We are especially grateful for the support of those citizens who are not a part of a law enforcement agency. Participation in the ride by non-Law Enforcement riders is welcome during any of the days of the ride; however, if you wish to ride more than just a few miles in a section of the ride we have a VIP program for non-law enforcement riders that allows you to ride the full first day with transportation back to Charlotte or to ride the full ride to DC with lodging and transportation provided - in exchange for your financial support of Bike to DC.

Here are all the details.

Bike to DC 2013 VIP Rider program

• Applies to all riders/support who are non-Law Enforcement
• Your tax-deductible financial support lessens the burden on law enforcement officers who are making the ride as well as contributing to the Charlotte Mecklenburg FOP Foundation. The Foundation provides assistance to officers in need.
• Bike to DC includes officers from across the USA. Our 2012 ride had officers from fifteen agencies in states as far away as Washington state. We expect the 2013 ride will have even wider participation. The association of your sponsoring business with a law enforcement event of this stature will be a positive reflection of the contribution of the business to the community.
• You ride alongside our law enforcement riders, sharing not only miles on the road but meals and lodging.
• Lodging is based on double occupancy, if you prefer to have your own room, just let us know.

• $250 fund raising commitment required for one day riders (Charlotte to Asheboro - 95 miles). Can be paid as one donation or individual donors in the name of the rider. Includes:
  • Lunch and dinner on the day of the ride
  • Transportation back to CMPD HQ
  • Commemorative ride jersey
• $1,500 fund raising commitment required for full ride to DC. Includes:
• Commemorative ride jersey
• Lodging each night
• Breakfast and lunch on cycling days
• Transportation by charter bus back from DC

Here are a few important numbers (especially the part about the length of the ride!):

• The ride is 500 miles long. Daily totals are 95, 118, 139, and 148 miles. Especially for Days 3 and 4 you need to be able to average 15-16 mph while riding in a group.
• The full trip will take six (6) days. We ride Thu May 9 - Sun May 12. Mon May 13 you are free in the morning and early afternoon to sightsee in DC, then in the late afternoon we will form up to attend the Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. We return to Charlotte on Tue May 14 by charter bus. Your bike will be transported back to CMPD HQ in a moving van.

How to get donations to us from those who wish to support your ride:

Direct donors to this website, www.biketodc.com, there are details on the How You Can Help page about the ride including how to donate. Our Credit Card donation capability is not available right now, we expect that to be available soon.

In the meantime, donors can support you by making a check out to:

Charlotte Mecklenburg FOP Foundation

(please do NOT make the check out to "Bike to DC" or "CMPD")

and mailing it to:

Bike to DC
c/o Ron Horton
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
601 E. Trade St
Charlotte, NC 28202-2940

Important: Let your donors know to put the name of the rider they are supporting and "Bike to DC 2013" in the Memo line of their check.

All funds raised in excess of expenses go to the Charlotte Mecklenburg FOP Foundation, a well established 501(c)3. All donations are tax-deductible.

Still have questions or ready to sign up? Call Ron Horton on 704.336.7252 or click here to email at rhorton@cmpd.org