Frequently Asked Questions
If your specific question is not answered below, please give us a call at 786-960-0639 or email us at Coach@bestbuddies.org.
General Questions
When is the event?
Our event will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Click here for a full Schedule of Events.
What cycling, running or walking distances are offered?
You can choose from a 100, 55 or a 20 mile bike ride or walk/run a 5K. Route details can be found here.
Where are the event start lines?
The 100 mile ride starts at JFK Library on Columbia Point in Boston, MA
The 55 mile takes off from Carver, MA.
The 20 mile ride begins in Sandwich, MA.
The 5k Run/Walk starts at Craigville Beach in Hyannis Port, MA.
Can I change my start line or other registration info after I register?
Absolutely! Changes to your start line, jersey size, and shuttle changes can be made up to two weeks prior to the event. Registered participants can contact their coach to update their registration options or e-mail Coach@bestbuddies.org.
What amenities are available at start lines & rest stops?
All start lines and rest stops have bathrooms, bike mechanics and medical support, and are well stocked with a wide variety of premium food and drinks including water, sport drinks, energy bars and gels, bagels, pastries, sandwiches, fruits and more.
What amenities are available at start lines & rest stops?
All start lines and rest stops have bathrooms, bike mechanics and medical support, and are well stocked with a wide variety of premium food and drinks including water, sport drinks, energy bars and gels, bagels, pastries, sandwiches, fruits and more.
Fundraising Questions
Is there a fundraising commitment to participate?
Yes – In order to participate, each participant must commit to raise money to support Best Buddies International. And the more you raise, the more event benefits you’ll receive.
Click here to find out more information on our Fundraising Levels.
How do I fundraise?
To help you meet your fundraising goal, we provide a wealth of tools. Once registered, you’ll have access to your own fundraising webpage, which you can easily personalize. Your webpage makes it easy for donors to give and for you to ask for and keep track of donations. We’ll also provide you with fundraising materials, including email and letter templates, posters and step-by-step guides for holding your own fundraising events. And, you’ll have the support of a Best Buddies Challenge Development Associate. We’ve got all the tools you’ll need to not only meet, but exceed your fundraising goal.
What happens if I don't meet my fundraising commitment?
If you do not meet your fundraising commitment and your credit card is charged the balance of what you owe, you will then have until one month after the event to continue fundraising. Any monies which you raise and submit before one month after the event will be refunded back to your credit card. You can get a refund for up to the amount that you were charged. A few follow-up or thank you letters can easily help bring in the additional donations, and then this money would be credited back to the credit card.
Can I change my Fundraising Level?
You can upgrade to a VIP rate at any time. Please email your coach or Coach@bestbuddies.org to make any changes to your fundraising level.
Can I cancel my registration?
After registration, you have a 7-day period from the day you registered to withdraw from the event and you will not be held responsible for your fundraising commitment. If, within those 7 days you decide that you cannot make this commitment for any reason, just alert a Challenge team member, and you will be released from the event. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Donation Questions
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible. Best Buddies is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our Tax ID number is 52-161-4576.
How do I make an offline donation?
Easy! If you are going to sponsor a specific rider, ask them for an “offline donation form.” Make checks payable to “Best Buddies” and send the check and offline donation form to our headquarters:
Best Buddies Challenge
Attn: Donations
100 Southeast Second Street
Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131
To make a general donation, again make checks payable to Best Buddies and send to the address above.
What do I do if a donor hands me a check?
If you do not meet your fundraising commitment and your credit card is charged the balance of what you owe, you will then have until one month after the event to continue fundraising. Any monies which you raise and submit before one month after the event will be refunded back to your credit card. You can get a refund for up to the amount that you were charged. A few follow-up or thank you letters can easily help bring in the additional donations, and then this money would be credited back to the credit card.
What about matching gifts?
Matching gifts are the easiest way to double your donations! Keep in mind, most companies will only make matching gifts at certain times of year. Often it is every month, quarter, bi-annually or annually. This means that even if you put the matching form in today, it might not be posted for a bit of time. Which means, now is the best time to start asking about matching gifts.
Cycling Questions
Do I need to own a bike to ride in a Best Buddies Challenge?
Yes, or you can rent a bike from your local bike shop. Best Buddies does not provide rental bikes for the event.
Are there any Best Buddies Training Rides?
Yes, periodically throughout the year, The Best Buddies Challenge Team will host instructional group rides for beginners and advanced cyclists alike. The routes will be predetermined and as a registered participant, you’ll be contacted through email with all logistical information about upcoming training rides.
How much training do you recommend leading up to the event?
You wouldn’t sign up to run a marathon without gradually training your body to take on the challenge of running 26.2 miles and cycling is no different. To fully enjoy your event day, we recommend that you gradually train up to riding 70-80% of the distance you’ll be riding with us on event day. For example, if you are doing our 100-mile ride, we recommend you complete at least one ride of 70-80 miles before our event weekend. Remember, the more you prepare your body, the more enjoyable our event day will be for you.
For more training advice and suggestions, visit our Training Tools page.
Logistic Questions
Where do the event shuttles go?
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the 100-mile start line and the 5k run/walk. For the 55 and 20-mile start lines, participants may drive themselves or utilize one of our shuttles, which will be departing from the 100-mile start line at 7am. Post-event, shuttles are available from Craigville Beach to all official Hyannis Port ride hotels every 20 minutes from 12pm-6pm. Riders returning to the 100, 55 and 20-mile start lines will depart at both 4:30pm and 6:00pm. Shuttles are also available to these start lines from the official Hyannis Port hotels on Sunday morning at 9am sharp.
What happens to my bike after I finish?
Once you finish the challenge, a Best Buddies volunteer will valet your bike to the appropriate place for transportation. If you are returning to a start line by shuttle, your bike tag will be marked with that start line, so it will be available to pick up once you arrive at your scheduled transportation time. If you are using your own method of transportation, your bike will be waiting for you for pick-up at the bike valet area at the finish line (all self-transported bikes must be picked up and claimed at the finish line by 6:30 pm).
Where can I park?
Parking is available at all start lines and the finish line at Craigville Beach. Paid parking is available at the 100-mile start and is located at the UMASS Boston West Garage. No parking is allowed at the JFK Library.
Where should I book my hotels?
If you haven’t already booked your hotel, please take a look at the discounted hotel rates available for Best Buddies Challenge participants. If you have any issues booking a hotel, contact your coach at 786-960-0639 or at Coach@bestbuddies.org as soon as possible.
Can friends and family join me at the finish line and party?
We encourage your family and friends to cheer you on along the route and as you cross the finish line! Due to capacity limitations, only pre-registered participants will receive a wristband for entrance to the finish line lunch tent, clambake and concert. Entry to the clambake and concert will not be available for purchase on event day.