FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration and Participant Center FAQs

How do I register?

You can register online in a variety of ways: 

1. Join a Team -- If you are joining an existing team that a friend started, you can search for your team and register yourself here. 

2. Start a Team -- If you plan to captain a new team and are ready to get the wheels rolling, get started here. 

3. Join as an Individual -- If you are signing up on your own, you can get started here. 

4. Join as a Virtual Rider -- If you cannot make it to the Ride, you can still fundraise as a virtual rider. 

5. Join as a Volunteer -- Our Ride could not happen without the support of our volunteers. They bring the joy and hard work necessary to make a memorable experience for those riding and fundraising to create a world without ALS.

What are the costs involved?

Each participant will pay a registration fee to secure their place in the Ride to Defeat ALS Texas. This registration fee helps pay for the expenses incurred to participate in the event and the registration fee varies given the timing of when you register for our event.

Do I have to fundraise?

If you are a rider, yes. All riders 18 and older are required to raise a minimum of $180, not including registration fee, by the day of the event. If you are a first-time fundraiser or are interested in learning more, check out our Fundraising Tips and Tools. Our staff is another resource for you and we will be here for you at every step of the way! Don’t hesitate to reach out and we can come up with a fundraising plan together!

What happens if I am not able to raise $180 by Ride-Day?

We have a solution for that! We will ask that you sign a "promise to pay" agreement, which will give you another six weeks following the ride to raise the remaining balance to reach $180. A lot of donors are moved to give after seeing photos and hearing about your experience at our event to make a difference in the lives of people with ALS. If, after those six weeks, you still owe a balance you will be charged per the agreement that you sign.

What does the $180 fundraising minimum include and are there additional incentives for higher amounts?

Yes! The $180 fundraising minimum include your entry to the Ride to Defeat ALS, a lunch and drink ticket on-site and an official, branded water bottle. For those participants that raise $500 or more, they will additionally receive an official 2025 jersey. For those participants that raise $1000 or more, they will additionally receive the full riders kit, including an official 2025 pair of shorts.

Event Logistics

When does the Ride start?

Each ride starts at a different time. We stagger our route start times strategically and along with permitting guidelines. Please check back later for your start time.

Note: We will open the courses based on the times listed above and will announce when it’s time for each route to begin. Please plan to begin with your group time -- not before or after.

Where are the start/finish locations?

More information coming soon!

Will there be event day registration?

You will able to register on-site on Ride Day and will need to pay the registration fee of $100 (price for the event day registration) plus the $180 fundraising minimum.

Where will parking be located and is there a cost?

More information coming soon!

Can I ride in the Ride to Defeat ALS Texas if I am under 18?

Yes, all ages are welcome. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their participation waiver at Check-In. 

I am coming from out of town and would like to rent a bike. Do you have any suggestions?

More information coming soon!

What if my family or friends want to join me after the ride?

Your family and friends are more than welcome to join you at the finish line festival. Lunch/drink tickets can be purchased additionally by family and friends. If your friends and family are interested in getting more involved with the event, there are a number of volunteer opportunities for them to consider. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of Ride to Defeat ALS, and there are a variety of jobs throughout the weekend for any age, interest, or skill set. 

Route Details

What are the Route Options?

We offer 10 mile, 20 mile, 37 mile, and 60 mile options

Will there be SAG support on the course?

Volunteer SAG “wagons” will be patrolling each route throughout the day. If you need assistance, give the standard "thumbs down" signal to indicate you need support. 

How many rest stops will there be?  How far apart are they?

More information coming soon!

Team FAQs

Are there additional charges to have a team?
No, but each member of the team is responsible for raising a minimum of $180 in collected pledges from friends and family.

How many members must I have to form a team?
A team can be two people, twenty people, or more. There is no limitation.

As a team captain or member of a team, can I raise all the money and then distribute it to other members of my team?
No. Each individual is responsible for raising the $180 minimum that is reflected on their personal fundraising page.

 

Volunteer FAQs

Will I get a t-shirt for volunteering?
Yes! You'll receive a t-shirt when you check-in at the event. Please wear it as it will help participants know that you're there to help.

Do I have to raise funds to volunteer?
No. There is no fundraising minimum to volunteer, but those wishing to fundraise get a personal page online to help them reach their fundraising goals.

My friends are participating and I plan to volunteer and raise funds. Can I join their team?
Yes! Just contact us and we'll assign you to their team\

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Fundraising & Finances

What is the deductibility of my donors' contribution?

The ALS Association is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Registration fees are not accepted as tax deductible.

What is the Ride to Defeat ALS's Tax ID?

The tax ID for the ALS Association is 13-3271855.

How do I turn in donations made by cash or check?

Please download the donation form and include it to ensure we give your team full credit for your fundraising efforts. You can bring your donations to the event and hand them in at check-in, or you can mail your donations to the office:


ALS Association

Attn: Ride to Defeat ALS Texas

1950 Craid Rd, Ste 200

St. Louis, MO 63146

Please mention who your donation is in support of.

 

Is it safe to mail cash?

It is NOT safe to mail cash. To turn in cash, please bring it to the event. If you would prefer to convert it to a check or money order to mail to the office, please include the donation form so that we can mail acknowledgement letters to your supporters.  

What if my donors need a receipt?

All people who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Those who send checks valued $100 or more will receive a thank you letter by mail that can be used for tax purposes. If you have a donor who needs a receipt, please let us know and we will be happy to provide one. Also, if you turn in donations within 2 weeks before or after the event, please let us know if one of those donors needs a receipt. For any receipt requests or technical difficulties, please contact: ridetexas@als.org.

Do matching gifts count?

Yes! Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your fundraising. For detailed information about matching gifts, please refer to our Matching Gifts FAQ.

Where does the money go?

We work hard to make sure every dollar you donate has maximum impact on the fight against ALS. From programs for those living with ALS to cutting-edge research, your fundraising efforts for the Ride to Defeat ALS will never go to waste. We pride ourselves in functioning with a high standard of efficiency.

 

Additional Questions:

Please reach out to 

Trisha Ward at  RideTexas@als.org