Event Structure and COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Updated: Monday, August 24, 2020
We are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and following provincial guidelines closely. Ride for Cancer will follow all current provincial guidelines and this new event structure is subject to change at any time.
The following event structure and safety guidelines were developed for Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal to deliver a safe and epic event experience for our Ride community in 2020 amid COVID-19. The health and safety of our Riders and our community is our top priority.
The information below outlines the changes that Riders can expect to see and experience prior to event day and on event day. We ask that you fully review the new event structure and safety guidelines as we need everyone’s full participation in order to keep the event safe and compliant with the provincial guidelines.
Our logistics team has conducted a thorough review of all in-person operations for this year’s Ride for Cancer. We have examined the event experience in full; starting with the very first touch point at our event kit pick-up, all the way through to our Riders crossing the finish line on October 3. The event structure will take shape as several “mini-events” within our overarching Ride for Cancer experience. These more segmented “mini-events” will ensure that we stay within the provincial gathering limit of 250 at all times.
In developing this new event structure and these safety guidelines, we have consulted with several sources from the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, HRM Special Event Task Force, Halifax Regional Police, CSTA National Covid-19 Recovery Task Force and others.
The QEII Foundation and Ride for Cancer team is committed to executing a safe and seamless event day experience for all of our Riders. We thank you for your patience and understanding during these past couple of months as we have been working diligently to plan an event day experience that adheres to the Nova Scotia Provincial Government limitations and protocols. We are thrilled to be able to execute our event on October 3, 2020 and ultimately continue to transform local cancer care, here at home for all Atlantic Canadians.
#WeRideAgain
Event Kit Pick-up:
- Event kit pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 from 9:00am-9:00pm at the Halifax Exhibition Centre
- Indoor event kit pick-up will follow provincial guidelines (mandatory masks and physical distancing protocols)
- Each team and individual Rider will be given a window of time to pick-up their event kits. We recommend that one or two members of the team pick up event kits for as many Riders as possible to avoid congestion and limit the number of people in the building at one time
- Team Captains and individual Riders will receive communication regarding their team’s event kit pick-up time slot
- Event kit pick-up will not be permitted the morning of the event
Bike & Rider Transportation:
- The event will not be transporting bikes or Riders
- We have eliminated the start locations in Mahone Bay, Chester, Hubbards and St. Margaret’s Bay. All Riders will start and finish at the same location (entrance to Chain of Lakes Trail, Hobson Lake Drive, Bayers Lake)
- All Riders will be responsible for their own transportation to the Bayers Lake start location with their bikes
Opening Ceremonies:
- Our Opening Ceremonies will be recorded and sent to all riders the night before the event on Friday, October 2
Event Grounds:
- All Riders will start and finish at the same location, but with staggered start times to avoid large gathering numbers
- The event grounds will be capped at the provincial gathering limit of 250, this includes Riders, volunteers and other event personnel
- We will be closing a significant section of Hobson Lake Drive, Bayers Lake for our new event grounds and for the safety of our Riders
- You will enter the event grounds through a gate where you will check-in 30 minutes prior to your start time
- Exact details regarding the location of the entrance to events grounds, parking and drop-off area near event grounds will be communicated to all Riders closer to event day
- Our event grounds are located at a different location than years past. Event grounds will be located at the entrance to Chain of Lakes Trail, Hobson Lake Drive, Bayers Lake
Start:
- Riders will be assigned an arrival time (30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time). You will not be permitted to enter the event grounds until your scheduled arrival time. Please respect these guidelines and arrive within your 30 minute window
- Riders will be assigned a staggered start time based on their distance. All team members riding the same distance will be scheduled together
- Scheduled arrival and staggered start times will be sent to all Riders via email and text message two weeks prior to event day
- Riders will be required to physical distance (6ft/ 2m) within their start chutes
- Masks are recommended at the start area prior to your start time as an additional precaution. The event will supply official Ride for Cancer branded masks for all Riders in your event kit
Routes:
- All trail distance routes will be out and back, beginning in Bayers Lake, with designated turnaround points
- The 75km and 100km road routes will be out and back, beginning in Bayers Lake, with designated turnaround points
- The 130km and 160km road routes will be a loop, beginning in Bayers Lake
- A route map will be sent to all riders based on distance prior to event day. A pocket map with designated pit stops will be available at the start gate for all Riders
- Riders are required to maintain physical distancing on all routes
Pit Stops:
- Pit stops and hydration stations will be designated based on your distance on the road and trail
- Pit stops and hydration stations will be identified by signage on route as well as in your pocket map
- Pit stops and hydration stations are designed to adhere to the provincial gathering limit of 250 people on-site, including Riders, volunteers and other event personnel
- Riders are recommended to wear a mask at all pit stops and hydration stations when they’re able
- All snacks and lunches will be individually wrapped and boxed
Finish:
- Riders are recommended to put their mask on after crossing the finish line
- Riders will collect their own medal after crossing the finish line
- Our finish line celebration will have two photo booths available. You will receive an official finish line photo with your medal to take home with you
- We will be limiting spectators at our finish line this year. All spectators will be recommended to wear a mask and adhere to physical distancing measures. We will have disposable masks, and noise makers on site for spectators
Other things riders can expect to see:
- Hand sanitizer stations will be placed near high touch surface areas such as portable washrooms and pit stops
- Event personnel and volunteers with personal protective equipment (masks, gloves and hand sanitizer)
- Increased communication leading up to the event about COVID-19 safety protocols and what Riders need to know for event day
- Signage at the start, on routes, at pit stops and at finish area reminding everyone of physical distancing
The following services will not be offered this year due to Covid-19:
- Bag storage and/or collection for Riders
- Massages at pit stops and finish line
- Post-event mass Rider gathering
