discount applies to residents, fellows, grad students, etc.
What if I decide to change routes between the time I register and Ride Day?
Not a problem. You can make that change by logging into your personal headquarters and updating your rider profile. If you have trouble, email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org
I mailed in (or dropped off) my “offline” donations and I don’t see them on my fundraising scroll.
Offline donations can take up to 3 weeks to process. You will not see these donations appear immediately.
My donor is not showing up in my honor roll. Why?
Some donors choose to make their donation and the amount anonymously.
My donor WANTS to appear in my honor roll but didn’t remember to fill out this information. How do I get on there?
Please ask your donor to email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org so that we can find out exactly how they want their gift information to read.
The maps online are very vague and I really want to train on the actual route.
We do not publish turn by turn directions until Ride Day. Our permitting can change at any time. You are welcome to email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org with specific route questions or you can join our training rides. Our training ride leaders are very familiar with the route that will be traveled on Ride Day.
My family wants to travel the route by car or meet me at the rest stops. Is that ok?
No! We do not want extra vehicles on the route on Ride Day. Safety is our number 1 concern so we ask that family members travel to our cheering stations which we will publish on the website as we get closer to Ride Day. Your family members can travel to all of the cheering stations, and then meet you back at the Yale Bowl for the finish line celebration.