FAQs
Are the roads closed for this event? No, we are unable to close roads. Riders will ride single file on the shoulder. Bikes are traffic - stay to the right at all times and follow traffic rules. Please watch the route reveal Zoom for proper etiquette and safety.
Tell me about the routes. Our route creator works diligently to map out the safest, least traveled roads in the Reserve. They are Reserve residents that know the roads well. Know that the terrain is rolling - there are hills, fewer on the shorter routes, but never, never flat. There will be leaders and sweeps on the 6, 18, and 25-mile rides to make sure no one goes astray. The best way to learn more about the routes is to check out our route reveal (open to registered and not-yet-registered riders). Note that there is not turn-by-turn signage for the event - routes will be provided to registered riders in three forms - printed cue sheets, Ride with GPS links, and GPX files for bike computers. These links will show elevation changes. You don't have to know which route you will do now, and can see how you feel on the day. We will have SAG volunteers able to provide minor repairs and pickups.
Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event? Riders need to be 7 and up. We require all riders under 18 be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and they must have a signed "under 18" waiver. Check out our junior rider pricing (under 18 years on ride day, September 15, 2024). We recommend our shortest routes for young riders. The 6-mile is a short out and back, and this is the best for young riders. Ride etiquette applies to young riders as well for everyone's safety - watch the Zoom together to become familiar with road riding rules.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? If you live locally, you are more than welcome to ride to Linden Farm. If you're driving, parking for both the ride start and picnic will be available at Linden Farm.
What should I bring to the ride? A bike in good working order, a water bottle, phone, cash or credit cards for farm market purchases, and sunscreen. HELMETS ARE MANDATORY! We will print cue sheets reflecting any last-minute changes, but you are also welcome to print them from home. GPS files will be made available to registered riders on Ride with GPS (we will share the link to our route pages in the weeks before the ride) and GPX files for those with bike computers. NO PETS OR WEAPONS, please. Spotty rural cell service eats batteries - make sure yours is fully charged and download anything you might need to your device.
Are E-bikes okay? Sure! We will not have a place for you to charge them though.
What's the refund policy? There are no refunds and no rain date. If the weather is unsafe for running the ride, the decision will be made the morning of the ride, and we will still hold the picnic if possible.
Can my non-riding friends and family attend? Yes! The after-rider picnic is included for riders but family members can buy picnic tickets or volunteer to help with the ride and receive a free lunch. There are jobs for all types of folks and it is a super fun way to rack up SSL hours. The Farmers Market Festival is free and open for all.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable? Yes, but whomever you will be transferred to needs to fill out a waiver. NO WAIVER, NO RIDE! Email ride@mocoalliance.org
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Nope. We are trying to reforest hundreds of acres in the Reserve so let's save some paper. Just arrive and check in with our friendly volunteers.
Can I update my registration information? Sure! Email ride@mocoalliance.org
Is is okay if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? Nope. For everyone's safety, we need a waiver from each and every rider, but swapping riders is easy! Please see above for how to transfer your registration.
How do I sign up to be a vendor at the Farmers and Artisans Market? Email ride@mocoalliance.org. Vendor spots are free.
I have a question that's not on this FAQ list. What do I do? Send an email to ride@mocoalliance.org and we'll get you squared away!
Thanks to our Sponsors: Heritage Montgomery for their consistent support of the ride; Bike Doctor of Frederick for technical support; our hosts at Linden Farm Sugarloaf Citizens Association; David Ris Photography; Locals Farm Market; Wegman's of Germantown; Kingsbury's Orchard; K2 Cafe. Check out the sponsor packet here.
Psst - We like to honor our automatic monthly sustainers with one free registration! Become a Sustainer here with your tax-deductible gift and we will send you the code.
