Virtual Ride

The BellRinger community knows no bounds. By joining our movement as a Virtual Rider, you can participate in BellRinger even if a group bike ride isn’t your thing. Craft your own “Ride” experience and take part in ending cancer with Georgetown Lombardi.

Commit

Begin your BellRinger journey by registering as a Virtual Rider and commit to raise $500. All dollars raised will support life-saving research at Georgetown Lombardi.
Design your experience

We encourage Virtual Riders to craft their own “Ride” experience: create your own bike route, trek a familiar hike, walk 25 miles in a week, volunteer in your community, or any other activity you’re excited about.
Share your activity

Everyone wants to see what you did to bring awareness to BellRinger with your friends and family! Share images on social media or email the BellRinger team directly so we can share them with the rest of the BellRinger community.

Fundraising

Step 1

Commit

Every Virtual Rider commits to raise funds that will support life-saving research at Georgetown Lombardi. Your fundraising commitment is based on your Ride distance.
Step 2

Share your story

We’ve all unfortunately been touched by cancer. BellRinger is all about our stories of why we Ride and who we Ride for. Update your Rider profile to share your story with friends and family.
Step 3

Make the ask

Raising funds can be daunting, but we believe direct, personal asks are the most effective way to meet your commitment. For a full list of ideas, check out the Fundraising Toolkit.
Step 4

Fundraising Deadline

Don’t sweat the deadline. You have until 60 days after the Ride – December 21, 2023 – to meet your commitment. You can also receive shared funds from your team. Remember whatever you aren’t able to raise by the deadline is your responsibility.

Why I Virtual Ride

“We raised over $8k and did a 27-mile ride in Albany, NY on a beautiful fall day for our Virtual Ride. We did it mostly on the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail. We made a pit stop for lunch which we both really enjoyed!”

—

Dana Scalere & Morgan Ruthman,

Virtual Riders
“Riding virtually allowed me to participate at my own comfort level while maintaining a feeling of connection to the supportive community of riders.”

—

Eric Ross,

Virtual Rider

Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual Ride
Fundraise

What is the Virtual Ride?

Virtual Riders are individuals who choose to craft their own activity for their BellRinger experience. Virtual Riders may choose to design a solo bike route, trek a familiar hike, walk 25 miles in a week, or complete any other activity they’re excited about. Whatever you’re interested in doing, let it motivate your fundraising — and share pictures and stories with the BellRinger team, so we can celebrate with you.
Do Virtual Riders get to participate in BellRinger Weekend?

Most Virtual Riders will not participate in the physical events of BellRinger Weekend. Virtual Riders are instead invited to craft their own BellRinger activity, whether that be during BellRinger Weekend or in the weeks leading up to it. Virtual Riders are also welcome to volunteer for BellRinger Weekend to take part in the Ride Weekend festivities.
Are there fundraising minimums for Virtual Riders?

Yes! Virtual Riders are asked to commit to raising $500 for cancer research. Each Virtual Rider is required to accept BellRinger’s Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy at the time of registration. Per the Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy, Virtual Riders who do not meet their fundraising commitment by the fundraising deadline of December 21, 2023 will be charged the remainder of their fundraising commitment to their payment method provided at registration.
Is there a registration fee for Virtual Riders?

Nope! There is no registration fee for Virtual Riders.
Is there a minimum age to Virtual Ride?

Yes, you must be at least 14 years of age to become a Virtual Rider.
How do Virtual Riders fundraise?

Virtual Riders fundraise just like Riders. They create a public Virtual Rider profile on our site to tell their BellRinger story and receive donations. Through their Virtual Rider Dashboard, they can track donations and send fundraising emails to friends and family.
How can I change from a Virtual Rider to a Rider?

Virtual Riders can elect to become in-person Riders at any time by logging into their Virtual Rider Dashboard and selecting “Change My Route.” You’ll be prompted to follow a few registration steps that will update your status to Rider.

How do I fundraise?
Fundraising should be exciting! You are making a real impact on lifesaving cancer research through your commitment. We believe in three basic fundraising principles:
- Get personal – Reaching out to your friends and family and sharing your excitement for BellRinger is the best first step. Your story is the greatest asset you have, and we encourage you to share that with everyone you can.
- Get creative – Bring in your other hobbies, such as a bake sale or a wine tasting, to share about your participation in BellRinger and encourage donations.
- Be bold – Keep in mind that everyone has been affected by cancer. While asking for money can be awkward, have confidence that your commitment to funding cancer research is well worth it. Be genuine, and we believe that you’ll have enthusiastic support.
Remember to direct friends and family to your Rider Profile to view your story and donate to your Ride. Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for more tips and tricks for successful fundraising.
When is the fundraising deadline?

The fundraising deadline for BellRinger 2023 is 11:59 PM on December 21, 2023.
Why do you ask for my credit card information?

Each Rider pays a non-refundable registration fee that does not count towards their minimum fundraising commitment. This registration fee is charged to the Rider’s card upon registration. Card information must remain on file in the event that the Rider’s minimum fundraising commitment is not met by the fundraising deadline. After the fundraising deadline, the card will be charged for the remainder of the minimum fundraising commitment, if any. Virtual Riders are not charged a registration fee but will be asked to keep a card on file in case their minimum fundraising commitment is not met by the fundraising deadline.
Can I withdraw my registration in BellRinger?

We’re sad to see you go, but we understand that things change. The deadline to withdraw your registration is 11:59 PM on September 21, 2023. Please contact the BellRinger team at Ride@BellRinger.org if you’d like to withdraw your registration. Before doing so, please reference the Fundraising Agreement and Cancellation Policy.
Can I use BellRinger marketing materials for my personal fundraising efforts?

Definitely. You are able to use BellRinger’s logos and other design elements for your personal fundraising efforts. You can access these logos in our 2023 asset kit located on the resources page or in your Rider dashboard. Please send any final designs that use BellRinger’s assets to Alyssa Bielinski at Alyssa@Bellringer.org for approval before publication and production.
What do I do if a donor hands me a check?

We can take care of it for you! Please just mail the check to:

BellRinger
500 First St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

Also, please be sure that your name is included in the memo line, so that we can ensure that the donation is credited to your Ride. If the donor made the check out to your name, you can sign the check over to BellRinger prior to mailing it in. Just write “Pay to the order of BellRinger” in the endorsement area on the back of the check and be sure to sign it as well.