Start/Finish Location:
The start and finish lines for the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride will be located at the beach entrance of Callaway Gardens. The Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride provides a “figure-eight” route, meaning that cyclists start and finish both days of the Ride in the same location.
Ride Schedule:
The ride will start on Saturday, September 15th at 8:00 a.m. The route will officially close at 6:00 p.m. Day two begins on Sunday, September 16th at 8:00 a.m. and will officially close at 5:00 p.m. Riders are encouraged not to leave the start line prior to or after 8:00 a.m. as support will not be available.
Parking:
Designated parking will be available at the start, finish and overnight site for all participants, family, friends, and volunteers. Parking attendants will be on-site to direct you to specific parking areas. All motorists are cautioned to be aware of cyclists when driving their cars in and around the areas of the bike ride.
Minimum Pledge:
Cyclists riding in the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride commit to raising a minimum of $250 to be reached by the Packet Pickup prior to the ride. Donations support client programs, services and research supported by the National MS Society.
Packet Pickup & Rider Credentials:
All riders must pick up their packet of rider credentials at a Packet Pickup prior to the ride. Please review the Packet Pickup page for more information.
Minimum Age Requirement:
The minimum age to participate is 12 years old at the time of the ride. For the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride 2011, riders must be 12 years old by September 15, 2012. Bike MS Jr. participants must be 5 years old by September 15, 2012.
Safety Restrictions:
Equipment and accessories attached to bicycles for transporting children and/or pets are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-Along or Trail-a-Bike products, and child carrier seats. Please review the Cycling Guidelines page for more information.
Rider Services Centers:
For any questions that you may have regarding the bike ride during the event, the Rider Services Center will be able to help you. A location will be available at the Packet Pickup as well as at the Start/Finish and Overnight.
Accommodations:
Riders are responsible for arranging hotel accommodations during the ride. Several area hotels have been secured with special rates for the weekend including the official host accommodations, Callaway Gardens. A dedicated, free camping area will also be available. Please see the Accommodations page for more information.
Food And Beverage:
The National MS Society strives to take care of you every step of the way! As such, the following menu selections will be available at this year's event:
-
Break Points - located approx every 12 miles provides water, PowerAde, fruit, energy bars and snacks such as pretzels, nuts, fig neutons, cookies, slim jims, etc (snack selection varies from each stop).
-
Breakfast - served both mornings from 6-8pm will include assorted cereals, bagels, yogurt, muffins, oatmeal, grits, hard boiled eggs, fruit, coffee & juice
-
Lunch Day One- Located at the half way point on the route or at the Start Line (depending on the route option chosen) includes ham, chicken salad or veggie sandwiches by HoneyBaked Ham, chips, cookies and soft drinks
-
Lunch Day Two - served at the start/finish line and will include turkey, roast beeft or veggie sandwiches by HoneyBaked Ham, chips, cookies and soft drinks
-
Dinner (Sat) - served from 4-7pm at the start/finish line includes spicy romano chicken, penne with meat sauce, angelhair with artichokess, chicken penne gorgonzola, salad, cookies and soft drinks from Carino's Italian
Bike Compound:
You have the option to store your bike in the Bike Compound on Saturday night of the ride. The Bike Compound will be a secured facility located at Callaway Gardens. NOTE: For security reasons, your Rider Number must be clearly displayed on the bike and you must have the matching Rider Number on you in order to pick your bike back up out of the compound.
Bike Maintenance:
The Official Bike Stores will have mechanic support at Break Points and at the start and overnight lines throughout the ride. From August 1 - 31, Official Bike Stores will offer free inspections for all registered riders. An official bike inspection sticker entitles you to free labor while on the route should you need assistance.
Non-Denominational Service:
A non-denominational fellowship service will be offered on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. at the beach pavilion.
Support And Gear (SAG) Vehicles:
Support And Gear (SAG) vehicles are operated by dedicated volunteers who patrol the route to provide help to riders who might need assistance. Should you need a SAG to transport you to the next breakpoint, first move off the road and out of the path of other riders; next, dismount your bike and stand nearby; then wave your helmet to let the drivers know that you are not just taking a break. Be aware that some of the official vehicles on the route are medical, staff or communications vehicles and are not equipped to carry riders. Also, at peak hours SAG vehicles may be full. Please have patience, another will be by soon.
Motorcycle Marshals:
Motorcycle Marshals are dedicated volunteers who patrol the route, respond quickly to emergencies and traffic situations, and check the well-being of riders. Please follow the instructions of these volunteers.
Bike MS Routes Signs:
Route signs are placed along day 1 and day 2 routes as directional signage. Please adhere to all road signs in addition to taking directions from the route signs.