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About

Bike 4 Friendship 2024

July 11, 2024

FRIENDS BIKE TOGETHER.

TRAIN TOGETHER. RAISE TOGETHER.
TRIUMPH TOGETHER. CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER.


By biking across America, we spread the message of acceptance and understanding for those who may seem different. By lending a hand to children with special needs and their families, we teach our families and our children to stand up for those in need, ultimately building stronger communities across the country. Funds raised through Bike 4 Friendship benefits Friendship Circle International, an organization that provides social support for special children nationwide.
Together, we will raise critical awareness and resources to further our mission in nurturing a more inclusive community.

SAVE THE DATE
June 28-August 9, 2020


FUNDRAISING MINIMUM
$7,200 / $5,900
*see the fundraising requirements section for more details* 
​
 
RIDE INFO

ITINERARY + ROUTE



Week 1 | San Diego, CA > Phoenix, AZ

Your journey starts with the tire dipping ceremony at La Jolla beach, through the Cuyamaca mountains, and into the Arizona desert. This part of the ride is slightly easier with regards to mileage and elevation, however the heat can make it extremely difficult. Expect some night riding! 

 

Week 2 | Phoenix, AZ > Albuquerque, NM

You will then get out of the desert and into the bottom of the rockies. The climbing is difficult, but the views are breathtaking. New Mexico is truly an enchanted place. The people you will meet, and the cities that you will see, will give you a taste of what the United States of America is all about.
 

Week 3 | Albuquerque, NM > Oklahoma City, OK

Don’t mess, because Texas is next, and from there you will be heading into the great plains, the heartland of America, with it’s charming little towns. Crossing into Oklahoma, will give you a feel for how the pioneers established roots out west. 

 

Week 4 | Oklahoma City, OK > St. Louis, MO

Into Missouri it is, be prepared for the Show Me State, to amaze you with beautiful country roads and luscious forests. As you make your way across the state, you will be following the trail of Lewis & Clark through the Gateway to the West. 

 

Week 5 | St. Louis, MO > Columbus, OH

You will cross the great Mississippi into Illinois and along the sprawling cornfields of  Indiana.As you near the east coast, cities become more numerous, and you will be meeting many new people. Talking with mayors, local press interviews, and spreading the message of Friendship Circle will become even more frequent.
 

Week 6 | Columbus, OH > New York, NY

Are you ready to climb? Those steep climbs of Pennsylvania may be challenging, but the reward of rolling down those mountains is well worth it! You’re nearing New Jersey where your friends and families will be waiting to greet you with loud cheers, big hugs, and huge buckets of Gatorade to celebrate your amazing accomplishment. You rock!

 
HOW WE RIDE 

Riding will begin at 7am with pit stops every 2 hours for cyclists to replenish drinks and snacks, and make basic bike adjustments. The pace will be between 13-20 mph on average. You will be required to keep an average of a 13 mph pace throughout the ride.
Each rider will receive their own set of cue sheets and the ability to download the GPX file to a GPS if you bring one, however riding with a buddy is the must.

WHAT TYPE OF BICYCLE DO I NEED?

Road, touring, and sport bikes are recommended. If you already own a bicycle, you can take it to a local shop to have them check it out. You should also get it fitted for long distance cycling. If you are buying a new bike, you can purchase one for about $750. You can also buy used bicycles for considerably less money, but arrange to meet with the seller at a local bicycle shop, so they can make sure it’s in good working order.

SUPPORT & MORE 

There will be a full group of dedicated support staff to help you cross the country in the best way possible. You will not need to worry about, food, accommodations, and pit stops.​ There will be a bicycle mechanic traveling alongside the group in the support vehicle. However, cyclists will be required to change their own flats.

SAFETY

Safety is the number one concern. There will be 50,000 – 60,000 man-miles being ridden over the course of the ride. Safety rules will be in place for every one of those miles, under all conditions. Safety ranges from adequate hydration, adequate calories, helmets, visibility in all weather conditions, distance between bikes, announcing all road obstacles in group rides, front and black flashers, bike mirror, among other things. These factors will be strongly emphasized throughout the ride. A full list of safety rules will be listed in the Bike 4 Friendship Rider’s Manual.

MEALS

All meals will be strictly kosher and designed to provide cyclists with sufficient energy for the ride. A full breakfast will be served before the ride each morning. Lunch will be nutritionally designed to keep you going throughout the ride. A hot dinner will be served every night. 
TRAINING

Our Team Friendship Coach, Chaim Backman, is a Brooklyn, NY based physical therapist. Chaim has helped many people in their quest to begin running, biking, and swimming. He has coached many local and out-of-state charity teams and helped them prepare and complete length races. Coach Chaim is available for our cyclists for any and all training questions and support. 
ACCOMMODATIONS 


Bike 4 Friendship will be staying at various locations along the route including campgrounds, community centers, schools, and college dorms. Showering facilities will be available each night. Cyclists are responsible for their own bedding. Laundry will be done weekly, as time allows.



FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS

 Full Experience=$7,200 | Students= $5,900


Benefits which you will receive:

  • A chance to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs
  • 2 custom jerseys
  • A fully supported ride with a SAG wagon and mechanical support
  • Accommodations throughout the trip
  • Training rides in various locations
  • Personalized fundraising page
  • Training and nutrition plan
  • Access to a long distance cycling coach


Upon being accepted to the trip you will be asked to complete registration. There is a registration fee of $360 which will be applied to your fundraising goal. You will have the option to pay it or fundraise it within a week of registering.


All registrants will receive exclusive fundraising resources and guidance from our Fundraising Coach. 

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, registration is only open to male participants. Thank you for your understanding. 

More questions? Email moshe@friendshipcircle.com
MORE INFO

How It Works:

Apply Register for an exhilarating cross country cycling experience. Train and Fundraise Gain access to exclusive tried-and-proven fundraising tools and your personal connection to expert Team Friendship coaches. Cross the Finish LineAttend the event as our VIP while experiencing a most exhilarating and gratifying adventure.

YOUR TEAM FRIENDSHIP EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

 
TRAININGPersonal connection to certified expert coaches
FUNDRAISING RESOURCESExclusive access to fundraising tools
that work. 
 
ACCOMMODATIONSVisit and stay in local Friendship Circle chapters across the country.
CELEBRATIONCelebrate your accomplishment and the message of friendship with local leaders. 
Ready to register?Apply
Need more info? Request Information