Agony Ride: Form: Apply to Ride

Purpose Statement	Get Involved
Form: Apply to Ride	Agony 2008
Form: Apply to Sag

Agony: Apply to Ride

Thanks for your interest in helping the young people at Christian Encounter Ministries by riding in the Agony. Before filling out the application to ride, please read through all the information below.

Why should I ride?
What to expect
Schedule
Sponsorship
Route Map
Rider Safety
Apply now

Why should I ride?

The Agony ride is a personal challenge. It’s a time of good fellowship, lots of fun, and a chance to go to bat for someone else! Here are some quotes from individuals who’ve been helped through the CEM programs over the years.

"Coming to the Ranch was my last chance to be a better person…I was plagued by rebellion, not caring if I hurt others…People here gave me a chance."

"…I came with a life full of family problems and …drug use. I ditched school all the time. I was such an angry person…I was not a sociable or loving person. That, and so much more, has changed because of the Lord…"

"…My life seemed like a big blur. I felt nothing, I thought nothing, and my abilities were worth nothing; …I was shown God's love…Now I know in my heart He loves me no matter what!"

“I arrived at the Ranch at the age of 16. I was rebellious, I ran away from home, continuously drank, partied, and defied my parents... It has been over 10 years since I was a student at the Ranch, but the Ranch continues to be an important part of my life. They have generously spent many an hour counseling me and encouraging me in my walk with the Lord. The terrific thing about the Ranch family is they never forget about you.”

Here are some quotes from former riders:

“...I’m tithing for the next 24 hours!”

“Any pain in the body is more than balanced by the joy in the soul.”

“My pedal power is provided by the Spirit.”

“It’s the neatest picture I’ve ever seen of Christ’s Body at work. Some sponsor, some ride, some refill water bottles....but all give and take. Each person is a spoke in the wheel that makes it go ‘round!”

“My most intense lesson came thru the death of my bike light. I had to follow my partner’s light ahead to stay safely on the road. It taught me how really desperate life is without God’s light.”

“I had a list of all the CEM students taped to my bike as I rode. When I got tired, that list reminded me of my reason for riding, and it got easier to keep pedaling. What an encouragement to see so many people working hard for that same purpose.”

What to expect

Safety Rules
Liability constraints and ethical issues require that these guidelines are respected without compromise.

1. All riders will wear helmets, gloves and CEM-provided reflective vests at all times while on the course.
2 All riders will check in with every SAG station during the event. (You must check in and out at each SAG station, even if you do not wish to stop.)
3. No rider shall draft a motor vehicle at any time, even for short distances.
4. After dusk until sunrise, all riders will ride in pairs, or larger groups,
5. No riders shall recruit and bring their own private saggers.

Complete Sag Support (people helping you during the ride)
1. CEM provides all food and drink during the entire event. We provide Gatorade sports drink. You may want to start using it during your training.
2. CEM provides SAG support at stationary rest stations and roving motorcycles and vehicles on the course. SAG helpers serve food and drink, muscle rubs, first aid, minor bike repairs, etc. Rovers check on your safety and transport your gear between SAG stations. They also have food, water, and first-aid supplies. If you know individuals who might like to help on the SAG team, have them contact us for SAG information. SAG helpers must be 18 years or older and must be part of the SAG team providing services to all riders. Novice saggers will be trained during the Agony Ride.

No Spectators or children
We ask everyone who comes to sign up and help as a stationary or roving SAG helper. There are tasks for folks with varying levels of ability and endurance.

Location
25 miles north of Truckee in the Sierra Valley, in and between the towns of Vinton, Loyalton, and Beckwourth.

Roads
Paved state and county highways are in very good to fair condition; some may have occasional wash-boards, potholes, sand, or gravel. The route is relatively flat. Two, three-mile stretches of the route are on State Hwy. 49, which is moderately traveled. You must obey all traffic laws, including riding single file at all times except to pass other riders.

Weather
Temperatures may range from 90ºF or higher in the day to 20ºF at night. The average elevation is 5,000 ft., and it can rain almost any day of the year. There are almost always strong, gusty winds in the afternoon.

Check-in
Check in at the Loyalton Elementary School (see map, p.7) at 9:00 a.m. on Friday for a bike inspection, pulse and blood pressure check, and to receive numbered tags for your bike and bag and a numbered reflective vest.

Schedule

Friday, July 25, 2008

9:00 a.m. Arrive at the Loyalton Elementary School (see map, p. 7). Unload your equipment and get ready for sign-in and meetings. If SAG helpers drive up with you, have them drop you off at the school then go to their assigned stations for their SAG meetings and setup.

Sign-in and complete the bike inspection. Turn in money and pledge sheets. You need your bike, gear and rider bag with you.

11:00 Pre-ride meal. It is very important that you eat and drink before the ride begins. You may want to bring something to snack on throughout the morning. Some snacks will be provided at registration.

11:30 a.m. Mandatory Rider Meeting. Important last-minute instructions will be given. You must be on time! The meeting will be held in the cafeteria, so you may continue to eat your pre-ride meal.

12:30 p.m. Change clothes, make final preparations, and rest.

1:00 p.m. The ride starts promptly from the Loyalton Elementary School. The distances between SAG stations are 12 and 13 miles.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

1:00 p.m. The ride ends no matter where you are. Stop riding. You, your bike, and your rider bag will be picked up and transported back to the Loyalton SAG station by an official sweep vehicle.

2:00 p.m. CEM will provide a complimentary Victory Meal for all riders and saggers at the Loyalton Elementary School. Plan to stay for this meal to find out how far others rode and how much money was raised. Presentations will be made at this time. You will head for home by 3:30.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is the core of the Agony ride. Through Agony sponsorship, your family, friends and acquaintances become part of your team, making a difference in our society and in Christ's kingdom. Each rider needs to raise a minimum of $300.00. For example, 10 sponsors pledging 15 cents per mile each = 1.50 per mile x 200 miles ridden = $300.00. There is no maximum—it is okay to raise $10,000 or more! Seriously, we encourage you to work towards recognition as a "Pedal Pusher" by raising at least $1,000 this year. For those of you who have ridden before or will ride again, we also have several cumulative awards. Those who raise $2,500 become "Big Wheels"; $5,000 fundraisers are "Spokesmen"; those raising $10,000 are "Royal Rollers"; $15,000 fundraisers are "Cycle Slaves." Anyone who rides enough years with enough sponsorship to raise a total of $25,000 or more will be one of the "Agony Hall of Fame Chain Gang." Tokens of appreciation will be given to each person reaching one of these levels. The greatest reward is knowing you have played an important part in changing lives.

Rider safety and rules

During the Agony Ride

You must obey all the California State traffic rules that apply to bicycle operation. Always travel the same direction as vehicle traffic. Signal before making a turn, don’t go over 55 mph (don’t you wish), ride single file, etc.

Safety equipment:
1. You must wear the Agony vest on the outside of all clothing.
2. You must wear a bike helmet and gloves, and have your bike equipped with side, front and rear reflectors. You must use a headlight and taillight for night riding.

Safety rules:
1. You must ride single file. Because of auto and truck traffic, it is not safe to ride side by side. (It is also illegal.) When it is safe to do so, you may pass other riders and then go back to single file.
2. At night, every rider must ride with at least one other rider because of possible illness or accident and possible, but unlikely, harassment from a motorist.
3. No headphones may be used during the Agony Ride while on the roadway.

Traffic congestion:
The location of the Agony is one of the safest routes for a bicycle event in the entire state of California. Keep in mind however:
1. The roads are narrow and do not have shoulders. If you run off the pavement you might flip your bike.
2. Cars and trucks travel above the speed limit.
3. Be especially careful of traffic when you enter and leave the SAG stops.
4. You will cross railroad tracks (watch for trains) on A-24.

You are an ambassador:
1. You represent Christian Encounter Ministries and Jesus Christ to this valley. Be courteous and respectful.
2. If you are treated with disrespect or hear of complaints, report it to the Ride Master via a SAG leader or Roving Sagger and let him handle it.
3. Be sensitive to those living in the valley. Between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. keep the noise down, especially in and around the towns of Loyalton and Vinton.

Apply Now

You may apply online or print the form and mail it to Christian Encounter Ministries, PO Box 1022, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Printable form

AGONY RIDER APPLICATION
Friday, July 25-Saturday, July 26, 2008

* required fields

First Name: * Last Name:*

Address:*

City:* State:* Zip:*

Email:*

Home Phone:*

Work Phone:

Cell Phone:

Best Day to reach me by phone:

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Best Time to reach me by phone:

Morning:

Afternoon:

Evening:

Best Phone Number to reach me:

Home:

Work:

Cell:

Person(s) to notify in case of illness or injury:

Name:* Relationship:*

Address

Phone Home:* Work:

Name 2: Relationship 2:

Address 2:

Phone Home 2: Work 2:

Doctor: Dr. Phone:

Dr Address:

Describe your riding experience, including past Agony rides, and daily riding habits (training):*

If this is your first Agony ride, how did you hear about it?

My mileage goal for the Agony is:* miles. (Average riders go 150-225 miles; very strong riders may go 300-350 miles.)

If there are other riders you would like to partner-ride with during the Agony, list them here

In your own terms, define what it means to be a Christian*

I have made a commitment to Christ: * Yes NoConsidering

I attend church:* Never Occasionally Regularly

For both logistical and safety reasons, please do not bring anyone under the age of 18 (even if they are good workers or accompanied by an adult planning to just watch them). If everyone brought one child, we could have 150 kids! There simply is not enough room or supervision, and the bikers (that's you!) need all the saggers' undivided attention. Thank you for your cooperation.

* I have read and understand the above paragraph and will not bring anyone under 18 to the event.

I know that the primary purpose of this ride is to raise money for Christian Encounter Ministries to help disadvantaged youth. I will raise sponsorships totaling at least $300.00 for Christian Encounter Ministries. (My sponsorship goal is $.) I have no known physical illnesses or disabilities that would make it dangerous for me to participate in this event.

* I have read and agree to the above paragraph.

WRITTEN ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
FOR THE 2007 AGONY RIDE FUNDRAISER

The undersigned, for himself or herself and personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin:

1. Hereby releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue Christian Encounter Ministries, its agents, servants and employees, all for purposes herein referred to as releasees, from all liability to the undersigned, his or her personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin for all loss or damage and any claim or demands therefore, on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of the undersigned, whether caused by the negligence of releasees or otherwise while the undersigned is participating in the Agony Ride.

2. The undersigned is fully aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participating in the Agony Ride and hereby elects voluntarily to enter said event, knowing the risks and hazards, and voluntarily assumes all risks of loss, damage, or injury that may be sustained by him or her while participating in said event.

3. The undersigned gives consent to Christian Encounter Ministries to use any videos, photographs or printed copy relating to the undersigned's participation in the Agony Ride.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND VOLUNTARILY SIGNS THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF ALL LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT.

* I have read and agree to the above Assumption of Risk agreement. I understand I will sign a hard copy on the day of the ride.