Frequently Asked Questions

Are there restrictions on who can volunteer?

Absolutely. Not only is the Tour fully supported, you also have the option of selecting a distance that you're comfortable with – approximately 100, 160 or 200km per day. We further break down in to smaller riding groups with speeds between 22 and 32+ km/hr.   We have marshals to guide you along the route and volunteers to pick you up if you're unable to continue further on any given day. Closer to the event, we familiarize you with the rules of group riding but we strongly recommend you join a few group training rides before the event to make sure you're comfortable.

Is there an age restriction?

Tour For Kids is marketed, organized and executed as an adult-oriented cycling event. While we appreciate that children and youth may be passionate about contributing as volunteers or cyclists, there are inherent risks of personal injury associated with participation in this type of program. The sponsors, participants, volunteers and the Foundation are not prepared to assume responsibility for the well-being of minors, nor should they be put in such a position. Thus, certain restrictions and limitations have imposed on the participation of minors.

Effective 2012, for legal and insurance purposes, the following policies we have implemented:
 

1. Minors, under the age of 19, are only permitted to stay overnight if accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or assigned escort. There are potentially hazardous circumstances inherent in a cycling event as well as unsupervised consumption of alcohol on the premises. It is the family's responsibility, not the Event's, to mitigate exposure and associated risk.

CYCLISTS

1. As of 2012, unless grandfathered from previous years, persons under the age of 16 are not permitted to register as a cyclist in any Tour For Kids event whether or not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and regardless of their cycling ability or experience.
2. Youth that are 16, 17, or 18 years of age must present a letter that identifies an adult assigned to be their 24 hour escort on and off the bike for the duration of Tour for Kids. The letter MUST be signed by the parent or legal guardian and the escort then presented at the Registration Desk on the morning of the first Event day. Otherwise, the youth will not be permitted to ride.
3. A less experienced* youth cyclist MUST have an escort at all times on the road. They cannot be “dropped” by the escort for any reason.
4. A more experienced* youth cyclist may cycle in a group of their choosing as long as both the cyclist and their escort, also on a bike, have cell phones or agree to meet at each rest stops to stay in contact while on the road.
5. The escort must notify a Tour For Kids Concierge that the youth has safely arrived at each day’s finish location.
6. As stated in the general waiver, the Event reserves the right to restrict or disqualify participants.

 * It is the sole discretion of the Organizers to determine whether a cyclist is "less" or "more" experienced.

VOLUNEERS

The cost to Tour For Kids for room and board of each volunteer is well over $300. Accordingly, each volunteer must be effectively utilized. The role of volunteers can be demanding with long hours of difficult, fast-paced effort. Every volunteer is expected to contribute equally with minimal supervision.

1. Minors, under the age of 19, are only permitted to volunteer and/or stay overnight when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also volunteering. Children under the age of 16 are discouraged from staying overnight but may participate as “day volunteers” if prearranged with the Event.
2. Though the Event understands that families may wish to contribute as a group, there are limited volunteer spots. Families are asked to limit participation to 2 individuals. The Event reserves the right to limit the number of minors.
3. Family members and friends, who are not official volunteers but wish to join the group for a meal, can buy meal tickets in advance through the Tour for Kids website. Since the cook needs to know how many places to set, there won’t be meal tickets for sale at the door. Meal tickets must be purchased at least 14 days prior to the event date.
4. If you are inclined to fundraise, it would be most welcome! A target of $200 is suggested in Ontario and $100 for Alberta and Atlantic.)
5. People interested in volunteering for a particular Tour for Kids event, must register online;
   1. Ontario: email to volunteer@ctcacf.org
   2. Alberta: email to coulter@kidscancercare.ab.ca
   3. Atlantic: email to award@givetolive.ca

I'm not ready to register yet. When will the event sell out?

In 2011, Tour For Kids sold out 3 months before the event. This year we expect it to sell out even faster, so please register as soon as you can to avoid disappointment! There will be no waiting list.

What is your cancellation policy?

Due to the precise planning and booking arrangements that are necessary for Tour For Kids Ontario, we are unable to process any refunds or cancellations received after July 1st, 2012, regardless of the reason for your cancellation – unless you are able to find a suitable replacement for your spot. Regardless, the fundraising deadline for your spot must be met. Tour for Kids reserves the right to define a "suitable replacement". If you need to cancel, please email us at contact@ctcacf.org.

What's included with my registration fee?

Each registration gains you entry in to the event, and a cycling jersey in the size you select during the registration process. Accommodation, meals, luggage shuttle, mechanical and medical support are also included.

In Alberta, accommodation is camping at David Thompson Park Resort (Friday) and WestWard Ho Park Campground (Saturday). Bring your tent and sleeping bag! You have the option of booking indoor accommodation at/near each end location at additional cost. Click here for more information

In Atlantic Canada, accommodation is tent-style camping.

I signed up as a 2 weekender. Instead of riding Saturday and Sunday, can I ride Thursday and Friday, or Friday and Saturday?

No, we're afraid not! With a small group of volunteers and staff planning these big events, we can't make exceptions to the event logistics.

I'm registered for two Tour for Kids events. Do I have to fundraise for each?

Many of our Tour For Kids Ontario folks have had their eye on participating in Tour For Kids Alberta and vice-versa. Policies have been revised because of the sell-out nature of both events. Here are the participation and fundraising guidelines for 2012.

1. For any Tour For Kids event, full registration fees apply to cover rider costs and support the 100% donation model of your fundraising.
2. 2. Each registered participant must reach the fundraising minimum for each Tour For Kids event OR must fundraise a minimum of $2500 in one event to qualify for a fundraising exemption in the other event.

What happens if I do not reach my fundraising minimum?

Every participant is required to reach their fundraising minimum by September 30, 2012. Those riders who have not met their minimums will be contacted and reminded of their obligation. By registering, you agree to meet the minimum s. The purpose of this fantastic event is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with cancer, and we can only do this by providing sustainable funding year after year to the camps that we support.

How do donors get their tax receipts?

Donations made online generate a tax receipt that is immediately emailed to the donor when the transaction is complete. If a donor pledges a cyclist with cash or cheque, the cyclist is responsible for entering the tax receipt information through their personal fundraising page. Once received by the foundation, it takes about 4-6 weeks for the tax receipt to be released via email to the donor.

How do I enter cash and cheque pledges that I receive?

Log in to your personal fundraising page via www.tourforkids.com, using the username and password you used when you registered. Click on the "Fundraising" tab at the top of the screen, then select "Manage Cash and Cheques" from the left-hand menu. This will bring you to a screen that allows you to enter the name, mailing address and email address of your donor.

If you do not have an email address for them, email the tax receipt to yourself so you can pass it on to your donor. If you do not enter an email address, the tax receipt will not be created.

What do I do with the cash and cheques once I have entered them online?

Include your cheques with a pledge sheet and mail them to PO Box 17, 20 Queen St W Toronto ON M5H 3R3. Ensure that your cheque total matches what you have entered online and on your pledge form. Write a personal cheque for any cash amounts handed to you – please do not send cash in the mail.

We recommend that you send in cheques on a frequent basis so we can deposit your donors cheque in a timely manner, and issue their tax receipt. It is a bit daunting when we receive 50 cheques at once, so make it a regular habit. Or better yet – encourage online donations so you don't have to do a thing!

Why should I register for a team?

Teams have a lot of fun. They ride together, fundraise together, celebrate together and support each other year round.  Find at least one more person, and you've got yourself a team.

How can my team qualify for the Team Prize?

The team of 10 or more members with the highest average fundraising  of team member to donations wins the Top Team Prize, which will be rewarded to them at the 2012 event. In 2011, the Top Team Prize was given to Les Domestiques, who will receive their very own "pimped out" RV for their exclusive use throughout 2012 Tour For Kids Ontario.

Can I fundraise as a team?

It is important that everyone on your team meets their minimum fundraising goal as an individual. If you have a group fundraising event, you can divide the amount raised between individual group members' accounts. One team member cannot be the primary fundraiser and "cover" the rest of the team members.

When will the route be announced?

Our team works on planning the route until hours before the event.  Because of last minute construction notices and permits issues, we cannot post the final route until shortly before the event. Stay tuned to the website the day before the event begins to find downloadable PDF's of the route map, and GPS files for your bike-mounted GPS unit.

What are route marshals?

Each cycling group consists of about 12 cyclists and a marshal. Marshals are carefully selected, experienced Tour For Kids cyclists that are charged with the very important duty of keeping their group safe. Each marshal will be marked with a stylin' armband.

It's extremely important that everyone in the group respects the marshals instructions - they know the route and how to get you to the finish line safely. Marshals are registered riders who have also volunteered their expertise – they want to enjoy their TFK experience as much as you do! Please respect their instructions and ride safely.

Want to volunteer on Tour For Kids?

A significant percentage of volunteers must be a licensed driver regardless of whether their own vehicle is brought to the event. Most vehicles on the road carry substantial gear and may not have room for more than 1 or 2 passengers.

1. The cost of a volunteer on Tour For Kids is substantially over $300 for a 4 day event in Ontario. Your optional contribution of $50 per family member volunteer for the Ontario event is deeply appreciated.
2. The volunteer team will be working as early as 5 am and as late as 11pm.
3. Register here to indicate your interest in volunteering with our Foundation for Tour For Kids Ontario. You will be able to indicate your interest in Tour For Kids.
4. Registering your interest DOES NOT guarantee your spot on our multi-day cycling events.
5. The Tour For Kids organizing team at the Foundation in Ontario or Kids Cancer Care in Alberta hand selects volunteers based on a number of parameters.
6. Once you are a confirmed volunteer, you will be required to participate in several evening conference calls that includes a toll-free number. We also arrange an in-person get together ahead of the event.