Tour de Pink 2007

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Rider's Guide/FAQs

Hershey's Tour de Pink benefiting the Young Survival Coalition is more than just a ride, it is a rolling community. Riding together for four days from America's chocolate capital through rural Pennsylvania, the suburbs of New Jersey and into New York City, Hershey's Tour de Pink riders are promised an unforgettable experience. Below are some of the questions we are often asked. If you have any other questions, please e-mail tourdepink@youngsurvival.org or call 646.257.3027.

Space is limited to 150 riders.

Ride Documents (These are the 2007 ride documents and will be updated when the 2008 route is finalized. Take a look, as they will give you a good idea of what to expect this year.

What To Bring on the Ride

2007 Test Ride Synopsis

2007 Course Speed Chart

2007 Online Training Guide

2007 Course and Elevation Maps

Where do we ride?
How do I get to and from the ride?
How much does it cost?
I've never ridden this far. Can I do it?
What kind of support do riders receive on the road?
I've never raised donations before. Can I do it?
Who benefits from the ride?
Where do we stay? And eat?
What rules and regulations should I know?

Where do we ride?
From Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, to Manhattan, approximately 220 miles. We start at Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, and ride east through rural Pennsylvania, the suburbs of New Jersey and on our final day, we take a ceremonial ride through Midtown Manhattan to a heroes' welcome. Route details can be found here: The Route.

How do I get to and from the ride?
Riders are expected to transport themselves and their bicycles to a mandatory orientation and safety session on the afternoon of Thursday, October 2, in Hershey, PA. Accommodations will be provided for out-of-town riders. Riders are expected to transport themselves and their bicycles home from the finish line in New York City on Monday, October 6.

How much does it cost?
The non-refundable registration fee is $99. Each rider must raise at least $2,500 in tax-deductible donations to the Young Survival Coalition October 2, 2008. If you do not meet the minimum, you may ride only if you complete the balance by paying with a check or credit card. All riders who raise the minimum are entitled to a commemorative cycling jersey and other items.

I've never ridden this far. Can I do it?
Yes! We welcome riders of all abilities and experience levels. We recommend you use a comfortable, reliable bike with road tires and follow a training plan. Hershey's Tour de Pink riders Olympic Medalist Mari Holden and YSC member and fitness trainer Sami Papacek have developed an online training guide for this year's ride, which can be found on sponsor Giant's website. Mari and Sami will be answering your questions and adding more training information throughout the training period, so be sure to check the page regularly. Local groups of riders are planning group rides with training and tips.

What kind of support do riders receive on the road?
Cycling event professionals will provide SAG support. They will be moving along the course and will have mechanics stationed at rest stops to handle mechanical troubles. However, you should be prepared to handle basic mechanical problems should they arise.

Have your bike checked by a qualified mechanic BEFORE the ride..
Carry spare tubes and pumps in case of flat tires.
Be prepared with rain gear in the event of inclement weather.
The route will be well marked and cue sheets will be provided.
Support vehicles will follow the riders in the event of fatigue, medical emergency or mechanical issues and will provide transportation to the finish for bikes and riders who need it.
Rest stop provisions: There will be rest stops approximately every 20 miles along each day's route. Stops will have sanitation facilities and will be stocked with a variety of snacks and cold beverages. Mid day rest stops will provide lunch. If you have specific dietary preferences or needs please be sure to carry what you need.
Medical support. The YSC and the Hershey's Tour de Pink will provide medical support for the duration of the ride. If you require medical attention, please alert ride staff or volunteers so they can get you help as quickly as possible. If you require special medications, please remember to bring them.
Medical support. The YSC and the Hershey's Tour de Pink will provide medical support for the duration of the ride. If you require medical attention, please alert ride staff or volunteers so they can get you help as quickly as possible. If you require special medications, please remember to bring them.
Please carry information on your person at all times about any specific medical conditions or drug allergies you have, as well as a list medications you are currently taking.

I've never raised donations before. Can I do it?
Yes! For many riders, fundraising seems more daunting than the ride itself. Fundraising materials, ideas and strategies, including a personal Web page to help raise funds and tell others about their involvement with the event will be provided to all Hershey's Tour de Pink riders.

Who benefits from the ride?
All funds raised by riders go directly to the Young Survival Coalition. With over 12,000 members in more than 30 countries, the YSC is the only international, nonprofit network of breast cancer survivors, medical professionals and supporters dedicated to the critical concerns unique to young women and breast cancer.

Where do we stay? And eat?
Riders will stay in chain hotels each night during the ride. Breakfast and dinner will be catered each day or served at a nearby restaurant. Lunch and snacks will be served at rest stops along each route.

What rules and regulations should I know?
Hershey'sTour de Pink is not a race. All routes will follow open roads. You should expect motor vehicle traffic for the duration of the ride. Safety is of the utmost importance, so please be aware of the riders and vehicles around you and take a moment to review these important safety rules.

Children under the age of 18 are not eligible to participate. This includes bike trailers, bicycle seats or tandem bicycles.

You will be riding in traffic. You must obey all traffic laws and signals.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or similar standard approved helmets are mandatory while participating in the Hershey'sTour de Pink.
Aero bars (time trial) bars are not permitted.
Share the road. Ride single staying as far to the right of the road as safely possible. Pass ONLY on the left. Double file riding should only be done based on safe road conditions.
Do not cross the yellow centerline of the road or ride in the face of oncoming traffic at any time.
STAY ALERT. Be observant of road hazards at all times such as parked cars, potholes, grates, gravel, etc. Point out hazards to your fellow riders and call them out: "car back," "hole," etc.
Stay in control of your bike at all times and always be aware that you are riding in a group. Do not brake suddenly, ride in as straight a line as possible, avoid swerving, etc.
Use hand signals or oral instructions for routine travel directions, such as "turning left," "stopping" etc.
Riders are expected to maintain an average pace of at least 12 mph throughout the ride.
Obey ride officials. If you are given instructions from Police or Ride Officials you must do as asked.