I was just thinking the other day, you have to raise the 2500 to be able to ride... But there is no incentive to actually finish the ride, i know i know there's more important things... 1 reason out of many you tell people to sponsor you is because you are doing over 200km/miles but if you don't do the ride/ or finish it's not like the money goes back. So what if somehow there was an addition donation made from whomever business (enbridge?) when you finish the ride
I had a number of responses come to mind, but the most obvious one is that the Ride organizers focus constantly on safety. Any kind of incentive to finish the entire thing might motivate people to take risks or to continue riding when they shouldn't. If someone is battling an injury, exhaustion or a problem with their bicycle... better they stop and wait for the sweeper vehicle rather than put themselves at risk for the sake of a token "prize" donation.
The initial incentive of doing the ride last year, as well as this year, is knowing that you are making a difference. Getting that initial satisfaction of hearing someone say, "Yes, I will donate to your ride." Then showing up on that first day to see the few thousand people all there for the same reason. However, to me the really incentive was seeing thousands of people at the finish line, cheering everyone who crossed it and getting a pat on my back from the organizers who meet you at the end.
The incentive has to be intrinsic or else you are riding for all the wrong reasons. I agree that one should not complete it if their health is at risk and to take frequent breaks if you are approaching the "wall", but most people feel that rush of being part of something so big, which keeps them going.
