DAY IN THE LIFE: REST STOPS

Riders love our Rest Stops – they’re not only filled with snacks, drinks and other items to help re-fuel, they’re also filled with Road Crew members who make it their mission to keep Riders entertained and energized.

As part of a Rest Stop team, your day begins at the Yale Bowl to check in, meet your team and get directions to your site. A supply truck arrives at the site and everyone helps to unload and prepare for the Riders. Some teams set up themed decorations, music and other fun touches to make the Riders smile and keep them motivated. Things move pretty fast once the first Rider arrives and the team continually serves and re-stock snacks, water, Gatorade, and lots and lots of encouragement. Once the last Rider and the caboose depart and the cheers quiet down, the team takes inventory of what’s left and prepares for it to be re-loaded onto the supply truck.

Finally, the team heads back to the Yale Bowl to enjoy the finish line celebration – a giant rest stop in itself – but, this time you are included in the participants being pampered!

A DAY IN THE LIFE: Moto safety

The Moto Safety Team arrives on motorcycles (with helmets on, of course, just like our Riders) bright and early at the Yale Bowl on Ride day. Their bikes are usually decked out with colorful designs, signs and sometimes even boom boxes.

Once the route opens, Moto Safety members are deployed to the trickier intersections where Riders may need some extra assistance passing through. Moto Safety is on the route to give directions and support to Closer to Free Riders, not cars and trucks. Once the caboose (the final Rider on the route) passes through an intersection, Moto Safety team members ride ahead to their next assigned location, sometimes leapfrogging teammates for maximum efficiency. In addition to a focus on safety, Moto Safety is one of the biggest cheerleading teams, able to encourage Riders throughout the route. Often times, the entire Moto Safety team will follow the very last Rider to the Finish Line for a stirring and memorable celebration.

So, if you've got a motorcycle, a valid motorcycle license and a big heart to help our Riders every mile of the way, why not join the Moto Safety team at this year's Closer to Free Ride.

Sweep Team

Your day begins bright and very early at the Yale Bowl where you will be paired up with another Sweep volunteer and a minivan (complete with bike rack) provided by the event. After a quick recap breifing, you'll be able to watch the Opening Ceremony and then head out on the road as the Riders do. You'll drive the cyclist route with hazards flashing and a "Kojak" light revolving (cool, we know!) so that riders know who you are and other drivers know to slow down around you.

You'll ride from Rest Stop to Rest Stop looking for Riders along the route who need assistance. You may encounter Riders who just need a lift to the next rest stop for mechanical help or you may pick up someone whose Ride is done for the day. Either way, you'll get to meet lots and lots of Riders, hear inspiring stories and be an extremely welcome face (and set of wheels) for them.

One of your most important jobs is to keep Riders' spirits up and let them know that no matter how many miles they've ridden they've done something incredible for thousands of people fighting cancer. Your energy and assistance helps make sure that every Rider is well taken care of so that they'll have an incredible overall experience and join us year after year. Once the last Rider makes it back to the Yale Bowl safe and sound you can turn in your keys and know that you've been a key player in the safety and success of the Closer to Free Ride. (And no, you can't take the "Kojak" light with you!)

Sound like something you'd like to do? Register* as a Road Crew member today!

*Note that not all positions will be available to every Road Crew applicant but we do our best to place you in a role you desire.

Not riding, but still want to help? Then we hope that you'll put your energy and enthusiasm into one of our two types of volunteer opportunities: Yale Bowl Volunteers and Road Crew. Both are crucial to the success of the Ride and the major difference between them is the time you're able to commit to the event.

If you are under the age of 18, please contact us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org or 203.688.8727 to discuss volunteer opportunities. Thanks for your part in making the 2012 Closer to Free Ride a success.