FAQ

CycleNation is a community of cyclists that get together to help fund life-saving stroke and heart research and promote brain and heart health through The American Heart and American Stroke Association. Let’s be real: Cycling is not only fun, it’s a way to look good and feel good. Whether it be on the road or on a stationary bike, we’re cycling towards solving brain and heart health... literally and figuratively.

CycleNation is so different from typical cycling events. Why, you ask? Because you get the option of either hitting the road OR hopping on a stationary bike in a studio...or outside! Find the event that’s right for YOU – visit our list of cycling events to see what’s nearby.

Funds raised by cyclists will be used for stroke, heart and brain-centric research, prevention, and advocacy. Your funding of life-saving research can lead to better treatment and longer lives for millions of Americans. It’s kinda a big deal.

Most road events do have a reg fee. Most stationary cycling events don’t.

But every event does have its own minimum fundraising requirement, and you can donate to yourself during registration. Check your event information page, or contact AHA staff to learn more.

Holler at your local CycleNation staff to get set up. Visit your event page to contact them.

The very best way? Form a team! When you register, just start a team and then you can invite your coworkers to join you. Do you have a large company and want to have multiple teams to have a little team competition internally? You’ll want to reach out and talk to us at CycleNation so we can set you up on the site appropriately. We’ll even help you announce the event to your employees, and provide promotional materials. We make it simple to get everyone on board. If your company already shows up on the site, just go ahead and create a team and pick your company from the drop down. Just get moving and register!

You would have two main responsibilities: Recruit your friends to join, then support your team in meeting your fundraising goals.

CycleNation can’t slay these rides without you. As a team captain, once you register you’ll have access to an amazing dashboard of tools to achieve your #squadgoals. Think of us as your fundraising BFFs, because we’ll be with you everystage of the ride.

Of course! You do you. Choose “Ride solo” when you register, and you will have your own personal fundraising minimum. Our staff is ready if you have any questions.

You just need to reach out to our staff and let us know which team. You can find your local staff information on your dashboard, or on the local event page homepage.

Email your local event staff with your information, and we’ll place you on the waitlist. We’ll reach out if a spot opens up.

Yes. CycleNation is for people anywhere in their cycling fitness journey – beginner or king of the mountain. It’s not a race; you can go hard, or take it slow. Riders are encouraged to find their own pace and take breaks. We are more interested in having fun than competing.

(FYI, we have a bit of legalese you’ll have to agree to during registration.)

Most squads have 4 riders, but some events allow you to invite up to 8 if you’re popular.

Each session is a two hour ride. If you’re on a team, chat with your squad to decide how to split the time on the bike. And while you’re not riding, you can hang out and enjoy all the other fun stuff going on at the event.

Wear comfy cycling clothes (stretchy clothes FTW), socks, and tennis shoes. Yoga pants, exercise clothes; anything you can get active in and stay comfortable. Get crazy: Costumes and matching outfits are highly encouraged!

If cycling shoes/clip-ons are required for your bike, they will be provided. We got ya.

You should feel confident in your ability to cycle the entire length of the ride, in typical road conditions. Check your local event page for the route distance. It’s definitely not a race, and you are encouraged to find your own pace.

But don’t worry. If you bonk, we have people to help you.

(FYI, we have a bit of legalese you’ll have to agree to during registration.)

As many or as few as you want. As long as they have a bike, get them signed up.

It varies by event. Reach out to your local event staff to find out more.

Yep, to ride you have to fundraise. Check your local event details for the minimum amount.

We know fundraising can be daunting, but don’t be scared. We’re here to help with tools and know-how to get you to your minimum goal and beyond. The more you raise the more you amplify our message, so thank you!

Come on, we’re all winners, but seriously...if you’re crushin’ it and fundraise $1,000 or more, you are a CycleNation SuperStar! Yaaas! Prizes and celebration are headed your way, so check in with your local staff for benefits.

Talk about #squadgoals. If you hit $5K or more as a team, you are now deemed a SuperTeam! Prizes and celebration are headed your team’s way, so check in with your local staff for benefits.

First thing: Log in, and from your Dashboard go to the “Enter My Donation” link. Complete the form to get credit towards your goal.

After that, you can do one of two things: Hang on to them, and bring them with you to the event. Or if you’d like to not be responsible for the checks, log in and download the Offline Donations Form (PDF) from your Dashboard. Mail that and the check to us using the address listed on the PDF.

Remember, never put cash in the mail. You’ll have to bring it to the event.

Check with your HR department and see if your company has a matching gift program. If they do, grab a matching gift form and the donation (cash or check), and bring it with you to the event.

If your employer asks for an EIN (i.e. Federal Tax Identification Number), please use 13-5613797.

Tell your friends it’s never too late to donate! We’ll accept donations on the site until 30 days after the event.

We really need you to hit that minimum fundraising goal, but we know everyone needs help sometimes. Reach out to your local event staff and we’ll see what we can do.

For details on fundraising deadlines for specific local events, visit your local event page.

In the top menu, there is a donate link. Just click on the donate button, search for your friend and then make a donation.

Your online donation is always secure. You also will have the choice to hide your name from showing anywhere on the site.

BB *AHA

For sure. The American Heart Association | American Stroke Association is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

13-5613797

You will receive a PDF receipt in your inbox, and you can always Just click on the donate button if you lose it.

It happens, we all have too many passwords! Just visit this page and reset it. One thing: make sure you’re entering both your username and case-sensitive password correctly.

Maybe...? It depends on what you set it to when you registered. If you can’t remember, just visit this page and get it sent to you.

If you aren’t logged in yet, just click on the “Log In” link at the top of the page. Once you are in, click on the “My Events” link. You’ll be magically transported to your Participant Center. This is your center for all things fundraising.

If you aren’t logged in yet, just click on the “Log In” link at the top of the page. Once you are in, click on the “My Profile” link.

For information on your local CycleNation event, search for your location in our Event Finder, where you can find location-specific details.

Absolutely! There are no childcare services available but family and friends can come to cheer as you cycle to better health! Our events have music, food, and entertainment for people of all ages.

Though we love all fur babies, you’ll need to check in with event staff to see if your dog can join in the fun.

When you arrive at the event, head straight to the onsite check in area. Just look for signs. We’ll hook you up with a wristband. This will help us know you are part of the ride. If you are a SuperStar or a SuperTeam (not self proclaimed, sorry), you’ll get your schwag from us when you check in.

We’ll have a bag check area where your stuff will be safe and secure during your ride. It’s probably a good idea to leave high dollar items at home. No real tiaras, my queen.

We are here to please. During the ride, we’ll have water Hydration Stations and a few light snacks. Feel free to bring what you need to avoid hangry mode while you work it.

We’ve also got you covered post-ride. Check with your local event team to see what food will be available at the after party.

Some people flake, it’s ok. You can still be part of the CycleNation experience! You can always bring a different person to take their place.

The struggle is real. If you have a substitute rider coming in your place, please be sure they know to tell the volunteers at the on-site registration that they are a sub rider for you. They will need to sign a quick waiver, and then we will get them to your former bike!

Yes! What would a cycling event be without a podium? Stick around after the ride to celebrate our teams and riders, and our impact as a community.

Check out the event information page to learn more about parking and other event-specific details.

Yikes. No one likes getting rained on, but the ride must go on. Check out the event information page to learn if we have to plan a do over.