CYCLIST GUIDE 2016 EDITION

Welcome!

Dear participants, The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of Quebec (ALS) would like to thank you for registering for the 2016 Ride to fight ALS, presented by TELUS Santé, which will be held from August 26th to 28th 2016! For this 9th edition, cyclists of various levels will hit the road for a fun-filled one-day or three-day ride (up to 300KM in 3 days), in support of ALS. This year, the Ride to Fight ALS will take you to the charming city of VaudreuilDorion. You will be staying at the Château Vaudreuil, a highly elegant and contemporary setting. The carefully selected luxury hotel and its many amenities deliver a truly luxurious experience. Nestled in a dream location, Château Vaudreuil is sure to offer quality and satisfaction. In this document, you will find all the details needed to ensure a safe and fulfilling weekend. We will send you an updated cyclist guide with clear instructions and details on the route as the Ride approaches. You will also receive information by email on a regular basis to inform you of the new information about the event. In addition, you may find in this document, fundraising tips for soliciting donations. We encourage you to use our online fundraising system, which helps us reduce our administrative costs. The goal of the event is to raise funds to help improve the lives of people living with ALS and support their family members. Your ride will also help to fund research for a cure as well as raise awareness. Thank you and see you in August! The organizing committee, Luc Vilandré, Dominic Delambre, Julie Grenier, Claudine Cook, Mélodie Prince, Michel Richoz and Audrey Houle.

Cyclist Guide – Ride to fight ALS 2016

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Table of contents 3-Day Challenge: August 26th to 28th 2016 ______________________________________ 4 Fundraising ____________________________________________________________________ 4 Registration fees________________________________________________________________ 4 Schedule ______________________________________________________________________ 5 Routes ________________________________________________________________________ 6 Accommodation ________________________________________________________________ 6

1-Day Challenge: August 28th 2016 _____________________________________________ 7 Fundraising ____________________________________________________________________ 7 Registration Fees _______________________________________________________________ 7 Schedule ______________________________________________________________________ 8 Route_________________________________________________________________________ 8

On the route _______________________________________________________________ 9 Comments and suggestions ______________________________________________________ 10 Checklist _____________________________________________________________________ 11

Guests ___________________________________________________________________ 12 3 days (August 26-27-28th) ______________________________________________________ 12 À la carte (August 26th or 27th of 28th) ____________________________________________ 12

Benefit Dinner_____________________________________________________________ 13 Appendix _________________________________________________________________ 14 Top Reasons for Fundraising Online _______________________________________________ 14 How to become a Top Pledge Earner in 10 days: _____________________________________ 14 Tips on how to fundraise ________________________________________________________ 15 Where do you find potential donors? ______________________________________________ 17

Cyclist Guide – Ride to fight ALS 2016

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3-Day Challenge: August 26th to 28th 2016 The Ride to Fight ALS is a friendly event designed with the participants in mind. Different cycling routes are available depending on your cycling level. Sportsmanship is encouraged for the benefit of your fellow team members and the course.

Fundraising By taking part in the event, each team is committing to raise funds to help us pursue our mission. You will have access to a personal fundraising page. You will also have access to different tools, many of which are already included in the appendix of this document.

Fundraising objective according to the quantity of cyclists – 3-day option Single $2 000 Team of 5 to 7 cyclists $10 000 8 cyclists $11 500 9 cyclists $13 000 10 cyclists $14 500

Registration fees Price per person Occupation Double Single

Before April 30th 2016

As of May 1st 2016

$300

$350

$450

$500

To guarantee access to an official cycling jersey, registration must be made before July 1st, 2016. These fees cover most of the food and accommodation charges. They are not eligible for a tax receipt. Registration will close 48 hours before the event

starts. Participants will benefit from the following services to make their experience utmost enjoyable.  

    

Two-night stay 3 breakfasts; 3 lunches and 2 gastronomic dinners (including access to the “Evening of Dreams”, a dinner worth $150) 1 official cycling jersey Road cycling in a secure environment, with moto escorts Refreshments on the course Mechanical assistance First Aid - mobile teams

Cyclist Guide – Ride to fight ALS 2016

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'Broom Wagon' - transportation and support to participants Secure bicycle storage at the hotel Free beverage at the '5 à 7' cocktail, musical entertainment and more Toilets available on the route Discounts on regular priced accessories and equipment at the Cycle Néron stores (Montreal, Boucherville, Brossard, Lachine) Event coordination

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Schedule The 9th edition of the Ride to Fight ALS will take you to the charming region of VaudreuilDorion. The cycling tour will take you around a different loop every day to admire the beauty of the region. The routes will also consist of different loops every day, with options to meet all cycling levels. Cyclists are expected at: Château Vaudreuil 21700 Route Transcanadienne Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec J2L 1K6 chateauvaudreuil.ca Please present yourself on Thursday August 25th to register and pick up your official cycling jersey between 5pm and 9pm. Please directly contact the hotel and book the night before the event and mention your participation to the Ride to Fight ALS event. Preliminary schedule of the cyclist tour – subject to change Day 1 – Friday August 26th 2016

Day 2 – Saturday August 27th 2016

7 :30 to 8 :30

Registration, official cycling jersey handout and breakfast

7 :30 to 8 :30

Breakfast and instructions

9 :15

Departure

9 :00

Departure

9 :45-11 :30

Break #1 (20 min)

9 :45-11 :30

Break #1 (20 min)

10 :45 to 14 :30

Lunch (1 hour)

10 :45 to 14 :30

Lunch (1 hour)

12 :30 to 15 :00

Break #2 for the long route only (20 min)

12 :30 to 16 :00

Break #2 for the long route only (20 min)

14 :00 to 16 :00

Return to the hotel

14 :00 to 17 :30

Return to the hotel

17 :00 to 19 :00

Cocktail

17 :00 to 19 :00

Cocktail

From 19 :00

Gastronomic meal and evening activities

From 19 :00

Benefit dinner – Evening of dreams

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Day 3 – Sunday August 28th 2016 7 :00 to 9 :00

Breakfast (3-day cyclists) and arrival of the 1-day cyclists

9 :30

Official pictures, warm-up and instructions

10 :00

Departure

10 :30 to 12 :30

Break #1 (20 min) Break #2 for the long route only (20 min)

11 :30 to 15 :00

Return to the hotel Lunch, cocktail, animation for the families (outdoors)

The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

Routes Loop of 50km to 150km per day – 150km-day challenge Routes will be unveiled closer to the event. We will be going through VaudreuilDorion, St-Lazare, Rigaud, Oka, Pointe-Calumet and more.

Accommodation Located on the bank of the lac des Deux Montagnes, the Château Vaudreuil is 35 minutes away from Montreal. A well-thought luxury complex, with all the services you need to enjoy your stay at the fullest. The Château Vaudreuil is : - A 5-star and 4-diamond establishment - 116 rooms distributed on 25 acres of beautiful gardens - An indoor pool with a whirlpool bath and a sauna - A spa service (aromatic massages, beauty care - face, hand and feet)

You will have the option to park your vehicles free of charge in the hotel parking lot. Thank you for considering car pooling. Please note that all risks and responsibilities are the owner’s.

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1-Day Challenge: August 28th 2016 You can register as a solo cyclist or create a team. Cyclist enthusiasts of various levels are expected for a marvelous day! It’s a great opportunity for a family activity. Children (12 years old and under) can ride for free on Sunday, thanks to our new partnership with TELUS Santé, who offers you an enjoyable family day filled with activities and animation. Fundraising objective

Fundraising By participating in the event, each team is committing to raise funds to help us pursue our mission. You will have access to a personal fundraising page. You will also have access to different tools, many of which are already included in the appendix of this document.

Adults (13 years old and over)

$150

Children (Less than 12 years old)

$50

Registration Fees Price per person

Before August 12th

From August 6th to 25th

On-site from August 26th to 28th

75$

100$

150$

Free Registration

10$

20$

Adults (13 years old and over) Children (12 years old and under)

To guarantee access to an official cycling jersey, registration must be made before July 1st, 2016. These fees cover most of the food and accommodation charges. They are not eligible for a tax receipt. Participants will benefit from the following services, to make their experience utmost enjoyable.        

1 breakfast and 1 lunch 1 official cycling jersey Road cycling in a secure environment, with moto escorts Refreshments on the course Mechanical assistance First Aid - mobile teams 'Broom Wagon' - transportation and support to participants Secure bicycle storage at the hotel

Cyclist Guide – Ride to fight ALS 2016

  



Free beverages at the '5 à 7' cocktail, musical entertainment and more Toilets available on the route Discounts on the accessories and equipment at the Cycle Néron stores (Montreal, Boucherville, Brossard, Lachine) Event coordination

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Schedule The 9th edition of the Ride to Fight ALS will take you to the charming region of VaudreuilDorion. The cyclist tour will take you around a different loop every day to admire the beauty of the region. The routes will also consist of different loops every day, with options to meet all cycling levels. Cyclists are expected at: Château Vaudreuil 21700 Route Transcanadienne, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec J2L 1K6 chateauvaudreuil.ca It is possible to arrive on Saturday night. To book a room, please contact the hotel directly and mention that you are part of the “Ride to Fight ALS” group. Sunday August 28th 2016 7 :00 to 9 :00

Registration and official cycling jersey handout

9 :30

Official pictures, warm-up and instructions

10 :00

Departure

10 :30 to 12 :30

Break #1 (20 min) Break #2 for the long route only (20 min)

11 :30 to 15 :00

Return to the hotel Lunch, cocktail, animation for the families (outdoors)

The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

Route Choice of 50 to 75km-routes Routes will be unveiled closer to the event, including the shorter routes for children.

On the route As for bikes, a safe place under lock and key is available at the hotel where you will stay. In terms of your personal properties, we ask that you keep with you at all times or in your room. Breakfasts and gastronomic dinners will be served at the hotel. Complete lunch boxes will be available at the drop-ins. Snacks will be distributed on the route. Water will be available to refill your water bottles. We suggest that you bring gels and energy bars with you to ensure you have the energy you need! Any alcoholic drinks upon arrival and during meals will be at your own expenses, except during the 5@7 when indicated. With regard to sanitation, we will tell you where you can access facilities during the day and on the route. These will be public facilities. To show you the various intersections where you must make a turn, the route will be marked by orange cones with an arrow indicating the directions of travel. Stopping places, sanitation facilities and others will also be indicated. We will be riding on the road network. Since it won’t be closed to traffic, please be careful! You must:  Respect the road signs (traffic lights, stops, etc...)  Ride on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic  Ride in single file  At no time may you pass the lead vehicle  Respect the instructions given by the cycling escorts  Equip your bicycle with reflectors as required (refer to the SPVM website for details: Required reflectors ) Each individual should be covered by their own private insurance policy. Please talk with your insurance provider about your existing personal coverage. Note: The Ride to fight ALS is not responsible for individual insurance coverage related to the event. A minimum of four certified cycling escorts will be with you for the duration of the tour. They will be clearly identified in order to ensure proper supervision. Each of them has qualifications in first aid and bike mechanics. Other resourceful staff members on motorcycles and in vehicles will also be there to support you. We ask that you respect their expertise and refer to them as needed. Cyclist Guide – Ride to fight ALS 2016

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If you need help, make the thumbs-down sign, assuring it is clearly visible to a passing cyclist, a coach or other vehicles patrolling the route. The vehicles are connected by various communication systems and will be able to assist you quickly. There will be easily identified first aid attendants on hand. In addition, our framers (bicycles and motorcycles) will be there to help you in case of emergency. However, if you find yourself alone and in need of help (and no other rider or team member joins you), it is important to have the emergency contact information for the nearby hospitals. You are responsible to have at any time with you a mini-repair kit in case of a minor break down of your bike or punctures in your tires. We will have a tool box and parts on board our support vehicles. Some of our coaches also have mechanical certification. In case of a major breakdown, we will have a list of bike shops located on the route and one of our vehicles can take you there. Take advantage of Cycle Néron’s professional teams before each departures to make some minor adjustments.

Comments and suggestions Our goal is to keep improving the event. At the end of the journey, we kindly ask you to fill out a small survey. Your ideas and opinions are welcomed and appreciated. If you wish to communicate something during the course of this activity, please feel free to mention it to one of the organizing committee members.

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Checklist Bike Equipment  Bike in excellent condition - we strongly suggest you do a tune-up of your bike before the departure;  Optional - Carrying case for the bike (handlebar bag or bag to attach to the rear rack) Avoid backpacks!  Padlock;  Water bottle;  A mini repair kit (pump, TWO inner tubes and puncture repair kit, tire key, a small wrench, Allen keys, two spokes)  Bicycle Helmet (mandatory);  Although we will provide snacks, you can bring your own snacks. Cycling clothing and casual clothes  Easy access to jackets and change of clothes (for possible temperature changes during the day). Important: You will not have access to your luggage before your return to the hotel in the late afternoon, be prepared for anything;  Cycling shorts, shorts, pants;  Cycling jerseys, t-shirts, polo shirts (you will receive one ALS cycling jersey);  Cycling gloves;  Warm clothes: fleece, wool socks, windproof garments;  Rain gear: jacket / rain pants, shoe covers;  Socks and underwear;  Cycling shoes, regular shoes;  Cap or hat;  Swimsuit;  Casual clothing for supper and activities.

WISHING YOU A GREAT SUCCESS!

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Guests

3 days (August 26-27-28th) For a total of $405 in a double occupancy, the package includes:  Two nights at the hotel  Three breakfasts and two gastronomic dinners*;  Free beverage at the “5 à 7”, musical entertainment and other  Access to the benefit dinner including a partial tax receipt *For lunch, guests are free to eat at the hotel or outside. A certain amount of rooms will be available for reservations on the Society’s website (www.roulezpourvaincrelasla.ca) until Monday August 15th 2016 (upon availability). After that date, you will have to communicate with the hotel directly to make a reservation.

À la carte (August 26th or 27th of 28th) Guests have until Monday August 15th 2016 to make a reservation. After that date, we will no longer be able to accept additional guests. Children under 17 years old and under will be accommodated for free. On the other hand, all meals for children 17 years old and under have to be purchased separately. You will find this option on our website. Prices for meals

1 night Occupation Double

Price per person

Breakfast

$32

Breakfast for children 411 year old

$21

4-Course Dinner

$82

Dinner for children 4-11 years old

$50

Children 0-3 years old

Free

$135

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Benefit Dinner

The first edition of the Evening of Dreams benefit dinner will be held on Saturday August 27th at Chateau Vaudreuil. During the evening, we will celebrate memorable milestones in our history and thank those whose contributions have had a direct impact on the development of the ALS Society and its mission. To name a few of your founders : André Delambre and René Angélil , Martin Matte, Vincent Damphousse, The Reed Family, Tony Proudfoot and the Montreal Alouettes, Patrice Roy and the team at Radio-Canada and many more! 400 guests are expected to attend this fun and interactive evening that will include a garden cocktail hosted by Mr. Benito Migliorati , President of the Chateau Vaudreuil, dinner, live entertainment, a silent and a live auction animated by legendary Habs, Yvon Lambert. ***Note that for the 3-day challenge cyclists, the registration includes free entry to the event. Tickets for guests: We are glad to offer a special price of $100 ($25 tax receipt) for the guests. You can buy this ticket by clicking here. This special offer is limited to 1 per cyclist. Tickets and tables for sale! Regular tickets are $150 each ($1500 for a table of 10 people). Please see the invitation below for all the details about the event. When Where Saturday August 27, 2016

Château-Vaudeuil Pavilion

Cost

21700 Route Transcanadienne

Individual: $150 Table : $1,500 Partial tax receipt will be issued

Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 8P3 Dress code Dressy casual

Schedule Cocktail and silent auction: 5 :00 PM Dinner: 6 :30 PM

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Appendix Top Reasons to fundraise online Remember: One of the main reason people do not get involved is because they were never personally asked! The online donation system allows you to; 1. ask people worldwide to support you; 2. customize your personal or team pages by adding photos, stories and graphs representing your goal; 3. import email contacts to your profile; 4. track who has supported you, as well as your goal and your online pledges; 5. link your personal donation page to social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to allow your friends to pledge online; 6. automatically issue electronic receipts for any online donation; 7. find a team, join one or create a new one; 8. review your results and achievements

How to become a Top Pledge Earner in 10 days: Day 1

Sponsor yourself $25:

$25

Day 2

Ask three family members to sponsor you $25:

$100

Day 3

Ask five friends to contribute $25:

$225

Day 4

Ask five co-workers to contribute $25:

$350

Day 5

Ask five neighbours to contribute $20:

$450

Day 6

Ask five people from your social or sports group to contribute $25:

$575

Day 7

Ask your employer to contribute $100 from the company budget:

$675

Day 8

Ask five local merchants to sponsor you $20:

$775

Day 9

Ask a business you frequent (doctor, dentist, health club) for $75:

$ 1000

Day 10

Thank everyone who supported you by sending out thank-you email, letters, or cards.

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Tips on how to fundraise This section provides you with tried-and-true tips and tools to help you achieve your fundraising goals. 1. Set a goal The goal to reach is a minimum of $10,000 per team (approximately $1,500 per cyclist). Making donors aware of a high goal lets them know that you are committed. Some of our Top Pledge Earners have found that long-time donors gave more when they knew they had a high goal. 2. Fundraise online There are great benefits of using our online donation system, which opens the door to a wellrounded fundraising approach. Through your personal online donation page, you can send out friendly emails, keep donors up to date on your journey, and allow others from anywhere in the world to pledge online. Donors receive automatic ‘thank-you’ responses and tax receipts*, while you receive instant email notification of donations. You can also set up your own team and recruit members. * Tax receipts will be issued for amounts of $20 or more or upon request. 3. Make a personal pledge first Make the first pledge yourself, and make it as significant as you can. When donors see your name and a contribution, they will see how serious you are, and donate accordingly. 4. Tell your story Tell your personal story which explains why you are raising money for the ALS Society of Quebec. Your story may contain information about how this disease has affected you and what finding the cure means to you and your family. You can tell your story on your personal page and in person when asking for pledges. The most compelling web pages contain touching, personal stories. People who hear or read the story will feel more compelled to donate. They will also be more likely to ask others they know to donate. 5. Ask! Ask! Ask! Ask as many people as you can: your accountant, banker, pharmacist, dentist, doctor, lawyer, personal trainer, hairstylist, florist, the owner of your favourite restaurant, etc. The more people you ask, the more you will collect. Promote the event everywhere and consider everyone a potential donor. Sign up online and/or to keep a copy of the pledge form with you at all times. You never know when a pledging opportunity will arise! 6. Ask for a specific amount Be specific about donation amounts. For returning donors, tell them what they donated last year and ask them to beat it this year. 7. Start Early The sooner you start collecting donations, the better. For personal or professional reasons, people may not always be available at the last minute to sponsor you. 8. Be optimistic Excitement is highly contagious and it’s important for potential donors to know and feel how enthusiastic the participant is about the event, their donation, and their part in the mission to find the cure! Cyclist Guide – Ride to fight ALS 2016

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9. Add personal fundraising links to your email signature You can receive unexpected donations by linking your email signature block to your personal online fundraising page. 10. Inquire about matching gifts Contact your Human Resources department at work to find out if your company has a corporate matching gift program. With this program, the company will equally match your donation. If they do, you can obtain and complete a form and turn it in with your pledges – it’s an easy way to double your total. As well, you can encourage donors to ask their companies for matching gift forms; many donors are not aware this is an option. Often, even if a company does not have a matching gift program, they will support your efforts financially. 11. Get Creative Fundraising is more than simply asking for a donation. It’s a chance to get creative and engage friends, family and colleagues. Here are some ways to fundraise creatively:  Hold garage sales / bake sales / BBQs/ dinner parties at home 

In lieu of a special occasion gift, ask for a donation



Hold a raffle as an incentive, where donors who pledge a specified amount or more are eligible to win a prize (for example, the people who donate $50 or more can participate in the raffle for the prize that you will give out)

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Organize a neighborhood car wash



Get donations in exchange for services – baby sitting, shoveling, lawn work, etc.

12. Stay Motivated You don't have to be afraid to take no for an answer from people. People often donate to many causes and may not find it possible to donate to everyone who asks. Don't be offended if people say no. 13. Stay in touch / Thank donors Try to keep in touch with your donors. For example:  Send emails to the list of contacts updating them on your progress. 

You can also send personalized thank you messages as soon as you receive notification of the contribution.



Be positive and appreciative in letters and emails.



Thank everyone after the event and include a grand tally of the contributions received as well as the total collected for the entire walk.

14.

HAVE FUN!

Remember, you are making a difference in the lives of people living with ALS. Thank you!

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Where do you find potential donors?  Neighbours (people in your building or street)  Co-workers  Friends  Family  Local health care professionals  The parent(s) of your child’s friend  Colleagues in business or professional organizations  Other guests at any conferences/events you attend  Members of your church or community group  Others in your parents’ group  Members of your local library  Senior citizens in your area  New residents in your area  Scouts and leaders in the troop your child belongs to  Students at colleges and universities in your area  Members of your local community center  Members in the union you belong to  Staff at your doctor’s office  Members of your local Chambers of Commerce/Boards of Trade  Get the authorization to have an information stand (table) in a mall

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