FAQ's

What is the Cover Indiana?
'Cover Indiana' is a 350-mile bicycle ride benefiting Habitat for Humanity, an internationally respected non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to low-income families.

This is a fully supported ride which includes a bike mechanic and supplies, daily route maps, marked roads, emergency phone numbers, sag vehicles to carry your personal gear, and overnight sites with showers. Breakfast and dinner are provided by local affiliates in our host towns and there are regular food and water stops along each days route. Cyclists are responsible for supplying their own toiletries, sleeping bags/bedding, clothing, bikes, and lunches.

It takes approximately $45,000 to build a Habitat house in Indiana. Habitat homes are built and renovated with the combined efforts of volunteers, businesses, churches, and the partner families.

How is this possible? Donations and volunteers! Even the ride organizers are volunteers, participating in the ride or working as ride support. Your registration fee covers most of the ride costs.

Can I ride 350 miles?
Yes! It may be a challenge depending on your experience and fitness, but the answer is yes. When you register, you will be sent a training plan which will assist you in your training. Plus you can always get the expert advice you want from past 'Cover Indiana' riders. Even if your legs are tired, your heart will be happy.

There will be more tips and information in the rides newsletter which you receive in February and April. The newsletter is also available on this webpage. The important thing to remember is that you can do it and there are many who will help you along the way.

Who participates?
People like you!  The riders on the Cover Indiana are a very committed group. Many have participated in multiple years of rides and many got their start with 'Cover Indiana.' Most of the riders are college students, however we have had riders as old as 70.

Do I ride alone? What if I have a flat tire?
Participants of the 'Cover Indiana' are a very collegial group! It is likely that you will find many new friends to ride with throughout the week.

The ride is fully supported including a bike mechanic and supplies, daily route maps, marked roads, emergency phone numbers, sag vehicles to carry your personal gear, and overnight sites with showers. Breakfast and dinner are provided by local affiliates in our host towns and there are regular food and water stops along each day’s route. Cyclists supply their own toiletries, sleeping bags/bedding, clothing, bikes, and lunches.

How much do I fundraise?
Each Cover Indiana cyclist must raise a minimum of $350 to participate in the ride. However, we encourage each cyclist to raise as much money as time and resources allow. In previous rides, most riders were able to raise more than $1,000 each. Your extra efforts will insure even more net dollars for building simple, decent homes for families in need.

Before the start of the ride, each cyclist must turn in $600 in funds raised to Habitat for Humanity. By ride day, contributions or a personal commitment totaling $350 must be turned in along with the registration fee of $250. All money must be received by May 11, 2008.

Where do I sleep and shower?
Local schools and churches provide our overnight camping locations.  We ask that sleeping areas be quiet after 10:00 PM.  

Showers and bathrooms will be available at each overnight stop. Cyclists will need to use public or private facilities during the day along the ride.  Try to avoid the need for using private property as your bathroom.  Respect others’ property and privacy.

What do I eat?
Cyclists will be provided with breakfasts and dinners each day.  While breakfast will be served from 6:00AM to 7:00AM, cyclists may eat at their own pace.  Supper will be served from 6:30PM to 7:30PM and we want all cyclists / volunteers to be ready to sit down to supper together.  This is the only time in each day we will be gathered as a complete group and it is an important time for sharing, visiting, and staying focused on our purpose.  Volunteers from local Habitat affiliates will join us during these evening meals.

Lunches are the responsibility of each cyclist at his/her own expense.  PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE YOUR BODY WITH WHAT IT CRAVES. Energy snacks and beverages will be provided at daily rest stops.  Cyclists should bring enough money for lunches, incidentals, souvenirs, etc.