Fundraising Progress
We recently surpassed $800,000 in fundraising! Thank you all for your efforts!
Almost 50% of Toronto People With AIDS Foundation's annual operating budget comes from the fundraising efforts of our amazing Friends For Life Bike Rally participants. We still need over $400,000 to beat last year's record-breaking year. Even if you've reached your fundraising minimum please don't stop now. We still need your help!
Need a little encouragement?? For the month of July we are having a contest. For every $250 of fundraising done online (only) participants will receive one entry into a draw to win a trip for 2 up to a value of $5,000 from Out Adventures (airfare not included). Thank you to our fundraisers and to our sponsors Out Adventures and Intrepid Travel for their amazing support of the Bike Rally.
Just a reminder that the cut-off date for the Bike Rally fundraising minimum is June 30, 2011. This deadline is essential for planning and budgeting - to make final adjustments to food, accommodations and other expenses with vendors prior to their cut-off dates.
Thank you so much for your passion, enthusiasm and commitment to Toronto People With AIDS Foundation and the Friends For Life Bike Rally.
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Queen's Accommodations - Update
There was wonderful news this week from Queen's University. The Martial Arts Conference that has bumped us out of our usual air conditioned space has just released a large block of their rooms (approximately 200) and they have been offered to the Bike Rally. We held a random participant lottery and these rooms have been offered to the lucky winners.
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Bike Rally Ambassador Initiative
We could use your help to spread the word about our Bike Rally Ambassador Initiative, which is new this year. In brief, we are looking for public figures (i.e. celebrities, sports figures, media personalities, politicians, etc.) to endorse the Bike Rally in a small way (e.g. Tweet) or big way (e.g. cycle with us), or anything in between. If you know of someone who you think might be interested in becoming a Bike Rally Ambassador please email
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with details.
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Trip of a Lifetime Raffle Tickets
If you still have unsold raffle tickets that you do not think you will be able to sell please return them to PWA ASAP so that they can be reassigned to other participants. All tickets are currently out and we have participants sold out and looking to sell more.
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Wellness Members Still Needed
Crew are essential to the Bike Rally as they provide a wide range of support - from transporting gear to serving nutritious meals as well as providing medical and emotional support. If you have friends or family
who would like to join our Crew, please ask them to contact Katherine, PWA Special Events Coordinator, at 416-506-1400 ext. 238 or by email at
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.
In particular, we are looking for Massage Therapists, EMS and a Chiropractor to join our Wellness Team. Please visit the Volunteer page of the Bike Rally website for details.
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Calling All Yoga Instructors
We are looking for participants who are Yoga instructors and willing to volunteer to lead sessions during the Bike Rally. Typically, we've had classes at the end of each day, just before dinner. If you are a Yoga instructor and are interested in leading classes please email
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Participant Code of Conduct
The Friends For Life Bike Rally is dedicated to creating an accepting, safe and supportive community for all participants while still having fun. We all have a role to play in creating this type of environment. Please read our Participant Code of Conduct for full details on policies and procedures. |
Event Handbook and New Fundraising Poster
If you missed the Big Meeting and didn't pick up a copy of the Event Handbook visit the downloads page of www.bikerally.org for a copy. Also available for download is the new fundraising poster (8.5"x11"), or printed version (11"x17") by pickup at PWA offices.
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Riders: Does Your Bike "Fit"?
"No pain, no gain" is not always true. If riding causes pain you might not be fitted properly to your bike. It is highly recommended that you address any pains now, while there is still time to work out the kinks. Don't wait until the week of the Bike Rally when you're riding every day, all day! Some discomfort is normal when you're getting used to a new bike, or a new position (if you've recently altered the set-up of your bike), but your bike should not cause you pain. Visit a local shop that will do a proper fitting
with you. Some of our supporting shops offer fitting services including Cycle Solutions and Hello Velo.
Appointments are usually required for fittings so make sure to call and book well in advance.
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Bike Maintenance and Tune-up
Here are some helpful tips regarding bike maintenance. Don't delay; book your bike tune-up today!
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100 KM Deadline Passed
This is an important reminder that this past weekend, June 25/26, marked the deadline to complete a 100km training ride. If you have not already completed a ride of at least 100 km please be sure to get one in ASAP. Remember that long rides now will set you up for success on the Bike Rally and allow you to work out any issues with your bike ahead of time. |
Bike Rally - Special Dietary Needs
you require lactose-free or gluten-free meals during Bike Rally please let us know by Monday, June 27, 2011. Please contact James Achoneftos, Bike Rally Assistant, at 416-506-1400 ext. 256 or by email at
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.
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Rider License Plates
If you require a replacement license plate for the Bike Rally please contact Tom Eatock, Bike Rally Assistant, at 416-506-1400 ext. 255 or by email at
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. Any unclaimed or replacement License Plates will be available for pick-up on Packing Day.
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Eating and Hydration
As we get into longer rides, you're probably starting to notice that your food and hydration needs are changing. If you feel your energy is running low while cycling, stop and eat a snack to recharge, and don't forget to continually hydrate. The amount and type of food you need might also change as your fitness level changes or depending on the weather and other factors.
While it's often trial and error getting to know how your body reacts to certain kind of foods and when they should be eaten, here are some tips to help you figure out what might work for you.
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The Packing List
Have you had a chance to preview the packing list yet? If not, now's a great time to take a peek and start thinking ahead about anything you may still need to buy or borrow.
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About Us
On July 24, 2011, 400 courageous individuals will embark on an incredible journey. For six days, our riders will cycle more than 600km from Toronto to Montreal with the support of a fabulous crew, and in doing so will raise thousands of dollars for men, transmen, transwomen, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. The experience promises to have a profound impact on the lives of each and every participant.
Friends For Life Bike Rally 2011
c/o Toronto People With AIDS Foundation
200 Gerrard St. East, 2nd floor
Toronto, Ontario M5A 2E6
416-506-1400 ext 238
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Bike Rally Statistics
Riders: 321
Crew: 90
Funds Raised: $800,000
(As of the date of this e-News.)
Personal Fundraising Events
If you are considering having an event please let us know and we can help you promote it on our online events calendar and Facebook Page. Please contact the
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for assistance and more information. Also, please remember that the usage and reproduction of the Bike Rally or PWA names and/or logos must be pre-approved through the
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, to ensure proper usage and that existing sponsorship contracts, commitments and legal requirements are met.
For more information, guides, FAQs and request forms please visit the Participant Fundraising page.
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Tighty Whitey Car Wash - Save The Date
PWA is proud to announce that we will again be partnering with Steamworks on Sunday July 17, 2011 from noon to 4 p.m. for the 5th annual Tighty Whitey Car Wash in the alleyway beside Steamworks on Church Street. Mark your calendars for this fun fundraiser. More details to follow.
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