What is Sister to Sister's BIKE FOR THE HEART?
Sister to Sister's BIKE FOR THE HEART is family-friendly fundraising event to raise awareness of heart disease, the number one cause of death for
women in the United States. Participants can choose from three events: America's Main Streeter, the Arena Spinathon, and the Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial.
Mayor Adrian Fenty and Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards are serving as event co-chairs.
Throughout the morning, Children of All Ages! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® will boldly beckon you to experience a
spellbinding spectacle of comedy, courage and charisma. Ringling Bros. ® acrobats will start the day off right by helping participants discover the FUNdamentals of fitness with a CircusFit® routine designed to get everyone movin' and groovin'. Clowns from The Greatest Show On Earth® will be on hand to cheer on riders as they make the ride of a lifetime down Pennsylvania Avenue, and once the race is over, Children Of All Ages can earn a funny bone degree from Ringling Bros. Clown College® as they learn the basics of clowning. No doubt this event will be a fun-filled day full of laughter and learning!
Where does the money go?
Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation provides heart screenings and counseling free of charge to women at our Sister to Sister National Women's Heart Health Fairs. Proceeds from the race will fund more Sister to Sister heart screenings, helping to identify women at risk and reverse the effects of this deadly disease.
Tell me more about Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Organization. Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation is the nation's only organization dedicated to preventing heart disease in women by providing free heart disease screenings and programs that give women the power to learn their risks, take action, and change behavior. Founded in 2000 by women's health advocate, Irene Pollin, Sister to Sister's programs and services include its signature National Women's Heart Health Fairs; the Women's Heart Health Data Registry in partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; and, educational events for women in leadership roles to disseminate the message throughout their local communities.
In Washington, D.C., Sister to Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation has provided comprehensive screenings and counseling to over 10,000 women and more than 30,000 women have attended its annual heart health fairs. Sister to Sister is proud of the investment it has made in the District, estimated at over $2 million in saving women's lives since 2000.
What is the age requirement?
The entire family can participate in BIKE FOR THE HEART. There is no minimum age requirement but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
What if I am not a biker, but want to participate in some way?
Volunteers are needed! You can also cheer riders and participate in the Finish Line Festival. Or, sign up for the "virtual" ride and join us in spirit if you can't make the main event.
Can I form a team?
Yes you can and we hope you will! You can form an individual team or corporate team.
Teams can have an unlimited number of riders.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike with Bike and Roll Washington, DC, which is located approximately six blocks from the Verizon Center.
Bike equipment may be picked up Saturday, October 10th between 5-9 pm or Sunday, October 11th starting at 7 am. Adult bikes,
kids bikes and child attachments are all available. You can reserve the bikes online at www.bikethesites.com or call 202/842-2453 with any questions.
DAY-OF EVENT
How do I get to BIKE FOR THE HEART?
See our Directions page.
Is there parking available?
Yes, the Verizon Center parking garage will be open from 6 AM until 5PM on October 11. BIKE FOR THE HEART guests will be charged a $10 flat fee for the day.
Do I need to check in at the event or will my registration packet be sent to me?
You will need to register on-site before your event. You will not receive information in advance. Registration opens at 6:30 AM in front of the Verizon Center on Abe Pollin Way. Please plan to check in at least 30 minutes prior to your event.
Will there be food and drinks available?
Yes, there will be food and drinks available in two locations. Near the start/finish line, outside of the Verizon Center on Abe Pollin way and a refreshment tent located at 7th & Pennsylvania Ave (on the route). Water and snacks will be provided free of charge, and food will also be available for purchase from other vendors.
Yes, there will be food and drinks available in two locations. Near the start/finish line, outside of the Verizon Center on Abe Pollin way and a refreshment tent located at 7th & Pennsylvania Ave (on the route). Water and snacks will be provided free of charge, and food will also be available for purchase from other vendors,
including Maui Wowi, fojol bros. of Merlindia,
Dolci Gelati.
What happens if it rains? Will America's Main Streeter and the Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial still happen?
Yes. Bring rain gear and be prepared to ride in the rain unless the weather is deemed unsafe by the local authorities. In the event that America's Main Streeter and the Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial are cancelled, the Festival will be located inside the Verizon Center.
What is the event schedule for the day?
Please see a list of the day's activities on the Schedule page.
Can I rent a bike that day anywhere nearby?
Yes, you can rent a bike with Bike and Roll Washington, DC, which is located approximately six blocks from the Verizon Center.
Bike equipment may be picked up Saturday, October 10th between 5-9 pm or Sunday, October 11th starting at 7 am. Adult bikes, kids bikes and
child attachments are all available. You can reserve the bikes online at www.bikethesites.com or call 202/842-2453 with any questions.
AMERICA'S MAIN STREETER AND HEART-OF-THE-NATION TIME TRIAL
Are we really riding on Pennsylvania Avenue, America's Main Street?
Yes, the route for America's Main Streeter will take you past the White House and the US Capitol. The roads will be closed for the event.
What is the difference between America's Main Streeter and the Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial?
America's Main Streeter is not a race. It is a mass-start event and many riders will be on the route at one time. The Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial is a competitive race. There are staggered starts at one minute intervals. It is a race against the clock. The Time Trial requires a larger donation.
What time does the route open?
America's Main Streeter has a "rolling start" so riders can begin the route anytime between 8:00 and 9:30 AM.
The Heart-of-the-Nation time trial opens at 10:30 AM. The first rider will start at 10:45 AM.
Where does the route start and finish?
The start/finish line is outside the Verizon Center on Abe Pollin Way.
Can I rent a bike anywhere nearby?
Yes, you can rent a bike with Bike and Roll Washington, DC, which is located approximately six blocks from the Verizon Center.
Bike equipment may be picked up Saturday, October 10th between 5-9 pm or Sunday, October 11th starting at 7 am. Adult bikes, kids bikes and
child attachments are all available. You can reserve the bikes online at www.bikethesites.com
or call 202/842-2453 with any questions.
Can we take multiple laps around the America's Main Streeter route?
Yes, there will be an option at Pennsylvania and 7th Avenues to complete more than one lap around the bike route. This will be clearly marked when you are on the route. All riders must be off the route by 10:30 AM in preparation for the Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial. You will be directed by staff and the police.
How will I know where to go when I'm on the course?
There will be arrows and signage at each turn marking the course. The course will be closed to traffic.
Do I need to bring anything other than my bike to America's Main Streeter?
Click here for recommended items.
Can I attach a bike trailer or a bike seat for my child?
Yes.
How does the Heart-of-the-Nation Time Trial work?
The riders will start at 30 second intervals from a start house, and will be timed over the 5-mile course. The Heart-of-the-Nation time trial opens at 10:30 AM. The first rider will start at 10:45 AM.
Are there restrooms along the route?
There are restrooms inside the Verizon Center and at 7th and Pennsylvania Avenues. At this location, you will find the Refreshment Tent, Mechanics and EMS as well.
What if I can't finish riding? What if I have a mechanical problem or injury on the road?
A SAG support vehicle will be circulating during the event to assist you.
Can my friends and family visit me along the route or in rest stops?
The only rest stop is at 7th and Pennsylvania. They can gather there.
What if members of my team want to participate in different events?
Please form your team under the America's Main Streeter option and email us so we can make these changes and adjust your fundraising requirement. Please note: only one time trial participant per team.
THE SPINATHON
How do I get to the Verizon Center floor?
There will be directions posted outside and inside the Verizon Center showing you the way.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Please bring your own towel if you need one.
Can I send my contribution by check?
Yes, checks should be made out to the Sister to Sister Foundation and mailed to 4701 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. In the memo line, please write Bike for the Heart and the participant's name if your donation is to sponsor a participant. Sister to Sister will send a receipt to you by mail.
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to: Sister to Sister Foundation.
Are donations tax-deductible? Can I get a receipt for my donation?
Yes. Most donors use either their credit card receipts or cancelled checks as donation receipts. Online donors will receive a receipt from PayPal confirming their gift. As required by the IRS, donations of $250 or more will receive a hard-copy receipt directly from Sister to Sister.
When should I collect my donations to ensure that I raise the minimum?
As soon as possible. It's best to collect donations as soon as you can. Take advantage of our online donation feature and watch your donations grow! For sponsors who prefer to donate by check, make checks payable to Sister to Sister Foundation and be sure to put the rider's name in the memo line of the check. If your sponsor gives you cash and wants a receipt, you can email BIKEFORTHEHEART@sistertosister.org and we will send it to you.
What is the difference between the minimum to participate and the encouraged fundraising goal?
In order to participate in BIKE FOR THE HEART on October 11, you will need to raise the minimum indicated for the event that you have registered for. If you have not met the minimum required amount by the time you check in for BIKE FOR THE HEART, you can make an instant donation. The instant donation is a regular donation by check or credit card that you can make to your own fundraising account through the day of the event.
The goal of BIKE FOR THE HEART is to raise as much money as possible to fund more Sister to Sister heart screenings, helping to identify women at risk and reverse the effects of heart disease. We have provided encouraged goals for each event; however, you only are required to reach the minimum. If you have not reached your encouraged goal by October 11, Sister to Sister will continue to accept donations until December 31, 2009.
If I can't participate, can my donors get their money back?
All donations are non-refundable. The money that you have raised will help to fund heart health screenings and counseling for women in communities nationwide.
What if people give me cash for a donation instead of a check?
There are two options to ensure your cash donation is received accurately. (1) Write a check for the amount and send it in to Sister to Sister (Please note #2 in the Fundraising section). This will allow you to keep better track of your funding by obtaining a receipt (2) Send the money, along with a note with the participant information, to Sister to Sister and Sister to Sister will mail/email you a receipt for your donation.
MY FUNDRAISING PAGE
I forgot my user name and password.
Go to the Participant Page and click on "Forgot Password."
How do I solicit donations through the website?
Once you register or login, you will automatically be sent to your "My Stuff" page, which lists the fundraising tools to help you reach out to potential donors. There are two ways to solicit potential donors through the BIKE FOR THE HEART site. The first is to send them the link on the right hand side of this page. The second is to use the tools on your personal fundraising page. To view your personal fundraising page, click on the bottom link "View your page."
What is the "My Stuff" page?
Once you register or login, you can view your "My Stuff" page. On the right hand side of this page is the link to send to people to solicit donations. If you registered for a team, you will also find the link there that you need to send to anyone you would like to join your team. On the left hand side of this page, there are tools that allow you to:
(1) Edit your fundraising goal, which is preset at the minimum required, but you can increase it if you like;
(2) Edit your info, which allows you to change your registration information, such as email address or phone number if it has changed;
(3) Edit your page message. For your convenience, there is a pre-set message about the event, but you can edit/customize the message;
(4) Manage photos - you can upload photos to your page;
(5) Manage visitor comments - you can approve or delete a visitor's comments to your page;
(6) View donations - this is where you can see who has donated to you;
(7) View your page - click on this to see how your page looks to others.
How do I edit my personal fundraising goal?
Your personal fundraising goal is pre-set as the registration amount for your event. You can increase your fundraising goal by logging-in, and clicking on "Edit your fundraising goal."
How can I invite people to join my team?
First, when you register, you need to make sure that you signed up for a "Team." Then, once you register or login, you will find the link to send to people you want to join your team on your "My Stuff" page.
How can I see who is on my team?
Your Team Members are listed on your personal page.
What if I signed up for the wrong event?
Simply email BIKEFORTHEHEART@sistertosister.org and tell us what event you signed up for by mistake, and what event you want to sign up for, and we will fix the problem and send you a confirmation email.
How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to View Donations; this will allow you to view your donor list and the amounts donated.
