Frequently asked questions

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

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. We place an order after the ride for jersey and T shirt sizes that we do not have for riders. We mail you your new size. We ask for $10 for mailing.

We will mail you your T shirt or jersey if you forget to pick it up. Please send us a check for $10.00 payable to Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, PO Box 3426, Santa Cruz, CA 95063.

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.

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: Join us at the tables under a covered patio area for 2025's Post Ride party meal. This year it will be from two mobile food vendors. Don't miss our signature strawberries dipped in chocolate ganache served with fresh whipped cream, and other treats as well. The meal and desserts will be served to all with 2025 ride bibs and available from noon 'till 6:00 pm. Time: Noon till 6pm Note: If you have specific dietary needs, you should bring your own snacks to ensure you will have adequate energy for the ride.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the following rest stops: https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35662c_94c9556f26e444c49c1f4730062437ff~mv2.png

Time: 11:00 am - 5:30 pm.

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.

Yes, the entire route is paved. However, Santa Cruz is a coastal community and spring weather can play havoc with road conditions. The 30, 60, 100 mile routes is paved. The gravel ride is partially paved and gravel.

Early check-in: Saturday, 17 May 2025 Time: 2:30 - 5:00 PM Place: Bicycle Trip in Santa Cruz 1001 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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

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 17: 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 17 Check in and starting location: Pajaro Valley High School [map](https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.913907,-121.791917&z=16&t=m&hl=en-US&gl=CH&mapclient=embed&q=500%20Harkins%20Slough%20Rd%20Watsonville%2C%20CA%2095076%20USA) 500 Harkins Slough Rd, Watsonville, CA, 95076. Note that you can also use our early check-in on Saturday, May 17: 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.

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

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

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.

Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assisted electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed if they meet the specifications provided below and are consistent with California and Federal Law. Riders of e-bikes must follow the rules established for e-bikes within the California Vehicle Code. This includes following the rules of the road that apply to standard bicycles and e-bikes and the safe cycling practices set forth for the event. • A Class 1 E-Bike is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. • A Class 3 E-Bike is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.

No support unique to e-bikes is provided. It is the responsibility of the rider to carry a battery sufficient to complete the chosen route. Please note that there are no charging stations provided. All SAG vehicles may not be able to transport e-bikes due to their weight or size. Riders must be able to pedal their bikes back to the start.

CCE is a fully volunteer-supported 501(c)3 organization. There is no paid staff. Funds go to support our bicycling programs (javascript:void(0))(40%-45%) and other domestic and international organizations (javascript:void(0))with goals similar to those of Cyclists for Cultural Exchange (40%-45%). 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.

Great question and we’re glad you asked. We’re always looking for people interested in our programs (javascript:void(0))and wanting to support our mission (javascript:void(0))of promoting peace and understanding among people of different cultures around the world through our common interest in bicycling. Contact us.(mailto:timw.thomas@yahoo.com?subject=How do I get involved with CCE?) We particularly need volunteers (www.bikereg.com/strawberry-fields-forever)to assist with the Strawberry Fields Forever fundraising event described on this page.

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.

Contact us. (mailto:timw.thomas@yahoo.com?subject=Inquiry about CCE Strawberry Fields Forever fundraising event)