How much does the ride cost? That depends on which options you pick, and when you sign up. Figure about $67 - $174, depending on which options you choose.
Where does your ride fee go?
Now THAT is an excellent question, and you might be surprised by the answer.
Well, let’s see...
I get paid -- this is what I do for a living. I used to have a big-money Madison Avenue marketing job, and I bailed on it so I could create bike rides for a living. Now I earn about the same as a junior fry cook at McDonald’s, but I’m not complaining -- I love my work, and I love hanging out with you, so I’m the luckiest boy in the USA.
For some reason this news seems to shock some people, and I never quite understand why. The tour directors of BIKE NEW YORK, the Tour de Cure, the MS rides, the TA Century... they all get paid too. (They don’t get paid nearly enough for their superb work, but they DO get paid).
MOST of the money from the ride fees gets spent on you, as it should. We spend on trucks to transport gear and bikes (this is our largest expense), walkie-talkie rental (vital, but insanely expensive), food and more food (yay!), insurance (LOTS of insurance!), permit fees...
Having said all of that, it is important to me that we share what we have. In the past my rides have raised money for the American Red Cross, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, autism, a Water Mill, NY girl in need of expensive life-saving surgery, and local bicycle organizations. This year money from The Ride to Montauk will go to non-profit organizations in the towns that we pedal through, such as the Lynbrook Jr. Fire Department (above), and the Water Mill Museum.
Talk of money makes some people twitchy, and we understand that there are a lot of opinions out there. Questions? Comments? Always glad to hear from you!
Glen
Your tour director and humble servant
Money
Photo of the Lynbrook Jr. Fire Dept. They’ll be helping us at Rest Stop #1
