Pablove Across America – FAQ’s
Is there a fundraising requirement?
Yes. You must raise a minimum of $7,500 to participate in a one-week ride. There are no exceptions. In the event that you do not meet the minimum fundraising requirement by one week prior to your start date, The Pablove Foundation has the authority to and will charge your credit card for the remaining balance. If you continue to fundraise after your credit card has been processed with the remaining balance The Pablove Foundation will reimburse your card upon written request. No reimbursements will be processed after February 1, 2013. All donations processed by The Pablove Foundation are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if you do not participate in the event. The registration fee is also non-refundable, non-transferable, and not tax deductible.
Is there a training schedule?
Yes, check out our training schedule here.
Is there a cancellation deadline?
Yes. The last day to withdraw your participation in a one-week ride is August 1, 2012. After August 1, 2012 at 11:59pm Pacific Time you are responsible for the $7,500 fundraising goal whether you participate in the ride or not.
Is there a registration deadline?
Yes. Registrations for weekly and one-day riders are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for weekly riders is September 6, 2012, but please anticipate the ride selling out before that deadline.
Is there a minimum age to register?
Yes. One-week riders must be 18 years of age or older.
Is there a health insurance requirement to participate in the ride?
Yes. All registered participants for one-week rides must have personal health insurance during the time of the ride to participate. You will be required to submit a copy of your state-issued ID and valid insurance card to The Pablove Foundation to participate in the ride.
What is provided for me on the ride? What expenses should I expect?
We provide a professional grade experience, including bike mechanic and soignier services, nutritious meals, and double occupancy hotel rooms along the route for one-week riders. If you prefer a single room during the ride you must pay in advance for a room upgrade by The Pablove Foundation ($90/night). Please note that your meals and lodging coverage will begin the evening before your ride departure. For example: Week One riders will receive dinner and a hotel room the night of Friday, September 29. You will receive lunch the day you arrive at your final destination, at which point you will be responsible for all further meal and lodging costs.
All registered cyclists are responsible for the logistics and costs of their own personal travel and bike shipping to and from the start and end points of their ride week or day.
Does it cost anything to register?
Yes. Each one-week rider must pay a $50 registration fee at the time of registration.
How do you choose the route for Pablove Across America? I want you to come to my city next year!
The Pablove Foundation tries to choose a unique route every year that allows us to spread awareness about childhood cancer throughout new communities. If you want to participate in one of our events but are prohibited due to distance, please consider joining Team Pablove. Team Pablove is an individual fundraising opportunity where athletes of all skill levels can participate in any athletic event and fundraise for The Pablove Foundation. If your passion lies in organizing an athletic event, please contact megan@pablove.org to participate in our grassroots fundraising program.
Is the one-week ride appropriate for novice riders?
No. The one-week ride is not for beginning riders. To participate you must be able to; comfortably ride 500 to 600 miles in five days, complete a solo century (100 miles) in six hours, draft behind other riders, work with several other riders in a paceline formation at speeds ranging from 15 to 25 miles per hour, and have experience riding in the rain.
I’ve registered! How do I create my personal fundraising page?
Once your registration has been processed by The Pablove Foundation you will receive instructions to create your personal fundraising page via email. Then you will create a login allowing you to customize and update your page as you wish. This includes writing a personal message to donors, uploading a photo, and customizing requests and thank you letters.
What should donors do if they want to donate by check?
Please make all checks payable to The Pablove Foundation. All donations should be mailed to:
The Pablove Foundation
3801 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
The only way we will know that a mail-in contribution was made on your behalf is if the donor includes a note stating so, or if they write your name in the memo line of the check.
What if a check is made out to me, not The Pablove Foundation?
If a donor makes a check out to you, simply endorse the check with your signature and “Payable to The Pablove Foundation.” Please note that the account holder on the check will receive the tax receipt from The Pablove Foundation.
When will my donations show up in my account?
Please allow 2-3 business days for mail-in contributions to appear on your personal fundraising page. We will make every effort to process the donation as quickly as possible.
Can I mail a cash donation?
We cannot accept cash donations. For any cash donation you receive, please convert the cash to a cashier’s check and mail it with a note that states the donor’s personal information so an accurate receipt can be generated for tax purposes. Please do not deposit the cash into your own account and write The Pablove Foundation a check for that amount; the IRS will consider that personal income and we will not be able to generate a tax receipt. If you have multiple cash donations from different donors you can convert them to one cashier’s check and include a note that indicates the amount each individual contributed.
Are matching gifts from my employer counted as donations to my campaign?
Employer matching gift programs are fantastic ways to fundraise for The Pablove Foundation. Each employer has a different policy on matching gifts. Please inquire with your supervisor or human resources office to determine your company’s policy.
To ensure that matching gift donations are credited towards your fundraising efforts, please write your name on your employers matching gift form or indicate that the donation is for you in some way.
My matching gift does not show up on my fundraising page. Where is it?
The Pablove Foundation development team will verify and return any matching gift forms from your employer within one week of receipt. Every company has a different policy on matching gift distribution. Once we receive the matching gift check we will process it within 2-3 business days. Please note that on occasion the matching gift check does not indicate that the donation is to be credited towards your fundraising efforts. If you have confirmed that your employer mailed the check to us and over two weeks have passed, please contact anna@pablove.org so we can be sure to credit the gift to your fundraising page.
I know my matching gift was approved. Can it be credited to my page in advance?
Unfortunately we are not able to credit donations that have not been received. We do this because an employer can, at any time, amend its program and/or payout schedule. Once funds are received they will be credited to your fundraising page.
Do I get a discount on Pablove cycling gear?
All registered one-week riders receive a 30% discount on selected Pablove cycling apparel. Email anna@pablove.org for details on how to place an order.