Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Now that you’ve decided to join us and make your miles more meaningful, you might be wondering “what’s next?”. It’s a good question! Below you’ll find more information and resources about what you can expect as a new ACS Bike-A-Thon participant. The journey has just begun and we’re here to make sure you have a great ride and feel confident in your fundraising efforts to support cancer patients and their families.  

Your Bike-A-Thon Essentials

•  Your Why – Take some time to reflect on your #WhyBikeAThon story and share it with your friends, your family, your community and fellow ACS Bike-A-Thon riders. Being clear on your purpose will fuel your ride and crystallize your motivation when the going gets tough.  
• Your Communications – Keep an eye on your email, our social media channels, text messages from our staff and our website for all the updates and pertinent information you’ll need as we approach ACS Bike-A-Thon 2026.  
• Your Fundraising Resources – Visit our Fundraising page for helpful resources to reach your fundraising goals. Whether you host an in-person fundraiser, create a Facebook Fundraiser, utilize your employer’s matching gift program and/or a combination of strategies, there are a number of tactics you can use to guarantee success. Remember, sharing your “why” will compel your network to support you and our critical mission.  
• Your Training – Assess your level of fitness and create a training plan that suits your abilities. Remember, this is a ride, not a race! On event day, our volunteers and partners are here to make sure you stay hydrated     and well-nourished; you have places to rest and recover and a team of fellow riders by your side to keep you going. 
• Your Safety – Make some time in your schedule to get your bike inspected prior to the ride. You’ll receive more information about our bike safety requirements in the spring, but a bike inspection is required to ride the ACS Bike-A-Thon. We make it easy by partnering with local bike shops who will inspect your bike free of charge!   
• Your Plan – Think ahead and determine what you want your ACS Bike-A-Thon experience to look like. Will  you drive or receive a ride to your start point? Will you ride as part of a team or as an individual? Will you book a night in a hotel and spend the weekend down the shore? There are many considerations, so review our event updates carefully and create the best plan for you. 
• Your Support – Know that you are not alone. As part of our Bike-A-Thon community, you are raising life-saving funds and challenging yourself alongside thousands of other like-minded athletes to end cancer. We are all here to support, motivate and inspire you. Reach out to our staff, a committee member, a teammate, a friend or a supporter if you need a piece of information, a tip to help train better or advice on how to maximize your fundraising efforts – we're all here to help!  

New Rider FAQ

Q: What do I need and what don’t I need? 

A: Required: 

• Helmet
• Inspected Bike – check out our Training Prep & Health page for information on participating bike shop partners & inspections!
• Rider Credential

Suggested:

• Padded Shorts
• Gloves
• Inclement weather gear – rain or shine event
• Water Bottle
• Food - Our rest stops are conveniently located approximately every 10 to 15 miles along the route. Rest stops are fully stocked with donated food and drinks including fruit, energy bars, water, sports drink, ice, etc. If you have special dietary needs and allergies, we are not able to guarantee the content of donated food.

Q: How do I start fundraising?

A: Check out our new rider fundraising starter guide located below. You can also check out our Fundraising page for located here for more information.

Q: Is there a fundraising minimum?

A: You must raise the $250 minimum by June 6, 2026, to be eligible to ride on June 7, 2026. Your registration fee does not count toward the fundraising requirement.

Q: Do I need to be on a team?

A: No, riders can choose to participate individually or on a team. Consider joining a team or starting one as it builds a sense of community and is an effective way to raise more awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. If you’re interested in joining a team, we have a team specifically for new riders that we can connect you with!

Q: What do I do if my bike breaks down?

A: Pull over to a safe open area where you can rest, turn your bike upside down (this will alert our SAG drivers you need help!) and then call the emergency number on your wristband. They will ask for your location and arrange for one of our SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles to pick you up and take you to the closest rest stop. There, one of our bike shop partners can assist you with fixing your bike. If your bike is not able to be repaired, a sweeper bus can take you to the end point.

Q: Are there bathrooms along the route?

A: Yes, our rest stops are conveniently located approximately every 10 to 15 miles along the route. Rest stops are fully stocked with donated food and drinks including fruit, energy bars, water, sports drink, ice, etc. Rest stops also include portable rest room facilities, volunteer mechanics from local bike shops and first aid. Water stops at shorter intervals between rest stops, are only stocked with water, ice and portable rest room facilities.

Q: Do I need bike-specific clothing?

A: Cycling apparel is designed to enhance your riding experience: for example, cycling shorts have padding built in for extra comfort when riding. Cycling shoes are also a great investment for serious cycling as they provide support and a grip on your pedals, especially for long-distance rides as it will contribute to keeping up a fast pace.

Q: Do I need to know how to change a tire if I get a flat?

A: While it’s a benefit to know how to change a flat, there is Support to assist you. If your tire is flat, call the emergency number on your wristband. They will arrange for one of our SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles to come, pick you up and take you to the closest rest stop. There one of our bike shop partners can assist you with fixing your flat. If your bike is not able to be repaired, a sweeper bus can take you to the end point.

Q: Are bike saddles uncomfortable?

A: The saddle of a bike is the seat. Bike saddles have an unfair reputation of being uncomfortable. You need a narrow seat to be able to pedal efficiently.  While it’s counterintuitive, wide, highly cushioned saddles are less comfortable on longer rides and can lead to chafing.  Every new cyclist must grow accustomed to their bike saddle. As you are getting used to the seat, take short rides.  Always wear padded shorts – and, no, you don’t wear underwear with them!

Q: What do I do if it rains?

A: This is a rain or shine event.  Every person needs to decide if they are comfortable riding-in the rain. If you choose to ride in the rain, be sure to wear the appropriate rain gear, reduce your pace, apply the brakes earlier than usual when stopping, and watch for debris (as the rain will wash debris to the side of the road).

Q: Are we allowed to ignore traffic signs when doing the ride? 

A: The answer is NO! You must strictly obey all the rules of the road when riding.  The only exception is if a police officer (not a volunteer!) tells you it’s OK to proceed through a stop sign or traffic light. Following traffic regulations not only ensures a safer experience for everyone but also fosters better relationships with drivers and other individuals along the route. Your cooperation is vital. 

Q: What do all those hand and verbal signals mean?

A: Cyclists use numerous signals to communicate not only with traffic, but with each other.  Be familiar with these signals and use them when you ride:

VERBAL SIGNALS

• “On Your Left” – a rider is approaching and passing you on the left.  Ride steadily and allow room to pass.
• “Car Back” – there is a car approaching from the rear. 
• “Gravel / Pothole / Debris /Tracks” – used to indicate some obstacle in the road.  This is often coupled with a hand signal pointing to the obstacle.
• “Flat” – a rider has a flat tire and usually will be pulling over to fix it
• “Slowing/Stopping” – usually used with the hand signal above.  Some riders will also tap     their hip or backside when using this signal

First Time Rider Do’s and Don’ts

Month(s) Before

• DO ride your bike and train for the route option you will be doing
• DO fundraise early
• DO get your bike inspected at a participating bike shop*
• DO attend the Monthly Meet & Greets – date/time/location TBD

* Alternatively, you can have your bike inspected at your local shop and carry the receipt with you during the ride as proof of the inspection. Failure to do so may result in charges for any necessary repairs.

Week Before

• DO ride easy – no hard training (too late!!)
• DO manually inspect your bike
• DON’T change anything that isn’t broken

Day Before

• DO layout your gear the night before (including pinning number on jersey)
• DO put your rider number on your bike
• DO get a good night’s sleep
• DO get the proper gear for the forecasted weather 
• DON’T eat anything new or unusual – stick with carbs that you eat regularly

Day Of

• DO eat a good breakfast
• DO fill up your water bottles at home
• DO stop at the rest stops – they are there for a reason
• DO drink often – drink before you’re thirsty
• DO obey all traffic laws – we don’t own the road despite our numbers
• DON’T use any new gear – stick with stuff you’ve used before and are comfortable with
• DON’T ride faster than what you’re used to – you’ll be tempted to hook up with faster riders but it’s a really easy way to get fatigued early
• DON’T bring too much food with you – there will be plenty at the rest stops. Carry as little as possible

At the End Point

• DO follow instructions and park your bike in the designated bike valet area only
• DO look for someone with a Staff or Volunteer lanyard if you have any questions
• DO get something to eat and drink – replenish all the calories and fluids you lost with 60 minutes after finishing. Visit one of the food trucks to redeem your lunch     ticket.
• DON’T stay in your cycling clothes too long. Sweaty shorts breed bacteria, so shower and change as soon as possible

Fundraising Starter Guide

Kickstart Your Fundraising Journey!

Set a fundraising goal- Aim high! 

Make a self-donation- Kickstart your fundraising and show others that you’re leading the way. 

Personalize your page- Did you know you can raise up to 6x more by personalizing your fundraising page? Share why the mission and this ride are important to you and make sure your family and friends know it's YOUR page when they click the link. 

Add Fundraising Milestones- Create mini goals that will inspire your donors to give a little extra. Choose between mission-based milestones to show donors how their support is making an impact or add your own to personify how you like to fundraise. For example, if you raised $500 last year, consider adding a message like, “Last year my biggest milestone was $500. Help me reach that again!” 

Add Fundraising Link to Your Emails - Include your fundraising link on all outgoing emails and texts. Also, re-record your voicemail to include a mention about Bike-A-Thon and a request to contact you about donating. 

Donor Incentives- Set any kind of prize, item, or giveaway for incentives. For instance, one participant offered to make cookies for anyone who donated $100. 

Matching Gifts - Many companies offer matching gifts, which double or even triple donations with no extra effort on your end. 

QR Codes - Create a QR code then print it out to use for fundraising events or just save it directly to your phone and pull it up to show it to friends and family so they can quickly scan it with their phone and donate. If you need help creating a QR code reach out to our staff partners!

Utilize your Training! 

Create a Workout Playlist - Have anyone who donates $5 add one song of their choice to your workout playlist! *Recommended for indoor workouts/riding only* 

Utilize DetermiNation ribbons - For every $5 someone donates you will dedicate a ribbon in honor or in memory of their loved one. On event day, you can wear your ribbons on a loop, safety pin them on your back, or keep them on you somehow in any other creative and meaningful way! This will give you purpose with every mile. Reach out to your ACS staff partner for ribbons if interested. 

 Donation-Based Workout - Go online and let your donors know for every $1 they donate you will do one squat, or for every $5 they donate you will do 5 burpees. Get creative and choose your favorite exercises for a donation-based workout.  

The Power of Social Media! 

Use your social media pages - Did you know people raising funds through social media raise 7x more than ones who don’t?  

Create a Facebook Fundraiser - Connecting your Facebook Fundraiser is easy. Watch this video to learn how and check out this guide for step-by-step instructions. 

Download the ACS FUNdraising app - Through the ACS Mobile App you can ask for donations easily and personally through email and LinkedIn.  You also have the ability to update your personal profile and share your story and Who Are You Riding For, along with the ability to keep track of your fundraising goals and progress. Participants that use the FUNdraising appraise up to 43% more online than average participants.  Download is available on the App Store or Google Play Store. 

Give your campaign a unique hashtag - Use it consistently throughout your training to share your story about why you're training and riding Bike-A-Thon. Don’t forget to tag us @phillybike #acsbikeathon! 

Use your hobbies to your advantage. 

Studies show that if you do a fundraiser with a personal touch such as something you're interested in, or a creative idea people around you are more likely to donate to your cause. This means you can turn your favorite holiday, hobby, or even recipe into a fundraiser! See some ideas listed below: 

Silent / Online Auction - This can be a great way to get your local community involved! Host a silent or online auction where you can have local businesses donate goods and items or work with local artists in the area to contribute pieces of art that you know people will love. Maybe you’re a creative yourself and you could auction your own pieces off! 

Happy Hour - Host a Happy Hour. Grab your teammates, friends, family and co-workers to show up at your place or your favorite restaurant or pub — this can be a great way to recruit new members as well. Work with location you choose to have tickets available for your invited guest that include discounts for food or drinks! 

Garage Sale - Go through your things and see what you can sell at a garage sale! This can be a great way to repurpose your old stuff for a great cause. 

Trivia Night - Organize a trivia night with friends and family. Host one at a favorite local community spot or at your home! Sell tickets for the event that will go towards your fundraiser or do a 50/50 drawing at the end of the night to encourage your team members and more to come out and support you. 

Football Squares – Football squares are a fun and easy way to raise funds towards your efforts. Plus, you are giving your donors a chance to win! For detailed instructions or templates, simply Google “Football Square Fundraiser”. 

Bake Sale – Enjoy baking as a hobby? Use this opportunity to sell cookies to your family members, colleagues, and friends where funds can go towards your Bike-A-Thon fundraiser.