- General Questions
What is The Dream Project?
The Dream Project is dedicated to empowering new generations of young adults to become leaders within their communities through service and civic engagement. Anyone between the ages of 18-25 can participate on one of our Dream Journeys by pledging to raise at least $3,500 while committing to a summer of service as they bike, run, or hike towards a brighter tomorrow.
When is The Dream Project ride?
The circumstances of this global pandemic are challenging us to think differently about what our 2020-2021 season will look like, but our commitment to fostering leadership through service, philanthropy, and cycling remains steadfast. That being said, we’re opening applications to join the Dream Team for this year. Participants will have a lower fundraising minimum and extended deadline in order to ensure everyone meets their goals. This semester will feature virtual team meetings, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising challenges as we look to see what’s feasible for the summer months. As part of the Dream's commitment to giving back to students, all gear, transportation, housing, and food for the trip are covered for those who meet their fundraising goals.
Who is going on The Dream Project ride?
Young adults between the ages of 18-25 who are willing to raise $3,500 and take part on a journey of a lifetime.
Why a bike ride?
We want to do something unexpected and extraordinary that will inspire those around us to believe in their dreams. We want to prove that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome and serve as an inspiration to others.
What charities do you support?
Every year The Dream Project chooses to celebrate a different New Jersey-based organization and recognize the important work they're doing within the community.
What kind of shape do I need to be in to bike across the country?
Lance Armstrong once said that “you can have all the heart in the world, but it doesn’t mean anything unless you’ve got the legs.“ But we staunchly disagree. You don’t need to identify as an athlete to be on the Dream Team. This ride isn’t a race; it’s an experience. While you don’t need to be the faster or the strongest, you should assess your personal fitness level and be prepared to put in the training. All of our riders are required to log a total of 500 miles and complete a 65-mile ride before departing.
How far do you bike each day?
The day’s miles are dictated by where the team will sleep that night. Usually, our riders will cycle anywhere from 50-120 miles per day, most often averaging about 65-80 miles per day.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
Participants do not need to carry their own luggage. All luggage will be held in the support vehicle while on the trip. Pack light! Use our packing list for guidance in terms of things you absolutely need and what you can live without while on the trip.
What kind of support do you offer while on the trip?
The Dream Project staff and board completely supports participants on and off the road. We are here to answer all questions, help participants to reach their fundraising minimums, keep you on track with training, and offer any other advice. During the trip, the team will be provided with a support vehicle in which driving responsibilities will be split between the team members.
What do we eat?
Participants get the majority of their meals and foodstuff donated during the summer. When staying with host families, they will usually provide dinner and breakfast. For days where hosts won't be feeding them, riders are tasked with soliciting food donations from local restaurants in the areas they'll be biking through prior to the start of the trip. For lunch, riders will usually eat out of the van taking advantage of in-kind donations from local supermarkets.
The Dream Project relies heavily on donated meals and does its best to accommodate vegetarian diets. As a rider, it is your responsibility to handle any other dietary restriction (gluten-free, vegan, halal, etc.) on your own. It is certainly doable to complete a Dream Journey with strict dietary needs, but it requires a little extra planning on the part of the rider.
Where do we sleep?
Members of the communities we pass through come together to provide a safe place for each team to sleep and the team is hosted by families, bike clubs, churches, schools, gyms, YMCA’s, rotary clubs, etc.
Can I start a Dream Team at my school?
We thought you'd never ask! Email dreamteam@thedream.bike to find out more.
