Packing

Please take note

Bike Rally Participants are responsible for their own tents, sleeping bags/bedding and air mattress/sleeping pads, etc. Air pumps are available in each parked Rubbermaid Rustler truck to assist in the inflation of air mattresses.

Due to space and weight limitations, "BYO Beds" (air mattress with collapsable / accordian-like metal bed frame and wheeled carrying case) ARE NOT ALLOWED on the Rally. Anyone bringing these to Packing Day will be asked to take them home and return with a simple air mattress the same day. There will be no access to trucks or bins on Departure Day.

2010 Packing Day Information

Date
Saturday, July 24, 9:00am-1:00pm

Location
Collége Français, 100 Carlton St (north side, at Jarvis St)

The day before we depart for Montreal, all participants must pack their gear for transport on the ride. You must register before you pack and this can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.

Packing can also take as much time so give yourself at least an hour to do everything – we recommend that you arrive no later than 11am.

Registration

Inside Collége Français, you will:

  • Sign in and pick up a check-list to ensure that you complete the entire registration process. You will receive a name tag - please wear your name tag at all times during the Bike Rally.
  • Hand in any outstanding pledges (Riders are required to have raised a minimum of $2,200. If you are below your minimum you must make up the difference before you proceed by either cash or certified cheque).
  • Everyone must submit Participant Waiver, Medical Form and Wellness Consent forms. A photocopy of your health card (front and back) is also required. As well, riders need to fill out a Rider Agreement form, and crew must fill out a Crew Agreement form. These forms can be mailed to PWA or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Those who don’t fill out the forms ahead of time will be asked to do so on packing day. Please note: sending the forms ahead of time helps speed up check in at packing day.
  • You wil receive eight labels for your bins.
  • Riders will pick up route maps and license plate to install on their saddle.
  • Pick up your Rider jersey or Crew T-shirt. You must take the size you ordered when you registered - if you want a different size, you must wait until other riders ordering that size are accounted for.
  • Pick up any other free goodies!
  • Sign the thank-you cards that will be sent to our generous sponsors .
  • Proceed outside to pick up your two Rubbermaid bins and pack.

Packing

Each participant gets two 106-litre bins that measure approximately 32" x 20" x 17" each.

Keep in mind that the bins do not have an airtight seal. While the lid has an overhang which prevents water from getting in, you may wish to pack certain belongings into plastic ziplock bags for protection from dampness and insects. Separate large bins will be assigned to each truck for tents too large to fit in your bins.

While the Rustlers do secure the bins, some shaking may occur during shipping. Please do not pack anything breakable. Small, loose items should be packaged within your bin in some way. The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) and Bike Rally Crew members are not responsible for broken or missing goods.

Please consider that the Rustlers have to load and unload your bins each day – we ask that you not pack a lot of heavy items.

Remember, whatever you put in your bins, you will have to carry back to Toronto yourself. For this purpose, be sure to pack large duffle bags to put your gear in when you empty your bins in Montreal.

You will receive eight labels with your name and the letter of your designated truck. Place one label on each side of your bins so you will be able to locate them at each site.

Loading the trucks

Once your bins are packed, bring them to your assigned truck. You will meet the Rustler Crew member responsible for that truck who will help you load your bins securely.

Remember which truck it is as your bins will be on the same one all week.

Please note that once your bins are loaded onto the trucks, they will become quickly inaccessible as other bins are loaded in behind them. You will not be able to access your bins until our arrival at the Port Hope camping site at the end of Day 1, so do not pack items you need for Day 1, such as your route maps or Bike Rally jersey/shirt.

Food Bank Donation

On Packing day, we provide all Riders and Crew the opportunity to contribute to the PWA Food bank Program. The weekly food bank provides much needed food to an average of 350 people per month living with HIV/AIDS.

We will have collection bins on site to collect any food items you can bring in. Useful items are: canned meat, fish, vegetables, beans and/or fruit; pasta; pasta sauce; dry cereal; rice and beans; baby food and formula; peanut butter; powdered or canned milk; and/or any nutritious non-perishables you enjoy.

Most needed items are (in order of priority):

  • Milk Powder
  • Cereal, Cereal bars
  • Peanut butter
  • Ensure / Boost supplements
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruit
  • Protein bars
  • Any dry items in bulk packages will be portioned

All donations are greatly appreciated!

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 00:03

 
Banner