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"Classic Ride" questions

Sample Event


Join us on sample date

What is the average number of miles per day?

65 - 75 miles a day / 60 miles a day in 2021

What is the minimum equipment/skills are required for to participate?

  • ANSI-approved bicycle helmet that fits you well
  • paper cue sheet and know-how to read it
  • odometer calibrated to your bike wheel
  • blinking red back light
  • spare tube and know-how to change a tire
  • 36 fl oz/ 1 l of water
  • no earbuds

We will invite participants to join our Ride with GPS account. Using their mobile app, you can get turn-by-turn voice navigation as you ride. You can also download the route and import it into your Garmin device. Batteries required.

What does the Anchor House Foundation provide?

Transportation for you, your bike and suitcase to the start point; a hotel stay each night; breakfasts in the hotels, snacks and water at SAG stops; rover (sweep) vehicle for breakdowns and bike mechanic for repairs. Also, one night during the week there is a banquet meal and the last day there is a picnic before the police-escorted group ride to the mall.

Four people/hotel room is included but you can pay extra to upgrade (have fewer people in) your room. Occasionally, a hotel will not offer breakfast. In that case, we will arrange catering and there may be an upcharge. Lunch and dinners are your responsibility. Be sure to bring the appropriate amount of money (approximately $300). The cost of repair parts is your responsibility as are any tips you wish to give the mechanic.

What time do we start in the mornings?

Riders are welcome to leave any time the yellow truck is open, between 5:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Are there bathrooms along the route?

There are often bathrooms at the SAG stops, but not always. Try to find a gas station, restaurant, church or convenience store. Consider purchasing something small as a courtesy and ask if they would like you to remove your bike shoes. If the route is on a rural road, use a secluded spot in the woods. We recommend carrying tissues in your bike pack!

What goes on in the evenings?

The main event in the evening is eating. People group up and go out to eat and it is easy to find a group to join, but you have to ask. Ask roommates or people you meet during the day if you can join them for dinner. There are awards at the yellow truck every evening; the time of the awards will be announced in advance or posted on the yellow truck.

Will I have to ride alone?

There are riders at every pace. You will easily meet people and ride along with them. Often you will find people on the training rides. We strongly recommend that you find someone to ride with for your safety (and your sanity). Please reach out to admin if you wish to be paired up with another rider.

What if I can't complete the ride?

There are rovers who will be riding the route to make sure everyone is OK. If you need assistance, you can signal them with a thumb down and they will pick you up and take you to the next SAG stop or to the end of the day's route. The expectation is that you will ride all 500 miles rather than sections that you prefer.

What if I have problems with my bike?

A bike mechanic will be available at the start and end of each day. He will also travel the route and be available at the SAG stops. If your bike breaks down along the road, a rover will transport you and your bike to the next SAG stop and notify the mechanic. You are responsible for fixing minor problems yourself (such as a flat tire or dropped chain).

What if it rains during the ride?

It almost never rains, but if it does, you will be expected to ride and need to be prepared to ride. In the event of severe weather the Ride Committee will decide whether or not it is safe for riders to be on the road. Safety vests are mandatory on days of poor visibility and will be provided by Anchor House.

During the week, what will happen to my butt?

This is certainly an area to take seriously. Make sure you have a good bike seat, good padded bike shorts, and have trained sufficiently. Part of your training is getting your butt ready. Some people find that using baby powder or diaper rash cream is helpful for irritation. As the week wears on this will not be a sensitive subject; people will speak openly about remedies.