Team West

Time & Place

    Day 1 - approx 86 miles

    ​Day 2 - approx 65 miles

    Day 3 - approx 82 miles

Route & Equipment

We primarily follow country roads but do get into a few high traffic areas at times. Because we make the trip in three days, Team West is a good option for riders wishing to ride fewer miles per day than Team East, which does their mileage in 2 days. Team West is appropriate for family participation and has had several parent and child participants over the years. Use a road bike for this ride; we have found that riders with hybrid or other types will struggle to keep up. Downloadable route maps are provided.  SAG support including hydration, snacks/nutrition and lunch is provided for the whole ride.

Pace & Training

The Gateway Woods Ride is not for the "casual rider." Every rider will need to train and be fit enough to ride at a pace of at least 12 miles per hour. You will be on your bike for 7 - 10 hours a day (depending on your average speed) for three consecutive days. The average pace for Team West is around 14-18 miles per hour. West riders tend to break into small groups of riders of about the same pace which can be anywhere from 14mph - 20mph. You can ride hard in a pace line or slow down and enjoy talking with your teammates as the countryside rolls by.

We ask that all riders log a minimum of 400 training miles before the ride, and have several weeks with 75 or more miles, and be sure to do several long rides (40-50 miles or longer). All riders must be able to ride safely in a group and we ask that each rider try to make it to at least one Team 224 training ride before the trip.

Safety First

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED.  If you do not have a helmet you cannot ride.

Review all safety information found on our website https://www.team224.org/safety-first​.  Following safe riding practices is required. 

Fees & Donations

Registration fees cover the cost of your meals, snacks and shirts, and may vary per year. In addition, we ask that each participant raise or donate at least a minimum of $100 for Gateway Woods. You can make an extra donation while signing up for the ride, ask friends or family to donate on your behalf or both. When you register, a fundraising page will be created for you which can easily be customized and shared with friends and family via text, e-mail or social media. For those who are unable to ride all three days we do let riders join in when they can but the entry fee will remain the same. During registration you can select the days you will be riding.

Lodging

Entry fees do not include your cost of lodging during the ride. During registration we will get your desired hotel rooming information and Team 224 will make all room reservations and hold them on our credit card. You will pay for your room at check-in. If you choose to share a room, you and your roommates will be responsible for sharing the cost. Please do not call the hotels for Wednesday and Thursday night to make your own reservations. If you plan on staying in the Fort Wayne area on Friday night after the ride you will be responsible for your own lodging, but a group rate will be offered and sent to you via email.

​Transportation

All participants are responsible for their own transportation to the start in Fairbury, IL and back home or to a vehicle in Fairbury from the finish in Leo, IN. Team 224 does not provide transportation and will not make arrangements for you. Many participants car pool with other riders or rely on friends or family to come get them.

Youth Riders

Team West requires that all athletes under the age of 16 have a parent or legal guardian along on the trip; please contact us prior to signing up anyone under the age of 16. All athletes under the age of 18 must have a participating adult age 21+ mentor them during the ride, and they must ride with the mentor. If you are age 21+ and interested in becoming a mentor please contact us for more information.