FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is The Ben to the Shore Bike Tour?
The Ben to The Shore Bike Tour is a 65 mile charity bike ride from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. We also offer a second starting point from Hammonton, NJ which is a 30 mile ride to Atlantic City.
What is the date of The Ben to The Shore Bike Tour?
Sunday, July 21, 2024.
What time does The Ben to The Shore Bike Tour start?
The 65 Mile Classic Route from Philadelphia starts at 7:00 AM. The 30 Mile Route from Hammonton will start at approximately 8:00 AM but is at the discretion of the Route Safety Director depending on weather and road conditions as well as rider speed.
Where do the funds from The Ben to The Shore Bike Tour go?
The funds from The Ben to The Shore Bike Tour benefit the Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation which is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our region's first responders and building healthy connections in the communities they serve. Click here to view a complete list of the 2023 Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation's beneficiaries.
REGISTRATION
How do I register?
Click here to register.
Is there a minimum donation required?
All riders must raise a minimum of $250 (this does not include your registration fee) in order to receive your participation bib.
Registration Fee Schedule
February 15, 2024 - March 31, 2024: $30
April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024: $50
May 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024: $75
July 1, 2024 - July 17, 2024: $100
July 18, 2024 - July 21, 2024: $350 (includes $250 fundraising minimum)
What happens if I register and do not reach the fundraising minimum?
In order to participate in the ride, each cyclist must raise a minimum of $250 + your registration fee. During registration, you'll have the option to provide permission for us to charge the credit card you used for payment for the balance of your fundraising minimum in order to ensure that you'll be able to participate in the ride.
For individuals, if you do not reach the $250 minimum by 12:00 AM July 21, 2024, you will not be assigned a bib and will not be able to ride. Checks, cash, and matching gifts must be received by FBBCF by July 1, 2024. Online and credit card donations will be accepted up to race time.
For team members, you must reach the $250 minimum by July 1, 2024 in order to be included with your team's bib group and be credited towards your team's fundraising goal for the preferred team start placement. After July 1, 2024, you may still participate if you reach your fundraising minimum, but you will receive a standard bib number and must pick it up during the assigned individual pick-up sessions.
Will matching donations be accepted towards my fundraising minimum?
Yes, we will accept matching donations from your employer towards your fundraising minimum as long as they are received by July 1, 2024. Any matching donations received after that date will be accepted as a general donation to the Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation.
How do I start my own team?
When you register you will have the ability to start a team and serve as the team captain or join an existing team. There are no requirements for the number of team members, we have teams as small as 2 people and as large as 200 people.
I registered as an individual and would like to be part of a team, how do I become part of a team?
1. Sign In to RunSignUp.com
2. At the top right of the screen, click on the "person" image and select My Profile from the dropdown menu
3. Click My Registered Races
4. Click Manage next to the registration to Manage
5. Click Fundraiser in the Top Menu to begin. The "Fundraiser" tab will redirect you to the "Donate" tab of the race page and the personal fundraiser options are opened up to you.
How do I receive my participant t-shirt & bib number?
Your t-shirt and bib can be picked up at the dates and times listed below. At this time we do not mail t-shirts and bibs but you can have someone pick them up for you. Team captains can email bike@fbbcf.org to set up a time to pick up t-shirts and bibs for their entire team.
Thursday, July 18, 2023 - 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Penn Room - 5th Floor)
Friday, July 19, 2023, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Spring Mill Campus, 555 E. North Lane, Conshohocken, PA 19428
Saturday, July 20, 2023, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Penn Room - 5th Floor)
How will I receive important information about the ride such as route changes, safety tips, and need-to-know information?
Important information will be emailed to the email address you used to register as well as posted on social media.
My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn’t ride but wants to help support the event. What can they do?
We offer a Virtual Participant option that lets you fundraise without riding. There is no set fundraising commitment and you can raise as much or as little as you'd like. We have added another fun component to the virtual option, called "What's Your 65?," where we encourage participants to do 65 of anything they'd like. From walking 65 miles to eating 65 donuts to playing 65 rounds of tennis, the options are endless. We also always need help from volunteers at the start, along the route, and at the after party. If you'd like to volunteer, please email bike@fbbcf.org or call 484-532-7274.
RUNSIGNUP
We've partnered with a new registration platform for 2024: RunSignUp. Our goal is to make registration, communication, and fundraising management easier for you and to make check-in and ride day more enjoyable for all involved. Our hope is that the user experience is much more intuitive, but should you have any questions, RunSignUp offers comprehensive support to users. Visit https://help.runsignup.com/support/home and search for any issues you may be having with the platform (ex. forgot password, setting up fundraising, joining a team after registration, etc.). If you are unable to find a solution, please contact bike@fbbcf.org or 484-351-8460 and we will do our best to assist.
Additionally, here are some helpful RunSignUp tutorials:
Access and Explore Your Profile: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062604-access-and-explore-your-profile
View/Edit Your Registration: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062920-view-edit-a-registration
Manage Your Fundraiser: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062930-manage-your-fundraiser
Team Captains: Email Your Team: https://7fa66476-972e-4d05-a22b-ee8eebc3bdcd.usrfiles.com/ugd/7fa664_20507c58f0734c5ba5ef2b33e8384888.pdf
DONATIONS
How do I submit donations?
We encourage you to utilize the online donation platform in RunSignUp to solicit and receive donations. Donors are able to pay online directly via credit card. These online donations are immediately applied towards your individual fundraising minimum and team totals. We will also accept donations via cash, check, money order, or cashier's check. You may mail checks to us at Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation, 555 E. North Lane, Suite 6060, Conshohocken, PA 19428. Make sure to include a note with the donations or write your name on the memo line so we know to whom the donation should be applied. We encourage cash donations be made in person at our office (same as above) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM). Please note that during ride season, we are frequently out of the office on site visits so call us at 484-532-7274 before you leave to confirm that someone will be here.
What if my donors want a receipt?
Each donor receives a receipt automatically after donating online. If they sent in a check, they will receive a receipt by mail. Please give up to 4 weeks for mailed receipts. If your donor did not receive a receipt, they can email bike@fbbcf.org or call 484-532-7274.
How do I split gifts between multiple riders?
Only cash and check donations can be split between riders. If you wish to split your donation, make sure to include a note with the rider names and the amount that each rider should receive.
Do you accept matching gifts?
Yes, matching gifts are accepted as long as they are received timely. Matching gifts can only be applied to a rider's fundraising minimum as long as they are received by FBBCF on or before July 1, 2024. Matching gifts can only be applied to a fundraising team's total or team member's bib grouping if they are received by FBBCF on or before July 1, 2024. It is the rider or donor's responsibility to ensure that the matching gifts are sent and received. FBBCF is unable to follow-up with companies or giving platforms to "chase" matching gifts. Additionally, we are unable to apply matching gifts that are "in-process" towards a fundraising minimum or team total prior to the ride. Finally, matching gifts must be received by August 15, 2024 in order to count towards incentive prizes.
I mailed in my donation but it is not listed on my fundraising page.
Give all donations at least 1 week to show up on your page. If you still don’t see the donation, please email bike@fbbcf.org or call 484-532-7274.
What can I do to make sure my donations are credited to my account?
Make sure when your friends and family donate online that they donate directly to your page. If they are mailing in checks please make sure they put your name in the memo or include a note that includes your name. Checks that are received with no specified cyclist noted will be marked as general donations.
What happens to the donations if I can no longer participate in the event?
All registration fees and donations are non-refundable. However, we can apply them as donations to another rider, a team, or to the event.
What is your Tax ID number?
20-8156916.
Are donations tax-deductible?
The Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation (FBBCF) is a registered non-profit organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible as provided to the extent of the law.
Are registration fees tax-deductible?
No, registration fees are not tax-deductible.
Incentive Prizes
To reward those who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts, we offer several incentive prizes. To view a list of this year's prizes, click here. All fundraising money, including matching gifts, must be received before August 15, 2024 to qualify for incentive prizes.
RIDERS
Where is the start location?
The 65 Mile Classic Route starts at 6th and Race Streets in Philadelphia and the 30 Mile Lite Route starts at the Kathedral Event Center at 499 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Where should I park?
In Philadelphia, there is metered street parking or there are plenty of lots where you can pay for parking. Most, but not all, street parking is free on Sunday. Please read all signs where you park, as some streets are not free and have time limits. Use Google or services like SpotHero if you would like to book parking in advance. Click here for a parking guide from Visit Philadelphia. In Hammonton, NJ parking is free with limited spots available across the street.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, you have to wear a helmet. It is the law. When you register for the event you are asked to accept a waiver that states that you will wear a helmet for the duration of the ride.
What types of bikes are allowed?
A road bike will definitely give you the easiest ride but all bikes are welcome - mountain, tandem, e-bikes, adaptive, trailers, etc.
Will sunscreen be provided?
No, please apply your own sunscreen liberally.
What time will the Ben Franklin Bridge be closed to traffic?
The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to traffic from 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM on Sunday, July 12, 2024.
What is the exact route for the event? Is the route the same as last year?
Click here to view turn-by-turn directions of the 65 Mile Classic Route. The 30 Mile Lite Route begins at Rest Stop 2 at mile marker 34.00. Please note that these directions are subject to change due to due to road closures, construction, etc. We will email you the final route directions approximately one week prior to the ride.
Are there rest stops along the route?
Yes, there will be 4 rest stops along the route:
REST STOP #1
FOP Lodge 56
235 Pine Avenue
West Berlin, NJ 08091
REST STOP #2
Kathedral Event Center
499 S. Egg Harbor Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037
REST STOP #3
Key Rec Field
701 S. Chicago Road
Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
REST STOP #4
Galloway Municipal Complex
300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road
Galloway, NJ 08205
Are there support vehicles along the route and police at busy intersections?
Yes, there will be bike assistance along the entire route. There will also be bike support at all rest stops. Police will be helping at specific intersections along the route. All police departments have been notified and are aware of our presence in their town.
What if I can’t finish riding?
If you are unable to finish the ride there will be support vehicles patrolling the route that will pick you up and drive you and your bike to Atlantic City.
Are the roads closed to cyclists only?
No, the route is along open roads. Please ride carefully. We do close the Ben Franklin Bridge, but the rest of the route is open to traffic. Please obey traffic laws.
Should I bring my own water?
Yes. There will be water available at the rest stops, but please come prepared with your own water.
How long does the ride usually take to complete?
Every rider is different; we cannot tell you how long it will take you specifically. Most riders finish in 4-5 hours, however, we give you until 1:30pm to cross the finish line. If you are not finished the ride by 1:30 pm support vehicles will take you to the finish line.
What if it rains?
The bike tour is a rain or shine event.
After the Ride
How do I get back to my starting point?
We provide buses back to both starting points. Buses begin loading at 2:30pm and will leave once full. You must pay $25 for this service by selecting it at registration or by adding after registration. Click here for instructions on how to do so.
Do cyclists have to pay for food at the after party?
No, food and beverages are free for cyclists and volunteers. Friends and family can enter the after party with a $20 donation.
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
