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This year’s CTF Ride offers an incredible experience no matter where you’re riding. Below is all the information on our Remote and In-Person Ride Week and Ride Day activities. Still have questions?  Email us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org or message us on any of our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram or X.

2024 Ride Week Details

In-Person Riders+

Pre-Ride sponsored by BANK OF AMERICA & Bike Drop Off - YALE BOWL - Friday, September 6th

11:00 am-7:00 pm @ YALE BOWL, 81 Central Ave, New Haven, CT 06515

All In-Person Riders who did not qualify for Home Check-In by August 22nd, must check in at Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl. Check-in will be quick and easy and is available from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm. Anyone wishing to register for the Ride may come to Pre-Ride to register and check-in. Once checked in, Riders are strongly encouraged to check their bike at Overnight Bike Parking. Don't forget to visit the wellness tent for a bike fitting and shop the CTF Ride Store. There'll also be a food truck and a new photo op.

  • ​​At Check-In you’ll receive your jersey, bike frame label and event wristband.
  • If you qualify for any or all of our Fundraising Rewards, you will pick these up at Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America or on Ride Day at the Yale Bowl. Note: Rewards earned after September 7th will be mailed in late fall.
  • You wristband must be worn at all times, as it identifies you as a registered Rider and gives you access to Rest Stops and the Finish Line Festival. New for 2024, it is preloaded with $15 to fuel up at a food truck of your choice after your ride. Don't swap it; critical information including your name and emergency contact is linked to your unique Rider number. Please ensure you are wearing this wristband before arrival on Ride Day.
  • Your bike frame label should be attached securely to your bike frame before arrival on Ride Day. This numbered tag matches your wristband. We do not provide tracking on the route, but the assigned label and number will provide us with vital details in case of an emergency.
  • Bikes can be dropped for Overnight Bike Parking at the Yale Bowl anytime between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm on Fridayto make your Saturday morning that much easier. Follow signs to Bike Drop Off after you have checked in or when arriving. Security will be provided for bikes and no bike locks are necessary.  Note that only bikes displaying the CTF bike frame label may be dropped off at Overnight Bike Parking and you must be wearing your event wristband. 
  • Team captains or family members can check in for their team or family members.
  • In-Person Riders who have met the fundraising minimum for Home Check-in by August 22nd will receive their jersey and event credentials in the mail approximately 5-7 days prior to Ride Day. Riders who have earned Home Check-In do not need to come to Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl.
Ride Day - Saturday, September 7th

On Ride Day, In-Person Riders can start arriving at the Yale Bowl at 5:45 am. Our Opening Ceremony will take place at 6:45 am before each route will open. Once you have completed your route, you’ll join us back at the Yale Bowl for the Finish Line Festival complete with food trucks (all Riders have $15 preloaded on their event wristband), complimentary beer and wine (must be 21+) and more.

  • All In-Person Riders should plan to arrive at the Yale Bowl beginning at 5:30 am to avoid traffic and parking wait times.
  • The event begins at 6:45 am with an Opening Ceremony and all Riders should be at the stage with their bikes no later than 6:30 am. Ride out begins immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony (regardless of your route selection).
  • Before the ceremony begins, you will be asked to stand near signs displaying your intended route distance. This helps with a safe and orderly ride out.
  • Free parking is available at the Yale Bowl Complex. Please take a close look at the parking map below and plan extra time for traffic. The earlier you can arrive, the better.
  • All services open at 5:45 am. A light breakfast courtesy of Cohen’s Bagels will be available for Riders and Volunteers.
  • Bring identification and a credit card and carry it with you at all times during the Ride.
  • For your convenience, we will have a free Gear Check Area at the Yale Bowl.
  • If rain is in the forecast, bring rain gear! Ride is rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.
  • Every Rider must be wearing their event wristband at all times. The wristband allows access to route services, bike techs and the Finish Line Festival.
  • All Riders have $15 preloaded on their event wristband to be used at the food trucks of your choice in our food truck village at the Finish Line Festival.
  • Riders and Volunteers will each receive two free cups of beer or wine in our beer and wine garden with their event wristband. YOU MUST HAVE VALID ID SHOWING THAT YOU ARE 21+ to be served. Additional beer and wine can be purchased by using cash only.
Ride Day Routes

You may choose from 10, 25, 40, 65 or 100-mile CTF Century sponsored by Saybrook Point Resort and Marina routes. Please note that mileage is approximate. We may call one route 40 miles but in fact that true mileage may be closer to 39 miles. Mileage is calculated via an odometer in a vehicle, which will always differ from a bike computer or app. All routes can be accessed here. Please follow GREEN route arrows on Ride Day as all routes are subject to change. 

 

Remote Riders & Non-Riding Fundraisers+

RIDE DAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH

Join the Festivities! Remote Participants can watch the broadcast of our Opening Ceremony on our Ride Day Website (linked on the CTF homepage) live from the Yale Bowl on the morning of September 7th and then head out to ride on their own. The Opening Ceremony will also be available on demand for the remainder of the weekend for those who prefer to ride during the live broadcast (or who want to watch it again!).

Share photos to our social wall. Be sure to post using #CTFRide on social media (Facebook, Instagram or X) 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” for Ride Week so we can access your photo!

Remote Rider Ride Day Suggested Itinerary: September 7th
  • 6:45 am ET: Join us for the Opening Ceremony, live-streamed to connect you with your fellow Riders at the Yale Bowl and see and hear all the action!
  • 7:00 am ET: Head out to ride! Don’t forget to share your photos and videos!
  • Post-Ride: Reconnect with the community on our Ride Day Page to see photos and watch (or rewatch) the Opening Ceremony.

All Remote Riders who meet the fundraising minimum by August 22nd should receive their jersey and rewards in the mail approximately 5-7 days prior to Ride Day. We encourage you to wear your jersey (and share photos with us using #CTFRide) on Ride Day or on whatever day you choose to Ride Closer to Free. Note: Rewards earned from Remote Riders after August 22nd will be mailed in early November.

Volunteers+

PRE-RIDE SPONSORED BY BANK OF AMERICA - YALE BOWL - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH

Volunteers at Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl on September 6th will check in at the Volunteer\Check-In table to receive their final assignment and t-shirt.

RIDE DAY

All Volunteers at the Yale Bowl will receive an event wristband and t-shirt. Your wristband allows you access to participant services. All Volunteers have $15 preloaded on their event wristband to be used at the food trucks of your choice in our food truck village at the Finish Line Festival. Road crew volunteers who may not make it to the Yale Bowl will receive a boxed meal.

Yale Bowl Volunteers will check in at the Volunteer Check-In tent to receive their final assignment

Road Crew Volunteers that DO start their day at the Yale Bowl: Sweep Team, Caboose Assistants, Bus Liaison Team, Route Closure Team, Bike Marshals

Road Crew Volunteers that DO NOT come to the Yale Bowl and head directly to their assigned location: Rest Stops, Moto Safety, Route Safety

Click here for Volunteer Training Meeting Dates/Times

Please look for email correspondence from our Volunteer Manager Kristen Alves for more information about your roles and reach out to kristen.alves@ynhh.org with any questions.

Health & Safety+

Cycling Safety Policies:
  • Don’t forget your helmet. Riders will not be able to ride without an approved ANSI, Snell or ASTM helmet.
  • Do not use headphones or earbuds with riding.
  • ROADS ARE NOT CLOSED (except for the 10-mile route) for the Ride.  You must follow traffic rules and heed stop signs and traffic lights.
  • Riders must ride single file at all times, with the exception of passing. You must call out “On Your Left” when passing and make sure that you LOOK BEHIND You before pulling out to pass.
  • The route is clearly marked with CTF Ride route arrows that are posted approximately every ¼ mile.  The CTF Ride does not use spray chalk arrows on the roadway.
  • Every Rider is required to wear an event wristband which has the Emergency Help Line phone number printed on it and matches the participant bike frame number you will attach to your bicycle. It must be worn at all times and gives Riders access to route support, rest stops and the Finish Line Festival.  
  • In the event of a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, dial 911 FIRST, then please dial the Emergency Help Line to report the emergency encountered.
  • Should you need to call for help, use the Emergency Help Line (973-250-8808) if you need assistance on the route or find yourself having inadvertently left the marked route. The Emergency Help Line rings to our command center and help will be dispatched to your location. Turn on your GPS so that you can get an accurate a location as possible to provide to the command center.
  • If you are unable to complete your ride or need a boost to a rest stop for mechanical support, our dedicated Road Crew is there to help!
  • A sweep vehicle can advance you to the next rest stop where you can receive support and continue riding or you and your bike can be transported back to the Yale Bowl. Please do not use Sweep as a taxi service between rest stops as they are needed for Riders who are in need of true medical or mechanical attention.
  • The route closes promptly at 5:00 pm. At 5:00 pm, if you are still on the route, you will be swept to the Finish Line Festival at the Yale Bowl, no exceptions. Our caboose follows the last rider and will provide options to you so that you can spend as many miles in the saddle as possible.
  • Riders who choose the 100-mile CTF Century sponsored by Saybrook Point Resort and Marina route MUST consistently ride at 12mph to make it to the finish line by 5:00 pm. Please train accordingly.
  • Please note that disregarding Ride policies or the instructions of Staff or Road Crew is cause for immediate dismissal from the Ride.
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Please make sure you are drinking a combo of water and electrolyte solutions during your journey an pace yourself. If you’re not sweating and you’re not peeing, you are NOT hydrated!
  • Snacks, water and sports drink will be available to you at the rest stops.
  • Medical support is available at every rest stop along the route and at the Yale Bowl.
  • Bike techs will be available at Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl, Yale Bowl and at every rest stop along the route to help with any mechanical needs. Thank you to our Exclusive Bike Tech Sponsor, Zane’s Cycles, for taking care of all of our riders this year. They’ll fix you up quickly and get you back in the saddle!
  • Be sure to get your bike tuned up or checked out prior to Ride Day!

Parking & Directions+

Yale Bowl, 81 Central Ave, New Haven, CT 06515

Friday, September 6th: Pre-Ride sponsored by BANK OF AMERICA Yale Bowl Parking

All Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl parking is in Lot F.

Saturday, September 7th: Ride Day Yale Bowl Parking

YALE BOWL RIDER AND SPECTATOR PARKING– Lot D located off Central Avenue and accessible ONLY via Derby Avenue (Route 34)

Please note that no traffic (except emergency vehicles) will be permitted on Central Avenue between Cleveland and North Armory on Ride Day. Riders must access parking in Lot D via Derby Avenue (Route 34).

YALE BOWL VOLUNTEER/SPONSOR/ACCESSIBLE PARKING– Lot F is located off Central Avenue and accessible ONLY off Chapel Street. Follow Chapel Street to Central Avenue.  Turn Left onto Central Avenue. Follow signs for VOLUNTEER PARKING. Follow Police instructions for any detours.

Cheer Stations on the Routes+

Our 2024 cheer stations will be located along the official In-Person route.  Encourage your family and friends to visit one of these locations and cheer you on as you ride for the finish. NEED TO UPDATE THIS ONCE IT IS READY

 

Finish Festival+

  • Friends, family members and supporters are encouraged to join us at the Yale Bowl for the Finish Line Festival following your Ride.
  • After you cross the finish line, walk your bike to the Bike Parking Area where it will be safe until you’re ready to leave. PLEASE do not lean your bike on tents, railings or other structures at the site.
  • Food, beverages, beer and wine are available for purchase by family and friends (and are free only to registered Riders and Volunteers). Riders and Volunteers have $15 preloaded on their event wristband to be used at the food trucks of your choice in our food truck village at the Finish Line Festival, plus 2 free beverages at the Beer & Wine Garden. YOU MUST HAVE VALID ID SHOWING THAT YOU ARE 21+ to be served. Additional beer and wine can be purchased by using cash only. Select food truck menus can be viewed here.
  • Family and friends will need to purchase food and beverages in our food truck village and alcohol in our Beer and Wine Garden.  Food trucks may accept credit card purchases; however our Beer & Wine Garden is CASH ONLY.
  • Our Beer & Wine Garden will feature beer from Connecticut’s favorite brewery and CTF Diamond Sponsor; New England Brewing Co.! Wine from NEBCO will also be available. Remember, Riders and Volunteers must have valid proof that you are 21+ in order to get two complimentary drinks.
  • The Festival ends at 6:00 pm.
  • Riders on the 10-mile route can be expected to return to the Yale Bowl between 8:30 am – 9:30 am.
  • Riders on the 25-mile route can be expected to arrive back at the Yale Bowl between 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
  • Riders on the 40-mile route can be expected to arrive back at the Yale Bowl between 10:00 am - 11:30 am.
  • Faster-than-average Riders on the 65-mile or 100-mile CTF Century sponsored by Saybrook Point Resort and Marina routes can be expected to arrive back at the Bowl between 11:30 am-3:00 pm.
  • Our slowest Riders can be expected back between 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Family and friends can use these times as a guideline depending on the pace their Rider holds.
  • Bring the kids! We’ll have kids’ activities at the Finish Line Festival including giant lawn games and more.

Fun Stuff+

All participants, family and friends are invited to join the CTF community via our Ride Week Website (open on Tuesday, September 5th) and via social media. The Ride Week Website will be filled with special activities and content for you. In addition to our site, check out these fun activities:

  • Download the customizable CTF “I RIDE FOR…” bib sponsored by Pfizer Oncology where you can fill in your reason for riding. In-Person participants can also obtain bibs at Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl and onsite at the Yale Bowl under the CTF Spirit tent.
  • Download the CTF Lawn Sign for printing and sharing!
  • Join the CTF Strava Club to participate in our Ride Weekend Strava Challenge! (NEED TO FIGURE THIS OUT)
  • Join us on any of our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram or X. We’ll be all over social media on Ride Day. Use #CTFRide when you post. Make sure your social media profiles are marked as “public” (you can change this just for Ride Weekend!) and your post will appear on our LED screens at the Yale Bowl and on our Ride Week Website for all who are joining us remotely. PLEASE DON’T POST WHILE YOU’RE RIDING!
For In-Person RIDERs:
  •  We’ll once again have a Closer to Free Bike as part of the Opening Ceremony and we invite you to sign the bike after you cross the finish line. The fully signed bike will then be moved to Smilow for all to see.
  • We’ll have MY RIDE buttons available both at Pre-Ride and before and after the Ride under the CTF Spirit tent at the Yale Bowl. Simply choose the button that shows the number of years you’ve been a part of the CTF Ride (including #1 for you rookies!).
  • If you’re riding your first 100-mile CTF Century sponsored by Saybrook Point Resort and Marina with us this year, be sure to pick up a MY FIRST CENTURY sticker the CTF Spirit Tent.
  • The Closer to Free Ride Shop will be at Pre-Ride sponsored by Bank of America at the Yale Bowl and the Yale Bowl on Ride Day, offering the finest apparel and accessories that support Closer to Free. Items are now at our lowest prices ever, so be ready to get your favorite gear at a great price! The online store will be open for pre-orders on August 31st. Be on the lookout for an email with the details and a promotional code to enter to ensure you can pick up at the Ride.
  • Our favorite finish line band, FREEPLAY, will be back and playing several sets during the day!

Additional questions about Ride Day can be emailed to us at rideclosertofree@ynhh.org