Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO BE THERE?
Check-in is from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. The ride begins at 7:30 am. Because the police are directing traffic at the beginning of the ride, cyclists are NOT PERMITTED to begin cycling until the official start time for any reason! All riders must be on the route by 8 am!
2. WHERE DOES THE RIDE START AND FINISH?
The bike MS Ride starts at Moraine State Park, North Shore, just a short 15 minute drive further North on I-79. The second start option is at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus at Edinboro University. Both routes end at Edinboro University on Saturday afternoon. Sunday's Ride begins at 7:30 am. (Riders must be on the route by 8 am). The ride finishes at Conneaut Twp Park in Conneaut, Oh.
3. WILL THERE BE REST STOPS WITH FOOD, WATER AND RESTROOMS?
Yes! Rest stops have bathroom facilities and are stocked with snacks and drinks. Rest stops are placed every 15-20 miles along the route.
4. HOW DO I TRANSPORT MY OVERNIGHT BAGS?
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will transport two (2) pieces of luggage and a sleeping bag and/or tent (if applicable).
5. ARE CYCLISTS REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET?
YES, ALL CYCLISTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET. Stop in at one of our official bike shops and purchase one today! Your safety is important to us.
6. DOES THE MS ESCAPE TO THE LAKE (ERIE) RIDE IF IT RAINS?
Yes! The MS Bike Ride will take place RAIN or SHINE.
7. IS THIS A RACE?
NO! We can and will remove anyone from the route whose actions put other cyclists in danger.
8. IS THERE A MINIMUM PLEDGE REQUIREMENT?
Yes, the minimum pledge to participate is $250.00. By raising funds in addition to the registration fee, you are eligible for fundraising awards like gift certificates and event specific clothing. All participants must turn in the minimum pledge in order to participate in further bike MS events. 2008 Participants who did not turn in the minimum pledge must fulfill this commitment inorder to participate in 2009.
9. DO I HAVE TO BRING MY PLEDGE MONIES TO THE EVENT?
We encourage all participants to turn-in pledges prior to the event, but we will collect money at check-in, you will have until July 17, 2009 to turn in your pledges to be eligible for prizes and awards. You will receive an orange pledge envelope prior to the event - please bring it with you!
10. WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO?
The dollars you raise will fund local programs and services for people with MS and bring researchers closer to a cure for multiple sclerosis.
11. CAN MY TEAM HAND IN OUR MONEY ALL TOGETHER WITH OUR TEAM CAPTAIN?
No. All pledge monies must be handed in individually for our record keeping.
12. CAN CHILDREN RIDE IN THE RIDE?
Yes, however if the child is between 12 & 17 years old, their parent or guardian must sign their registration form and have it notarized. The child must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 21 AT ALL TIMES. (This form will be mailed to you upon receiving the registration or you can download the Waiver). Cyclists under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 21 AT ALL TIMES. No child trailers or bicycle child seats are allowed on the Bike MS Ride.
13. CAN MY CHILD RIDE WITH ME IN A BICYCLE TRAILER?
No. Bicycle trailers for transporting children or gear or child carrier seats are not allowed on the ride.
14. WHAT PHYSICAL ABILITIES ARE REQUIRED TO DO THIS RIDE?
This is a ride for all skill levels and all ages. Join us at the Spring Bike Workshop and learn all you need to know about nutrition, training and more. Form a team with friends and/or family and enjoy an unforgettable weekend!
15. ARE NON-RIDING FAMILY AND FRIENDS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEKEND'S FESTIVITIES?
OF COURSE! There are a number of opportunities for you and your family/friends to enjoy the MS Escape to the Lake (Erie) together. As you know, volunteers are an integral part of the success of the MS Escape to the Lake (Erie), so if they are willing, that is a great way to get other people involved. Please visit the VOLUNTEER section of the website for job descriptions and to register. Additionally, we invite your family and friends to join you at the overnight and at the finish line for the festivities. We will have activities and ample parking at both locations for your family and friends. Food tickets will be available for purchase at the University Check-In.
*PLEASE NOTE: Personal SAGS or On-Route Support by Family, Friends or Team Members who are NOT official volunteers is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. This puts more cars on the route and creates an unsafe situation for cyclists. Alternative driving directions are available by request.
16. DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO PREPARE MY BIKE FOR THIS RIDE?
We highly recommend a tune up just prior to the ride to make sure that everything is in good working order. While training for the ride, you will have put lots of miles on your bike, so it will deserve a little TLC to make sure it is ready for the MS Escape to the Lake (Erie): Bike Sponsors
CHECK OUT ALL THE TABS TO THE LEFT FOR TRAINING, SAFETY, FUNDRAISING AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!