FAQs2025-04-21T12:06:27-05:00

All your questions about the BIKE.  Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact our bike team.

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I did not check in online. Does this mean I cannot participate?2025-05-12T07:06:06-05:00

No.  Simply complete your fundraising ($175 minimum for riders 16 and older) and come to the registration/check-in desk on event day or at  one of our pre-event pick up locations.
This is another link to help you prepare for event day.

I cannot find any confirmation emails from my online check in or 2026 registration?2025-04-28T08:00:37-05:00

While not common, some emails are landing in junk mail/spam folders.

Where does the event start and finish?2025-04-28T07:59:48-05:00

We are still starting and finishing at Exhibition Grounds as we have in past years. We have moved over to Better Living Centre. Kit pick up, our VIP lounge, secure bag check and lots more is in and around the Better Living Centre.  Google Map

I live along the DVP route. Can I just start near my house and hop on the DVP to start my ride?2025-04-28T07:58:43-05:00

Our event permit and all safety requirements state the Start and Finish points must be at Exhibition Grounds. Come on down to Exhibition Place to start your ride near Better Living Centre.

If I complete my check in online and qualify for the mailing, will you mail my child’s kit with mine?2025-04-28T07:58:05-05:00

Yes, we will mail your kits together. We will need you to complete your child’s online check in as well to allow us to coordinate the mailing.

Can I pick up my friend’s/teammate’s Bike kit?2025-04-28T07:57:41-05:00

Yes, you certainly can pick up for others as long as their fundraising minimum of $175 has been met. Participants 15 and under are not obligated to fundraise.

Why do I need to check in?2025-04-22T07:50:59-05:00

All participants must display their bike plate and wristbands to access the routes and event amenities. Checking in online means you can receive your Bike kit in advance of the event so you don’t need to worry about lineups on the morning of the event.   

All details about online check are here.

What if I check in online and then achieve $300 or more on or before May 9th? Will I receive my kit in the mail?2025-04-21T12:03:58-05:00

No. You will need to arrange a pick-up and one of these times and locations.

Riders 15 and under will receive their kits in the mail if their accompanying adult reaches $300+ in fundraising.

Bike Kit Mailing2025-04-25T12:33:32-05:00

To make your event experience as smooth as possible, here’s how we’ll be distributing bike kits this year:

Riders who individually fundraise $300 or more and check in online

Your bike kit will be mailed directly to you before event day.

Riders who individually fundraise between $175 – $299 and check in online

You’ll be able to pick up your bike kit, including your bike plate, at Baycrest during designated pickup dates/times or at the Better Living Centre May 29-31 and on event day June 1.

We’ll be sharing more details on pickup times and locations soon. Keep up the great fundraising, every dollar makes a difference as we defeat dementia together!

How do I change my jersey size?2025-04-21T12:04:06-05:00

You’ll have a chance to confirm your jersey size during online check-in (beginning April 28th).

Do I need to be a cyclist to participate2025-04-22T07:43:08-05:00

No! you don’t need to be a cyclist, marathon runner, or triathlon enthusiast to sign up for the Bike for Brain Health. All you need is a bike and a passion for the cause. With different route length options this fully assisted bike ride is accessible to all cycling levels and ages.

Can I join my family for the 10km route and then keep going to complete my 50km ride?2025-02-07T16:16:46-05:00

The 10km route is separate from our other three routes and it also has a later start time. You’re welcome to complete your 50km ride and come back to join your family for the 10km route opening at 9:30am and closing at 10:30am

Can I ride on the 25km/50km/75km and then join my family in the 10km?2025-02-07T16:15:49-05:00

Yes, you certainly can! We suggest you start early between 6-7 am to allow time to get back for the 9:30-10:30 start for the 10km route.

How do I create a team after I register?2025-02-07T16:15:06-05:00
  1. log into your Participant Centre
  2. On the top left-hand side, you will see a “Profile”” tab, select the Profile tab
  3. Click on “Event Options” tab
  4. At the bottom, you will see the option to “Create a team”, select this option
  5. From there you can select a team name.
  6. Company can be left blank unless you are a corporate participant in which case you would select your industry from the drop down.
How do I join a team if I’m already registered?2025-02-07T16:09:38-05:00
  1. log into your Participant Centre
  2. On the top left-hand side, you will see a “Profile”” tab, select the Profile tab
  3. Click on “Event Options” tab
  4. At the bottom, you will see the option to “Form team”, select this option
  5. From there you can search for the team you want to join by team or the Captain’s name
  6. The results will appear at the bottom, when you see the team you want to join, click on the JOIN TEAM button
Dogs At The Event2025-04-07T15:13:10-05:00

For the safety of all participants and spectators, pets are not permitted at this event. The course and event areas can be crowded with cyclists and moving equipment, making it unsafe for animals. Registered service animals as defined by the OADA are permitted access. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

I pre-registered for the 2026 Bike for Brain Health – Where do I pick up my complementary cycling socks2025-04-28T11:29:08-05:00

If you completed online check in and qualified for mailing, you will receive your socks with your kit in the mail. If you’re picking up your kit, you can pick up your 2026 socks at the same time.

Why do I have to raise a minimum amount to participate?2024-10-29T09:24:18-05:00

The BIKE is first and foremost a fundraising event, which is produced to raise funds for research, innovation care and education in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The incidence of dementia is expected to double by by 2031 and disrupt many aspects of life for an aging population, their caregivers, and even the health care system.

We are here to help with any fundraising questions. Check our our fundraising resources to see how easy it can be to reach well beyond the minimum of $175 before the event starts.

What are the registration types and minimum fundraising amounts?2024-05-13T12:21:24-05:00

A fundraising minimum is established in order to participate in the event. Participants who have not reached their fundraising minimum before the event are asked to make a self-donation or raise the required amount prior to being permitted to ride on any of the routes.

Fundraising minimum requirement for any of the routes is $175 for riders 16 and older. Riders 15  and under are not required to raise $175 but are encouraged to raise funds for participating.

Please note: Participants are required to show the minimum amount to participate on their personal pages. On teams, each rider on a team is required to raise the minimum to participate by the event day on June 2nd.

Is there a fee to register?2024-10-29T09:57:04-05:00

This is a non-refundable registration fee and is required to participate. This fee helps cover administrative and operational costs for the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health.

The earlier you register, the lower the fee.

The registration fee does not count towards your fundraising minimum.  If you are unable to attend your dollars will still go towards Baycrest’s mission to defeat dementia and we thank you for supporting the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health.

We cannot refund or transfer registrations in cases of schedule conflicts, injury, etc. We cannot defer your registration to the following year.

Registration fees are not tax receiptable.

All cyclists are required to register online before participating in the event and will need to sign a waiver.

Can I register on the day of the event?2024-10-29T09:29:08-05:00

Yes you can. However, registering in advance gives you more time to reach your minimum fundraising goal.

If you register on event day, you will need to pay both your registration fee and your minimum fundraising amount of $175 before the Bike for Brain Health starts on the event day.

Are there food and drinks along the route?2023-12-29T15:22:10-05:00

Yes, there are 4 rest stations along the route, which will have snacks and water.

How long is the route?2024-04-01T07:28:47-05:00

We have four route lengths: 10km, 25km, 50km and 75km.  Check out our route maps.

How does Baycrest impact the community?2024-10-29T09:33:51-05:00

There are currently more than 500,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia in Canada. As the population ages, the number of people with dementia or cognitive impairment in Canada is expected to almost double to about 1.4 million by 2031. At Baycrest, our work helps to preserve and extend the cognitive and emotional well-being of older adults.

Donors to the Baycrest Foundation play a critical role in keeping Baycrest running as government funding only makes up about 64% of our revenue. Contributions to the Foundation go to support Baycrest’s ongoing efforts in research, innovation, education and care.

How much of the money raised goes to the cause?2023-11-06T17:12:59-05:00

One hundred percent of all donations go directly to the Baycrest Foundation, some of which support the cost of the event. Proceeds are then invested in leading-edge cognitive neuroscience research, advancements in the mitigation of age-related illness and impairment and the care and treatment of patients living with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other brain function related illnesses.

Am I really making an impact?2023-11-06T17:11:45-05:00

Absolutely. Bike for Brain Health in support of Baycrest will make a profound impact on the Baycrest Foundation’s mission to support Baycrest, a global leader in brain health and aging.

Where do donations go?2023-11-06T17:10:57-05:00

To provide crucial funding for breakthrough research into cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and aging brain health; medical programs and services for older adults living in our community; and education that supports healthy aging and healthcare solutions for a growing aging population.

When will donors and sponsors receive a tax receipt?2023-12-27T19:34:46-05:00
Can I receive a tax receipt?2023-12-27T19:38:21-05:00

Tax receipts are not issued for Registration fees. However, donations made to the event are, providing these conditions are met:

  • The donation is $10 or greater.
  • The tax receipt is being issued to the person who made the donation.
  • The tax receipt information and donations are received within 60 days after the event with all donor contact information.
  • All other CRA conditions are met.
How do I collect off-line donations and pledges?2024-04-01T07:31:24-05:00

Your supporters can donate using cash, cheques or credit card. Access the offline forms here. Once you’re finished fundraising, you can submit the offline donations/pledges by mail or in-person to:

Baycrest Foundation
Attn:  Bike for Brain Health
3560 Bathurst Street,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6A 2E1

How do I fundraise online?2024-10-29T09:40:44-05:00

We have made fundraising easy!

Step 1:  Log in to your Participant Centre

Step 2:  Upload your address book

Step 3:  Use one of our pre-written emails or create your own

Step 4:  Send it out to all of your family and friends!

You will be notified when someone sponsors you, and you can send Thank You emails from your Participant Centre.

Can I defer my registration to next year?2023-11-06T17:07:19-05:00

Registration fees and donations cannot be refunded, transferred to another participant or deferred to the following year.

Can I bring my child and have them ride in either a bike seat or trailer/chariot?2023-11-06T17:00:38-05:00

Yes, this is permitted. The child must be registered for the event and wear a helmet. Fundraising is not required but certainly encouraged. No pets allowed in trailers or on the route.

For the safety of all riders, please cycle on the right side of the road if you have a trailer, are riding at a moderate pace, and/or are riding with children.

Where can I park on the day of the event?2024-03-12T12:56:01-05:00

There is limited paid parking on the Exhibition grounds. We strongly recommend using public transit or riding to the event if possible.

What happens if I miss the start time?2024-02-01T08:14:36-05:00

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done. The start line closes at varying times depending the the route you are riding. Please see the details on the Bike Routes page.

Can I bring cash donations to the registration desk on the day of the event?2023-11-06T16:57:39-05:00

Unfortunately, we will be a cashless event. Cheques and all major credit cards will be accepted.

How do I get to Exhibition Place if the DVP is closed and I am travelling south?2023-12-29T15:19:21-05:00

Click here for directions.

What kind of bike do I need to do this ride?2024-10-29T09:41:31-05:00

If it has pedals, you can ride it.  The includes class 1 e-bikes, pedal-assisted bikes, unicycles, tricycles and cargo bikes.

Are there rest stops along the route? Are snacks and water provided at the rest stops?2023-12-27T19:29:41-05:00

Yes!  We will have 4 rest stops along the route where you can grab a snack and some water. Each stop is placed approximately 10km-12km apart.

How can I ensure I will be safe on the road?2023-11-06T16:49:43-05:00

We take road safety very seriously.  We will have route marshals along the roads, as well as EMS and Paid Duty Toronto Police.

For the safety of all riders, please cycle on the right side of the road if you have a trailer, are riding at a moderate pace, and/or are riding with children.

When encountering large groups of riders, it is incumbent upon you to prepare and know basic cycling etiquette.

Are there rest stops along the route? Are snacks and water provided at the rest stops?2023-11-06T16:47:51-05:00

Yes!  We will have 4 rest stops along the route where you can grab a snack and some water.

Can I participate if I don’t ride a bike?2024-10-29T09:43:14-05:00

You sure can!  You can join us as a volunteer. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here. 

When will sponsors / donors receive a tax receipt?2024-10-29T09:35:51-05:00

Personal tax receipts will be emailed immediately after all on-line donations over $10.00.

Corporate donations / sponsorships, and donations that are mailed in will have a slight delay while it is being processed.

What should I wear?2025-04-22T07:44:28-05:00

Wear all weather comfortable clothing that is safe for cycling as this is a rain or shine event.

Please note that a helmet is mandatory, and must be worn at all times while cycling on the roadways.

For longer distances, consider wearing padded bike shorts.

For cooler, early morning rides, consider wearing light layers of tops to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the event.

Can I change my route after registering?2024-10-29T09:46:29-05:00

Yes, at any time! Contact the Bike for Brain Health team, and we will be happy to change your route distance.

Do you have a route map with distances?2024-04-01T07:33:12-05:00

Check out our route maps and distances here.

Can children participate?2023-11-06T13:54:41-05:00

YES! All ages are welcome at this event! However, all children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult and be registered as a participant.

What can I bring with me into the event?2024-04-01T07:36:41-05:00

All bags must be checked at bag check or left in your vehicles before being permitted on the road.

*Please note, backpacks, saddle bags and bike panniers are not allowed on the ride. Bags must not exceed 5 x 15 x 5″ in size. Tool pouches that fit under one’s seat are allowed.

Will the ride take place if it rains?2023-11-06T13:52:59-05:00

This is a rain or shine event, however, in the event of extreme weather, we may need to cancel for everyone’s safety.

Where does the event start?2025-02-07T16:06:19-05:00

Bike for Brain Health will take place at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. (MAP)

Are helmets mandatory?2023-12-27T19:46:38-05:00

Yes.

Can I use an E-bike?2024-04-01T07:38:08-05:00

Yes but only E-Bikes that are considered Class 1, having pedal assist only, no throttle and a maximum speed of 32 km/h.

Can I volunteer for the event?2023-12-27T19:53:59-05:00

Everything you need to know about volunteering is here.

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