Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I don't have a bike?
A: If you do not have a bike we recommend that everyone buy one. Biking can be a great way to maintain physical fitness and is an economical and eco-friendly means of transportation. If you are looking to purchase a bike from an area bike shop we recommend that you visit one of our bike sponsor shops Spokes inc. or Big Wheel Bikes. There are many advantages to buying local, the shop can help fit you, tune your bike, recommend accessories and answer your questions. If you are looking for a less expensive brand and are not picky about brand name we recommend a few online sites like www.bikesdirect.com and www.nashbar.com.
If you are not in the market to purchase we recommend that you rent one. If you choose this route we recommend that you find a way to train as frequently as possible on a borrowed or rented bike. B2B has two rental bikes that registered riders may request to borrow for training rides. Bike to the Beach will put together a rental package for the day of the ride. In the past, the cost of rental has been $50 for the weekend. In the weeks leading up to the ride we will be asking those interested in renting a bike for the day of the ride for sizing information. After the ride B2B will return the bike for you.
Q: What kind of bike do I need?
A: Riders have done the Century Ride event on all types of bikes in the past; however, we strongly recommend that individuals use a road bike. While finishing B2B is possible on other styles of bikes, road bikes will make for the easiest ride. Bike to the Beach is open to tandems, recumbents, etc. Tandem riders must each register individually.
Q: Do I have to raise money?
A: Yes, all riders pledge to raise a minimum of $500. While this may seem intimidating, most riders have raised an average of over $1,000 dollars in the past.
Q: What do I volunteers do?
A: Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs the day of the ride. Check out our volunteer page at biketothebeach.org for further details.
Q: I don't want to ride, how can I get involved?
A: You can volunteer, donate in support of a rider, and/or register as a fundraiser on our fundraising website.
Q: When is the B2B Century Ride?
A: July 31st As a point of tradition, B2B is held on the weekend closest to the 1st of August.
Q: What time do we leave?
A: Early Morning between 4:30-5:00 AM.
Q: Where do you start?
A: Gonzaga College High School. Two blocks away from the US Capital.
Q: Can we leave our cars at the starting point for the day or weekend?
A: Yes, cars may be left at the starting line parking lot. They must be moved by the end of the weekend, and Bike to the Beach does not assume any liability for items in the car or damage to the car.
Q: How long is the ride?
A: 100 Miles (DC: Annapolis - 35 miles, 404:Bethany Beach - 68 miles).
Q: How long does it take?
A: The time that it takes is dependant on rider speed. The ride, including bus transportation time, has taken most riders between 6-11 hours. The course is 100 miles and most riders travel at an average speed between 13-25 mph which translates to 4-8 hours of actual pedaling time.
Q: What do you do for the Bay Bridge?
A: Riders will dismount their bikes at the World War II Memorial in Annapolis, MD. The bikes will be placed onto specially outfitted moving trucks, provided by Metropolitan Moving and Storage, for transportation to the drop off point and riders will be transported on chartered buses. The buses and trucks will take the riders and bikes to the junction of route 50 and 404 for unloading and the start of the second leg of the journey.
Q: Will there be bathrooms?
A: There will be porta-potties at the Start, the World War 2 Memorial, the junction of route 50 and 404, and Finish line festivities.
Q: Do you bike home?
A: Are you kidding?
Q: How do you get back from the beach? How does my bike get home?
A: Riders are encouraged to have friends or families meet them at the beach that can drive them home that evening or later in the weekend. Bike to the Beach will provide transportation back to the starting location on Friday evening July 31st for a small fee. Further details will be outlined in the newsletters as we approach the ride. Bikes will be transported on specially outfitted moving vans to a separate storage location, provided by Metropolitan Moving and Storage, to be picked up by individuals.
Q: Do you stop?
A: Stopping along the ride is optional. We do set up and provide multiple rest stops along the course that offer an assortment of food and hydration. There is 1-2 rest stop in the first leg of the trip and rest stops are approximately 15 miles apart on the second leg of the trip.
Q: What should I bring?
A: You will want to bring containers for water such as water bottle or camelback. You need to bring and wear a helmet. You need to have and use cateye/headlamp. We also recommend that you bring a source of sunscreen, spare bike tire tube, sunglasses, etc. While we will provide some of these, it is better to have them with you for immediate convenient use. If you have any particular nutritional or hydration brand or type, we recommend that you bring some of your own. Again we do offer food and hydration throughout the ride, but selection may vary at different rest stops.
Q: What is provided?
A: We will provide food and hydration along the route, as well as a mechanic to support major bike malfunctions. We provide transportation over the bay bridge for both your person and your bike.
Q: What do you do when you get to the beach?
A: Finish line gathering for family friends with music fun and food. Riders can stay at the beach for as long as they want, however, B2B will be officially over after the finish line party. There will be several informal/unsponsored gatherings for riders, friends, and family, ranging from a happy hour to a crab feast.
Q: Where can I stay when I get down to the beach? Are there discounts arranged with hotels/motels at the beach?
A: Unfortunately, Bike to the Beach has been unable to secure a discount at area hotels for our riders. Bike to the Beach does not assume liability for any events or actions once to the beach. WE do have events throughout the weekend, such as a crab feast on Saturday which riders are encouraged to stay for.
Q: What happens if I can't finish?
A: We have never had a rider not complete Bike to the Beach. However, we do have support vehicles that can aid a rider if necessary.
Q: What if I get a flat tire/ or my bike breaks? A: We would like all riders to know how to change tires. If you have trouble changing your own tire, other riders may be able to help. We do have mechanics with the ride that can help with major mechanical malfunctions and will put preference towards those issues. Smaller issues such as flat tires will have a lower priority and thus may take quite a while for mechanics to get.
Q: Are there training rides?
A We encourage riders to train extensively on their own. Bike to the Beach does have organized training rides throughout the summer on weekends that are scheduled on our events on our ride page or on our events Calender.
Q: How much do I need to train?
A: Riders are encouraged to train as much as possible before the ride. For further recommendations, look at our training guide at biketothebeach.org/training.php. You should be able to maintain about a 15 mph pace for a significant amount of mileage.