What is Ride For The Living?

Ride For The Living (RFTL) is a comprehensive four-day experience that offers participants the chance to immerse themselves in Krakow’s Jewish past, present, and future. RFTL boasts a full schedule of activities, including a private guided tour of Auschwitz, tours of Krakow, participation in Poland’s largest annual Shabbat dinner, and an inspiring one-day, 60-mile (97 km) charity bike ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow. Traditionally, Ride For The Living takes place at the end of June or the beginning of July, in conjunction with the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow.

Is it safe to travel to Poland while Russia is at war with Ukraine?

Although we are aiding thousands of refugees, we want to assure you that Poland is completely safe during this war. The safety of our RFTL participants is our top priority, and we want to emphasize that Krakow is not in any physical danger from the war. The conflict is restricted to Ukraine territory, and there is no travel advisory against Poland.

What are the most important rules while participating in Ride For The Living?

• Ride carefully and be mindful of other cyclists and vehicles along the route.

• Always keep to the far right side of the road. There will be other vehicles present so riding in the middle of the road or in the left lane is strictly forbidden. Ride in the direction of traffic.

• Do not weave in and out of traffic. The more predictable you act, the safer you are. Use hand signals before you turn or change lanes. Passing is only allowed from the left side.

• While approaching vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians, you must yield until it is safe to pass.

• Obey all traffic signals and signs.

• Ride alert and aware - do not use your phone unless you are stationary and out of the way of other riders and cars. We ask that participants not use headphones to limit distractions and so they remain aware of their surroundings and any instructions called out on the fly by our RFTL marshals.

• Follow the rules of the Ride and adhere to the decisions and instructions of JCC Krakow and RFTL staff, police escorts, traffic controllers, and RFTL marshals.

Will we be riding as a group?

For safety purposes, RFTL features a staggered start so participants can spread out and so the route remains uncongested. At certain points, participants may be asked to ride more closely together and will follow an official police escort.

What type of support does the Ride offer on the route?

Professional medical and technical staff support participants throughout the Ride. There will always be a pace car leading from the front helping mark the route while medical, technical, and logistical support vehicles chase from the rear. Additionally, trained RFTL marshals who are familiar with the route cycle alongside participants and are interspersed throughout the peloton to answer questions and troubleshoot on the fly. These marshals are clearly marked with special jerseys and flags on the back of their bikes.

The route itself is marked with visible, weatherproof directional signs. You’ll also be able to download the route map in advance on your computer and smartphone.

Can I take a break or stop part way through the bike ride?

Yes, we will have a minibus accompanying us along the entire route, should you need to stop for any reason. You may also choose to end your ride at the first stop (about 14 miles into the course) where a bus will take you back to Krakow to enjoy programming with participants who opted out of the Ride. If you choose to take an extended break after the first stop, you can hop on the mini-bus until the end of the ride, or rejoin the group at either of the other two main stops.

What is the 60-mile bike ride route like?

We mostly use smaller roads and bike paths throughout the ride. Some sections of the route are not paved. It is possible that there will be cars and other vehicles present along the route, so it is important to adhere to traffic regulations at all times. The Polish countryside you will bike past is beautiful and will include wonderful glimpses at lakes, fields, and everyday life in Poland.

Is the route clearly marked?

Yes. We have large, weatherproof, directional signs with the Ride For The Living logo along the entire route. Trained RFTL marshals who are familiar with the route cycle alongside participants and are interspersed throughout the peloton to troubleshoot and assist with directional questions.

Do I need to train beforehand?

The ride is very accessible- we’ve even had a 94 year old participant! That said, we do encourage participants to train a little beforehand. If you haven’t biked in a long time, consider attending a spin class or two at your local JCC or gym. Since we will be riding on roads where other cars will be present, it’s also important to review the “rules of the road” when interacting with vehicles and other cyclists along the route.

Do I need to rent or bring my own bike?

No, bike rentals are included in the participation fee. All bike-related logistics are handled by the RFTL team in advance of the Ride based on information provided by participants upon registering.

What type of bike will I ride?

We provide either hybrid or cross-bikes for participants based on information provided upon registering.

Specialty bikes such as road bikes and electric bikes may be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Please email our team at ridefortheliving@jcckrakow.org for more information.

Will bikes have water bottle holders?

Not all bikes will be equipped with water bottle holders, but all RFTL jerseys have pockets that can easily fit water bottles and snacks. There will also be water stations at various points throughout the route.

Can I use an electric bike?

Electric bikes are allowed. If you wish to use an electric bicycle, please note this in your registration form and we will look into the availability of renting one for you. You may also email our team at ridefortheliving@jcckrakow.org for more information.

What do I need to bring with me on the bike ride?

We recommend you bring your ID, comfortable or padded biking shorts, sports shoes, and sunglasses. We’ll provide the bike, jersey, helmet, sunscreen, water, snacks, lunch, and medical and technical services.

What happens if there is inclement weather on the day of the Ride?

The Ride will take place rain or shine. In the event of force majeure or inclement weather, the organizer reserves the right to cancel the event.

I can’t travel to Krakow. Can I still participate in Ride For The Living?

Yes! You can join us from anywhere in the world as part of the Ride For The Living Global Challenge. Learn more about the 2024 RFTL Global Challenge and sign up by clicking here.