FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much of my entry fee and donations/pledges I raise go to the camp?

Our goal each year is to cover all RATPOD expenses with corporate sponsor contributions. If that goal is met, then 100% of both the entry fee and all rider-solicited donations are fully contributions to Camp Mak-A-Dream.

I have a friend that will be riding, but I would like to attend just the wrap up barbeque. Can I do that?

Riders may purchase guest tickets for both the Friday night pasta feed and the post-ride BBQ, however, those tickets should be purchased in advance since we do have limited capacity for those meals. Tickets may be purchase by riders during the online registration process, or by calling the Camp Mak-A-Dream office at (406)549-5987 in advance of the event.

I'd like to buy just a t-shirt. Is that possible?

If we have extra event t-shirts following rider and volunteer check-in, you can buy them either at the post-ride BBQ on Saturday night in Dillon, or call Camp Mak-A-Dream (406)549-5987.

I think I would like to be a sponsor. Who do I contact about that?

Thank you very much for your sponsorship offer. You can contact Jennifer Benton at Camp Mak A Dream 406-549-5987 or Contact Us.

Is there a minimum donation amount required?

Riders will be asked to raise at least $100 in donations for the 2010 ride and are encouraged to raise as much as possible. Incentives include great prizes (awarded at the post-ride BBQ on Saturday night in Dillon), free RATPOD jerseys, early entry in the following year's rides to name a few.

Riders can even set up a personalized online fund raising page through www.firstgiving.com/campdream.

Is this a race or a ride?

RATPOD is a ride, not a race. Riders are welcome to do as much or as little of the ride as they like and may start/finish at any official food/water stop along the route as long as they are a registered rider.

This ride is a fund raising event for Camp Mak-A-Dream, a cost-free camp in western Montana for children, young adults and families affected by cancer. Visit www.campdream.org for more information.

What kind of food will you have at the feed stops?

Breakfast: Hot breakfast burritos, bagels, fruit, coffee, hot cocoa, drinks
Lunch: Meat & cheese for sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, drinks
Water: Watermelon, assorted fruit, water, power drink
Pie: Homemade PIE & ice cream, drinks

Why did you lay out the course clockwise & how much south wind do you get?

We wanted to get the biggest climbing over early. The wind is the big unknown. Let's hope for as little wind as possible!

Do you provide mechanical and sag support along the route?

There will be mechanical and medical support, as well as emergent sag support in case of injury. If you only plan to ride a portion of the course, riders are asked to start and end only at official food/water stops and should arrange for their own transportation.

If this is Levi's "STOMPING GROUNDS" can't he give us a clue about the wind?

It is variable at best and a good idea to get an early start to avoid Westerlies. Riders may begin as early as 6:00 am from the official start line in front of the UM-Western campus in Dillon, once they've checked in with ride officials.

What is the difficulty level of the ride? Do you need to be an expert rider to do it?

RATPOD follows one of two different routes - the loop around the Pioneers is 157 mile with about 7000 feet of climbing. The shorter route that uses the Scenic Byway cut-off is 130 miles. Both routes do have a fair amount of elevation gain, but riders are also welcome to break it up and do it as a team and not ride the whoe thing yourself if you desire. Please refer to the Event Information section and refer to Team Guidelines.

Where in Dillon can I stay during RATPOD? Can I camp at the university?

Please refer to Event Information page of the www.ratpod.org website and look under the Lodging section for motel and camping options. There will NOT be camping allowed on the UM-Western campus.

What's the date of the next RATPOD ride? When and how can I register?

The 9th annual RATPOD event will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Riders who raised $1,000 or more in 2009 qualify for early entry (starting in February). General registration will be done online through the RATPOD website starting the morning of Tuesday, March 2 and continuing until we reach our rider cap of 550. The ride does fill up fast so log on early!