Rider Resources

RIDER FUNDRAISING SUGGESTIONS

• START EARLY! Order Tour des Trees info/fundraising brochures & Rider Cards when you register online.
• FOCUS on what it is you are doing, and why:
  • What is the TREE Fund?
  • What is the urban forest and why is it important?
  • How does the research supported by the TREE Fund benefit your community or profession? (www.treefund.org)
  • Why are YOU involved?
  • A few helpful resources:

• heartlandtreealliance.org
• treelink.org
• urbanforestrysouth.org

• CREATE A LIST OF POTENTIAL DONORS (that’s everybody you know). Include:
  • Co-workers, business associates, clients, and suppliers
  • doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, church members
  • local businesses you patronize (including your gym & bike shop)
  • local utility companies (they understand the need for arborists and tree care)
  • fellow ISA/TCIA members
  • fellow biking enthusiasts

• CONTACT your prospects. Be creative. Be passionate. Be clear.
  • Identify yourself as a 2009 STIHL Tour des Trees rider
  • Identify the cause (Tour brochures/rider cards are helpful)
  • Identify your fundraising goal
  • Ask for a specific donation amount

• FOLLOW UP:
  • Track responses to your pledge requests
  • Send another email with a link to your Active Giving fundraising page
  • Make a phone call

• RESPOND WITH APPRECIATION: Thank your supporters personally; it will make soliciting easier next year! Active Giving keeps a list of all of your

donors and sends an electronic receipt for donations made online. The TREE Fund sends a thank you letter/tax receipt for donations of $25 or more received via US Mail. Neither one is as effective as a personal note from you.

• SEND A PRESS RELEASE OR LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF LOCAL MEDIA

o         “Human interest” sells the story:

§         Unusual training techniques

§         Riding to overcome a personal injury/handicap

§         First-time rider

• THROW A PARTY TO BENEFIT YOUR CAMPAIGN
  • Involve a local restaurant or caterer
  • Raffle off a prize
  • Every guest makes a donation

• HAVE A GARAGE SALE
  • All proceeds benefit your fundraising campaign

• REMIND YOUR DONORS to ask if their employer matches their charitable contributions. Double Your Money!

---

*

TRAINING TIPS

for the Tour des Trees

Contributed by Ed Pavelka, President RBR Publishing Co – www.roadbikerider.com

• GENERAL TIPS

If you have limited time for training, pool it and ride 50-65 miles twice a week rather than short rides every day.

Begin some of your training rides in early morning. Ride occasionally on rainy days and in other less-than-optimum conditions so you’ll be ready for anything.

Participate in weekend group rides to become comfortable with other wheels just inches away. Group rides tend to be fast too – good training.

Train on the bike you will be riding in TdT. If you are concerned about bike fit and your riding position, get advice from a cycling coach, bike shop professional or knowledgeable rider before the Tour. Don’t make position changes without adequate time to adapt.

Ride back-to-back long rides of close to 80 miles as often as possible in the final six weeks, but stay within your weekly mileage goal. Riding long on consecutive days in training is the key to feeling good on TdT.

Get comfortable eating on long rides. About 250-300 calories per hour will help ensure all-day energy. Drink at least 24 ounces an hour (one water bottle) to stay hydrated.

Be comfortable training 200-250 miles per week for the eight weeks before the tour. Get ready gradually. You will be riding about 500 miles in one week on TdT.

Don’t forget speed. Training rides should include some rolling hills to sprint up, some escapes from farm dogs, and some fast tailwind stretches to help you turn a big gear. Making these surges, rather than always riding at a constant pace, will help raise your fitness and cruising speed.

• THREE MONTHS BEFORE TOUR DES TREES
  
  • 100-150 miles per week
  • One day per week over 50 miles
  • One 75-mile ride during the month
  • One group ride each week

• TWO MONTHS BEFORE TOUR DES TREES
  • 150-200 miles per week
  • One or two days per week over 60 miles
  • One 80-mile ride during the month
  • One fast group ride each week

• ONE MONTH BEFORE TOUR DES TREES
  • 200-250 miles per week
  • Two days per week around 80 miles (back to back if possible)
  • One fast group ride each week
  • Have your bike serviced, install new tire

• ONE WEEK BEFORE TOUR DES TREES
  • Ride enough to keep your legs fit but rested
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Eat well and stay hydrated
  • Pack your gear two days before you leave, then double-check your list
  • Try to arrive at the start a day early so you can be rested, not rushed

You’re ready. Have a great Tour!