Frequently ASked Questions

Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Bike Ride, our bike routes, and fundraising. Please let us know if you have any other questions by contacting us.

Fundraising

How can every dollar raised go towards cancer prevention?

Pan-Florida Challenge strives to ensure that every dollar cyclists raise in donations goes directly to provide nutritious cancer fighting food to hungry kids, to fund cancer prevention research, and to support cancer patients of all ages and their families. Thanks to our sponsors (see question above), Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride expenses are paid for, enabling every penny of rider-raised dollars to be spent on these critical mission activities. We are still recruiting sponsors to help cover these costs. If you or your company are interested, or if you know someone or an organization who may be, please contact us or visit our sponsorship page for more information.

Why is the fundraising minimum so high?

The Pan-Florida Challenge is a unique charity ride in two important ways. First, we provide cyclists with a first-class vacation ride experience by providing hot meals, quality hotel accommodations, warm showers, entertainment, fully-stocked water stops, and more. We provide all of this for a very low registration fee relative to the distance and services provided. Second, we recruit sponsors to pay these expenses who are happy to do so because they are impressed by the commitment and dedication of our cyclists both to training and raising the requested funds to fight cancer. Thanks to these sponsors, we at PFC can continue to provide a premium cycling experience for our riders while supporting cancer prevention activities.

What if I do not raise the minimum amount before the ride?

You have until May 15, 2023, to raise the minimum funding requirement**. We provide you with photos from the ride to help you fundraise after the ride event takes place. If you have not raised the minimum on May 15, the remaining balance due will be charged to your credit card on file from when you registered. For example, if you raised $1,200 with a $1,500 minimum, then $300 will be charged to your card on May 15, 2023. *Note: In 2019, PFC riders raised an average of $2,010 each, more than 1.5 times the minimum. When you share information about cancer patients in our local communities and the heroic challenge you are taking on to do something about it, people will support you with donations.*

Before the Ride

What should I eat and drink before the ride?

Detailed food and hydration tips based on the various ride distances will be discussed in your ride training guides. Start drinking extra water 2-3 days before the ride. Do not wait until the morning of the event to begin hydrating. It is best to avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine several days before the ride. These dehydrate you and it probably will be hot out there.

What should I wear? Bring with me?

Wear your PFC Jersey or t-shirt to the start! All riders should bring rain gear suitable for Florida winters. Put on sweat-resistant sunscreen before you leave home and bring more for the ride, and pack an extra pair of gloves!

What should I do to prepare my bike and equipment?

More information about bicycle maintenance will be provided in ride training guides and coaching tips provided to riders based on specific ride distances. Common sense recommends you make sure your bike is in good working order, including your chain and cassette. Those riding a century or longer will want to schedule bike maintenance at the end of a long training season and before the event. Cyclists will want to be riding on fresh tires and with certified helmets that have not sustained any wrecks or hard drops.

Is there a rider social hour before the ride?

Yes! On Friday, March 24, 2023 come out and meet fellow Pan-Florida Challenge riders, volunteers, and sponsors at the kick-off party from 6-8 p.m.

When is packet pickup and where?

Packet pick up will occur a few days before the event, both in Naples and Tampa. More information will be provided closer to the event. Packets can also be picked up on ride day.

When do we get our jerseys?

Your 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge jersey or t-shirt will be given to you at packet pickup. You will also receive socks and a goody bag full of Pan-Florida Challenge gear.

How many riders will participate?

The 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride is a premium athletic experience for riders of all levels. Riders have one bold goal: to raise funds for cancer prevention. Many of our riders report that the Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride was the best ride they had ever done. This year we are limiting participation to 300 riders because we want every rider to have a superb experience – one that they will want to repeat year after year!

How much does it cost to ride in the Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride?

Registration fees range from $35 to $200 depending on the route you choose and when you register. The fundraising minimum ranges from $250 to $2,000. 100 percent of the funds raised by riders to go directly to support our mission of cancer prevention. We offer a full set of online fundraising tools to help you reach your goal from your own site to recommended emails and fundraising ideas. The fundraising average per rider in 2019 was $2,010, significantly more than the minimum. You will enjoy unparalleled satisfaction in your epic accomplishment, and thousands of people in need will thank you.

Why should I do this?

Pan-Florida Challenge is a community united by our common desire to fight cancer. Our cyclists tell us the ride across Florida is one of the most satisfying experiences they have ever had. Many of them return each year even more determined to help as many people as possible. Many of our riders have never participated in an endurance event or tour previously. Some have athletic experience, while many are weekend cyclists who have never before trained for a long-distance ride. This is why we are offering the choice of multiple distances for the 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride. Regardless of what distance you choose to ride, your participation will reward you with the satisfaction of completing the ride, meeting new friends, and the inspiration derived from helping people who need it the most.

During the Ride

Are there scheduled stops along the way?

Yes! We will have at least eight water stops throughout the two-day ride. We will finish Day 1 at a hotel near Venice. (Routes and water stops are subject to change up until the day before the ride.)

Will I get left behind?

You will NEVER be left behind on your own. For riders selecting the 200-mile ride, we keep pace groups together with support vehicles in front/back of groups, SAG vehicles riding in zone coverage, and ride group leaders ahead of each pack of riders. You will only be riding alone if you want to be. You also will be fully supported on the ride.

I like the route and want to ride with my buddies. We often ride at 20-25 mph. Is that too fast?

Nope! You and your friends are welcome to join us. For riders selecting the 200-mile option, we will organize ride groups by speed. At registration you can select from different pace groups. These groups are Group A (21+ mph), Group B (18-20 mph), Group C (15-17 mph), and Group D (< 14 mph).

What will we eat during the ride?

We feed you at every water stop with: Bananas, peanut butter, jelly, white bread, wheat bread, oranges, Fig Newtons, cookies, Clif Bars, granola bars, dried fruit and trail mix with nuts, Power Bars, Luna Bars, pickles, pretzels, Gu, Gatorade, NUUN electrolyte replacement, and water. For anyone with food allergies please call 239-298-1620 or email jeri@panfloridachallenge.org.

Where do we start?

There will be two starting lines – one at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, FL and one at the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa in Tampa, FL. Parking will be provided.

When do we start?

Saturday, March 25, 2023
At 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, the start lines open for all riders in Naples (10, 30, 62, and 100.) 6:30 a.m. is the time eat breakfast, pick up your packet if you haven’t already, assemble ride groups, and meet your ride group leaders. All riders will depart by 8:00 a.m. from the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla.

Sunday, March 26, 2023
At 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, the start line opens for all riders in Tampa (10, 30, 62, and 100). 6:30 a.m. is the time eat breakfast, pick up your packet if you haven’t already, assemble ride groups, and meet your ride group leaders. All riders will depart by 8:00 a.m. from the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa parking lot in Tampa, Fla.