Hey, What Am I Doing On THIS Page?
I love hearing from you -- it’s probably the best part of the job. But when it starts to get busy, it can be hard to answer every email as quickly as we’d like. Here are answers to the most popular questions:
How do I know that my credit card information is secure during on-line registration?
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1.Trust us.
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2.Read our incredibly dull high-tech information explaining how all credit card transactions are processed through an encrypted web site by clicking here.
Wait, does the ride start on Friday or Saturday? I don’t get it.
The first actual day of pedaling is SATURDAY. Of course like most rides we start pretty early in the morning, so many people will want to head to Amherst on FRIDAY, stay overnight, and wake up right on campus. Staying on campus Friday night is OPTIONAL.
“Do I have to raise money for charity or not?”
No. Some people really like to raise money for charity while they ride; some people don’t. You have three choices:
* Pay the ride fee. That’s it; you’re done.
* Raise $350 for the UMass scholarship fund. Pay 1/2 price.
* Raise $700 or more for the UMass scholarship fund. Ride free!
Complete details can be found during on-line registration.
“Is there a ride on Sunday or not?”
YES. On SATURDAY we’ll do The Farm Ride Century, and we go all-out -- fantastic rest stops, marked routes, route sheets, bike repair, full S.A.G. support; the works. SUNDAY is a day of riding at leisure. (Some people will want to ride, and some will want to rest or shop or go paddling on the Northampton River -- your choice!) We’ll STILL have marked routes, route sheets, bike repair at the start line, and S.A.G. support. The only difference is that we will not have bike repair along the route or full rest stops. We WILL provide a road-food buffet at breakfast so you can fill your pockets or saddlebag with snacks to take with you on the road (and you’ll pass stores along the route).
“I want to change the distance I’ll pedal on ride day.”
No problem-o! This happens ALL the time! (The truth is that we ask you this information in advance just so we can ESTIMATE how many people to expect where and when). You can decide which routes you want to do right at the start line!
BUT...
“I didn’t sign up for the optional transportation from Manhattan (or the lodging), but now I need it after all.”
Transportation and lodging WILL sell out. If you need these services, be SURE to register for them in advance. If you show up in Manhattan Friday evening and you did not register for transportation, we’ll do our best, but we can NOT guarantee you a lift. (And we’ll charge you some ridiculous price, depending on what snotty mood we’re in!) If you’ve already registered for the ride but forgot to sign up for lodging or transportation, it’s easy to make the change -- just go back to on-line registration again by clicking here. Go through registration again (sorry!) When it asks you to pick your category, the one you want is called “Transportation/Lodging/Souvenirs” and it was created just for this purpose.
“I signed up for the ride, but now I can’t make it.”
Sorry, but there are no refunds. Of any kind. For any reason. EVER. Why the hard line on refunds? The answer here. You can also find info there on how to sell your spot in the ride, or transfer your registration to another of our cool events.
Still have a question?
Are you SURE? Each year I answer a zillion emails and they tend to fall in to four categories:
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1.Things that were explained on this web site in excruciating detail. (“What is the date of the ride?” “How do I register?” “Is the ride in Amherst, MA?”) By the way, this sort of question seems to come almost exclusively from law-firm senior partners, bank vice-presidents, and pharmaceutical company CEOs. Hmm...
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2.Unbelievably insane questions: "The web site says to arrive at morning check-in any time between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. What time should I arrive at morning check-in?" Not to worry -- I’ve asked questions that are much more insane than this!)
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3.The unanswerable: "How long will it take me to do the 66-mile route?" (I dunno -- how fast can you pedal a bicycle?)
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4.You gotta be kidding: "Can I start the ride from in front of my friend’s house, skip morning check-in, do the route in reverse order, and then get a lift to a Thai restaurant after the ride?" (Umm... No.)
If you're REALLY sure that you STILL have a question, I would be more than happy to help. (Honest!) Besides the usual batch of nutty emails, I get lots of notes every year from people with important, sensible questions and great advice for making the ride better, and I’d be delighted to hear from you. Send your email to questions@ thefarmride.com and I will answer it personally.
We Love You -- No; really! This time I mean it!
If you want more details, click here to go to the next page, or use the navigation menu at the top of your screen.
Glen
Your tour director and humble servant
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Photo By Clarence Eckerson of your tour director and humble servant, Glen, on a good day at the office
