I've been trying to contact the organisers on the 1-888 number, but everyone else has the same idea... Dissemination of info hasn't exactly been their strong point so far. I have a couple of questions that somebody out there might be able to answer.
I think I've registered for a bus back from the finish line, but the website gives no confirmation or ID info, so I can't be sure. I'd be quite unhappy if I got to the end and there was no transport home... Does anyone know if there's a way to check if you're on the bus?
Secondly, the registration kit they sent out talks about pre-screening before crossing the border, and says you should do this online. There's no info about *where* to go online to do this pre-screening though - does anyone know? I'll be crossing on a UK passport with a PR card, so will need to pay the US guys the customary $6 fee for the green card.
I can tell you that last year, there were buses lined up waiting to return to Canada and several different times throughout the day. You were not required to be on any list to board. It was first come, first served. I actually was signed up to go back on a 4 pm bus but decided to take the 2 pm instead. No one asked me anything about when or if I had signed up for a ride back. I can't confirm that things will be the same again this year, but that was my experience last year. Have fun, despite the rainy forecast.
Thanks Gollum - I don't expect to make it for the 2pm bus, but hey, who knows?!
The organisers advise bringing packing bubble-wrap for the bike on the return journey - do you recall how your bike survived the trip home last time around? The last big ride I did, my bike 'lost' some components in transit on the way home.
I actually prefer the rain (being British and all...)
Again, I can't speak for this year, but in 2009 I saw that they separated each bike with heavy blanket...like the ones movers use for protecting furniture. That said, I think we may have a different trucking company this year and I don't remember the Ride asking us to bring foam/bubble wrap etc to protect our bikes last year. I would rather be safe than sorry so I'm bring something.
