Event Finances

So how is the financial side of the Ride to Read organized?

Although bike travel is an ecological and more economical way of travel, it still comes with certain expenses. I want you to know exactly how this ride is financially organized so that you know where your donated dollars are going. We have done our best to keep things simple.

Donation Dollar Breakdown:

• $0.67 goes to WLC’s India programs
• $0.33 goes towards covering event expenses for up to 100% of expenses covered

if event expenses are fully covered

• 100% of each dollar donated goes to WLC

Event Expenses FAQ

The Ride to Read is a lean and mean money-saving event, but it will still require some financial backing to keep me pedaling across Europe.

What expenses will be incurred during the event?

Expenses include, but are not limited to: touring bike and equipment, additional camping gear, food and lodging during trip, miscellaneous expenses (newspaper, bike repairs, coffee etc.)

What kind of bicycle tour is the Ride to Read?

The Ride to Read is a fully self-supported tour meaning that the touring cyclist travels alone (without a guide) and carries all the clothes, tools and gear necessary to live on the road for weeks and months at a time. It is financially the most economical way of bicycle touring as the cyclist is often cooking their own food, free camping, washing up in rivers…and all that fun stuff

How is the Ride to Read minimizing event costs?

There are several key ways in which event costs are and will be kept to a minimum.

1. lodging

During the event, in cycling from Barcelona, Spain to Istanbul, Turkey, I will be finding lodging and accommodation in many creative and economical ways. These include free camping, couchsurfing and staying with hosts from the WarmShowers network. On occasion, I will most likely have to make use of official campgrounds or hostels, but these will be kept to a minimum.

2. the bicycle

Instead of flying in my Canadian bicycle (very expensive!) or purchasing a new one, I have opted to have a custom-made bike built entirely from recycled parts (for the cost of approx. 400Euros). José Aroca is a Barcelona based biker with a knack for turning one man’s garbage into another man’s (or woman’s) treasure!

3. Using used and borrowed gear

Where camping and biking gear is concerned, I am doing my best to use existing gear (tent, sleeping bag etc.) and to borrow from willing family and friends

4. Sponsorship

Bits of gear here and there have already been donated, and upon arrival in Barcelona I will be approaching different bike shops in hopes of receiving further sponsorship.