Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Team Challenge - Virginia Wine Country RideFAQs
Registration
Q: How many entries do Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and Team Challenge have for the Virginia Wine Country Ride?
A: There are an unlimited number of entries available for all three distances of this event (31, 62 or 100 miles). After the first 8-weeks, participants will have the ability to either recommit or drop from the program. We call this our recommitment period. At that time, teammates who recommit are required to fulfill their fundraising commitment of $2,000 by August 9, 2023.
Q: Why am I required to give credit card information at recommitment?
A: Teammates who choose to recommit on June 21, 2023 are required to fulfill their fundraising commitment of $2,000 by August 9, 2023. In the unlikely event that you do not reach your fundraising commitment by the deadline, your credit card on file will be charged the difference. Don’t worry — our team will be there every step of the way to help you reach and exceed your goal!
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: Yes, all participants must pay a $15 registration fee at the time of their registration.
Q: I have my own entry into the Virginia Wine Country Ride. Can I still be a part of Team Challenge?
A: Absolutely! We’d love for you to join Team Challenge. All teammates who fundraise $2,000 or more with Team Challenge receive a host of benefits and perks during training and event weekend. For this reason, we ask that anyone who would like to join Team Challenge, but has already registered with their own entry to the Virginia Wine Country Ride, to re-register as a member of Team Challenge. Once the $2,000 fundraising commitment has been reached, participants will be eligible for reimbursement of the expense incurred when initially registering on their own. Please contact Kat Gunsur-Smith for more information.
Q: What if I register and then can no longer participate?
A: Registered participants will receive an 8-week training guide and access to our coaches, bi-weekly team calls, and more. After the first 8-weeks, participants will have the ability to either recommit or drop from the program (recommitment deadline: June 21, 2023). Teammates who complete the recommitment paperwork (regardless of their ability to ride on race day) must fulfill their fundraising commitment of $2,000 by August 9, 2023. Please understand we need this assurance to continue to incur program costs and secure event weekend activity details on your behalf. If you feel uncertain about meeting your fundraising commitment, please connect with your team manager, Kat Gunsur-Smith, to evaluate your fundraising progress and get help in developing a successful course of action. We know that it is possible to raise the funds and we are here to help you reach your goal!
Virginia Wine Country Ride
Q: When is the 2023 Virginia Wine Country Ride?
A: The 2023 Virginia Wine Country Ride will take place on August 20, 2023.
Q: What can I expect at the Virginia Wine Country Ride?
A: The Virginia Wine Country Ride takes you through some of Virginia’s most beautiful and historic scenery. The Reston Bike Club will celebrate its 40th year hosting the Reston Bike Club Century, with ride distances of 31, 62 or 100 miles. Full of picturesque views, this ride features fun rest stops and treat offerings, including Sno-cones and salted watermelon. The ride will culminate with a post-race lunch and celebration you won’t want to miss. Additionally, the on-course support is unmatched, with "trail guides" riding the route, SAG support and bike mechanics. This untimed, casual ride allows participants to start anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Q: How do I find more information about the Virginia Wine Country Ride?
A: For more race day information, please visit the Virginia Wine Country Ride website.
Fundraising
Q: Is there a fundraising commitment?
A: Yes, all Team Challenge participants are required to raise funds and reach their fundraising minimum once they recommit after the first 8 weeks of the season (June 21, 2023). Fundraising commitments vary and are based on the event in which you are participating. To participate in the Virginia Wine Country Ride, you commit to raising $2,000. But not to worry, our team is there to help you reach your goals!
Q: Can I earn rewards for fundraising?
A: Yes! You’ll earn Team Challenge gear at each fundraising milestone you achieve and opportunities to win fundraising contests. You can view all the prizes and milestones here.
Q: When is the fundraising deadline?
A: To help keep you on track, there are two fundraising milestones in your Virginia Wine Country Ride journey. The first milestone is our recommitment period, which is halfway through the season (8-weeks). By this point, we recommend that you are at least a quarter of the way to your fundraising commitment. Participants will have the ability to fully commit to the fundraising minimum and deadline at that time, or drop from the program. The second milestone and final fundraising deadline is 10 days before your race date, August 9, 2023.
Q: I’m registered for the event but am no longer able to participate. Do I still need to raise funds?
A: Once you have signed the Team Challenge recommitment paperwork (June 21, 2023), you are officially committed to fundraising on behalf of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Due to the expenses incurred for teammates, and to ensure that a majority of the funds raised go towards the foundation’s mission, we do not allow drops from the program after that time. The fundraising minimums are set based on the program expenses to ensure that we keep our costs at no more than 25% of the funds raised. Thus, your commitment is extremely important, ensuring the credibility of the fundraising program to all of our donors. Recommitted participants, regardless of their ability to ride on race day, must fulfill their fundraising commitment.
Q: How do I raise money?
A: Once you register, you’ll receive access to your fundraising dashboard and a link to your personal fundraising page. You can create customized content, send emails, connect your fundraising page to a Facebook fundraiser and more. Plus, our extraordinary team will be there with you to help guide your fundraising and training every step of the way!
Q: To whom do I make checks payable and where do I mail it to?
A: Please make checks payable to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Read our offline donation form for more information.
Q: How do I ensure check donations are allocated toward my goal?
A: Please ensure that your name is on the check memo line of the donation before mailing it and accompanying any check donations with this offline donation form.
Q: Where does the money I raise go?
A: The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). More than 10 million people worldwide are affected by these diseases — when you hit the streets of Virginia, you’ll be riding for them.
Perks
Q: What perks does Team Challenge offer?
A: When you join the Team Challenge family, you’ll receive your Team Challenge T-shirt, cycling jersey, ride entry to the Virginia Wine Country Ride, and a discounted hotel rate at the Hyatt Regency Reston. Also included are bi-weekly team calls with your coaches, managers, and other teammates, professional coaching, a 16-week training guide and fundraising resources. In addition, you can look forward to ride weekend fun with a happy hour meet-and-greet on Friday evening, a final team shakeout ride, brunch reception and a post-race celebration!
Q: How can I connect with other Team Challenge coaches and members of the Team Challenge family?
A: When you join the Team Challenge family, you’ll gain access to our Strava Club and Facebook Group! Additionally, you’ll be able to connect with teammates on our bi-weekly cycle team calls.
Training
Q: Does Team Challenge Race in Orange provide training support?
A: Yes! Coaching and training support will be offered to all registered participants. For the Virginia Wine Country Ride, there is a 16-week training guide available.
Q: Is there an additional cost for training?
A: No. Your $15 registration fee helps cover the cost associated with the coaching and training guides.
Contact Us
Q: Questions?
A: Please contact us at teamchallenge@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
