FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everyone has questions. If your specific question is not answered below, please give us a call at 1-800-718-3536 or email us at HCCoach@bestbuddies.org.
General Questions
What is Best Buddies?
Funds raised through the Best Buddies Challenge benefit Best Buddies International – a global non-profit that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more.
When is the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle event?
Our 2019 event will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019. Click here for a full Schedule of Events.
What cycling, running or walking distances are offered?
Where are the event start lines?
Check out our Routes page for all start line details
Can I change my start line or other registration info after I register?
Absolutely! Changes to your start line, jersey size, rental bike needs and all other registration questions can be made up to two weeks prior to the event. Registered participants can contact their coach to update their registration options or e-mail HCcoach@bestbuddies.org.
What is the event like?
All routes lead to our Hearst Ranch Finish Line in Hearst Castle. After you finish your event, recover and relax beach side with a massage, hot shower, food, and open bar. The day ends with at our famous gourmet barbecue and private concert on Hearst Ranch.
I am not a cyclist, walker or a runner. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! If you are interested in becoming a cyclist or runner, we have the training support that will help you get to where you want to be with tips, and training events throughout the year.
If athletic participation isn’t for you, you also have the option when registering to select to “Watch and attend the after-party only.”
Lastly, you could also consider volunteering for the event. Click here for volunteer opportunities.
Can I participate alone?
Definitely! Many of our participants choose to be on a team, but it is definitely not a requirement. You can sign up as an individual or you can start or join a team when you register and invite friends to join you. If you are interested in joining an existing team, let us know and we can sync you up with one!
Click here for more information on Event Teams.
Fundraising Questions
I want to participate, is there a fundraising commitment?
Yes – In order to participate, each participant must commit to raise at least $1,550 to support Best Buddies International. And the more you raise, the more event benefits you’ll receive.
Click here to find out more information on our Fundraising Levels.
Why do you ask for my credit card when registering?
If you do not reach your fundraising commitment two weeks before the event, Best Buddies International will charge your credit card the outstanding balance left towards your fundraising commitment. This occurs regardless of your physical participation on event day.
What happens if I don't meet my Fundraising Commitment and my credit card is charged?
If you do not meet your fundraising commitment and your credit card is charged the balance of what you owe, you will have one month after the event to continue fundraising. Any monies which you raise and submit before one month after the event will be refunded back to your credit card. You can get a refund for up to the amount that you were charged. A few follow-up or thank you letters can easily help bring in the additional donations, and then this money would be credited back to the credit card.
How do I fundraise?
To help you meet your fundraising commitment, we provide a wealth of tools. Once registered, you’ll have access to your own fundraising webpage, which you can easily personalize. Your webpage makes it easy for donors to give and for you to ask for and keep track of donations. We’ll also provide you with fundraising materials, including email and letter templates, posters and step-by-step guides for holding your own fundraising events. And, you’ll have the support of a Best Buddies Challenge Coach. We’ve got all the tools you’ll need to not only meet, but exceed your fundraising goal.
Click here to see some of the Fundraising Tools we provide to our participants.
How do I get VIP benefits?
We have lots of different fundraising options that include VIP benefits. To ensure VIP benefits, you must either register at the level or upgrade to the next level as you fundraise more. Please email your coach or HCCoach@bestbuddies.org to upgrade to the next level.
Click here for more information on our event Fundraising Levels.
Can I cancel my registration?
After registration, you have a 7-day period from the day you registered to withdraw from the event and you will not be held responsible for your fundraising commitment. If, within those 7 days you decide that you cannot make this commitment for any reason, just alert a Challenge Coach, and you will be released from the event. If we do not hear from you within that week, you will be responsible for your fundraising commitment made at the time of registration. Please note: Registration fees are non-refundable.
Donation Questions
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible. Best Buddies is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our Tax ID number is 52-161-4576.
How do I make an online donation?
Easy! Simply click the donate button in the upper right hand side of your screen. You can choose to either sponsor an event participant or make a general donation to Best Buddies. All donations are tax deductible.
How do I make an offline donation?
Easy! If you are going to sponsor a specific rider, ask them for an “offline donation” form. Make checks payable to “Best Buddies” and send the check and offline donation form to our headquarters:
Best Buddies Challenge
Attn: Hearst Castle Donations
100 Southeast Second Street
Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131
To make a general donation, again make checks payable to Best Buddies and send to the address above.
What do I do if a donor hands me a check?
Please mail the check to our headquarters:
Best Buddies Challenge
Attn: Hearst Castle Donations
100 Southeast Second Street
Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131
Also, be sure to include an offline donation form so that we may appropriately apply the donation to your fundraising.
Why do you ask for so much donor information?
The data we collect is necessary to create accurate donor records and provide appropriate tax acknowledgement information. The information is not used for solicitation purposes. If you have any questions about the information that is being collected please email coach@bestbuddies.org or call 1-800-718-3536.
What about matching gifts?
Matching gifts are the easiest way to double your donations! Keep in mind, most companies will only make matching gifts at certain times of year. Often it is every month, quarter, bi-annually or annually. This means that even if you put the matching form in today, it might not be posted for a bit of time. Which means, now is the best time to start asking about matching gifts.
Cycling Questions
Can I reserve a rental bike for the Best Buddies Challenge?
Yes. After registering, you can reserve a top-of-the-line BMC road, hybrid, or tandem bike to be used on the day of the event. For more details, visit our Rental Bike page.
I don’t want to spend $2,000 on a road bike. What else is out there?
There are a lot of great bikes out there that are within your budget. Perhaps you have a friend is selling their bike or your local bike shop is having a sale. For less than $1,000 you can get a great bike for The Best buddies Challenge. The most important part is purchasing a bike that fits you correctly.
If you choose not to purchase a bike of your own before our event, you also have the option to rent a bike for the event through us. For details, visit our Rental Bike page.
What can you tell me about my route?
Visit our Route Map page for details on all our available routes.
Are there any Best Buddies Training Rides?
Yes, periodically throughout the year, The Best Buddies Challenge Team will host instructional group rides for beginners and advanced cyclists alike. The routes will be predetermined and as a registered participant, you’ll be contacted through email with all logistical information about upcoming training rides. Be sure to also monitor our Facebook and Twitter accounts for training ride updates throughout the year.
How much training do you recommend leading up to the event?
You wouldn’t sign up to run a marathon without gradually training your body to take on the challenge of running 26.2 miles and cycling is no different. To fully enjoy your event day, we recommend that you gradually train up to riding 70-80% of the distance you’ll be riding with us on event day. For example, if you are doing our 100-mile ride, we recommend you complete at least one ride of 70-80 miles before our event weekend. Remember, the more you prepare your body, the more enjoyable our event day will be for you.
For more training advice and suggestions, visit our Training Tools page.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes, helmets are required by law. You must bring your own helmet to the event in order to participate. The Best Buddies Challenge does not provide helmets to participants.
Do I have to wear padded cycling shorts/bibs?
We do not require you to wear ride specific clothing like padded shorts or bibs; however, such apparel will make you a lot more comfortable for the longer distances. If you are not comfortable wearing lycra, there are mesh-styled gym shorts with padding on the inside if you prefer to wear something different.
Why does the seat feel uncomfortable?
The seat, better known as a saddle, is designed to be used with padded shorts and can be quite comfortable with the right fit. Be sure to get a proper fitting at your local bike shop to ensure the most amount of comfort.
Do I have to wear special shoes?
No, but cycling shoes are designed to create efficient pedaling techniques. This will make your long ride more enjoyable! It may take some time getting used to but you’ll be glad you did. Riders participating in shorter distances may prefer to ride on standard “flat” pedals and sneakers.