When and Where

• Q. What time do I need to be at the Mystic YMCA on Friday night?
  A. Transportation is provided by bus on Friday night, from the Finish to the hotel in Waterbury. Riders must check-in by 5:15pm. Riders will park on the YMCA property
  
• Q. Where is the Start on Saturday morning?
  A. Yale Summer School of Music & Art, Ellen Battell Stoeckel Estate, Rts 44 & 272, Norfolk, CT 06058. Click here for map.
  
• Q. What time is the Start on Saturday?
  A. Riders not taking the bus should report to the Start by 6:15am Riders taking the bus will leave the hotel in Waterbury at 5:45am
  
• Q. Where and when is the start for the One-Day ride?
  A. The Sunday ride begins at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, located at 565 Ashford Center Road, in Ashford Connecticut. Riders requiring transportation from Mystic YMCA to the Camp must arrive promptly at 5:30am. Riders arriving to the Camp on their own must register at the camp by 7:00am.
  
• Q. Where is the Finish on Sunday?
  A. The Finish line is at the Mystic YMCA, located at One Harry Austin Drive, Mystic, CT
  

Transportation & Lodging

• Q. Is there a place I can stay Friday night?
  A. Riders taking the bus Friday from Mystic, may reserve a room at the Holiday Inn Express in Waterbury, 203-575-1500, for $85.00. Be sure to let the hotel know you are an AngelRider to secure available discounts. To save money, you can share rooms with other riders by posting your request on the discussion boards located on your personal Web page.
  
• Q. Does AngelRide provide transportation?
  A. Yes:

  If you are a 2-day Rider, we will provide transportation from Mystic to the Holiday Inn Express on Friday night, and from the hotel to the Start on Saturday morning.

  If you are riding on Sunday only, arrive at the Finish line (Mystic YMCA, 1 Harry Austin Drive, Mystic, CT) on Sunday morning by 5:30am, and we will transport you and your bicycle to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

  AngelRide does not provide transportation on Sunday after the ride.
  

• Q. Where should I park my car?
  A. Riders taking the bus from Mystic may leave their cars at the YMCA. Carpooling is encouraged. Find other riders interested in carpooling by posting your request on the discussion boards located on your personal Web page.

  Two-day Riders leaving their cars in Norfolk at the Start on Saturday must make their own arrangements to get their vehicles. Overnight parking must be approved; please contact lynn@angelride.org.

  One-day Riders, not using transportation from Mystic and leaving their cars at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp at the Start on Sunday must make their own arrangements to get their vehicles.
  

Costs

• Q. Besides the registration, are their additional costs?
  A. Two-day Riders are responsible for the cost of overnight accommodations Friday night, if they choose to use the transportation. Be sure to let the hotel know you are an Angel Rider to secure available discounts. To save money, you can share rooms with other riders by posting your request on the discussion boards located on your personal Web page. There is no charge for the bus.
  

Family and Friends

• Q. Can my family join me at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?
  A. Unfortunately, no. There is strict security at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and only Riders and Volunteers are allowed on the property.
  
• Q. Can my family and friends join me at the Finish?
  A. YES! Your family and friends are welcome to join you at the Finish on Sunday from 12 to 4 at the Mystic YMCA. There are lots of activities, food, music and more!
  
• Q. How do we get copies of photos taken at the event?
  A. Visit www.photoadventureswithed.com to see and order copies of Ed Dean's amazing photographs.
  

On the Ride

• Q. What should I know if I am a "beginner" Rider?
  A. First, you should know that you are doing a wonderful thing. You should be riding as much as you can. Practice hills, shifting, riding with others. The more you train, the more you will enjoy the ride! Be sure to check out our training resources on this Web site.

  You can also ask Coach Al who has generously donated his time to help AngelRiders with training. You can also ask write to him from your "Participant Center" on your personal Web page.
  

• Q. What if I get tired or break down?
  A. There is a rest stop located every 15 to 20 miles. AngelRide is fully supported with bike techs, multiple motorcycles and SAG (support & gear) wagons to pick you up and gladly take you to the next Rest Stop (but not to the top of the hill!).
  
• Q. How can I see the route I will be riding?
  A. Click here!
  

Camp

To find out more about camp you can:

• Click here for the camp FAQs
• Click here to visit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Web site

Web page & Registration

• Q. Do I have to set up my personal Web page?
  A. Yes. Click here to download the AngelRide Website Help Guide. This guide sheet will walk you through the process of setting up your Personal Page.
  
• Q. Can I change my personal information and fundraising goal after I've completed my registration to ride?
  A. Yes. Just visit your personal Web page and "Edit my Profile."
  
• Q. What if I don't reach my "goal" stated on my Web page?
  A. You are only responsible for the $1,000 minimum requirement. Your personal goal is your own challenge.
  
• Q. If I register to ride one distance. Can I later change my mind and ride a difference distance?
  A. Yes!
  
• Q. If I am having technical problems with my personal Web page, where can I find help?
  A. Email any requests at info@teamholeinthewall.org.
  

Teams

• Q. Can I form a team later, after I've already registered to ride as an individual?
  A. Yes. Just visit your personal Web page and "Edit my Profile." At the bottom of the page you find the option to "Start a Team."
  
• Q. Can I join a team after I have already registered to ride as an individual?
  A. Yes. Just visit your personal Web page and "Edit my Profile." At the bottom of the page you find the option to "Join a Team."
  
• Q. Can two people become a team?
  A. Yes. Teams of any size are still responsible for raising a minimum of $1000 per member
  
• Q. How do I find teams that are looking for more riders?
  A. As you start the registration process, indicate that you want to join a team and you will see a list of teams, some of which may welcome new members.
  

Fundraising

To find out more about fundraising you can:

• Click here for the Fundraising FAQ
• Click here to go to the Fundraising page of our Web site

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Young AngelRiders

• Q. How old do I need to be to take part in the Young AngelRide?
  A. YoungRiders, who are 7-11 years old, can sign up for the 6-mile course, and 12-15 years olds can sign up to take part in the 25-mile ride.
  
• Q. How many miles are the Young AngelRides?
  A. The Young AngelRide is a 6-mile course in Stonington and Mystic that ends at the same finish area with all AngelRiders. The Young AngelRide Challenge is a 25-mile course that begins at the Hopeville State Park rest stop and finishes at the Mystic YMCA.
  
• Q. Who will ride with me?
  A. All of our younger AngelRiders must ride with an older teammate.

  For our YoungRiders (7-10), teammates are often parents or family friends, who need to register as a Volunteer to take part. If necessary, there are registered volunteers who will be available to ride as a teammate with any YoungRider who needs one. To become a volunteer click here.

  For our Young Adult Angelriders (12-15), each rider must have a registered AngelRider who will meet them at the Hopeville State Park and ride to Mystic with them. Often this is a parent or a friend, but there are also Riders who volunteer as teammates so that younger people who may not have a family member or friend to ride with them can still take part. If you need to find a teammate to ride with you contact Dave Gruendel.
  

• Q. Do I have to wear a helmet?
  A. All AngelRiders must wear a helmet, including volunteer teammates for our youngest Riders (7-10)! We want everyone to be safe.
  
• Q. Where do I go to for the Start?
  A. Young AngelRide: 107 Wilcox Rd, Stonington, CT

  Young Adult AngelRide: Hopeville Pond State Park, Hopeville, CT. Click here to visit the State Park Web site for directions.
  

• Q. What time should I be at the Start?
  A. Young AngelRide: 12:15.

  Young Adult AngelRiders: 10:00.
  

• Q. What do I need to bring for the Ride?
  A. For YoungRiders, just bring yourself, your bicycle, and your safety gear. About anything else you may need (water, snacks, tubes, air pumps, etc.) will be available at the start point and in the support van while we ride.

  For the Young Adult AngelRiders, having one water bottle cage and bottle on a bike is highly recommended; having two of each would be ideal. There will be food, liquids, pumps and other bike needs available at the Hopeville and Mystic rest stops.
  

• Q. Where will my family or friends meet me when I am done riding? What time should they be there?
  A. Both Young AngelRides finish at the Mystic YMCA where there will be food, drink, and much fun. All Riders need to have someone who will be there to meet them. The Young AngelRide will be done between 2:00 and 2:15, and Young Adult AngelRiders arrive anywhere from 1:00-3:00.
  
• Q. Is there help with training?
  A. Check out our training advice here. While this advice is geared toward the older riders, it applies equally to the younger ones. On our training page you will also find a link to communicate with Coach Al, who can answer any of your questions and help you plan a training schedule that is right for you.
  
• Q. Should I get my bike tuned up before the AngelRide?
  A. Yes! Visit your local bike store and have them look over the bike to make sure that everything is working properly and ready to ride. It is recommended that this happen at least two weeks before the Ride.
  
• Q. What is the cost?
  A. The registration fee is $35 and each Young AngelRider and Young Adult AngelRider must raise a minimum of $100. After you register, you will set up your own personal Web page to let you speak with other riders and track your fundraising. For tips and help with fundraising, you can visit the fundraising page of our Web site by clicking here.
  
• Q. How do I register?
  A. Click here!
  

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Volunteers

Angel Charitable Trust is a support driven 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Angel Charitable Trust is an organization that operates 100% on volunteers. No individuals are compensated in any manner for their time and dedication to our cause. We dedicate our personal time, energies and funding to the foundation because we believe Angel Charitable Trust is an important expression of our beliefs and thoroughly enjoy the life lessons and personal satisfaction that comes along with the benefits of helping children in need.

Duties

• Q. How do I volunteer?
  A. Click here.
  
• Q. Who is my contact person?
  A. Once you choose a position, you will be assigned to the corresponding Team Leader.
  

Donations

• Q. As a Volunteer, am I required to raise donation dollars?
  A. This year, you will have the opportunity to create your own personal fundraising page and raise money to support hospitalized children. It is not a requirement, but every little bit helps.
  
• Q. How can someone donate?
  A. Either by online donations or a check. To contribute to a Rider or Volunteer, click here to send the donor a link to donate.

  To send a check or for general Donations, mail to: 555 Long Wharf Ave., New Haven, CT 06511.
  

• Q. Can I set up my own personal Web page?
  A. Yes, everyone must set up his or her Web page, please. Click here and follow the directions once you have signed up.
  
• Q. What do I do with checks I receive as support for my effort?
  A. If you have created a Personal Fundraising page, go to https://www.teamholeinthewall.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=774

  "Participant Center"
  AngelRide 2009
  "Enter Offline Gifts" and input your checks

  Indicate that you have already entered the checks on your site, and mail them to: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Ave., New Haven, CT 06511. Please keep track of the checks you've added to your site and make sure your name is written on the memo line so you will receive proper credit for the donation.
  

• Q. Should I hold on to the checks until the day of the AngelRide?
  A. No. The sooner your checks are received your money will go to benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's Hospital Outreach Program.
  
• Q. What should I do if I receive a cash donation?
  A. We cannot accept cash donations. Please write a check for the amount donated, enter it as an off-line gift and mail it to: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Ave., New Haven, CT 06511
  

Weekend Logistics

• Q. Does AngelRide provide transportation?
  A. AngelRide does not provide transportation on Sunday after the ride back to the Start in Norfolk, nor to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
  
• Q. Are there any out of pocket costs to me?
  A. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of their gas expense, except volunteers in the SAG and Motocrew.
  
• Q. Can my family join me at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?
  A. No. There is strict security at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and only Riders and assigned Volunteers are allowed on the property.
  
• Q. Can my family and friends join me at the Finish?
  A. YES! We encourage your family and friends to join us at the Finish on Sunday from 12 to 4 at the Mystic YMCA. There are lots of activities, free food, music and more!
  
• Q. What should I know about The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?
  A. AngelRide is the only outside organization that has been allowed to stay overnight and utilize the campgrounds. Please join us in honoring this privilege.

  Bring a sleeping bag and pillow case.
  If your assignment is completed, your next assignment is to help to cheer in the Riders until the very last rider is in.
  Volunteers must wear their name tag and volunteer shirt at all times while on the campgrounds

  The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Rules:
  No guests are allowed at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
  No smoking, illegal substances, or drinking of alcoholic beverages
  No Snoring (ha, ha!)
  

• Q. Will I be staying overnight at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?
  A. Only if you are at least, a 2-day volunteer with duty assignments at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and your Team Leader confirms the room assignment.
  
• Q. If I am volunteering on Sunday only, what time should I arrive?
  A. Camp Volunteers should confirm with their team Leader. Most must arrive prior to 8:00am.
  
• Q. What about parking?
  A. Volunteers taking the bus from Mystic may leave their cars at the YMCA. (Carpooling is encouraged.)

  Two-day Volunteers leaving their cars in Norfolk at the Start on Saturday must make their own arrangements for return transportation.

  One-day or Two-Day CAMP Volunteers may park their cars at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
  

• Q. Will there be food and beverages provided?
  A. Yes. Confirm with your Team Leader as to your specific opportunities.
  
• Q. What should I wear?
  A. You will receive a Volunteer t-shirt. Please wear that and your name tag.
  

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Fundraising

Payment

• Q. What if my donor prefers to write a check?
  A. Make checks payable to: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

  Input them into your personal Web page under "offline donations" and mail to: 555 Long Wharf Ave., New Haven, CT 06511

  Download the donation form and send it to them.
  

• Q. What do I do with checks I receive as support for my effort?
  A. Click here to log in to your Participant Center then go to Offline Donations and input your checks before mailing them to the above address. Please make note of the checks added to your site. Make sure your name is written on the memo line.
  
• Q. Should I hold on to the checks until the day of the AngelRide?
  A. No. The sooner your checks are received the sooner you will get credit for the donation and the sooner your money will go to benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's Hospital Outreach Program.
  
• Q. What should I do if I receive a cash donation?
  A. We cannot accept cash donations. Please write a check for the amount donated and send it to: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Ave., New Haven, CT 06511.
  
• Q. How can people make an online donation to my ride?
  A. Once you set up your Rider Page, you can provide people with a link directly to it where they can read about your ride and make a secure donation with a credit card or you can direct them to your personal Web page where they can follow the simple instructions.
  
• Q. Can I make a donation to my own ride?
  A. Yes. When you register, you may make an initial donation to your ride to jump-start your fundraising effort. You can always make additional donations to your ride at any time.
  
• Q. Will I get credit for matching gifts donations?
  A. Yes. Please be aware that some companies send out matching gift checks quarterly or annually. Also, note that if the employer does not honor their matching gift, you will be responsible for the total fundraising requirement.
  
• Q. What is a "pledge" and how is it different from a donation?
  A. Some riders enter pledges into their fundraising account when they receive promises of a donation or receive an actual check. These can be misleading because "pledges" do not count towards a rider's fundraising totals until the actual check has been received and processed. To avoid this confusion, riders are discouraged from entering pledges.
  

Meeting your Minimum

• Q. How long do I have to make my minimum? What if I don't make my minimum?
  A. You will have until May 30th, 2010 to finish raising the money. At that time, we will charge your credit card for the balance due to Angel Charitable Trust
  
• Q. Does any portion of my registration fee count towards my fundraising minimum?
  A. No. Registration fees help defray event operating expenses. Riders may make a voluntary contribution to their ride at the time of registration or at any other time that would count towards their fundraising minimum.
  
• Q. Is there a minimum amount of money that a rider must raise?
  A. All two-day riders must commit to raise at least $1000 in donations for their ride. One-day riders must raise a minimum of $500. If a rider has not attained the minimum amount in his/her online fundraising account by May 30th, 2010 the balance of the minimum will automatically be charged to the credit card provided at registration.
  

Your Fundraising Goal

• Q. What is my "fundraising goal?"
  A. Your fundraising goal is the amount of money you will attempt to raise. Your goal must be greater than $1000. The purpose of stating your goal is to motivate yourself and your donors.
  
• Q. Am I obligated to raise the amount I state as my "Fundraising Goal?"
  A. The Fundraising Goal you established when you registered is just a goal, not an obligation. You may raise or lower it anytime you wish. To do this, log into your personal home page and click on "Edit My Profile." You are obligated to raise only $1000, though most riders raise much more. The average rider in 2007 raised $2000.
  
• Q. How do I change my "Fundraising Goal?"
  A. Visit your personal Web page and "Edit my Profile." You can then modify any of your personal information, including your fundraising goal.
  

Teams

• Q. How can I do my fundraising jointly with another person or persons?
  A. The only way to fundraise jointly is to form or join a team. On a team, all donations to an individual member are also credited to the team total.
  
• Q. What are my fundraising responsibilities as a member of a team?
  A. All riders must raise their minimum amount. However, riders on a registered team will have satisfied their fundraising minimum if their team total is greater than an average of $1000 per rider by the fundraising deadline of May 30th, 2010. If the team has not raised enough to cover all its riders, the balance due by individual riders will be automatically charged to the credit cards those riders provided at registration.
  

Fundraising Tools

• Q. Can I receive flyers/brochures for distribution at my work place and with friends?
  A. Yes. Click here to go to our Fundraising page and look through out downloads.
  

Web pages

To find out more about Web pages and fundraising you can:

• Click here for more FAQs.
• Click here to go to the Fundraising page of our Web site.

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The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

• Q. What should I know about The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?
  A. AngelRide is the only outside organization that has been allowed to stay overnight and utilize The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Please join us in honoring this privilege.

  Bring a sleeping bag and pillow case.
  Toiletries are provided
  Help to cheer on the Riders who are coming in behind you.
  Massage, a wonderful dinner and great entertainment await you!

  The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Rules:
  No guests are allowed at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
  No smoking or drinking
  

• Q. Can my family join me at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?
  A. No. There is strict security at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and only Riders and Volunteers are allowed on the property.
  
• Q. What is The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s Hospital Outreach Program?
  A. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's Hospital Outreach Program brings the hopeful and empowering spirit of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp to children and families in the hospital setting. By offering unique, creative and developmentally appropriate activities and interactions, counselors help to restore joy and laughter in times often laden with fear, stress and uncertainty. They work collaboratively with hospital staff to enhance, augment, or support existing programs focused on improving quality of life during treatment. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's Hospital Outreach Program brings the incredible joy and fun of Camp's summer programming to more than 10,000 children in need year-round, and consistent with other Camp programs, is available to hospitals and families at no cost.
  

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