Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’m brand new to cycling and fundraising. How do I get started?

First, you should feel really good about taking on this enormous challenge that is the NCAC! If you’re on Facebook, we suggest that you join the NorCal AIDS Cycle group (NCAC Cyclists & Crew) to stay connected, attend some training rides to meet your fellow cyclists (check out the WhatsApp Thread for updates), and keep a lookout for NCAC events throughout the Spring where you can learn more about training, fund-raising, and what NCAC is about. Your Welcome Packet will also contains contact information to connect to Veteran riders or crew-members so that you have a contact and can hear about their experiences. If you’ve joined a Team, your Team Captain can also be a great resource!

For tips on training, visit the Training and Resources section, and make sure to come out for our scheduled training rides and “Do-It-Yourself Rides” that can be found in the training ride and event calendar. You’ll receive a training plan in your registration packet. Following this plan will bring you that much closer to reaching your goal.

What will a typical day on the Ride will be like for Cyclists and Crew?

Days on the Ride typically start early in the morning with Start times, prior to 8am. On the road, Cyclists will be treated to well-stocked Rest Stops and Lunch Stops as well as beautiful scenery. Upon your return to Basecamp you can relax in our lounge area, play some games, chat with friends, get a massage from Cyclists Massage and then enjoy a wonderful communal dinner. Each night we will have a short program before hitting the sac to do it all over again the next day!

How much money am I supposed to raise?

For NCAC 2025, Cyclists are required to raise at least $2,000 in donations to participate. Crew Members must raise at least $600.

Your $45 Registration Fee is not included in your fundraising total. With your registration, you have access to your very own fundraising page, which will allow you to send out email requests for donations and to keep track of your progress toward your goal. If you have questions on fundraising, visit our Fundraising Toolkit Page or talk to your captain who can help you get started.

What happens if I haven’t met my fundraising minimum by the day the ride starts?

We encourage you to start your fundraising as soon as possible. If you have not met the minimum fundraising amounts of $2,000 for cyclists or $600 for crew, you will need to self-donate the remaining amount (i.e. at least up to the minimum) with cash, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. You may be allowed to continue to raise funds after the ride.

Facebook Donation Button & Fundraisers

With the addition of Fundraiser options, Facebook has become a great resource for charities to raise funds. In the US, Facebook donations are processed through the PayPal Giving Fund, which charges a processing fee of 1.99% + 49¢ per transaction. Additionally, please be aware that any donations received through a Facebook donation button or Fundraisers will not post immediately to your fundraising totals; often there is a lag of 20 to 45 days or more before NCAC receives these funds. It is your responsibility to track and account for all your Facebook donations; this includes providing proof (donor name, amount, etc.) of every donation received by your Facebook Fundraiser and/or Donation Button; this information should be sent to ncaceventinfo@gmail.com or Shaun@norcalaidscycle.org. NCAC credits Facebook donations to participants when they are received, not when they are made through Facebook. When participant information is not known, Facebook donation will be credited to the General Fund. Please see Facebook’s Help Page for further information regarding Facebook Non-profit Payouts and Timelines.
** A general rule of thumb is that funds donated through Facebook during the 1st to 15th of a month are generally paid out to NCAC towards the end of that month. Funds donated on or after the 16th of a month are generally paid out to NCAC towards the end of the following month. Additionally, Facebook & PayPal often imposes a $50 minimum threshold for their payouts, so if the potential payout is less than $50, it may roll over until the total payout for NCAC exceeds the $50 minimum threshold.

• Example: A $100 donation made on January 1 could be paid out to NCAC towards the end of January.

• Example: A $25 donation made on August 1, with no other donations made to NCAC before August 15, could roll over to the next period. It could continue to ‘roll over’ until another $25 or more has been donated within a half month period. If an additional $50 donation was made on September 5; $75 may be paid out to NCAC towards the end of September.

How do I handle off-line donations?

If you receive cash donations, we recommend keeping the cash and then making a check or online donation in the donor’s name. You can then print out or e-mail the receipt to your donor for tax purposes.

For check donations, make sure the check is made out to “NorCal AIDS Cycle” or ”NCAC” and has the participant’s name on the memo line. Then fill out (or have your donor fill out) an off-line donation form and mail it in to NCAC. The address is on the donation form. Donation forms can be found on your personal fundraising page or in the Fundraising section. Contact our Fundraising Team at ncaceventinfo@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding this process.

Every check or cash donation must have an individual donation form! Checks or cash without the form may not be credited to you.

How do fundraising teams work? Can I team up with someone to split fundraising and riding?

Creating and joining NCAC fundraising teams is a great way for friends to support each other as they prepare for the NCAC and for potential donors to learn more about the NCAC community. Although your team webpage will show how much money the entire team has raised, each team member is individually responsible for meeting the fundraising minimum.

My fundraising total doesn’t look right. Who can I contact about that?

If you need help managing your donations or confirming your total please contact our Fundraising Team at ncaceventinfo@gmail.com. Make sure you allow at least two weeks for your off-line donations to appear on your total before contacting us. Online donations through Pledge It should appear immediately.

I want to participate but can’t make it to the actual event?

No problem, you can register as a Virtual Cyclist and raise as much funds as possible. Virtual Cyclists receive their own personal fundraising page and can use all the tools available to Cyclists and Crew. There is a $45 Registration Fee to cover administrative costs.

If I end up not riding or crewing, can I get the money I’ve raised to count toward my friend, who’s also participating?

No. Transferring donated funds between participants is not an option. Rest assured, your total will be included in grants to our beneficiaries.

My question isn’t answered below? Now what do I do?

If you can’t find the answer to your question please contact us and someone will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Your Team Captain is also a great source of information.