If you are a first-time Face of America participant, here are a few suggestions on how you can have the very best experience before, during and after the ride from the start all the way to West Point.
Helpful Recommendations
Meet your Fundraising Commitment early
Each participant category has a category fundraising commitment that must be met or exceeded by participants by the commitment deadline of October 21. Rather than waiting until the last few weeks to undertake your fundraising efforts, start early. Use your online User Center to create and send emails to your friends, family and colleagues asking for their support. Many companies offer matching funds for employees in charitable causes, which can provide additional support. But, be sure to plan ahead since matching funds often take a month or longer to be processed. Once you reach your goal, increase it to a higher level to encourage new donors to continue to donate. Learn more about fundraising through our special fundraising section, including suggestions and ideas on successful fundraising programs, as well as materials you can download to assist you in your effort.
Make your hotel reservations as soon as you can
Hotel properties often fill quickly in the late winter. This is not just from Face of America athletes, but from other activities and groups in the area. Make your reservation early so you’ll have the best choice in properties and the lowest rates. If you are a registered adaptive athlete or caregiver, you’ll be contacted by the World T.E.A.M. lodging coordinators to make arrangements for your lodging each night of the ride.
Plan on arriving early for ride check-in
Face of America is meant to be a social experience. You’ll be riding alongside hundreds of other athletes with diverse and interesting backgrounds. At each Face of America, approximately half of the athletes are returning for their second, third, fourth or greater ride. If you’re a first-year athlete, take advantage of the knowledge and experience of your colleagues.
Get to know the athletes
Face of America is meant to be a social experience. You’ll be riding alongside hundreds of other athletes with diverse and interesting backgrounds. At each Face of America, approximately half of the athletes are returning for their second, third, fourth or greater ride. If you’re a first-year athlete, take advantage of the knowledge and experience of your colleagues.
Pack with a plan
The entire ride will pull into each rest stop, scheduled every ten to 12 miles. These stops include porta-potties, quick energy food and beverages. A stop at about noon will have additional food, serving as a quick lunch. Be sure to take advantage of these stops. Take care of your physical necessities, refill your water bottle, and have a bite to eat. Rest stops will have a mechanic on hand who can help with any minor adjustments or issues with the bikes and hand cycles. If at the end of the rest period you are still feeling tired, you may take the SAG vehicle to the next rest stop.
Listen to the ride marshals
The entire ride will pull into each rest stop, scheduled every ten to 12 miles. These stops include porta-potties, quick energy food and beverages. A stop at about noon will have additional food, serving as a quick lunch. Be sure to take advantage of these stops. Take care of your physical necessities, refill your water bottle, and have a bite to eat. Rest stops will have a mechanic on hand who can help with any minor adjustments or issues with the bikes and hand cycles. If at the end of the rest period you are still feeling tired, you may take the SAG vehicle to the next rest stop.
Take Advantage of the rest stops
The entire ride will pull into each rest stop, scheduled every ten to 12 miles. These stops include porta-potties, quick energy food and beverages. A stop at about noon will have additional food, serving as a quick lunch. Be sure to take advantage of these stops. Take care of your physical necessities, refill your water bottle, and have a bite to eat. Rest stops will have a mechanic on hand who can help with any minor adjustments or issues with the bikes and hand cycles. If at the end of the rest period you are still feeling tired, you may take the SAG vehicle to the next rest stop.