Team Asha Silicon Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question or simply scroll down to read all questions.

How many miles are we training for?
Is there a minimum fitness-level requirement?
What is Asha for Education?
What is Team Asha?
What does the Team Asha biking training program provide?
What are the costs that I need to bear?
What kind of commitment is expected from the bikers?
I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise 1000 dollars?
What happens if I don't make my fundraising minimum?
Where do the funds I raise go?
How much money actually goes towards the cause?
When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?
When and where is the ride/route I'll be training for?
I see several bike racess on the calendar. Do I have to run all of them?
I might be interested but I'm just not sure. Where can I get more information?
Who's the best person to talk to if we miss the kick off sessions?
I'm in. Where do I go from here?

How many miles are we training ?

Depending on your choice you will be doing a 100 miler or a 100K ride.

Who's the best person to talk to if we miss the kick off sessions?

Please do talk to the Team Asha Biking co-ords.

Is there a minimum fitness-level requirement?

There isn't a minimum fitness level to join the training program. There always are set of bikers who are new to endurance sports. However, as with any exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning physical training.

What is Asha for Education?

Asha for Education is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to bringing socio-economic change in India using primarily the medium of education. To read more about Asha's charter and projects please visit our website.

What is Team Asha?

Team Asha is a sports program organized by Asha for Education (Asha) that gives the chance to individuals of all ages to discover the magical benefits of physical activities like running and biking including but not limited to an active and healthy lifestyle. All that while helping raise funds for projects supported by Asha in India. Team Asha aims to provide every runner, every biker with the means to change their own lives and make a positive difference in the life of thousands of underprivileged children in India. The program has been in existence since 2000 and helped hundreds of runners, 70% of them first timers, to reach new endurance levels and take on bigger challenges.

What does the Team Asha training program provide?

A comprehensive 4 month training program conducted by professional, experienced coaches.
Guidance on selecting a bike, apparel and nutrition.
Free bike repair workshops.
Gain bragging rights after you finish a 100K\100M bike ride.
Get fit! Learn to live a healthy and active life style.
Make new friends, attend team parties & dinners!

What are the costs that I need to bear?

There is an initial, nonrefundable registration fee of $100. The Early bird registration fee is $75 until April 17th. Other costs include race registrations, biking shoes, apparel etc, food/drink supplies during all rides. Finally, depending on the ride you choose, you will bear your travel expenses.

What kind of commitment is expected from the bikers?

Train for about 4 months.
You will join the entire group for one long ride (sundays).
You will either do short rides or crosstraining with captains once or twice a week.
Raise $1400 if you are doing the 100 Mile ride and $1000 if you are doing a 100 km.
Join in the socials and parties, make merry and enjoy with fellow runners.

I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise 500+ dollars?

This is a very valid concern that every new member of Team Asha has. We will help you with ideas, materials, fundraising clinics etc to help you with your fundraising. Till date, more than 99% of our runners have successfully met the fundraising targets.

What happens if I am unable to meet my fundraising target?

Team Asha mentors and other Asha volunteers will work with you throughout the program and beyond to help you honor your pledge of raising the target amount. Please see this program as a means of supporting and encouraging the underpriviliged children and not simply a biking-training program. Without your fundraising efforts, it would be difficult for Asha to continue supporting these projects. We urge you to do your best to honor your commitment in helping these children. If in the end you still fail to reach the target then you are required to cover the balance by yourself.

Where do the funds I raise go?

The funds raised will go towards some selected projects. You will have the opportunity to learn about the projects for which you'll be helping to raise money.

How much money actually goes towards the cause?

Our operating expenses are minimal and are covered with funds raised through special events like the Spring Run as well as the registration fees that you pay. Hence 100% of the funds you raise will go to projects.

When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?

Team Asha '10 program launch is on June 6th. We will have our first ride on this day.. Registration will usually be open till end of May. Joining the program after end of May is possible, however it will contigent on our coaches doing an evaluation screening first.

When and where is the ride I'll be training for?

The ride details that Team Asha will be targetting are listed in the details page. It is entirely up to the individual bikers to decide which rides they are targeting. Each biker's training schedule will vary accordingly to satisfy this goal.

I see several bike races on the calendar. Do I have to run all of them?

No. You will be running only one target race.

I might be interested but I'm just not sure.

Feel free to contact program coordinators or coaches to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

I'm in. Where do I go from here?