Top F.A.Q. about Cycle for Shelter since 2004
If your question is not here contact Rachel@Emmausinc.org 978-241-3437
There are hills in this area, the start and finish is in HaverHILL after all. Only a few change altitude by more than 100 feet. The highest point along the course is about 300 feet on the Century and Metric Century.
No. We tinker with the routes almost every year because of road conditions and situations beyond our control. In 2009 a bridge closure (hit by a 220 ton barge) has impacted all 4 routes. In brief rely on current maps, cue sheets and route markings, not your memory.
Best Western of Merrimack Valley offers reduced rates (on their website search for Haverhill MA). Call 978/373-1511 and ask for the Emmaus Cycle for Shelter rate.
Urban AdvenTours offers 10% off bike rentals for the event call 800-979-3370.
No. The ride is held rain or shine. Severe thunderstorms and wind could result in delaying the start and shortening the routes for safety.
On the longer routes rest stops are located no more than 20 miles apart; on the shorter routes 10 miles apart. Between rest-stops there are roving support vehicles which can be identified by yellow flags. All rest-stops and rovers are in radio communication with each other and the start and finish. If for any reason you can not finish the ride we will get you back to the finish line. You are also provided with an emergency contact number to call should you need to.
You will be advised to shorten your route if you are not on schedule to finish the ride by 4:00 PM. If you are local we offer training rides which increase in mileage each week to help you prepare.
At the Sports and Fitness Center of Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliott St, Haverhill, MA 01830. MapQuest Link
Check in Century from 6:00am. OPENING CEREMONIES/START AT 7:00AM.
Check in Metric 100 from 7:00am. OPENING CEREMONIES/START AT 8:00AM.
Check in Half 100 from 8:00am. OPENING CEREMONIES/START AT 9:00AM.
Check in Weekend Warrior from 9:00am. OPENING CEREMONIES/START AT 10:00AM.
College has bathrooms and complimentary breakfast items. Bike checks with qualified mechanics from 6:00am – 9:30am. Please arrive 45 minutes before the start of your event for this service. Water available for your own water bottles. Registration packet has maps, cue sheets, wrist band, numbered bib. You may turn in sponsorship money at check in. First 300 riders receive a bag with give-away items, vouchers and promotional material. All riders are entered in a raffle.
You will be asked to switch to a shorter route. Please inform the volunteer at check-in which route you registered for so they can locate your packet.
This is usually possible. Please contact the event coordinator a minimum of 3 days before the event: Rachel Thompson 978-241-3437 rachel@emmausinc.org to request this. Please do not switch routes on the day of the ride because the bib number and wrist band in your packet identify the route you are on so our route support staff may think you are lost!
There are usually a few spots available but registration costs $75 plus the minimum fundraising amount of $150. You will also have to complete and sign a registration form.
Yes, this is required, no exception.
For safety riders must not wear headphones when they are riding.
All cyclists must be over 18 or riding with a responsible adult throughout the ride.
You will be given an envelope to mail in outstanding sponsorship after the event and asked to provide a credit card number so we can charge the balance. Last year the average raised by riders was $400. Even with all the volunteer effort and in-kind donations it costs Emmaus $55 per rider to stage the event. We ask riders to pledge to raise at least $150 above their registration fee.
Yellow painted route markers like the one below that shows a right turn.
With an additional marker after the turn to confirm you are on route.
Eye level arrowed signs as follows:
Yellow = century route
Blue = metric century
Orange = half century
Purple = weekend warrior.
Rest-stops and Quick-stops are between 10 and 20 miles apart. Roving support vehicles including 3 motor bikes. Radio communication between route support vehicles, rest-stops and the start and finish. All Rest-stops and support vehicles have basic supplies for cycle repairs, a pump, first aid kits and water.
Century: North Hampton Beach State Park; Kensington Congregational Church; Amesbury Union Church; Rocks Village Historic Fire House (Quick-stop); Community United Methodist Church, Byfield; Erie 4 Historic Fire House Georgetown (Quick-stop); Topsfield Congregational Church; Second Congregational Church, West Boxford.
Metric Century: North Hampton Beach State Park; Kensington Congregational Church; Amesbury Union Church.
Half Century: Rocks Village Historic Fire House (Quick-stop), Community United Methodist Church, Byfield; Erie 4 Historic Fire House Georgetown (Quick-stop); Topsfield Congregational Church; Second Congregational Church, West Boxford.
Weekend Warrior: Rocks Village Historic Fire House (Quick-stop), Community United Methodist Church, Byfield; Erie 4 Historic Fire House Georgetown (Quick-stop).
All but the Quick-stop in Rocks Village have bathrooms. All have water, energy drinks, ice and snacks. An air pump, patch kit, commonly used bike tubes are available; as are dry socks and first aid supplies. Rest-stop opening and closing times are noted on the cue sheets.
Though the routes are well marked and supported - it happens! Each rider is provided with a map and cue sheet. It is important to bring this with you so you can get back on course. Call the emergency number before you get too far off course.
If you live along one the routes how about asking them to cheer you along or putting out a Support Poster to encourage all the riders who will be going by?
Your family and friends are welcome to come to the finish line at Northern Essex Community College to greet you on your return. There is usually plenty of food to share but please ask them to sponsor their favorite rider (you!) or sign up to volunteer by calling Terri Rousseau 978-241-3425 Terri@emmausinc.org
No. We have a low administrative overhead and can not do this. If your sponsors require a tax receipt please create your own fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/emmauscfs and ask them to donate by credit card.
The mission of Emmaus is to create long term solutions to homelessness and poverty. Riding in Cycle for Shelter gives you a chance to be part of the solution.
Be proud to ask your friends, family and co-workers to support you. Emmaus programs serve residents of the Merrimack Valley but riding for Emmaus helps raise awareness of the issue in every community. Emmaus has tools to help you fund raise go to: www.firstgiving.com/emmauscfs
Or contact Rachel at 978-241-3437 Rache@emmausinc.org
Emmaus needs to confirm that we have received the donation. Please mail the paperwork to: Rachel Thompson, Emmaus Inc., PO Box 568, Haverhill, MA 01831. Some companies require web based confirmations. The donor needs to register the donation on the company website as a gift to Emmaus Inc. and the company and Emmaus do the rest.
Yes, but we do not identify them as Emmaus residents. Residents ride, volunteer donate and help with pre-event planning. This year an ex-resident donated $1,000.00 in support of all cyclists.
These cost $65 plus a processing fee via BikeReg.com or download and complete the top of this form and send your check. Order and paid by 5/31/10 to receive by the day of the event.
We can not refund your registration fee but do not require the minimum fundraising be met. You may transfer your registration to another rider if this is requested at least two weeks before the event.