FAQ

I want to ride. Are there fundraising requirements?

Yes, there is a fundraising minimum for each route. They are:

Columbus to Pickerington – I commit to raise $1,200 for Cancer Research

• (approximately 25 miles, 1-day ride)

Columbus to New Albany – I commit to raise $1,250 for Cancer Research

• (approximately 50 miles, 1-day ride)

Pickerington to Gambier – I commit to raise $1,800 for Cancer Research

• (approximately 75 miles, 1-day ride)

What is a Virtual Rider?

Virtual Riders are individuals who choose to participate in Pelotonia by only fundraising instead of riding or volunteering.

There are no fundraising minimums for Virtual Riders, and Pelotonia does not retain your credit card information, but you must make a donation of at least $10 to register as a virtual rider.

How much is the registration fee for riders?

Until Tuesday, July 10th at 11:59 p.m., the registration fee is $100.  Starting July 11th, the registration fee increases to $150.

Why do we ask for your credit card?

Each Rider must pay a non-refundable registration fee that does not count toward his or her fundraising minimum. This is charged to your card when you register.

Your card information must remain on file in case you do not reach your minimum by the fundraising deadline. After the fundraising deadline, your card will be charged for the remainder of your commitment, if any.

Can I withdraw from the event?

You can cancel your participation as a Rider in Pelotonia up to but not later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. For more information, please see the Fundraising and Participation Agreement, which can be located on the Rider registration page or on your Rider profile page under “Rider Agreements”.  To validly cancel your participation as a Rider, you must change your status on your Pelotonia profile under “Manage My Registration: Edit Route or Registration Type” before the deadline.

Remember, all Riders have until October 12, 2012 to reach their minimum fundraising commitments. If you have questions, please contact Susie at spattison@pelotonia.org.

How do I fundraise?

Pelotonia provides many great tools to help you reach your minimum fundraising commitment. When you register, you can create your own customized profile, which allows you to add pictures and tell others why you’re riding. Pelotonia also provides a pre-written email, which includes a link to your profile.  This email can be found under “Manage My Profile: Solicit Donors.”  You can also customize this message and send it to all your contacts.  Please note, Pelotonia does not track or save the emails you send out and cannot send you information about them later.

Please see our fundraising tips page for more suggestions.

Can I use Pelotonia marketing materials for my personal fundraising efforts?

Yes, you are able to use Pelotonia’s logos for your personal fundraising efforts.  Please send an email to pelotonia@pelotonia.org  for approval. Please click here to access the Pelotonia 12 Asset Kit.

What is a High Roller?

Anyone who has maintained at least $4,000 in his/her fundraising account as of the fundraising deadline is a High Roller.  If you want, you can also commit to be a High Roller.  For more details, please see the High Roller page which is located under “Fundraising: High Rollers” on the website.

What are the routes?

The routes will be finalized in the spring.  The Routes page under “The Ride: Event Specifics: Routes” will be updated with information once it is available.

Which route should I select?

We encourage you to register for a route that you are physically comfortable riding. Please know the 100, 155 and 180-mile routes will require significant training.

How do I change my route distance?

Up to but not later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, you are able to change your route distance and minimum fundraising commitment on your profile page under “Manage My Registration: Edit Route or Registration Type.”  After 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday July 10, 2012, you are not allowed to decrease your route and minimum fundraising commitment below the amount that you are committed to raise as of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

For more information, please see the Fundraising and Participation Agreement on the Rider or Minor Rider Registration page or on your Rider profile under “Rider Agreements.”

How much training should I do?

We have provided training tips for each of the routes in the “Training Tips” section.

How far do we have to ride at once?

There will be a rest stop every 12 to 20 miles for water, food, mechanical and medical attention. Support vehicles will also patrol the route to provide assistance, if necessary.

What can I expect on the ride?

We’ve selected a very scenic route through northeast Ohio, keeping in mind that riders of all levels will be participating. For more specific information about each route please visit the Routes page.

Do I have to follow rules of the road?

Yes, please visit the Safety page for a complete description of the rules of the road.

Is there a minimum age to ride in Pelotonia?

Yes, you must be at least 14 years of age to ride in Pelotonia.  Riders who are 14 and 15 years old may register to ride the 25 or 50 mile routes only.  Riders who are 16 years and older may register for any of the routes.  To register as a Minor Rider, please visit the Minor Rider Registration page.

Can I ride a tandem bicycle in Pelotonia?

Yes, but each Rider on the tandem bicycle must register separately and each Rider must meet his/her own individual fundraising commitment for the route that is chosen.  Under no circumstances may the fundraising commitment be divided among the Riders on the tandem bicycle.

Can I ride with my infant or child?

No, under no circumstances may you ride with an infant or child attached to your bicycle or any other riding apparatus at anytime during Pelotonia.

Can I allow someone else to ride in my place in Pelotonia?

No.  Your registration as a Rider in Pelotonia is never transferable, even if you do not or cannot ride in Pelotonia for any reason whatsoever, including any illness or injury that may limit or preclude your participation.  You are not permitted to grant another person the right to ride in Pelotonia in your place under any circumstances.

How do I make a donation?

You can make a donation by credit card or check by visiting the donate page on our website.

How do I make a check donation?

To make a donation by check, select “check” from the “I will be paying by” line on the donation page. After submitting your donation, print the invoice that automatically appears on your screen.  If you forget to print this invoice, simply print a copy of the Thank You email you will receive at the email address you provide, because it contains the same information.

Please mail your invoice and check made out to PELOTONIA to our check processing address.  Please make sure you write the address exactly as it appears below:

Pelotonia
L-3454
Columbus, Ohio 43260-3454

Please note, the above address accepts USPS mail only.

What do I do if a donor hands me a check?

Please mail the check to our check processing address and make sure the address is written exactly as it appears above.  Also, be sure that your Rider # and/or name are included in the memo line, so that we may appropriately apply the donation to your ride.

Why do you ask for so much donor information?

The data we collect is necessary to create accurate donor records and provide appropriate tax acknowledgement information. The information is not used for solicitation purposes. If you have any questions about the information that is being collected, please contact Pelotonia at pelotonia@pelotonia.org.

What do I do with cash donations?

Credit card and check donations are always best for tax acknowledgement purposes.

If you are a donor, you must bring the cash donation to the Pelotonia office if you wish to receive a tax acknowledgement receipt. Pelotonia cannot issue a tax acknowledgement for cash donation submitted by anyone other than the actual donor. Please do not send cash through the mail.

If you are a Rider who has received a cash donation, either from an individual or from an event, please do not bring the cash to the office. Instead, please keep the cash and make an online donation to yourself for that amount. Please note, Pelotonia cannot issue tax acknowledgements for cash donations that are not brought directly to the Pelotonia office by the actual donor. Please do not send cash through the mail.

How do I find who donated to me in previous years?

To look up your previous year’s donors, you can log in to your profile using your email address and password.  Scroll down to the bottom of your profile page and expand the section for the desired year’s “Pelotonia Donors”.

Why doesn’t the amount ‘I’ve raised’ equal the total donations listed on my profile page?

While every donation pledged to you is immediately reflected on your donation list on your profile page, a check donation can only be added to the amount that you’ve raised after the check has been received by the Pelotonia office.

To see which check donations have not yet been received by the Pelotonia office, log in to your profile page to view your donor list. Check donations which have not yet been received will show a red “NO” in the column title ‘Paid’.

What happens when donors don’t send the check donations they pledged?

You will want to make sure your donors send their checks. When logged in, you can see the “Paid” column on your donor list. If this appears with a red “NO” next to the donation, then that check has not yet been received. If some time passes and you don’t see a change, you might want to politely follow up with that donor and ask them if they remembered to send their donation. Please remember, you are still responsible for meeting your fundraising minimum. Any unpaid pledges will not count toward your fundraising.

If a donor never sends the check he pledged to the Pelotonia office, it will never be counted towards the amount you’ve raised. If you need that check donation to meet your minimum fundraising commitment, you must follow up with the donor to make sure he sends the check to the Pelotonia office by the fundraising deadline. Pelotonia does not contact individual donors on your behalf. You may want to remind your donors that Pelotonia does not send a separate invoice for check donations other than the invoices that are sent in the emails immediately after the check donations are pledged.

Can I change the recognition name on a donation?

If you would like to change the recognition name that appears on the Riders public profile page please send an email to pelotonia@pelotonia.org. Please include the following information: Rider name; donor name; date of the donation; desired recognition name.

Is my donation tax deductible and if so, when will I receive a tax receipt?

All donations are 100% tax deductible, unless the donor received goods and/or services in exchange for all or a portion of his/her donation, such as through an auction or other fundraiser.

All credit card donors will immediately receive a tax acknowledgement letter via email. All online check donors will receive a tax acknowledgement letter via email after the check is received by Pelotonia. Tax acknowledgement letters for check donations that were not previously pledged through the Pelotonia website will be sent to you by January 31st via regular U.S. mail if the total check donation(s) made by the donor equal $250 or more.

Is Pelotonia a 501(c)(3)?

Yes, Pelotonia is a 501(c)(3). If you would like more information about our Tax ID# or non-profit status, please email at pelotonia@pelotonia.org.

What are Pelotons?

A Peloton is a great way for a group of five or more Riders to share their experience. In addition to the individual Rider profile pages, a separate Peloton profile page allows you to highlight your Peloton roster and your motivation for riding. Peloton members can share donations made to the Peloton as a whole and/or can share funds raised by individual members. Funds may only be shared with fellow Peloton members.

How do I start my Peloton?

The person who chooses to be the Peloton Captain must log into his/her profile and click “Manage My Peloton: Create a Peloton” on the left side of the page.  If you are an alumni Peloton, the Peloton Captain must click “Manage My Peloton: Reactivate My Peloton” to retain the history for prior years.

Please note, all Pelotons must have at least 5 members to start or reactivate the Peloton.  The Peloton members can include Riders, Virtual Riders, or Volunteers. Once the Peloton has been created or reactivated, the Captain will have the ability to add members, post pictures, and share the Peloton’s story.  For more information, please see the Peloton Guidelines.

How can Pelotons share funds?

There are two ways to share funds among Peloton members:

1. A Peloton’s general funds may be shared among individual Peloton members who still need additional funds to reach their minimum fundraising commitment.
2. An individual Peloton member’s funds in excess of his/her minimum fundraising commitment may be distributed to another Peloton member who still needs additional funds to reach his/her minimum fundraising commitment.

*All requests to share funds in either of these scenarios MUST be communicated to Pelotonia by the Peloton Captain within 7 days after the fundraising deadline.

*Peloton members cannot share funds in order to make an individual a High Roller. Also, if you have been or wish to be recognized as a High Roller, you can only share any funds exceeding your minimum fundraising commitment of $4,000.

Click here to read all of the guidelines.

Can I change the name of my Peloton?

Yes, the Peloton Captain can change the name of your Peloton by emailing Pelotonia at spattison@pelotonia.org with the current Peloton name and the new Peloton name.

How can I join a Peloton?

Please contact the Peloton Captain if you wish to be added to a Peloton. The Peloton captain will need your Rider ID number to add you to the Peloton. Please note, Peloton captains must add all Peloton members BEFORE Friday night’s Opening Ceremony.

Why can I be a member of only one Peloton?

Participants can be a member of only one Peloton because membership can involve sharing funds and funds may only be shared among Peloton members.

Do Volunteers have a minimum fundraising commitment?

There is no fundraising requirement for Volunteers but fundraising is certainly encouraged. Just think, if every volunteer raises just $100, we can donate another $180,000 more toward life-saving cancer research. Volunteers can create a profile, share stories and use all of the same fundraising tools as Riders.

Where and when can I volunteer?

Pelotonia will host Volunteers at the Opening Ceremony on Friday and at every start, finish, and stop along the route on Saturday and Sunday. For more detailed locations, activities and shifts, check out the Volunteer Registration page or the Volunteer Activities descriptions page.

How do I confirm what Volunteer Activity I signed up for?

To review what Volunteer Activity you chose, select “Login/Search” from the upper right-hand corner of the website. Once logged in, select “Manage My Volunteer Activities” to see your selection(s).
How do I switch or delete my Volunteer Activity?
Click the “Login/Search” button in the top right-hand corner of the Pelotonia website. Once logged in, click “My Information: My Volunteer Activities” to edit or delete your selection.

Why won’t the site let me register as a Volunteer if I am already registered as a Rider?

The website recognizes each email address only one time. If you are a registered rider and would also like to register as a Volunteer, please create a Volunteer profile using a separate email address. Please make sure to check both email addresses frequently as important information will be communicated only by email.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. To register as a Minor Volunteer, please visit the Minor Volunteer Registration page.

Can my children accompany me while I volunteer?

All Volunteers must be registered and the minimum age for Volunteers is 14 years old. Please refrain from bringing small children with you during your Volunteer Activity. If you would like to have your family join you at a start, rest stop or finish line, we encourage them to come and cheer on Riders but please arrange for another adult to monitor your children during your shift that you are able to focus on your your Volunteer responsibilities.

What should I wear when volunteering?

All Pelotonia Volunteers will receive a T-shirt upon arrival at their first shift. Please note that if you plan to volunteer for more than one activity or shift you will receive only one t-shirt. In addition to the supplied T-shirt, we suggest wearing lightweight fabrics, comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Please keep in mind that all activities are outdoors and volunteers will likely be on their feet for a majority of their selected shift(s).

What should I bring when volunteering?

Volunteers are welcome to bring sunscreen, water bottles, a small cooler or snacks, especially if you have any special dietary requirements.

How will I receive further details regarding my Volunteer shift?

Your Lead Volunteers for the Volunteer Activity or activities you chose will contact you with information prior to Pelotonia weekend. The earlier you register, the more often you are likely to hear from your Lead Volunteer. If you haven’t heard from your Lead Volunteer by July 19 or if you have a specific question for your Lead Volunteer, you will be able to find his/her contact information under “My Information: My Volunteer Activities” when you are logged into their contact information can be found under “My Volunteer Activities” when logged into your profile.

What is required of a Photography Volunteer?

There are no specific requirements to be a Photography Volunteer. However, we do ask that you supply your own camera or additional equipment. As we get closer to the event, your Lead Volunteer will contact you with further details. Your location will be decided between you and you’re your Lead Volunteer after you register as a Photography Volunteer. After Pelotonia weekend your Lead Volunteer will communicate all necessary information on how to upload photos taken during Pelotonia weekend.

*Please note: Only Volunteers who have registered through the Pelotonia website will be considered Pelotonia Volunteers and will receive details surrounding their Volunteer Activity.

I’ve registered, but can’t figure out how to edit my profile.

To create and edit your profile after you’ve registered, simply click “Log In” at the top right corner of the website and enter the email address and password you used when you registered.

I’m having trouble uploading my picture. What is wrong?

Your picture cannot be larger than 250k, and must be either a JPEG or GIF format. To re-size an image, you can try this website: http://www.picresize.com/. If you have questions please email pelotonia@pelotonia.org.

Can I change which route I want to ride?

Up to but not later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, you are able to change your route distance and minimum fundraising commitment on your profile page under “Manage My Registration: Edit Route or Registration Type.”  After 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday July 10, 2012, you are not allowed to decrease your route and minimum fundraising commitment below the amount that you are committed to raise as of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

For more information, please see the Fundraising and Participation Agreement on the Rider or Minor Rider Registration page or on your Rider profile under “Rider Agreements.”

How do I change my personal information or my log-in and password?

You can change this information by logging into your profile and clicking “Manage My Profile: My Information.”  Make sure to hit “Save” after making any changes.  Please remember that when you change your email address, this changes your log-in as well.  You cannot change your log-in and password until after you register as an alumni.