Got questions? We’ve got answers in our FAQs (see the different categories below). But if you don’t find the answer to your question here, please contact us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate?
The 2025 Closer to Free Ride will take place on September 6, 2025 - offering both In-Person and Remote participation options. On Ride Day, In-Person Riders will join us on one of five event routes starting at the iconic Yale Bowl in New Haven. Remote Riders unable to make it to New Haven can ride their own route anywhere in the world at their convenience.
Is there a registration fee to participate in the 2025 event?
There is a $100 registration fee for Adult In-Person Riders, a $50 registration fee for Youth/Student In-Person Riders, and a $25 registration fee for Remote Riders.
What is the fundraising minimum for the 2025 CTF Ride?
The fundraising minimum for Adult In-Person Riders riding the 10, 25, and 40-mile route is $500 and the 65 and 100-mile route is $1000. For Youth/Student In-Person Riders, the fundraising minimum for riding the 10, 25, and 40-mile route is $250 and the 65 and 100-mile route is $500. There is no minimum for Remote Riders or Volunteers. All 2025 participant options can be found here. Fundraising resources may be found here.
What does a fundraising minimum mean?
A fundraising minimum means that you are committing to raising a specific amount of funds (see above for fundraising minimums by distance) for Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. You will supply a credit card to guarantee your commitment when you register for the event. Your card will only be charged the registration fee at that time. We will then securely hold your credit card until September 2nd. On September 3rd, if you have not yet met your fundraising minimum, your card will be automatically charged for the balance due. Should you have specific questions regarding the fundraising minimum please contact us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org.
If I change my route distance, does my fundraising commitment change?
If you switch to a route with a lower fundraising commitment than the one you originally registered for, you will still be held to your original fundraising commitment.
If you switch to a longer route with a higher fundraising commitment than the one you originally registered for, your fundraising commitment will increase to that of your new route.
What do I receive as a Rider?
All In-Person Riders receive an online fundraising page, a cycling jersey, bib, fully supported routes and access to the CTF Ride Finish Festival including food and beverage (two complimentary beer and wine tickets for 21+). Remote Riders receive an online fundraising page, a downloadable Ride Day bib and a live stream of our Opening Ceremony. All participants are also eligible to receive our fundraising rewards.
Will there be fundraising rewards?
Yes. As fundraising is central to our mission, we have a great series of rewards that you’ll earn when you reach specific points beyond your fundraising minimum. See our reward levels here.
Note: In-Person Riders will pick up rewards at Pre-Ride on Friday, September 5th or at the Ride on September 6th. Rewards will be mailed to Remote Riders in two shipments: one pre-event and one post-event (to be received late Fall 2025). To receive any or all of your rewards pre-event you must reach the reward level(s) by August 21st. To receive your rewards post-Ride you must reach the reward level(s) by September 30th.
Who's behind the Closer to Free Ride?
The Closer to Free Ride is produced by the Yale New Haven Hospital Office of Development and is the signature fundraising event for Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. You can learn more about Smilow here.
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist or elite athlete to participate?
Absolutely not. We have a variety of target distances from which you can choose. You can choose the distance that works for you. We’ll also have training guides and tools available to help you reach your mileage goal. If you aren’t a cyclist or don’t want to ride, you can sign up as a volunteer and still raise funds to support Smilow and Yale Cancer Center!
Can I ride my e-bike?
Any human-powered pedaled bike (e.g., recumbent, tandem, tricycle) is permitted. Also, you may ride a Class 1 pedal-assist e-bike on the CTF routes. Class 2 (throttle-type) and Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted.
What health and safety protocols will be in place?
The Closer to Free Ride follows the guidance and oversight of Yale New Haven Health and its team of medical and public health professionals.
What important dates and deadlines should I know?
Below are important dates and deadlines for the 2025 Closer to Free Ride:
August 7: Final day to mail-in donations to meet minimum
August 21: Final day to qualify for Home Check-In (for In-Person Riders)
August 21: Final day to qualify for Fundraising Rewards pre-event (Remote Riders)
August 29: Deadline to move/allocate team fundraising dollars to members
September 2: Fundraising commitment due by 11:59pm (credit card on file will be charged after this time)
September 5: Pre-Ride (required for all In-Person Riders not earning Home Check-In)
September 6: Ride Day!!
September 30: Fundraising closes & final day for rewards qualification (to be mailed late Fall 2025)
How do I register for the Closer to Free Ride?
Registration is open at rideclosertofree.org. You can register as an In-Person or Remote Rider or Volunteer. Full participation details are available here.
I want to register as part of a team but my team captain hasn't set up the team yet. What should I do?
Sign up as an individual. We can move you to a team at any time between now and Ride Day. Just email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org if you wish to join a team.
I’m not sure if I want to sign up as an individual or a team. What should I do?
Sign up as an individual. We can move you to a team at any time between now and Ride Day. Just email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org if you wish to join a team.
When is the deadline to register?
You can register as an In-Person Rider up until Ride Day on September 6th. Note that any registrations between September 2nd and Ride Day will need to donate the full fundraising minimum at the time of registration. Remote Rider registration remains open until September 30th.
What if I would like to change from a Remote Rider to In-Person Rider?
Not a problem. You can make that change anytime prior to Ride Day. To make that change email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org.
What if I decide to change my chosen route between the time I register and Ride Day?
Please email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org to make any changes to your chosen route.
Do I have to raise money to ride?
As the Closer to Free Ride is designed as a fundraising event, each Adult In-Person Rider must raise a fundraising minimum in addition to the registration fee. We've got lots of fundraising tips to help you reach (and even exceed) your goal! Click here for fundraising tips.
If riding is not for you, you may also register as a Volunteer.
Do you have any fundraising tips?
Yes. We have a fundraising guide that contains e-mail templates, fundraising ideas, and sample social media posts. For all of our tips on fundraising, click here.
Where does the money I raise go?
Funds raised through the Closer to Free Ride are directed to the Closer to Free Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital. The Closer to Free Fund provides critically needed resources to advance research, provide extraordinary care, and recruit exceptional clinicians and physician-scientists. We are proud that 100% of participant fundraising fuels this lifesaving work, allowing leadership to direct funds to where they are needed most. Now, more than ever, this flexible funding is critically needed to support priority areas within Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. To see how Ride funds are used, click here.
Can I choose where to direct my fundraising?
Funds raised through the Closer to Free Ride are directed to the Closer to Free Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital. The Closer to Free Fund provides critically needed resources to advance research, provide extraordinary care, and recruit exceptional clinicians and physician-scientists across all disciplines. We are proud that 100% of participant fundraising fuels this lifesaving work, allowing leadership to direct funds to where they are needed most. Now, more than ever, this flexible funding is critically needed to support priority areas within Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.
We recognize that some participants have a specific area of interest and may wish to allocate their fundraising dollars. To be eligible to restrict funding, a minimum amount of $25,000 must be raised, and 1/3 of the amount raised will be directed to the Closer to Free Fund, with the remaining 2/3 restricted to the area of interest. To learn more about restricting funds through the Closer to Free Ride, please reach out to us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org, no later than 9/2/25.
Can I fundraise as a team?
Yes! Team fundraising accounts may be utilized by teams who wish to fundraise as a group or gather donations for the team as a whole.
IMPORTANT: Team fundraising accounts will not automatically be allocated to team members. The Team Captain must notify us by email to rideclosertofree@ynhh.org by August 29th with the desired allocations to team members in order to have funds placed in individual team member accounts. Please note that we cannot break apart donations into smaller amounts. Donations must be moved in their entirety. Each team member will need to have met the required fundraising minimum by September 2nd or their credit cards on file will be charged.
I’m having trouble with my online fundraising page.
For any questions concerning your online fundraising page, please email rideclosertofree@ynhh.org
My donors have given me cash or a check towards my fundraising. What should I do with it?
All offline donations must be mailed in along with an offline donation form. We are no longer able to accept checks dropped at our offices. Download an offline donation form here.
Please mail donations to:
YNHH Office of Development
PO Box 1849
New Haven, CT 06508
If you have any questions please call us at 203-200-CTFR (2837) or email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org.
Please make sure that when you mail checks, the donations are accompanied by a donation form. Donation forms can also be downloaded and printed here. The donation form ensures that we credit the correct fundraising account and that we can send your donor an acknowledgment. Please note that for the 2025 Ride, donations cannot be brought to our office. They must be mailed to the address above or brought to check-in. If you are mailing donations, please note that it can take 3 weeks before you will see these posted to your fundraising page.
I mailed in my “offline” donations and I don’t see them on my fundraising scroll.
Offline donations can take up to 3 weeks to process. You will not see these donations appear immediately.
My donor is not showing up in my honor roll. Why?
Some donors choose to make their donation and the amount appear anonymously.
My donor WANTS to appear in my honor roll but they didn’t remember to fill out this information. How can their information appear on the honor roll?
Please ask your donor to email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org so that we can find out exactly how they want their gift information to read.
How do matching gifts work?
Many companies have matching gift programs. When a donor supports the Closer to Free Ride their employer may donate the same amount or even more. It will just take the donor a few minutes to contact their HR department to see if they in fact have a matching gift program.
We cannot guarantee how long it will take for a company to approve the request, process the matching gift, and issue checks to Yale New Haven Hospital. It often can take several months. Therefore, we strongly recommend not relying on matching gifts to meet your fundraising minimum, as we cannot give a timeline for processing.
The donor must designate Yale New Haven Hospital as the non-profit organization using tax ID: 06-0646652.
*All matching gift requests must be submitted to the employer prior to Ride Day September 6, 2025.
How do Donor Advised Funds work?
Please contact your donor advised fund organization and request a donation to Yale New Haven Hospital designated for the Closer to Free bike ride. The correct tax ID # is 06-0646652.
Be sure to request that your name (the donor) and the rider or team name you are supporting is included.
Donations will be sent to us by the organization to the address they have on file. Should an address be required for your submission, please use:
YALE NEW HAVEN HOSPITAL
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT
CLOSER TO FREE BIKE RIDE
PO BOX 1849
NEW HAVEN CT 06508
It is important to note we do not have an estimated time a donation will be received but once we do have the donation; it will be posted to the bike ride site/rider’s page within 2-3 days of receipt.
What's your tax ID?
The Closer to Free Ride operates under the tax ID number for Yale New Haven Hospital. The tax ID is 06-0646652. We are listed under Yale New Haven Hospital, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT.
What happens during Ride Week and on Ride Day?
On September 5th, In-Person Riders who have not qualified for Home Check-In (by raising $1000 (adults) or $500 (youth/student)) will need to come to Pre-Ride at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT between 11am-7pm. At Pre-Ride you will receive your event jersey, credentials and any earned rewards. The Closer to Free Ride Store will also be open for apparel and accessories with all proceeds supporting Closer to Free.
On Ride Day, September 6th, In-Person Riders will gather at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT for an inspiring Opening Ceremony before heading out onto one of five routes. All routes will end back at the Yale Bowl where participants will enjoy the Finish Festival. Remote Riders will tune into the Opening Ceremony via our website and then head out to ride on their desired ride (unsupported). We encourage all Remote Participants to log their activity and connect with us on Strava and by sharing photos using #CTFRide which will be displayed on our social accounts.
What are the in-person ride routes? Will I know the routes ahead of time?
The CTF Ride offers five route options: 10, 25, 40, 65 and 100 miles. Routes are available here. Please follow the green route arrows on Ride Day as routes are subject the change.
Is there a minimum pace I must ride during the in-person Closer to Free Ride?
Riders must maintain a minimum riding speed of 12mph in order to receive route support and ensure services are available at rest areas and the Finish Festival. Any Rider who falls behind this pace can be moved forward on the route by our support teams and vehicles to stay on pace.
How do I receive my jersey as a Remote Rider?
Remote Riders will receive a jersey by raising $500 or more. Jerseys will arrive in the mail approximately 3-5 days before Ride Day if the fundraising minimum is met by August 21st. Please note that we will use the address on file at the time of registration. If you have moved, or if you plan to ride elsewhere, please update your address here no later than August 21st. Please note we use FedEx to ship and therefore cannot ship to PO Boxes.
How do I get my fundraising rewards?
In-Person Rider and Volunteer Rewards must be picked up at Pre-Ride at the Yale Bowl on September 5th or on Ride Day at the Yale Bowl. Premier Circle Jerseys will be mailed in home check-in packets if qualified by home check-in date. Remote Riders will receive their fundraising rewards in the mail (we ship via FedEx so please no PO boxes). Remote rewards will be mailed in two shipments: one pre-event along with your event jersey and one post-Ride (to be received late fall 2025). To receive any or all of your rewards pre-event, Remote Riders must reach the reward level(s) by August 21st. To receive rewards post-Ride, you must reach the reward level(s) by September 30th.
Are dogs permitted at the Yale Bowl?
Unfortunately, while we love dogs, Yale University policy only allows service animals at the Yale Bowl.
Do you have Training Plans?
Our Training & Activities page will be continuously updated throughout the year and will contain training plans and virtual activities to help you prepare for your ride. Check back often as we’ll be adding new elements!
How do I join the CTF Strava Group?
The first step is to Join the CTF Strava Group (you’ll have to create a Strava account if you have not already). To log miles follow the instructions below.
Outdoor Mileage: On the Strava app, you can log miles directly by choosing “Record” on the bottom of the app screen before you begin your ride. Don’t forget to choose “Finish” when you are done to log your complete ride! Strava also integrates with many GPS watches, smart watches and cycling computers to sync activities.
Indoor Mileage:
- Peloton, follow these instructions to link your bike to your Strava account.
- Zwift, follow these instructions to link your accounts.
- Spin bike that doesn’t capture metrics, see manual entry below.
Manual Entry of Outdoor or Indoor Mileage:
If you’re on a spin bike that doesn’t capture metrics or you forgot to log a live ride, all you have to do is enter the ride manually on Strava to ensure your miles count towards our group total.
To do this, if you're using the web version of Strava, select the “+” in the upper-righthand corner and select “Add manual entry.” If you're using the Strava app, select the “+” in the upper lefthand corner and choose “manual activity.” You can see more details here.