TRAVERSE CITY RIDE TO END POLIO

Posted by Al Bonney 
 
If you have not already done so, please have a look at the attached description of this very simple project description for this Indoor Ride to End Polio.  Participating could not be easier and this is an easy way to raise some money to eradicate Polio that does not cost YOU a nickel.  Monica Larsen has volunteered to be our Indoor Ride Coordinator and is ready to take your registration: name and email, its simple, like the rest of this project.  You can contact Monica at 231-421-1775 or at monicaschroder@charter.net.  Come Join Us - it is fun, you can do some good in the world and get a little exercise at the same time!  Thanks!
 
 
 Indoor Ride to End Polio 
 
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
  1. What is the Indoor Ride to End Polio?  
This event is held in conjunction with the El Tour de Tucson as a ready-made polio fundraising activity in which all Rotarians can easily participate.  The El Tour de Tucson is a major bike rally in which Rotary International has a riding team with the goal to raise over $10 Million.  The Traverse City Indoor Ride to End Polio will be a contributory effort to their ride and will be matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation.
 
  1. How does it work? 
All you have to do is ride a stationary bike for a specified length of time at your local gym or at home any time during the period Nov 14-21.
 
  1. How can I register? 
See your club Indoor Ride To End Polio Coordinator or call Al Bonney at 231-223-4064 or email at albonney2@gmail.com. There is no cost and you can ride any time you want during the week of November 14 – 21.
 
  1. How does this event raise funds to support Rotary’s top priority, the eradication of polio? 
Each rider solicits donations from friends or family to PolioPlus in support of the ride (for example, riders may ask $1 per minute). All funds contributed to the Ride to End Polio will be used to end polio.  There are no administrative costs deducted in the TC Indoor Ride. (See #5 below for how to donate)
 
  1. How are contributions made? 
To ensure proper credit for donors (and credit to clubs),  all donors should make their contributions online at  www.endpolio.org.   
 
  1. How are the contributions tracked? 
Each rider tracks contributions made in support of his or her ride.  Each rider is responsible to ensure that contributions go to the Rotary Foundation PolioPlus (See #5 above). Plese inform your club coordinator of your donations.
 
  1. How long must a participant ride? 
Indoor riders can choose any number of minutes consistent with their level of fitness. It is totally up to you.
 
  1. Must the indoor ride be completed at one time? 
Yes.  Each rider must complete the indoor ride in one “sitting”, any time during the period Nov 14-21.  It is not necessary for all riders in a club to ride together.
 
  1. Where is the Indoor ride conducted? 
Indoor riders can ride a stationary bike anywhere (at home or a local gym). Fit For You Health Club (1226 South Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, Phone: 231.922.7285 is donating bike time to anyone riding in the Traverse City Indoor  Ride to End Polio.  Go to www.fitforyou.info , click fitness classes  and scroll down to the bottom of the page for the fitness room schedule to check if the bikes are available (if the room is NOT scheduled when you want to ride, the bikes ARE available).  When you arive at Fit For You, just tell the desk attendant that you are “Riding for Rotary” and they will let you in free. Locker rooms are available if you need to change.
 
  1. Are there group rides scheduled? 
    Yes, there are four group rides scheduled.  There are 15 bikes available for each group ride. Group rides are led by Sunrise Rotarian Anne Bonney and by Noon Rotarian Vern Gauthier, Fit For You Owner.  Go to www.tcridetoendpolio.eventbrite.com  to reserve your bide in the ride of your choice.
    1. Anne’s rides are 7 am, Tuesday 11/17 and again at 5 pm, Tuesday 11/17 (abonney123@gmail.com)
    2. Vern’s rides are 12 noon, Thursday 11/19 and again at 8:30 am Saturday 11/21  (Vern@fitforyou.info)
11.Is there a registration fee? 
There is no registration fee for the TC Indoor Ride.  All funds donated go directly to the eradicaiton of polio through the End Polio web site (see #5 above) 
 
  1. Who can ride? 
    Anyone can participate.  You do not have to be a Rotarian. 
  2. Is special cycling clothing available for riders?
    No special clothing is required to ride but if you want a souvenier shirt, riders can order End Polio Now biking jerseys and shorts at www.ridetoendpolio.org.  Click on the clothing tab.
  3. What fundraising successes have been achieved in the past with this event?
    In 2014 the Ride to End Polio (indoor and outdoor) raised $7.25 million (with the Gates Foundaiton 2:1 match) since its inception, the event has raised over $10 million, enough to purchase more than 15 million doses of polio vaccine.  The goal this year is another $10 million.
  4. Will funds raised this year qualify for the Gates Foundaiton 2:1 match?
     Absolutely!  The Gates Foundation provides a 2:1 match for all funds donated to PolioPlus (up to $35 million.  You do not have to be a Rotarian to have your donation matched.  Make all donations through www.endpolio.org  scroll down to the Donate box and follow the instructions.
  5. What perks are provided by the El Tour de Tucson?
    While this is not required for the TC Indoor Ride, there is a process whereby riders can participateat the same time and the TC Indoor ride in a worldwide Indoor Ride to End Polio.  Each rider who registers with Perimeter Bicycling and finished his or her ride is elegible to receive an El Tour de Tucson medal and T-shirt.  (there is a $25 registration cost for this.) If you want to do this, go to www.ridetoendpolio.org  click on Indoor Ride under the Registration tab and follow the appropriate instructions.  This is completely on an individual basis and not required for the TC Indoor Ride to End Polio.