FAQ
Wait a sec… what exactly is Join the Cycle?
Join the Cycle is a group of four enthusiastic people who are riding bicycles across America the summer of 2009 to inspire others to make cycling a part of their lives.
Why are you doing this?
Well, each of us has slightly different motivations of course, but we all love riding bicycles! And we each strongly believe that cycling has been a positive change in our lives, and want others to experience the same benefits we have. We think that cycling is the best way to get around, because of the health of our planet and our bodies, and we want other people to try it out and fall in love just like we did! Please see our mission for more.
Are you guys serious athletes?
NO! We are all average Americans who simply bike for fun and transportation… we’ve also never undertaken any long distance bicycle travel, so this will be a big challenge and a big adventure for all of us!
What is your route?
We are meeting in LA for the River Ride on June 7th and leaving a few days later. We’ll be crossing the US in an indirect fashion to hit as much urban area as possible, including Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Philadelphia, and NYC. We’ll arrive in Boston in time for our September 26th Welcome Party (you’re invited!) For more detailed info, check out our Route and Events pages.
What about when it rains or is really hot/cold?
We’ll have rain gear so we can ride (relatively) comfortably in the rain. When it’s hot we’ll drink plenty of water and lather the sunscreen, and if it’s cold we’ll add layers. Of course if the weather gets too extreme we’ll just stop for a break!
What will you eat?
Good question! We’ll be eating as vegetarians for the duration of the trip! We’re doing this because we’ve realized that livestock account for a HUGE percentage of greenhouse gases and pollution, and we’d like to reduce our impact on this. We also like the idea of highlighting that a vegetarian diet is healthy and sustainable, even for active lifestyles! As we travel, follow our blog to see how we’re doing with our 6,000 calorie/day diets! We also have many generous hosts who are helping to feed us along our route, and if you’d like to help out with this, please contact us!
Where will you sleep?
Some nights we’ll have generous hosts who are letting us camp out on their floor and use their showers! (contact us if you’d like to host and live along our route!) Other nights we’ll be camping out under the stars. Don’t worry, we have tents and sleeping bags!
How can I get involved?
There are so many ways you can get involved with Join the Cycle! The best thing you can do is challenge yourself and sign our pledge to try biking more for transport! Then help spread the word by following our blog, becoming friends with us on Myspace and Facebook, and telling your friends! Want more? You can always host us, feed us, ride with us for an afternoon, help us organize an event in your area, or best of all, ride our homestretch from NYC to Boston for a week in September! Click here for more info.
I’d like to try riding a bike for transport, but I don’t know what to do!?
Check out our Pledge Tips when you sign the Pledge. It’s full of helpful hints for first-time commuters, and links to even more info!
Are you guys crazy?
…only a little bit.