Frequently Asked Questions

Event & General Information | Fundraising | Crew

Event & General Information

WHEN IS THE SEISMIC CHALLENGE?
The Seismic Challenge will take place on Ocober 2nd, 2011 with a travel day on October 1st.

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION FEES FOR THE SEISMIC CHALLENGE?
The registration fee for Cyclists is $75 and each Cyclist is required to raise $600 for San Francisco AIDS Foundation in order to participate. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. See the Crew section in this FAQ for information about registration, fundraising minimums and incentives for Crew members.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION FEE?
The Cyclist registration fee includes:

Seismic Challenge fundraising poster
Access to Seismic Challenge and AIDS/LifeCycle Training Rides led by certified Training Ride Leaders
Invitations to workshops and clinics covering topics such as bike fit, nutrition, strength training, etc.
Invitations to Seismic Socials and other >1 events
Personal fundraising page and URL with easy-to-use fundraising tools
A Participant Representative available for questions on fundraising and training
Discounts at Greater Than One Partners (bike shops, sporting goods, massages, etc.)

Upon reaching the $600 fundraising minimum, Cyclists are confirmed for:

Seismic Challenge finisher T-Shirt
Transportation to Fort Bragg, CA from San Francisco on Saturday, October 1st
A ride on the historic Skunk Train through the coastal redwoods for the final leg of the journey to Fort Bragg, CA on Saturday, October 2nd
Lunch on the Skunk Train
Meals during the event on Sunday
Seismic Challenge Finisher Medal
Transportation from the finish line back to San Francisco
A life-changing experience

Cyclists are responsible for securing their own hotel accomodations for the event. Click here for a list of hotels offering discounts - Book Early!

CAN I FINISH A CENTURY RIDE?
Yes! Once the training begins in June, experienced cyclists will lead weekend training rides that will help you build your mileage gradually. You will also have a Participant Representative assigned to you who will be able to answer training questions and provide you with tips and motivation.

WHAT IS THE ROUTE?
The spectacular route of Seismic Challenge 4.0 will follow the San Andreas Fault from Fort Bragg, CA to the Russian River. Cyclists will be almost entirely on the coast riding along Highway 1 for the entire 100-mile journey, before turning inland at the mouth of the Russian River toward the finish line.

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE ROUTE?
The route is challenging and includes some rolling hills, but you will be well-prepared to complete the 100 mile course by participating in our Seismic Training Rides that will mimic the details of the route.

WHAT IF I CAN’T COMPLETE THE ROUTE ON SUNDAY?
We will have you well prepared to complete the course but we will also have plenty of Crew members and support vehicles that will pick you up if you are unable to finish the route for any reason. Remember, this is a fully supported event with 4 rest stops and a lunch stop along the way. Our volunteer Crew, Bike Technicians, and Staff will be there for any support that you may need.

WILL THERE BE REST STOPS ALONG THE COURSE?
Yes. There will be numerous rest stop locations along the course that will have food, fluids and restrooms. Lunch will also be provided for you along the course on Sunday.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A BICYCLE?
If you do not currently have a bicycle, we encourage you to visit one of our Seismic Partners that can help you select the right bike for your needs.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEISMIC CHALLENGE?
Yes. Participants must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the event.

HOW CAN I CREATE A TEAM?
During registration, anyone can form a team of any combination of Cyclists and/or Crew. Each Cyclist participating as part of the team is still responsible for raising their individual minimum of $600. When forming a team you'll have the option to leave your team open to any Seismic Challenge participant who wants to join, or you can secure your team with a password, so that only other participants who know the password may join.

HOW DO I JOIN A TEAM?
You can join a team during registration, or at any time after you register by contacting your Participant Representative. Some teams may require a password to join, at the team captain's discretion.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON THE SEISMIC CHALLENGE?
After you register, we will contact you via email with updates that will include recommendations on what to bring during the event.

DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY TIME OFF OF WORK ON FRIDAY?
No. Check-in will take place on Saturday morning just before transportation leaves for Fort Bragg.

WHERE WILL MY BIKE BE STORED ON SATURDAY NIGHT?
Bikes will be racked in protected areas on Saturday night. Security teams will be assigned to these areas around-the-clock.

WHERE WILL I BE SLEEPING?
Cyclists are responsible for making your own accomodations on Saturday night in Fort Bragg. We have blocks of rooms at a number of event hotels in Fort Bragg, with discounted rates. We recommend booking a room early and pairing up with another participants if you would like to reduce costs. Click here for a list of hotels and rates. (Crew's accommodations are included with their registration fee).

DO I HAVE TO STAY AT THE EVENT ACCOMMODATIONS?
We STRONGLY encourage everyone to stay in the event hotels listed in our hotel list; spending time with other participants is a wonderful part of the experience. However, if you choose to stay elsewhere, Seismic Challenge will not provide reimbursement for, or transportation to and from, any location other than the official hotels of the event. Your bike must stay in the official bike parking area overnight so it will be your responsibility to get to the starting area at the Skunk Train Depot in Fort Bragg from any hotel not listed as one of our partners.

WILL MEALS BE PROVIDED ON THE EVENT?
You will have a hot breakfast on Sunday morning plus a boxed lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, there will be tons of snacks provided along the route as well .

You must decide on either vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals when you register and you may not switch between the two during the course of the event, as our caterer goes to great lengths to make sure we have adequate portions of each choice.

I HAVE SPECIAL MEDICINES THAT REQUIRE REFRIGERATION, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Our Crew team will take care of all your refrigerated prescription drug needs, including delivering them to you during the day when you are out on the route.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE RIDE?
At the Finish Line there will be an expo with food, vendors and a special area to memorialize your experience in Seismic Challenge. There will also be an area for friends and family to welcome you back. Group transportation will be provided back San Francisco at the end of the ride.

ARE THERE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR PRE- OR POST-EVENT WORK?
Yes! We're always looking for volunteers to help out our pre-events, at the Finish Line, etc. You can sign up to volunteer online.

Fundraising

WHAT WILL THE FUNDS I RAISE BE USED FOR?
The funds will be used to support the programs and services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and our mission to prevent new infections and promote health among people living with HIV. You can learn more about the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by visiting our website at www.sfaf.org.

HOW WILL I RAISE THE $600 MINIMUM?
The Participant Center has a number of tools for you to use in your fundraising efforts. You’ll have access to email templates that you can customize with your personal message and send to potential donors. You will also be able to create a personalized participant homepage that will allow you to track your donations online. Your assigned Participant Representative will also provide you with assistance in the area of fundraising and share ideas and tips on how to reach your goal. We’ll help you meet your minimum and continue on to even higher goals!

WHEN IS THE FUNDRAISING DEADLINE?
The deadline for the fundraising minimum of $600 is September 16th, 2011.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T RAISE THE $600 MINIMUM?
If you are unable to raise the $600 fundraising minimum by the deadline, you can self pledge the remainder of the balance. If you continue to fundraise after the deadline and meet the minimum, you will be reimbursed this charge, up to three months after the event.

ARE THERE FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES TO EXCEED THE MINIMUM?
Yes! All Cyclists will receive the Seismic Challenge T-Shirt once they reach the minimum fundraising amount of $600. There are also incentives available for fundraising early and for exceeding the minimum.

$1,500 = Seismic Challenge Cycling Jersey
$3,000 = Seismic Challenge Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
$5,000 = Seismic Challenge Cycling Wind Shell Vest

HOW DO I BUILD A HOMEPAGE TO HELP ME FUNDRAISE?
Go to the Participant Center and follow the easy instructions. You can upload a picture, send emails and create a personal message. Your friends and family can also donate to your account through your homepage.

HOW DO I CHANGE MY PERSONAL FUNDRAISING GOAL?
Once you login to the Participant Center, go to the “modify your personal fundraising goal” button. Enter your new goal and submit the change by selecting the “update fundraising goal” button.

CAN I FUNDRAISE AS PART OF A TEAM?
Absolutely! Anyone can form a team of any combination of Cyclists and/or Crew. Each Cyclist participating, as part of the team, is still responsible for raising their individual minimum of $600. Donations cannot be submitted for a Team. Each donation must be credited to one of the Team member’s individual accounts.

Crew

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VOLUNTEER AND A CREW MEMBER?
Crew teams accompany the ride to make sure that the only thing the Cyclists need to do is ride. From parking and fixing bikes to running the rest stops along the route, the Crew fully supports the Cyclists. They make sure the Cyclists are fed and hydrated. Crew picks them up when their bikes - or they - break down and gets them going again.

Volunteers work with us in San Francisco (mostly) before the Seismic Challenge on all our pre-events, the Kick-Off Party, some training rides, etc. Volunteers will be at the start to send the Cyclists off on their adventure or at the finish line expo on Sunday,October 2nd, to welcome them back. You can sign up to volunteer online.

HOW MUCH IS THE CREW REGISTRATION AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Crew registration fee is $75. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The Crew registration fee includes:

Seismic Challenge Crew T-Shirt
Seismic Challenge fundraising poster
Invitations to Seismic Socials and other >1 events
Personal fundraising page and URL with easy-to-use fundraising tools
A Crew Coordinator available for questions on fundraising and event positions
Discounts at Greater Than One Partners (bike shops, sporting goods, massages, etc.)
Saturday night accommodations during the event
Meals during the event on Saturday and Sunday
A life-changing experience

DO CREW MEMBERS HAVE TO FUNDRAISE?
No. While there is no fundraising requirement for Crew members, we encourage everyone to try; after all it is the reason we are doing this event. Take advantage of all of the fundraising tools available to participants by cruising around the fundraising page of this website, or contact your Crew Coordinator. Crew members will also receive the following incentive for fundraising:

$200 Fundraising = >1 Visor
$750 Fundraising = Personlized Crew Hooded Sweatshirt
$1500 Fundraising = Seismic Challenge Jacket

CAN I FUNDRAISE AS PART OF A TEAM?
Absolutely! Anyone can form a team of any combination of Cyclist and/or Crew. Each Cyclist participating as part of the team is still responsible for raising their individual minimum of $600, but there is no minimum requirement for Crew. Donations cannot be submitted for a Team. Each donation must be credited to one of the Team member’s individual accounts.

WHEN DO CREW START WORKING ON THE RIDE, AND WILL I GET TO SEE THE CYCLISTS START THEIR RIDE?
The exact time to report (call time) varies from team to team. Many teams will already be on the route for their assignments when the Cyclists start. Others will be assisting with the activities. However, if you are not on assignment at that time, you are encouraged to participate.

HOW DO WE GET TO AND FROM OUR ASSIGNMENTS EACH DAY?
Once you are on the event we provide all your transportation. Generally you travel with your team in a truck, van or bus.

CAN I BRING MY OWN VEHICLE ON THE EVENT?
Due to limited space, insurance requirements and team continuity, the general answer is no. The main exception is the sweep team, who will have one personal vehicle for each two Crew members, and Motorcycle Safety who ride their own motorcycles.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR THE WEEKEND?
After you register, we will contact each Crew member via email with updates that will include recommendations on what to bring during the event. You will also be issued a Seismic Challenge Crew jacket to keep you warm.

WHAT COSTS WILL THERE BE FOR ME DURING THE EVENT?
Very few. Once you are on the event, your meals, room, and transportation are provided for you. You should bring some pocket money for incidentals.

WHERE DO WE SLEEP?
You will be provided with a two-person room for Saturday night. You will be assigned a same-sex roommate unless you and another participant specifically ask to room together.

MAY I STAY IN ANOTHER HOTEL OR AT A FRIEND’S WHILE WORKING ON THE EVENT?
We encourage everyone to stay in the official accommodations during the event, as spending time with other participants is a wonderful part of the experience. However, if you choose to stay elsewhere, the Seismic Challenge will not provide reimbursement for, or transportation to and from, any location other than the official hotels of the event. If participants have access to other accommodations, it is their responsibility to get to and from the start and finish areas. It is also imperative that off-site dwellers arrive on time for the start of their Crew responsibilities. (Some positions will not permit off-site dwelling.)

ARE MEALS PROVIDED AND, IF SO, ARE VEGETARIAN MEALS AVAILABLE?
Each participant receives a hot breakfast on Sunday morning plus a bagged lunch and loads of snacks both days.

WHAT HOURS WILL I WORK EVERY DAY?
Each Crew team is different; therefore each team has their own special schedule. Some teams start at 5am each day and they are usually the first to finish their duties. Other teams start later and finish later, and rest breaks are built into each shift.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE RIDE?
At the Cyclists’ Finish Line, there will be an expo with food, vendors and a special area to memorialize the experience of the Seismic Challenge. When your team arrives at the Finish Line, you are more than welcome to join the festivities. There will also be an area for friends and family to welcome you back.

IS HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIRED? WHAT DO I DO IF I AM NOT COVERED?
Yes, health insurance is required for Crew members, and if you are not presently covered we would be happy to provide you with information about acquiring short-term coverage. Contact your Crew coordinator if you have further questions.

I HAVE SPECIAL MEDICINES THAT REQUIRE REFRIGERATION, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Our staff will take care of all your refrigerated prescription drug needs, including delivering them to you during the day if you are working out on the route.