Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Make-A-Wish Foundation?

  The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. We are committed to ensuring that no medically eligible child in the Georgia and Alabama region be denied a wish due to lack of funds.

 The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America was founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, when a small group of people helped seven-year-old Christopher Greicius, who suffered from leukemia, fulfill his dream of being a policeman. The Foundation has grown to 67 chapters within the US and is the largest wish granting organization in the world. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Georgia was formed in 1995 and merged with Alabama and South Georgia to form the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama in 2001 and 2003 resectfully.

Make-A-Wish grants the wish of a child between the ages of 2½ and 18 who has progressive, degenerative, or malignant medical condition that has placed the child?s life in jeopardy. A child must have their medical condition verified by a physician and can not have been granted a previous wish by any nationally recognized wish granting organization. Make-A-Wish chapters grant wishes to all eligible children regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic status.

2. What is the Ride For Wishes?

The Ride For Wishes 2009 is a cycling event for all ages and riding levels. It will feature beautifully scenic rides through the sandy white beaches of Orange Beach, AL. The fall is a wonderful time to be at the beach, and this ride will provide you with a wonderful excuse to be there!

On Friday, October 2, there will be a Registration Event at The Wharf in Orange Beach from 5-9. This gathering will be a great opportunity for riders to catch up with old friends and also learn a bit more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Saturday morning, October 3, begins the Ride! Riders will have a choice of a true Century (100 miles), a metric Century (62 miles), a 50-Mile Out and Back, and a 17-mile Family Fun Loop. All distances will be fully supported with Rest Stops and SAG Vehicles. We will depart from, and return to, the Wharf in Orange Beach. Saturday night will feature a dinner and recognition ceremony for top fundraisers, as well as a great time for all riders!

The Sunday, October 4 rides will be similar in length to Saturday's rides, but there will not be a true Century on Sunday.

3. Where do I stay?

There are several options for accomodation for the Ride For Wishes. All riders are responsible for their own accomodations

The Wharf at Orange Beach, our host resort, has provided soe outstanding rates for our event. Listed below are those rates and contact information:

The Gulf Coast Sports Commission has compiled many housing options, ranging from hotel rooms to large condos. Please visit their website www.alabamagulfcoastsports.com for more information.

4.    Ride Details

SATURDAY CHECK-IN * ALL CYCLIST MUST CHECK IN!
Regular check-in for cyclists will be Saturday morning beginning at 6:00 a.m. at The Wharf. The 100 mile participants will begin the ride at 8:00 a.m. YOU MUST BE ON THE ROUTE BY 8:30 A.M. OR YOU WILL BE SAGGED TO THE FIRST REST STOP!

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT 
If you know someone who would like to volunteer, please call John  205-254-9474 or register as a volunteer on the website.
SUPPORT AND GEAR VEHICLES (SAGS)
?Support & Gear? vehicles will provide assistance to weary riders who need a lift to the next rest stop and/or finish line. Please feel free to take advantage of these vehicles when needed. They are here to help you.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
There will be three technical support vans riding the route each day. These vans will be manned by various bike shops from across the state. They will also be available each morning before the ride begins.
PRIVATE SUPPORT
Personal and private support vehicles are not allowed on the route due to safety reasons.
Thank you!
CONTINGENCY PLANS
Be prepared to ride rain or shine, warm or cool. Under most conditions, the Ride For Wishes will continue. In the event of severe weather, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will:
(A) temporarily stop the ride by holding you at rest stops until the storm passes, or (B) call off the ride for the day and provide bus and truck transportation to the finish line.
Ride officials will be in contact with the National Weather Service. We ask for your cooperation with this policy; your safety is our number one concern.
HURRICANES
In the event there is a hurricane before the ride and the ride is cancelled the Make-A-Wish Foundation will contact all registered cyclists by phone, email or snail mail to relay contingency plans.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
There will be trained medical personnel at the start/finish line and along the route. If you find yourself getting too tired, PLEASE STOP! A Ride For Wishes Support vehicle will pick you up! Please don?t take the risk.  

WHAT?S PROVIDED
? Official Ride For Wishes t-shirt, given out at check-in prior to the event.
? Rest stops every 8-10 miles stocked with snacks, water, power drinks and volunteers to cheer you on!
? Medical support
? Support and Gear Vehicles (SAG)
? HAM Operators will be assisting with communication throughout the route. They will radio for assistance if you need it!
? Complete route safety with the help of the local police and city departments.
? Four meals will be provided— lunch and dinner on Saturday; breakfast and lunch Sunday. Don?t forget about the rest stops along the way!
? Dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday evening.
? Massage therapists will be at the finish-line on Saturday and Sunday (cost is $5 for massages) And of most of all, TONS OF FUN!
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Clothes
Rain Gear/Poncho—Cycling shorts—T-shirt/cycling jersey—Extra socks—Jacket—Cycling gloves— Cycling shoes or sneakers
Day Gear
Sunglasses—Water Bottle—Patch Kit—Spare Tube—Bicycling helmet (Required—No exceptions!)
Personal Gear
Insect repellant—Sunscreen—Pain reliever—Toiletries—Spending money—Sunglasses—Change of clothes for Saturday evening and Sunday—Bathing suit