GENERAL
Why am I raising money?
The need for new, innovative, non-pharmaceutical and tech solutions to neurological disorders.
You’re helping to fill a gap and show that people need an array of options to treat illnesses. With your fundraising dollars, Branch Out Neurological Foundation is making strides. You will directly help fund top-notch scientists who are researching alternative treatments that make a real impact for individuals and families affected by neurological disorders.
If your friends ask you, “Hey. Why the heck are you riding in the Branch Out Bike Tour?” You can say to them, “Because I believe in a world free from neurological disorders and I think we need to branch out from the status quo to get there.”
What is the Bike Tour like?
During Friday night registration, you have the opportunity to connect with old friends, meet new riders, and relax to gear up for an awesome day.
The ride kicks off at 8:00 am on Saturday, June 16th in the Pine Hill Parking Lot. Riders start in “heats” in order of the 160Km, 100Km, and 80Km routes. Along the route, there are three (3) Rest Stations (*see map). Here, you’ll be provided with plenty of water, snacks (uhhh… have you heard of the CANDY station?) and portable toilets.
Riders complete the route between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. There will be a big BBQ waiting for you at the Finish Line when you’re done. Please ensure you place your bike in storage BEFORE you grab a bite. You then have the afternoon to relax, shower and get ready for dinner and head to the gala for 6:00 pm.
Once out of your spandex, enjoy a delicious dinner, keynote speeches, awards ceremony, and both a live and silent auction. The remainder of the evening is spent enjoying live music and time with your pals!
What if I’m not a professional cyclist, can I still ride?
Of course! We encourage riders of all experience levels to come and join the fun. Leading up to the Bike Tour, there are YYC Bike Nights organized every week (weather dependent). Here, riders can get together and train. You’ll meet near the Peace Bridge, take a tour around the city, and finish the ride off with a refreshing 'Branchy Brew' at Last Best Brewing Company! Keep an eye on social media for discounted spinning classes as well. If you’d like some tips on where to start and a training schedule, we’ll happily give you guidance. Email us at bike@branchoutfoundation.com.
Can I bring someone to the gala who is not a rider or volunteer?
The more the merrier! When you register, just purchase an additional "Gala Ticket" for your friend or family member. As a rider or volunteer, your gala ticket is INCLUDED in your registration fee.
REGISTRATION
You have a new website! Tell me more!
We listened to you and wanted to make your Bike Tour experience the BEST from start to finish! This year, we decided to ‘branch out’ and offer Branchies a slick new registration site. We’re beyond excited about the user experience, capabilities, AND the fundraising thermometer, say wha'!??
Where do I sign up?
Click on the "Register" button on the front page. You can create a personal login page for you and/or your team. You can customize it, direct friends and family members here to donate, and send out donor thank you cards - the works.
As this is a brand new platform for us, we appreciate your feedback! If you notice something is off or if you have any questions at all, please e-mail our Marketing Director, Meagan McKenzie at meagan@branchoutfoundation.com and she’ll have it fixed in a jiffy!
FUNDRAISING
What is the fundraising minimum?
We ask riders to fundraise a minimum of $275 buck-a-roos for tech and non-pharma solutions to neurological disorders.
Is my registration ticket cost included in my fundraising minimum?
No. Your registration fee does not apply towards your fundraising minimum. Paying a registration fee allows us to donate 90%+ DIRECTLY towards NeuroCAM research.
Can I donate to myself?
Of course! There is an area on your personal fundraising page where you can ‘self-sponsor.'
Can I accept cash donations?
Yes, you can absolutely receive cash donations, but please do not mail the cash to us. We don’t want it to get lost in the mail! Instead, bring the cash donation to registration at Panorama Mountain Resort. Alternatively, you can write a cheque for the donation amount and mail it in with your donation form (PDF pledge form available for download from your personal fundraising page). Just be sure to enter the donor’s information on the donation form.
Can I donate over e-mail or traditional mail?
Yes. Just e-mail your information or mail in your cheque donation (we cannot accept cash). Each donation must have a completed donation form that has the name of the Rider or Team you are sponsoring. Either way, please make sure to mail both items to the address indicated in the upper right corner of your donation form.
How do donors receive a tax receipt?
Donors who donate online with a valid email address will receive a tax receipt via email. Donors who mail in a donation will receive their receipt by email if they give a valid email address or by mail if they do not give an email address.
What if my question is not answered here?
If you have additional questions about registration or fundraising, please e-mail us at bike@branchoutfoundation.com.