Orientation Day takes place the day before Ride Out and is your chance to check in for the event, pick up your participant credentials and fundraising incentives, shop for new merch at the Camp Store, and meet event sponsors. All participants are required to check in for the event on Orientation Day.
WHEN:
Saturday, May 31, 2025
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
WHERE:
The Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Ave.
Daly City, CA 94014
Orientation Day Schedule
8:00 AM: Bike Parking and Bike Tech Open
If you need to drop off your bike, you must do so BEFORE entering the Cow Palace. Check-in with Staff in the South Hall to drop off your bike and then get in line outside the main lobby to enter the Cow Palace for Check-in.
9:00AM: Check-In Opens
Check-in opens at 9:00AM and will close at 3:00PM. You can come anytime within this window, but arriving earlier is better. The doors to check-in will not open until 9:00AM, so prepare to wait in line if you arrive early to drop off your bike.
11:00AM: Roadie Captains Meeting
If you’re a Roadie Captain, plan your arrival to attend this important meeting.
12:00PM: The Mainstage Address
Meet our Camp Stage host, Sister Roma, Ride Director Cailin Corbett, and Community Engagement Director Albert Ontiveros as we honor and recognize our community's lifetime members who have made significant contributions over the years.
1:30PM: All Roadie Meeting
If you’re joining us as a Roadie this year, you must attend the All Roadie Meeting. Here, you’ll meet key Production Staff and be introduced to the rest of your team. Please arrive to check in before 12:00PM to ensure that you don't miss this meeting.
2:30PM: Roadie Team Breakouts
Stick around after the All Roadie Meeting for a meeting with your Roadie team where you'll get to know your fellow Roadies, learn what brings everyone to the Ride, and discuss what's to come. This is also a great time to discuss what lies in store for you the next morning when you officially begin kick off Day 1 of the Ride!
3:00 PM: Orientation Day Closes
If you can’t attend Orientation Day, please contact your Community Engagement Rep today to arrange alternative plans.
Orientation Day is filled with fun, excitement, and, of course, photo ops! The energy will be electric as you reconnect with friends and welcome newcomers embarking on this journey for the first time. Whether you’re a seasoned Rider, Roadie, or a first-time Participant, we're here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact your Community Engagement Rep. with any questions. Let's make Orientation Day a great start to an amazing Ride!
Preparing for Orientation Day
What to bring
- Your photo ID.
- Your bike.
- Your cash or credit card.
- Any additional check/paper donations if you need to drop them off at Donor Services.
What NOT to bring
- Your gear bag. (If you are arriving directly from the airport, we will have temporary luggage storage available while you finish the Orientation Day process).
- Helmet and water bottles (unless you’re riding your bike to Orientation Day).
- We love pets, however, pets are not allowed at the Cow Palace. Service animals are welcome.
Meet your fundraising minimum (Cyclists Only)
All Cyclists must have at least $3,500 showing in their fundraising account before checking in.
If you bring cash or a check with you in order to reach your $3,500 minimum, visit Donor Services in the check-in area before checking in.
Complete Your Medical Form
To ensure the health and safety of all participants, everyone must submit a Medical Form before checking in.
Participants submit their Medical Form online through the MyRide portal before check-in. If you have not completed this process by the time you arrive at the Cow Palace, please do so from your phone before you get to the Check-In counter.
Complete Online Tenting
All participants have the option to book their own hotel rooms along the route or sleep in camp each night. In camp, participants sleep in 2-person tents provided by the Ride and have the option to choose their own tentmate or be randomly assigned one.
The process for selecting your tentmate begins in March and is managed online through your MyRide portal.
Complete Your Online Orientation Course
Before you arrive at the Cow Palace, visit your MyRide portal to complete your Online Orientation Course. This mandatory training is designed to familiarize you with the Ride's Code of Conduct; outline your role in making the Ride a safe space for everyone involved; and prepare you for seven days on the rode with AIDS/LifeCycle!
