Your ride registration fee includes an official event t-shirt, 5 catered meals, all support services, and much, much more. The two-day ride caters to cyclists of all ability levels with a variety of route options each day. Shorter options are available for the less advanced rider and a century option is available for the more seasoned rider. Our charity ride includes rest stops approximately every 8 to 12 miles, catered meals, rest stop support, bike mechanics, medical staff, police support, SAG, beer, 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 $200 in collected donations which must be turned in before picking up your ride packet. If you participated in the 2008 Bike MS event and did not raise your $200 minimum, you will not be able ride in the 2009 Bike MS until the 2008 and 2009 minimum is paid in full.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What are the dates of the 2009 Bike MS Dates?
October 3-4, 2009
Where will the 2009 Bike MS Ride be located?
Saturday:
Century (101 miles) from Rock Hill, SC at Winthrop Coliseum (1162 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, SC 29730-3208)
80, 40 and 20 mile routes from Greenville, SC at Fluor Field at the West End (947 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601-3334)
Sunday:
70, 35 and 20 mile routes from Greenville, SC at Fluor Field at the West End
How do I register for the 2009 Bike MS Ride
Register at http://bikencp.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/NCPBikeEvents?fr_id=11151&pg=entry
What are the registration fees?
Registration fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and not applicable to the minimum pledge.
The registration fees are:
$30 Registration Fee (January 1 - February 29)
$35 Registration Fee (March 1 -July 31)
$45 Registration Fee (August 1 - September 18)
$255 Registration Fee + minimum fundraising (September 19 - October 3)
***If you did not pay the $200 minimum fundraising requirement from 2008, you will NOT be able to ride in the 2009 Bike MS Ride until the $200 is paid.
Is there a fund-raising requirement?
Yes, to continue our efforts to find a cure for MS, every rider is required to raise a minimum of $200. The rider average for 2008 was $785!
The funds raised by Bike MS participants support research and provide programs and services to individuals with MS and their families. While we want this ride to be an amazing event for all of our participants, we must remember that we are here for one purpose: to bring an end to multiple sclerosis. You can help us do just that.
Once you register, we'll provide you with simple fundraising tips to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. You can track response rates and online donations on your webpage with the fundraising goal scale. And don't forget to ask your donors if their company has a Matching Gift program!
Once you pick up your rider packet (bib number, luggage tags, etc.) at the Packet Pick Up, you assume responsibility for the $200 pledge minimum, whether or not you end up participating in the event. You will not be able to participate in the 2009 Bike MS Ride if you have not fulfilled the minimum pledge requirement from the 2008 Ride.
What if I only want to ride one day or one of the shorter routes on Saturday, do I still need to raise $200?
All riders, regardless of how far they ride, are required to raise the minimum pledge of $200. And you don't have to stop there! We encourage you to take up the challenge and raise as much money as you can to join us in this important quest to end MS.
How old must I be to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the 2009 Bike MS Ride is 12 years of age. All riders between the ages of 12-17 must be accompanied at all times, on and off the route, by a participating parent or guardian. If an underage rider is picked up by one of our SAG vehicles, the participating parent or guardian must accompany the underage rider. Additionally, all participants 12-17 must have a notarized waiver form submitted to the Mid-Atlantic Chapter prior to the ride. You can download a waiver from our website or contact the Mid-Atlantic Chapter at (704) 525-5906 to request a paper copy.
Can people who haven't registered show up and ride on the morning of the Bike MS Ride?
Yes. All riders who register the morning of the event will be required to provide donations, meeting or exceeding the pledge minimum upon registration.
When should I collect my donations to ensure that I raise the $200 minimum?
As soon as possible! It's best to collect donations as soon as you can; remember that you are required to raise a minimum of $200 in order to ride. Take advantage of our online donation feature and watch your donations grow! For sponsors who prefer to donate by check, make checks payable to the National MS Society or NMSS and be sure to put the rider's name and 2009 Bike MS in the memo line. If your sponsor gives you cash and wants a receipt, you can download receipts from our website or just call 704-525-5906 and we'll send them to you. Remember...try to collect all donations before October 3, 2009. You will not be able to pick up your rider packet until the $200 fundraising minimum is met. The final deadline to collect your donations to be eligible for prizes is November 6, 2009. * Donations are non-refundable.
When and where do I turn in my donations?
Online fundraising is the key to success! Studies show that fundraisers who solicit donations via email, Monday through Friday 9 AM - 5 PM, are more than twice as likely to receive contributions.
Donations not received online should be mailed to the Bike MS lockbox at:
Bike MS
PO Box 60040
Charlotte, NC 28260-0040
You will also have an opportunity to submit donations in person at one of our Rider Check-In locations.
Can I transfer my online donation(s) to another participant?
No. Funds cannot be transferred from one rider to another once the funds have been assigned to an individual online. If someone would like to make a credit card donation to be divided amongst your team, please contact us at (704) 525-5906.
How can I become a Top Fundraiser and what are the benefits?
Becoming a Top Fundraiser not only gives you bragging rights but also gives you many perks and incentives (such as prizes, trips, and much more)!
Check out our Rider Resources and Fundraising pages for ideas or call Jolly Johnson at 704-525-5906.
Will I need to carry identification or medical information?
Each participant MUST carry a current driver's license, state I.D. or student I.D. with them at all times. It is imperative that each rider is easily identified should an accident occur. We also require each participant to submit emergency contact information upon registration. This information will only be used if an accident occurs during the event. It is recommended that each cyclist carry relative medical insurance card/coverage information.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes. All cyclists are required to wear helmets; it is a Bike MS Ride requirement. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us
When will I receive my rider number, luggage tag, and bike number?
Approximately two weeks prior to the event, we will host several Packet Pick Ups throughout NC and SC. Cyclists are encouraged to attend one of the Packet Pick Ups prior to the ride. For out of area riders and those not able to attend, we will host a final Check-In and Packet Pick Up the morning of the event at both start locations. ***You will not be able to pick up your rider packet until the $200 fundraising minimum is met. ***
I am riding the Century route out of Rock Hill. How many pieces of luggage can I bring and how does it get to where I am going?
Each rider is allowed to bring TWO pieces of luggage that will be tagged to correspond to your rider number. We ask that the bags be no heavier than 75 pounds since volunteers will be loading and unloading the luggage truck. Once you arrive at the Rock Hill start line, drop off your luggage at the truck labeled "Luggage Truck." Make sure that you have all belongings (Identification, bike supplies) that you plan on carrying with you before you hand your luggage to the volunteer.
Your luggage will be waiting for you in a designated area at the overnight location in Greenville, SC. Please have your rider number bib handy for the attendants so they can quickly retrieve your bag for you. Please remember that you are responsible for your luggage as soon as you arrive in Greenville.
Is there storage for my bike in Greenville?
We offer a secured overnight valet bike service with 24-hour security guards at the overnight location in Greenville, SC. We highly suggest that you take off any removable equipment, as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. The bikes will be locked up at 8pm during which time you will not have access, no exceptions.
Where do I sleep?
All Bike MS participants can chose between camping at the Greenville High School for free or coordinate their own overnight accommodations. Our overnight location provides the opportunity for riders to choose free camping with teammates or you can make reservations at one of the host hotels for a special rate.
What type of route support can I expect on the tour?
Safety is our number one priority for our riders! Support and Gear Vehicles (SAG) monitor the entire route to help the weary rider or offer assistance to those riders who experience mechanical problems. Medical Personnel are stationed at the start/finish, as well as all rest stops should medical attention be needed. We also have a safety crew made up of experienced riders, police officers, medical personnel, HAM radio operators, and other law enforcement individuals that will be with you every step of the way. Their expertise and authority will be a valuable asset to assist novice riders and to remind all participants to follow all the rules of the road.
What if it rains during the Bike MS?
Rain or shine, the 2009 Bike MS Ride will still go on.
Is this a race?
Bike MS is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist. Form a team with friends, family or co-workers and enjoy an unforgettable day!
My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn’t ride but wants to come support me at the event, what can they do?
We need volunteers! There are so many volunteer opportunities during Bike MS, including working rest stops, assisting with set-up, registration and much more! Register to be a volunteer
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 ncp@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?
Team Captains have the ability to send a message to the entire team. 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.
What if I have more questions?
For more information, contact the National MS Society at (704) 525-5906.