We’re excited to bring the CTF Ride community together virtually for a safe and celebratory 2021 Closer to Free Ride experience. Read on for important information about what Ride Week looks like and how to prepare.
Click on any or all of the following topics to review details and instructions. Still have questions? Email us at [email protected] or tweet us @CTFRide.
Your CTF Ride Packet+
Packets will be mailed to all Riders registered as of September 1. Should you register after September 1 your packet will be mailed to you post-Ride. Enclosed in this packet are your event items and (if applicable) any rewards you have earned as of this date.
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Your CTF Ride Jersey to wear on Ride Day (and beyond)
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Your CTF Ride Bib to share your reason for riding. Need another Bib? Download one here.
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Your UNSTOPPABLE sign to join our digital Ride Day salute to the patients, clinicians and staff of Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. On Ride Day, we ask you to take a photo with it and share it on social media (#CTFRide) or post to the CTF mural. Need another UNSTOPPABLE sign? Click here to download.
Ride Week Instructions+
September 6th - Ride Week Website
- Head over to rideclosertofree.org/event and check out some of the great tents and activities you’ve come to love and some new experiences as well!
- Be sure to post using #CTFRide on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) all week long (just not while riding!). Tagged photos will be displayed on our Ride Week Website and social accounts - be sure to make your profile “public” so we can access your photo!
September 10th - 7:00pm ET: Opening Ceremony Broadcast
- Join us online at rideclosertofree.org/event for a powerful tribute to our CTF Ride community. We encourage you to watch with your family and share the link with friends and donors as well!
- Plan to log-on by 6:55pm ET to enjoy the show.
- The broadcast will be approximately 10 minutes and is the perfect way to kick off your Ride Weekend and be inspired!
- If you miss it or want to watch later - not to worry! The broadcast will be available on our event website all weekend.
September 11th - Your Ride!
- The distance you ride and where you ride is up to you. We will not be gathering at the Yale Bowl, Smilow or any other traditional CTF Ride site.
- We’ll be tracking the miles and activity completed by our entire community (and we’ll announce our mileage total post-ride!). If you’re not already connected to us on Strava, join our free Strava group today.
- Take a photo with your UNSTOPPABLE sign and share it on social media (#CTFRide) or post to the CTF mural.
- Be sure to use #CTFRide for all photos on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter). Tagged photos will be displayed on our Ride Week Website and social accounts - don't forget to make your profile “public” for Ride Day so we can access your photo!
- Post-Ride: Reconnect with the community on our Ride Week Website to see photos and watch (or rewatch) the Opening Ceremony.
We will not be riding as one large group - this is YOUR RIDE to do from a location convenient and safe for you.
- We will not be posting or providing suggested routes
- DO NOT COME TO THE YALE BOWL OR SMILOW CANCER HOSPITAL
- Begin your ride at a time convenient for you
- When riding, wear your CTF Ride jersey (from this year or a past year)
- Be sure to wear your “Why I Ride” bib, compliments of our bib sponsor One + Company
- We’d love you to ride 10, 25, 40, 65 or 100 miles on Ride Day, but the distance is up to you
- Riding indoors on a trainer or Peloton is welcome
- Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunblock, ID, your phone and money
- Remember that our CTF Ride rest stops will not be there for you and all roads will be open, so ride safe and follow traffic laws at all times
- In an emergency dial 911
CYCLING SAFETY TIPS:
- Don’t forget your helmet. Every time you ride, you should wear a helmet.
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, even in the daytime hours.
- Avoid wearing headphones so as to stay alert at all times.
- When riding with others, ride single file at all times, with the exception of passing.
- When passing, call out “On Your Left” when passing and make sure that you LOOK BEHIND you before pulling out to pass.
- Follow the rules of the road, as if you were driving a car.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Please make sure you are drinking both water and sports drink during your rides.
- If you’re not sweating and you’re not peeing, you are NOT hydrated!
- ROADS WILL NOT BE CLOSED FOR YOUR RIDE. Follow all traffic laws and be smart!
Here’s a reminder of important dates and deadlines. These and other key details may also be found in our FAQ.
- September 1: Final day to qualify for fundraising rewards to receive by event
- September 7: Fundraising commitments due by 11:59pm ET
- September 30: Fundraising closes and final day to qualify for fundraising rewards