Tour FAQs
We believe the shared sacrifice of a cycling tour can help people discover God at work in the world and in us.
We desire to live out the biblical mandate God called His people to follow in Isaiah 1:17 to “seek justice, encourage the oppressed, and defend the cause of the fatherless."
Preparation
Colorado Mountain Tour
This tour is for cyclists who enjoy climbing. Your training for this tour should prepare you to climb 3000 - 4000 ft per day.
You should be comfortable cycling 13-14 mph for 50 to 60 miles.
Training makes the experience safer and more enjoyable for you and others on your team. Training also can minimize the chance of injury that can occur by overexerting your body on long physical days. Training will insure your body is ready and help you focus on the kids at the HOME OF HOPE. When your body's prepared you can fully experience seeing the beautiful State of Colorado from your bike and the works God is performing throughout the week.
This page provides some great training plans. Level 301 might be a good guideline for FRONT RANGE TOUR; Level 401 for COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOUR. (https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/bicycle-tour-training/)
We encourage you to train with a partner or group. We can connect you with experienced riders who can help you with your training goals.
We will ride as a team on well planned routes. There will be lots of opportunities, if desired, for individuals help set a pace for part of the day.
The designated team leader will verify routes and make final decisions on route changes, weather delays, etc.
Each participant is strongly encouraged to undergo a sports physical by a doctor before the trip. We rely on your medical provider’s expertise to know your physical capabilities and restrictions. Each participant will be required to sign a waiver certifying their medical ability to complete the tour.
Colorado Mountain Tour
The team will shuttle to Gunnison from Fort Collins on Thursday, July 18. If desired, individuals may arrange their own transportation to Gunnison. Time permitting, we'll plan a short team training ride that afternoon.
At our team dinner that evening we'll begin team-building, discuss tour procedures and group safety, and provide background about the issue of human trafficking.
We’ll also offer optional opportunities for team members to do training rides together in the weeks prior to the tour.
Dates would change only due to extreme unforeseen circumstances. We reserve the right to change routes due to safety and road conditions. Routes or daily destinations may change to maintain safety, meet tour goals, and engage as many people as possible in the cause. Any changes will be communicated to the enrolled participants as soon as possible.
Fundraising
No. You may personally contribute all or part of the ride fee. However, your participation in this tour is a wonderful opportunity to create awareness among friends, family, and co-workers about the issues of human trafficking and sexual slavery. You can do this by inviting them to sponsor your ride. As sponsors you’re giving them an opportunity to share in your efforts.
You will find that most people in your circle actually appreciate this opportunity.
Please note that $250 is the only required fee. The additional $500 is a suggested (but not required) amount.
- Ask your employer. Many companies offer community service grants, employee sponsorships, or matching funds programs.
- Ask friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers for per-mile donations.
- Ask donors to talk to their companies about matching funds programs that might double their personal contribution.
Yes. If you connect us with a company that makes an in-kind donation that reduces our cash expenses, we’ll credit your account for the value of that donation. Examples might be grocery or gas cards. Please contact Becky (970-218-1374) to work out details.
$250 is the only "required" contribution. We encourage riders to solicit sponsors or supporters to raise additional funds for the Home of Hope.
Your nonrefundable $250 deposit is due by April 30, 2024.
100% of all donations go to the Home Of Hope. Ride expenses are paid by generous community sponsors.
Your supporters’ contributions, along with your own deposits and payments, are all considered tax-credited donations to Project Rescue. All donations are tax-deductible, non-refundable, and non-transferable to the fullest extent of IRS regulations.
Food, transportation during the trip, and team jerseys are provided. Participants are responsible for the following expenses: bike, helmet (required!) and other cycling gear, personal entertainment, personal toiletries, and any extra snack food. Participants are responsible for the cost of any bike maintenance/repairs throughout the trip.
On The Road
The items for which you would typically use personal money would be any last-minute gear, repairs, personal items, and snacks such as ice cream and candy.
The team will stay each night at GUNNISON COMMUNITY CHURCH. We suggest all participants bring a camping pad or blow-up mattress.
We will ride 50 - 80 miles daily, with options each day for different abilities and desires. No one will be required to ride beyond their capability. Safety first—always.
We will make our best efforts to get you to the nearest medical help or resources. In the event that you cannot participate for part of the tour, we will assess the options, which include riding in the support vehicle until you feel well enough to participate or going home.
You should ALWAYS carry identification, insurance card, emergency contact information, and cell phone. Always ride with at least one other person. They will do their best in emergency situations to contact tour leaders and get you the quickest medical assistance.
Road are paved. Surfaces, shoulder widths, and traffic conditions vary greatly. We select the safest possible routes, but you should always ride defensively. Bring appropriate clothing for changing Colorado weather. In the case of severe weather, lightning, or dangerous road construction we will wait it out, shuttle, or reroute. This will be at the discretion of the designated leader.
Please communicate any dietary restrictions prior to the trip week. Our SAG team takes the lead in meal preparation, supported by the rest of the team. Breakfast is usually cereal, granola, fruit, etc. We’ll eat lunch out of a cooler on the road. We will provide a variety of snacks throughout the day. A healthy diet is an important element to having an enjoyable trip. Many evenings we may be given a meal by a host; on these occasions, our leaders will do their best to communicate any dietary restrictions.
On The Road
During the trip, free time is limited. We understand that people need “down time” to rest and refuel, so we create that space as much as possible. After a day of cycling, the rest of your day will/can include: showers, meal time, team sharing, a possible event at the host location, running errands, blogging, relaxing, or sight-seeing.
Yes. Daily group devotions are an integral aspect of the tour experience. The community-building aspect of the team—living and working in close proximity, serving each other, and experiencing the shared sacrifice of a difficult physical challenge—creates many opportunities for spiritual growth. We hope these opportunities open doors to life-shaping experiences. Participants are challenged to identify with Christ’s sacrifice, compassion, courage and character.
Mornings typically start with a short devotion and prayer. We’ll begin each ride with “helmets up,” a tradition borrowed from our friends at VENTURE that reminds us why and for whom we’re riding.
Many of our hosts are churches, and we will attend church services and present the cause as we are invited to do so. Participants are expected to be aware and respectful of spiritual differences in teammates, churches, and hosts.
We are also aware and respectful that each participant is at a different place spiritually.
Generally speaking, yes. While we won’t usually ride as a single large group, we want the team to ride in smaller clusters within sight of one another for safety, support, and team bonding. We definitely don’t want anyone riding alone or left behind. Journeying alongside one another can make the experience more colorful and beneficial. Sharing your highs and lows as we travel together is what will make this journey life-changing for you. We’ll also encourage you to ride with and get to know different people each day.
No, and you won’t be required to speak if you don’t want to do so. At the beginning of the trip, we will offer some ideas about how to present the cause and we will prepare you to speak (if you wish) to different audiences about the cause. We believe we are called to advocate in our own way, as Proverbs 31: 8-9 says: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
You should be comfortable with changing tubes and fixing flats. Team members will be able to assist with these routine items. Other repairs will require transportation to a local shop. You should bring spare tires/tubes and patch kits.
We encourage you to have your bike inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to the tour.
Yes. We will operate as a team of servant leaders. Many hands make light work for all. Everyone will be expected to participate in routine daily tasks while on the road. Trip chores may include but are not limited to assisting with laundry, cooking, packing and unpacking gear, cleaning, as well as engaging with our hosts and participating in the events they organize.
During the trip, we’ll try to arrange opportunities to raise money and awareness. We’re making plans to speak along the route with churches, youth groups and community groups. We’ll ask hosts to organize local events when it's appropriate. There may be opportunities for media interviews. We encourage you to actively engage your social media communities. The majority of your advocacy will come from your daily interactions with the public. You will have many opportunities to dialogue with people you meet at a grocery store or gas station while you are going about your daily business.
