Fees:
Your ride registration fee includes an official event t-shirt, 6 catered meals, all support services, and much, much more. The two-day ride caters to cyclists of all ability levels with the base route covering 75 miles each day. Short options are available via SAG wagon for the less advanced rider and a century option is available for the more seasoned rider. Our charity ride includes rest stops approximately every 10 to 17 miles, catered meals, bike mechanics, medical staff, police support, SAG wagons, the Annual WOW Music festival, and a load of fun at every turn. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a recreational cyclist, or a hard core roadie, this ride is for you! In addition to your non-refundable registration fee, your participation requires a minimum of $300 in collected donations which must be turned in before picking up your ride packet.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: What should I do with cash and checks I receive as donations?
Donations can be mailed to the National MS Society, Colorado Chapter at: PO Box 172625, Denver CO 80217-2625. The donations will be entered into your online account. Please include your name and the event in the memo field or in a separate note included with the donations. All riders must turn in at least $300 in donations by June 27th (or their packet pickup date) in order to ride. If you have not turned in the minimum donation by the start of the event, the National MS Society will discuss payment options, including charging the balance on a credit card, with you.
Q: What happens if it rains?
We hope that it will not rain during the Bike MS, but we will ride rain or shine. In the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions, we will delay the event until conditions improve.
Q: Can children participate?
Cyclists must be 12 years old or older by June 27, 2009 in order to ride on a single-seat bike (parents must still ride in the event with their child age 12-17 at all times). No children under the age of 12 are permitted to ride. All cyclists under the age of 18 must bring a notarized waiver, signed by a parent, to the event. No children are allowed on the backs of bikes or sidecars. Please call the chapter at 303-698-7470 to request a special waiver be mailed to you.
Q: Do I have to wear a helmet?
YES! For your own safety, helmets are required at all Bike MS cycling events and conditioning rides. You will be removed from the route if you are not wearing a helmet.
Q: Can family and friends join me for the weekend?
Family and friends are always welcome at our start and finish locations, however not on the route! Volunteers are always needed, please visit the Bike MS volunteer section. Accommodations need to be reserved in advance for both riders and family members, please visit the Bike MS lodging section . All meals are free to cyclists and volunteers, and are available for purchase to others with the exception of on- route lunches.
Q: Can I have someone follow me in case I don't make it?
In the interest of safety, we must limit the number of motorists on the route and strongly discourage any personal vehicles. No personal vehicles are allowed anywhere in or around our rest stops. We provide plenty of SAG vehicles throughout the ride, equipped with HAM radios. They will transport any cyclists in need. We reccommend you make plans to meet friends and family at the finish line.
Q: What do I do with my donation sheets?
You keep your original donation sheets. You can send a copy of each with any batch of checks sent in. Also, use them to track the donations you've collected and to follow-up with your donors after the event.
Q: What if I can't collect my donations?
When you register to ride the Bike MS, you are making a commitment to fulfill the $300 donation minimum. We count on each and every dollar to provide services and research to help those affected by MS. If you are finding it difficult to collect your donations, please call us. We can provide you with fundraising ideas. Cyclists unable to meet the minimum donation by the weekend of the ride will be provided with a "deposit" form, which after filling out will allow participation in Bike MS activities.
Q: Can I bring a friend with me who didn't register prior to the event?
In 2008 the Bike MS ride sold out. Registration for the 2009 Bike MS ride begins in January 2009, so have your friends register early to guarantee their spot in '09!
Q: Are pets allowed?
No, pets are prohibited at the ride.
Q: I can't remember my discount code. What should I do?
For questions about your discount code (if applicable to you), please contact us at coloradobikems@nmss.org.
Q: Where do I make my accommodations for the weekend?
Accommodations can be made at anytime, and should be made early as possible. Space at the closest hotels fills up quickly. You have the option of reserving hotel accommodations, or a dorm stay at Colorado State University. There is no camping available at CSU. Please see lodging for details.
TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at coloradobikems@nmss.org for help.
How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.
How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message."
ABOUT MY PARTICIPANT CENTER
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Participant Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
By default I have a personal page; do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Participant Center. On the bottom right side of the Participant Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her bike center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.
How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and view "My Progress" this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and view the "Team Progress;" this will allow you to see your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
What is a team message?
Simply go to your Participant Center and view the "Update Message to Team." This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a personal page is public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to “private” means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.