The RAC 25  | Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What is the RAC 

A: The Ride Across California is a week-long bike ride from the Arizona border to the Pacific Ocean. It is a camping trip. It’s a touring ride. It is not a race. 

Q: Who is eligible? 

A: 5th graders and their parents. 

Q: Does my child have to attend a Poway Unified School? 

A: No 

Q: My child’s spring break doesn’t match the RAC’s schedule. What should I do? 

A: Contact your child’s principal and make arrangements for your child to miss a week. 

Q: My child is a beginner bike rider. Is that okay? 

A: Yes! The RAC was invented for beginning riders. 

Q: What’s the time commitment? 

A: We require attendance at a few mandatory meetings. We require attendance at one training ride a month with us. We strongly suggest that you ride every weekend with your child (or with us). 

Q: We are good athletes already. Can we skip mandatory training rides? 

A: No. You need to learn to ride according to our rules and with 100+ other people, half of them kids.

Q: What are RAC Rules of the Road? 

A: A set of very specific rules that we have found to make the RAC safer. These are rules geared toward 5th graders. We will teach you. 

Q: What if I don’t agree with RAC Rules? 

A: Then please don’t sign up. 

Q: Will there be a lottery?

A: If we have more applications than we have spots, we will have a lottery. And a waitlist.

Q: How do I get myself into the lottery? 

A: The lottery link will be sent to those (and only those) who attend the mandatory meeting.

Q: Can my spouse and my other children attend the RAC? 

A: Yes. They would attend as support. They would help with water along the way. They cannot ride. 

Q: Can my spouse train and I ride with my child on the RAC?

A: No. The parent who is training must ride on the RAC. The parent who is riding on the RAC must train with the child. 

Q: My spouse is coming as support. Can we do alternative riding and supporting?

A: Yes. But you and your spouse must both meet the requirements. 

Q: I am not sure I can ride that many miles. 

A: Attend as many training rides as you can. We will help you. We will teach you how to manage the longer rides. You will be amazed. 

Q: Can my whole family come to training rides?

A: No. Only registered kids and their parents may join