Have you always wanted to do a long-distance ride, but never thought you could make it? Well, so have many of the Harbor to the Bay participants! Until joining H2B, a large number of our participants had never ridden more than 10 miles. However, as we cross the finish line, you’ll be elated by your personal accomplishments as well as the impact on your community!
What makes H2B different? The H2B Ride is not a race! Instead, it’s a ride where dedicated people who want to support people living with HIV and AIDS can make a difference. Your actions, and 100% of every dollar you raise, will benefit your community.
What follows are some of the details about the day of the ride, including gear, training, the route, starting locations, and fundraising minimums:
The Gear:
All riders will be required to wear helmets. If you do not have a helmet, you will not be permitted to ride! Your safety is our top concern and this rule will not compromised.
Riders are encouraged to have their bikes inspected prior to Ride Day. Please check out our Bike Shop Sponsors for a check up, gear, or any general questions!
Beginning and intermediate riders are also strongly encouraged to wear riding shorts, and use a road or hybrid bike for Ride Day! Riding shorts are padded and prevent chafing, which is a real concern for distance riding.
As for your bike, a mountain bike is not designed for distance riding, and you’ll feel it after 30 miles! So, we recommend you either rent a bike (less than $30 a day) or get “slicks” for your mountain bike, which greatly improve your chances of making it! Or, see if a friend has a loaner bike! We want to be sure you arrive in Provincetown in the best shape possible!
Luggage:
Harbor to the Bay will coordinate transporting your luggage from Boston to Provincetown. You should clearly label your luggage and bring it with you on the night before Ride Day to Club Café at 209 Columbus Ave, Boston, or on the morning of the Ride.
Your luggage will be delivered to the Cape Inn in Provincetown, and stored in a secure room until you pick it up. You will need to transport your luggage from the Cape Inn to your accommodations.
Training:
So, how do you prepare to go from riding a few miles to riding over 60, or even 125!? You should begin training as early as possible, at least one month prior to Ride Day. For beginners, start with riding 10 miles, twice a week, for two weeks. Then, increase to 20 miles twice a week, then thirty and higher. You should set a goal of riding 40+ miles prior to Ride Day. And, if you have any concerns, always talk to your primary care provider, to be sure you’re ready!
If you’d like to join us for training, check out our Training Rides Page. H2B hosts numerous training rides for riders of all levels. Whether you feel like a trip through the Arboretum, a 40 mile spin along the Minute Man Trail, or a 100 mile “century ride,” we’ve got the training for you.
The Route:
The route will be well marked, and we will have maps available for you. You can check out the Route Map online, as well. H2B has used this beautiful route for several years, and has refined it to maximize your safety and enjoyment.
Starting Locations:
68-Mile Ride: Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown
Those riders who want to challenge themselves to ride 68 miles have the option to start from the Sagamore Bridge in Sagamore, MA and ride to Provincetown. This is the recommended route for beginning cyclists, with less traffic and fewer hills than riding from Boston to Sagamore.
If you're doing the 68-mile ride, and really want to leave from Boston, we'll cheer you the whole way!
You will need to coordinate transportation to the Sagamore Bridge. If you drive, there will be parking at the Commuter Lot. Or, if you do not want to bring a car, you can ride Commuter Rail to the Plymouth Stop, and then ride a few miles to the Sagamore Bridge prior to the start time. We can also help you coordinate rides with other participants, whether driving to the Sagamore Bridge, or coming back after Ride Day.
Harbor to the Bay is not a race, so you can find a group of riders who are moving at a pace that is comfortable for you. There will be pit stops every 15 miles where you can rest, use the restroom, have a snack, and stretch. Each will be staffed by our enthusiastic crewmembers, who can provide you with any assistance.
125-Mile Ride: Boston to Provincetown
Those riders who want to challenge themselves to ride the full 125 miles will start from Boston and ride to Provincetown. This route is recommended for intermediate and advanced cyclists, with some hills. Please note that there are hills past the 100-mile mark, but you can handle them!
There will be pit stops every 15 miles where you can rest, use the restroom, have a snack, and stretch. Each will be staffed by our enthusiastic crewmembers, who can provide you with any assistance.
If you find that you’d like to stop prior to arriving in Provincetown (i.e., ride less than 125 miles,) we will cheer your arrival and coordinate transportation as needed! We ask that you ride to the nearest pitstop, and let our crew know that you’d like transportation for the rest of the route. Again, your safety and comfort is our top priority and we’re here to celebrate and support your efforts, no matter how far you go!
Free parking in Boston will be provided at Northeastern University.
Getting Home:
Provincetown to Boston
You will be responsible for coordinating transportation from Provincetown back home. However, Boston Harbor Cruises is offering a discount for our participants, including bikes and luggage, on their fast ferry service to Boston. You must call BHC to get the discounted fare, or visit their ticket window. Additionally, we can help find you a ride with a fellow participant, if needed.
Fundraising Minimum:
A $50 rider registration fee will be used to help defer the cost of the ride.
The minimum fundraising amount for participation is $500.00 from each rider. This is a firm minimum, and you will be required to fulfill this amount. But, it’s easier than you think! H2B provides numerous fund-raising opportunities and will help you raise the money. Additionally, if you’re part of a team, and your team’s fundraising total is greater than $500 for each participant, than your minimum is covered.
More Questions?
If you have any questions, or would like more information about being a rider, please check out the Contact Us page.
OTHER RIDER RESOURCES:
The Harbor to the Bay Bike Route Map
How to train for the ride
What to expect on the day of the ride
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