State Ride 2014 - FAQs

STATE RIDE 2014 FAQs

We receive a number of frequently asked questions about the ride. We have collated them, and the answers, here for your easy reference. Please read them before contacting us.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why isn't Tasmania Included?

    We've been advised by our BDR Ride Coordinator in Tasmania that due to adverse weather, August isn't an ideal time for large group riding in Tassie. We will have 3 Tasmanian Black Dog Riders join us on the Black Dog Ride Around Australia proudly flying the flag for the Apple Isle, and we will have the annual BDR 1 Dayer back in Campbell Town in March 2015.

  • How long do I have to register?

    State Ride registration closes on 30th June. BDR's small team need to organise catering and merchandise for each of the State Rides before heading off on the Black Dog Ride around Australia on July 26th, so the BDR Team will need to lock in ride numbers no later than June 30th. Don't leave registration too late!

  • I've paid for my registration but something has come up. How do I cancel my registration?

    Contact Fiona for all registration refund queries.

  • Why do you need certain info on the registration form?

    All information given to Black Dog Ride is held in the strictest confidentiality and is not sold, shared or otherwise distributed with any outside organisation unless we have your explicit prior approval.

    The information collected is required for the following reasons:

    Names: So we know what to call you!
    Email:     So we can contact you before the Ride with ride updates
    Mobile:     So we can contact you during the Ride
    Residential Address:     Required by emergency services in case of an accident.
    Shipping Address:     So we can get your BDR gear out to you before the Ride
    Birthdate:     Required by emergency services in case of an accident
    NOK Name:     The name of your Next of Kin should an accident or emergency arise
    NOK Number:     The best contact number of your Next of Kin for us to call should an accident or emergency arise on the Ride
    Make of Motorbike:     Assists us with identification of our Black Dog Riders on the road
    Motorbike Rego:     This is your plate number, not your DL number! Assists us with identification of our Black Dog Riders on the road
    Medical and/or Dietary Issues:     This helps us better cater to your needs
    Town joining:     The town in which you are joining the ride. This helps us plan for Night Riders and Day Riders
    Town Leaving:     The town where you will be leaving us. This helps us plan for Night Riders and Day Riders
    Consent to Share Info:     As above, we do not share your private information with any outside organisation unless we have your explicit prior approval. Our pro bono PR company Stolen Quotes handles all media enquires and often journalists will contact them for a Rider in a specific region to interview for an article. If you allow us to share your Name; Suburb; State; Phone; with Stolen Quotes, they can contact you directly about media opportunities and seek permission to give journalists your name and number. This helps our very small and busy team at Black Dog Ride immensely. If you do not consent, you will not be contacted for interviews or media opportunities about the ride.

  • I had funds taken out by my bank after I registered!

    Your bank may impose a small "overseas transaction tax" as Eventbrite is a US entity (albeit with offices and staff in Australia too). This transaction tax is out of the hands of Eventbrite, Black Dog Ride and/or it's beneficiaries and Black Dog Ride does not see a cent of it. Please contact your bank and ask them about their tax policies. Black Dog Ride absorbs all credit card and GST costs associated with registration.

  • Is my registration tax deductible?

    Ride registration is a payment for goods (merchandise) and services received, so therefore is not tax deductible. All donations collected are tax deductible.

  • What are the distance travelled on the ride?

    Each State Ride itinerary and distance varies. On average, State Rides encompasses 2,500-3,000kms over 7 days.

  • What are the distances between fuel stops?

    The average fuel stop will be approx. 200 kms, however there may be greater distances between fuel stops. Please check your itineraries and talk to your Ride Cooordinator. A fully loaded bike with a normal fuel range of less than 250kms (allowing for reduced economy with headwinds etc) will require you to carry extra fuel.

  • Are accomodation and/or meals included in the rego cost?

    No. Ride registration ensures we reserve your place in the ride. Black Dog Ride will inform riders of reasonably priced accommodation for every leg, generally discounted for Black Dog Riders. Lions Clubs will be providing low cost meals regularly, but meal and accommodation costs are not included in registration costs.

  • I can't ride the whole distance, is it ok just to ride a day or two?

    Of course! Join us for the full week long ride as a State Rider, up to 3 days as a Night Rider or just as a Day Rider, there are plenty of options to suit everyone.

  • Can I camp or take my swag?

    Please check with your Ride Coordinator about the accomodation options on your ride.

  • Are all roads sealed?

    Yes, the ride is conducted on sealed roads, however there may be unforeseen roadworks on route. Your Ride Coordination Team can advise you.

  • I want to drive my car along with you all, is this ok?

    Registrations are reserved for riders only. We appreciate that so many would like to follow our journey, but safety, space and logistical considerations prohibit multiple cars from joining us.

  • Is there are support vehicle?

    Yes, the Ride will be accompanied by a Support Vehicle.

  • Will the support vehicle carry some of my gear for me?

    No. Riders are expected to carry their own gear.

  • Will the support vehicle have a trailer? Can they tow my bike if I break down?

    Yes, support vehicles will have a bike trailer and will assist you should you need it. However, we strongly encourage riders to have roadside assistance.

  • I have never joined a group ride or a long distance ride before and I don't know what bike prep is involved!

    Australian Road Rider has some good general advice about group rides here.

  • Do I get a ride patch?

    State Riders: will receive 2 Black Dog Ride large stickers, 1 State Ride 2014 decal, a State Ride 2014 patch and 4 tickets in the National Raffle

    State Rider Pillions: will receive 2 Black Dog Ride large stickers, 1 State Ride 2014 decal, a State Ride 2014 patch and 2 tickets in the National Raffle

    Night Riders: will receive 1 Black Dog Ride large sticker, 1 State Ride 2014 decal, a State Ride 2014 patch and 2 tickets in the National Raffle

    Night Rider Pillions: You will receive 1 Black Dog Ride large sticker, 1 State Ride 2014 decal, a State Ride 2014 patch and 1 ticket in the National Raffle

    Day Riders: You will receive 1 State Ride 2014 decal, a State Ride 2014 patch and 1 ticket in the National Raffle

    Day Rider Pillions: You will receive 1 State Ride 2014 decal, a State Ride 2014 patch and 1 ticket in the National Raffle

  • How do I fundraise for this ride?

    You can start your fundraising via the Black Dog Ride Everyday Hero Fundraising Page here: http://everydayhero.com.au/event/blackdog-ridearoundaustralia-2014

  • Where do the donations go?

    Every donation goes directly to Lifeline Australia. After the Ride, Lifeline Australia splits the funds 50/50 with MHFA Australia. Lifeline is directing all funds raised on this Ride to supporting their Online Crisis Support chat service, which has already had it's hours extended in part due to Black Dog Ride's donations! MHFA will be directing all funds raised on this Ride to support the national roll out of the teen MHFA course in Australian highschools to educate young people about mental health and how to support people in a mental health crisis.

  • I have specific dietary requirements, will you cater for this?

    Please ensure you state this on the registration form. Black Dog Ride will endeavour to cater for everyone's needs, however due to the locations and costs involved, riders will need to be understanding with the limitations of certain dietary needs within remote parts of Australia.

  • I would like to donate to the Raffle or Auction. What do I do?

    Wonderful! Please email Fiona with a detailed description and value of the item, whether it's for the raffle or the auction, and we'll be in touch.

  • I would like to become a sponsor of this Ride, how do I go about this?

    Fantastic! Please contact Steve Andrews here.