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Itinerary

Day 1 - Wednesday, Aug 7
Arrival
Welcome reception

Day 2 - Thursday, Aug 8
Breakfast
Ride #1 - Fully supported SAG and lunch stops
Ride in reception
Evening on Own

Day 3 - Friday, Aug 9
Breakfast
Ride #2 - Fully supported SAG and lunch stops
Ride in Reception
Evening on Own

Day 4 - Saturday, Aug 10
Breakfast
Ride #3 - Fully supported SAG and lunch stops
Ride in Reception
Dinner & Program

Day 5 - Sunday, Aug 11
Breakfast
Ride #4 - Coffee ride (20 miles)
Departure

Event Information

Bike

Will there be bike mechanics?

Bike mechanics are available at the lunch stop and finish of each day to address any mechanical needs your bike may have. The mechanics will also be roving the route in the event a mechanical situation occurs while you are on the road..

What spare parts will be available? What spare parts should I plan to bring?

The support vans will be stocked with the most needed spare parts (cables, brake pads, tires, tubes, etc.). Plan on beginning the ride with at least one tube, tire levers, a patch kit and a pump so that you can change a flat while out on the road. You should also remember to bring spare parts that are unique to your bicycle, such as a spare tire and extra tubes if you have a wheel size other than 700c. Any bike parts needed and used from the mechanic team will be added to your incidental payment post event.

What condition should my bike be in at the beginning of the NorCal Challenge?

While we do have bicycle mechanics and spare parts to take care of day-to-day maintenance, each rider is expected to have their bike in a clean, safe, and mechanically sound condition at the start of the ride. Remember, you will be riding 40 - 80 miles a day, so all your wear-and-tear items should be able to last this distance

Plan for a tune-up in the last 60 days before the ride. We encourage riders to tune-up their bikes sooner than later as many bike shops are still working with limited product availability.

Here are some points you should consider:

  • Tires and tubes - make sure tire tred isn't worn down
  • Cables and housing - are they corroded or frayed?
  • Brake pads - remember you will see some long and steep descents along the way!
  • Chain, cassette, chain rings
  • Cleats - are they worn down?
  • Handlebar tape and saddle - you will be spending a lot of time on your bike, so make sure that it is comfortable!

 

Routes & Riding

Will everyone leave at the same time each morning?

Each morning Ride Leaders will post their departure times. Temps can be warm in Healdsburg in August and departure times will be adjusted to earlier in the morning to ensure that you have a comfortable ride. You may choose your own departure time, but please start no later than 8:30 am. Riders must be off the road by 4:00 pm so you’ll want to adjust your a.m. departure time to meet that deadline.

Remember, this ride is your own! You should plan to ride at a speed you feel comfortable and can maintain each route. The NorCal Challenge is not a race, so take your time and enjoy the beauty of the rolling vineyards in Healdsburg!

What if I don’t feel like riding?

Let CAF staff know that you are not planning to ride.  H2 Hotel is in the heart of Healdburg.  Enjoy the day exploring the many shops and restaurants.

On the route, there will be support vehicles available to assist with transportation should you not want to ride the remainder of the route. Please be aware that when riding in a support vehicle the team is still supporting riders on the road and cannot offer a direct shuttle back to the hotel.

How will we communicate with the guides and support staff while riding?

Guides and staff on bicycles or in vans will carry cell phones. Riders will receive these numbers and are encouraged to carry their own phones. Some route areas have limited or no cell coverage. During these times, vehicles and guides will frequently crisscross the route for better contact. This highlights the benefits of riding in a group..

Will the route be marked?

Yes, there will be route arrow markings along the entire route. You will become familiar with the signs. There will also be guides who will position themselves at certain difficult navigational points during the ride. However, the garmin downloadable route and the printed route guide are your ultimate source for ensuring you stay along the designated route.

 

Transportation

What are the arrangements for bicycle transport to and from the event?

If you live in Southern California, we will be making arrangements to transport your bike to the start of the event in Healdsburg. The designated bike drop-off location for San Diego is at CAF Headquarters from Aug 1- 2, 9am - 5pm & August 4th, 9am - 1pm after the last training ride.

For riders outside of San Diego we suggest the following arrangement:
Have your bike boxed at a bicycle shop in your city and shipped to the hotel address (they will need to remove pedals, handlebars, etc.). CAF mechanics will reassemble your bike and get it ready to ride for no additional cost. Please ensure bikes arrive no later than August 6. Riders are responsible for the cost of boxing and shipping.

After the event, if you request return shipment service from CAF, mechanics will box and ship your bike to your designated destination. Riders are responsible for this service fee and shipping costs and must inform Anna Griessler at [email protected] of your request in advance.

As a rider, what travel arrangements do I need to make?

Each rider is responsible for their own transportation to & from Healdsburg, CA.  Should you rent a car, parking is available at H2. Please plan to be at the H2 Hotel for rider check-in and orientation from 3 - 5 PM on Wednesday, August 7. The Welcome Dinner is at 6:30pm at the Barndiva restaurant located across the street from H2.

What airport do I fly in to?

There are plenty of airport options with Sonoma County being the closest:

Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Driving Time: ~15 minutes (10 miles)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Driving Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (85 miles)

Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Driving Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (80 miles)

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Driving Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes (100 miles)

 

Guest Fee

May I bring a non-riding guest?

Yes! Healdsburg, settled in the Napa Valley, offers some of the best wineries to vacation and we welcome your spouse or guest to join us! There is a $160 fee per day for non-riding guests. This fee includes  hotel (shared with rider), breakfast, & dinner. This fee excludes guest air or gound transportation.

 

Overall Event

What hotel are we staying at?

H2 Hotel | 219 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Will we be sharing a room?

Each rider will have their own room.

Will there be CAF Athlete programs during the evenings?

Yes! We will be sharing CAF athlete stories during evening dinners.

When do I get my event gear?

You should have received your training gear (1 jersey, 1 bib/short, 1 vest, and 1 set of sunsleeves) upon registration. If you have not, please reachout to Anna.   Please bring your training kit to Healdsburg.  

You will receive an event jersey along with other cycling swag when you check in at the event.

 

Fundraising

What is included with my fundraising?

  • Personalized Training Plan to prepare you for the ride
  • Exclusive NorCal Challenge Apparel Package
  • 4 Nights Accommodation at H2 Hotel
  • Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Ride-In Reception
  • 1 Gourmet Dinner
  • Elevated support stops on the route
  • Daily Mechanic and SAG support
  • An unforgettable experience empowering individuals with physical disabiliites to reach their dreams in sports –and in life!

Are there expenses I am responsible for?

The following expenses are not included in the cost of the trip and are your responsiblility: air and ground   transportation to/from Healdsburg, guest fees, and food and beverages outside of organized group meals. Gratuities for volunteer and support staff are discretionary and can be paid at the end of the week..

If I do not reach the fundraising benchmarks by the deadline, am I no longer able to participate?

You are still welcome to join the event. We kindly ask that you guarantee the difference on a credit card.

What is the evening attire?

Evening events will be casual attire. Healdsburg, will be warm during the day and can cool down  after sunset. It's best to wear layers, including a light sweater or jacket, to adjust to the changing temperatures.

For the 2 nights of dinner on our own, can you recommend any restaurants?

Healdsburg is home to many top-tier restaurants that cater to a variety of culinary preferences.  Check out Tripadviser for a full list but here are a few:

SingleThread Farm - Restaurant - Inn: Known for its Michelin three-star rating, SingleThread offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a seasonal tasting menu inspired by Japanese and Northern Californian cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and exquisite presentation​.

Valette: A local favorite, Valette features contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are creative and beautifully presented, offering a memorable dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere​.

Bravas Bar de Tapas: For those who enjoy Spanish cuisine, Bravas Bar de Tapas offers a delightful array of tapas in a lively and casual setting. It's a great spot for sharing small plates and enjoying a vibrant dining experience.

Dry Creek Kitchen: Located within Hotel Healdsburg, this restaurant by Chef Charlie Palmer offers a menu that highlights Sonoma County's agricultural bounty. The dishes are refined yet approachable, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion​ (Tripadvisor)​.

What is the expected weather?

You can expect high temperatures ranging from 85°F to 95°F and lows between 55°F and 60°F. The weather will generally be warm and dry. Be prepared for hot days and cooler nights, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and relaxing evenings.

What adjustments will be made if the forecast predicts extreme heat?

Ensuring your safety and comfort is our top priority. If hot weather is forecasted, our rides will begin early in the morning to ensure you're back at the hotel before the day heats up. If needed, we may also shorten the routes to further ensure your well-being.

What if I have a dietary restriction?

Please reach out to Anna with any dietary restrictions you may have. All meals will offer options that cater to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets to accommodate everyone's preferences and needs.

Cancellation Policy

Rider Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellation on or before July 10, 2024: I understand that by July 10, 2024, I am required to notify CAF Cycling Event Manager, Anna Griessler, in writing or via email of my intent to cancel my NorCal Challenge participation. By doing so, I forfeit my nonrefundable $500 deposit and any additional funds raised will continue to support revenue goals and the CAF mission. However, I will be released from my $8,000 fundraising obligation ($2,500 for CAF athletes at the discounted level). An email received and confirmed by Anna Griessler, CAF Cycling Event Manager, will constitute written notice.
  • Cancellation after July 10, 2024: I understand that if I do not cancel by April 10, 2024, I forfeit my non-refundable $500 deposit, any additional funds raised will continue to support revenue goals and the CAF mission, and I am still responsible for the $8,000 fundraising minimum. I understand I must receive formal notice in writing from CAF Cycling Event Manager, Anna Griessler.
  • Should I choose to cancel my participation at any time after registering, I acknowledge any funds raised up to that point will continue to support the CAF mission.

Event Cancellation:

In the event of safety or security concerns, CAF has the right to cancel all or any portion of the ride based on the sole judgment of the organization and without any obligation to reschedule the event or reimburse participants or donors.