frequently asked questions

I can’t get away for 60 days. Can I join in for part of the trip?
Yes! For those who can’t do all 60 days there is a one-week option—July 13-20, 2008 joining the group in Fargo, North Dakota and riding six days, 469 miles, through forest, lake, and river country to Stillwater, Minnesota. Participants can fly in and out of Minneapolis. Transportation to Fargo will be provided. Registration and fundraising requirements are the same as for the entire 60 day trip--after all, the primary reason for the trip is to raise awareness and funds for YFC’s outreach to young people around the world. Register as normal on the www.yfcbikeride.org site, but indicate you are interested only in the one week option.

Can I raise funds for my local YFC ministry as well as for YFC International?
Yes! If you are riding as a representative of a particular YFC ministry Area, Nation or Center part of the funds you raise can go to them. Proceeds will be allocated in this manner: The first $2,000 will go to cover expenses; the next $2,000 will go to the YFC Europe, Middle East N. Africa (EMENA) Area office for the projects listed on the website; the remaining $2,500, and any amount raised over that amount, will also go to the EMENA Area office, unless the rider is sent by and is representing one of the other Areas or a YFC nation, in which case 90% of whatever he or she raises above the initial $4,000 will go to that area or nation.

I can’t bike, but could I help in other ways?
Absolutely! We are in need of support people who can drive support vehicles, help with bike repair and maintenance, or offer medical or first-aid support for one week, two, three weeks or the entire trip.

We are also in need of people who could provide some of the materials that would help keep the cost down—things like vehicles, snacks, bike equipment, etc.

Helping us find hosts in some of the communities we will be staying in would also be a tremendous help. Look under our “Route” section on the website and you will see a list of our overnight stays.

Please contact Ride Director, Bryan Blomker, at bryan.blomker@yfci.org if you can help in some way.

What are the closest airports to fly in and out of?
Participants should fly in to Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and depart from Bangor, Maine (BGR).

Can I arrive a few days early or stay a few days after it is over?
Riders will have the option of staying with host families (for a maximum of three days) before the ride departs on June 17 or riders may choose to select and pay for their own hotel accommodations if they prefer. All riders will be required to attend the rider orientation on Monday, June 16. If you are traveling from outside the U.S. please arrange to arrive no later than Sunday, June 15 to allow some time to adjust to the new time zone. Following the ride, host family accommodation will be provided only on August 15, and only if requested. After that food and accommodations are the responsibility of the rider. Please see the Rider Handbook for more details. and be sure to contact Bryan Blomker at bryan.blomker@yfci.org to communicate your plans.