Question 1

Is there a discount for early registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes, so don't miss the early-bird registration deadline.  Sign up before 11:59 p.m., 14 March 2022, for $85.  After 12 a.m., 15 March 2022, the starting fee for this good cause is $100.

Question 2

Can I get a refund?​

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no. The ride will take place rain or shine, so Strawberry Fields Forever cannot issue refunds.

Question 3

Can I change my T shirt/jersey size?

Accepted Answer

Very unlikely. We order T shirts and jerseys based on pre-orders. Switching sizes could result in other riders losing their requested size, and we'd never do that to them. We have ordered a handful of extra T shirts and jerseys for “same day” sale, and you might be able to swap your T shirt/jersey based on any inventory we have at the end of the day.  No guarantees. Cash or credit cards only, please.

Question 4

What if I forget to pick up my T shirt or jersey?

Accepted Answer

Send us your confirmation along with a $10.00 check payable to Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, PO Box 3426, Santa Cruz, CA 95063. We will mail your item to you.

Question 5

How should I dress?

Accepted Answer

Santa Cruz is a coastal community. It can be cool and damp in the morning and warm and even hot later in the day. We suggest dressing in layers.

Question 6

Is food provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the rest stops. There will be fruit, energy drinks, water, cookies, biscotti, energy bars, and more.   Lunch: A make-your-own sandwich bar will be provided for the 100-km and 100-mile routes. What’s not to love?  After-party: We will also greet you at the end of the ride with refreshments in gratitude for your very appreciated participation.  Don’t miss our signature chocolate-dipped strawberries and whipped cream.  Time: 12:00 noon - 5:30 pm.   Note: If you have specific dietary needs, you should bring your own snacks to ensure you will have adequate energy for the ride.

Question 7

Where are the rest stops, and when are they open?

Accepted Answer

Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the following rest stops:

Question 8

What time will the snacks and refreshments be served at the finish?

Accepted Answer

Time: 12:00 noon - 5:30 pm.

Question 9

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Photo ID for check-in.   Bring cash if you would like to buy any merchandise still available after the ride.   We also suggest you bring two water bottles.  Lunch: For the 100-km and 100-miles routes, we will provide a make-your-own sandwich bar.   Note: If you have specific dietary needs, you should bring your own snacks to ensure you will have adequate energy for the ride.

Question 10

Is the entire route paved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the entire route is paved. However, Santa Cruz is a coastal community and spring weather can play havoc with road conditions.

Question 11

When is early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Early check-in:   Saturday, 14 May 2022 Time: 2:30 - 5:00 PM Place: Bicycle Trip in Santa Cruz 1001 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Question 12

Can I change the ride I registered for?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may change your selection at check-in to any of our other routes.

Question 13

When can I check in on May 15? When can I start my ride?

Accepted Answer

You can start your ride as soon as you are checked in and have your bike and bib numbers attached. Remember to bring your confirmation and ID.   Staggered check-in on May 15: 100 mile: 7:00 -  8:00 a.m.
100 kilometer: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. 
30 mile: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.   Check-in closes at 9:30 a.m. on May 15  Check in and starting location: Pajaro Valley High School [map] 500 Harkins Slough Rd, Watsonville, CA, 95076.  Note that you can also use our early check-in on Saturday, May 14: Time: 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. Place: Bicycle Trip in Santa Cruz 1001 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 
All courses will close at 5:00 p.m. and there will be no SAG support after that time.

Question 14

Can I check in for another person?

Accepted Answer

Yes; you must present a copy of a photo ID or a confirmation for that person.

Question 15

What are the elevation gains on the ride?

Accepted Answer

30-mile ride: 872 ft 100-km ride: 3207 ft 100-mile ride: 6042 ft

Question 16

Will there be SAG support for the ride?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a fully supported ride. Our SAG vehicles are stationed at strategic points along the routes and dispatched by radio from our command central. Our vehicles are equipped with radios and tracking devices. We know where they are at all times. We are able to send assistance to you quickly, should you need to call.  We will also have some vehicles roaming the routes.    For emergency assistance, call 911.   For non-emergency assistance, call the number for SAG Support on your ride sheet.

Question 17

Where does the money go?

Accepted Answer

Funds go to support our bicycling programs (40%-45%) and other domestic and international organizations with goals similar to those of Cyclists for Cultural Exchange (40%-45%).   Programs in store for 2019 are Armenia, Cuba, Portugal and Sicily. Check it out!   About 10%-15% of funds go towards maintaining the organization, i.e., storage facility, office supplies, equipment for Strawberry Fields Forever, computer support, bank fees, insurance, etc.   CCE is a fully volunteer-supported 501(c)3 organization. There is no paid staff.

Question 18

How can I get more involved with Cyclists for Cultural Exchange?

Accepted Answer

Great question and we’re glad you asked. We’re always looking for people interested in our programs and wanting to support our mission of promoting peace and understanding among people of different cultures around the world through our common interest in bicycling. Contact us. We particularly need volunteers to assist with the Strawberry Fields Forever fundraising event described on this page.

Question 19

Are accommodations available?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous accommodations available in the Watsonville area within 10 minutes of the start at Pajaro Valley High School.  We suggest you google “hotels Watsonville” for further information.

Question 20

CCE

Cyclists for Cultural Exchange

31st

Strawberry Fields Forever

Annual FUNdraiser ride

Join us!

Strawberry Fields Forever

is an annual benefit bike ride through some of the most beautiful regions of Santa Cruz County.

Important facts

CCE

Cyclists for Cultural Exchange

31st

Strawberry Fields Forever

Annual FUNdraiser ride

Join us!

​

Strawberry Fields Forever

is an annual benefit bike ride through some of the most beautiful regions of Santa Cruz County.

Important facts