National MS Society - Bike Event: Bike MS: FAQ

Where does the money go?
Forty cents of every dollar is used to support research and national programs. The remaining sixty cents stays in the North Central States Chapter to provide a wide variety of programs and services designed to keep people affected by MS moving.

How long is Bike MS?
Over the two days of the ride, cyclists can do up to 175 miles. The first day will typically have a 50, 75 and 100 mile route and the second day will have 50 and 75 mile options. There are rest stops every 8-12 miles and full support along the route, as well. Riders will leave as a group at 7:00 a.m. and arrive at the Finish Line throughout the afternoon. All cyclists are asked to be off the route by 4:30 p.m. Please check your local ride guide book that you will receive upon registering.

How safe is the ride?
Visit the safety page to learn about what to wear, bring, and know so that Bike MS can be as safe as possible.

What if it rains? Do we still ride?
Yes. We ride rain or shine. If the weather is really bad or if there is lightning, we will ask you to stop. If there is severe weather, staff may make a decision to cancel the event that day. Riders will be notified along the route if this is the case.

What if I can't bike the entire route?
We provide Support And Guidance (SAG) vehicles along the route to give you a ride to the next rest stop or to the finish line.

Are there restrooms along the route?
Yes, there are restrooms or port-a-potties at every rest stop. Rest stops are set-up every 8-12 miles. We provide free snacks and water at these points as well.

What are the registration fees and what are they used for?
Registration fees are $30. We do offer a discounted rate before March 31^st. Registration fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and not applicable to the minimum pledge. Tandem riders are considered two individuals on one bicycle and each individual is required to register.

I misplaced the bike inspection form that was sent in my registration packet. How can I get another one?
Download the bike inspection form here.

What is the National Passport Program?
An elite national program for top fundraisers in Bike MS events. Download more information.

What guidelines must riders follow if they are under 18 years of age?
While we understand that there is no ‘right age’ with respect to participants as minors, we feel that it is essential to establish a basis for a suggested minimum age requirement. The overall objective is to minimize risk on behalf of parents, children, and the Society. Therefore, we developed a suggested minimum age requirement of 12 years of age for Bike MS events.

All riders under 18 must follow these guidelines as set forth by the National MS Society (these also apply for children riding tandem):
       Have a signed and notarized waiver on file.
       No trailers or carriers allowed on route.
       Accompanied by a parent/responsible adult (at least 21 years of age) at all times.
       Review National MS Society safety brochure and special flyer for youth riders and parent/legal guardian.
       Adult-child ratio is no more than 1:3.

My spouse/friend/co-workers/neighbors/kids don't want to participate, but they want to support me at the event. What can they do?
Volunteers are always needed! Guests are also welcome to come cheer riders on at the Finish Line both days.

FUNDRAISING

When and where do I turn in my donations?
Online fund raising is the key to success! Studies show that fund-raisers who solicit donations via email Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. are more than twice as likely to receive contributions. Donations not received online can be dropped off or mailed to your local National MS Society office, or turned in at your ride's Friday Night Fuel-up (details to come).

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 (registration fees are not applicable) or if under the age 18*, a minimum of $100. Nationally, cyclists raised an average of $660 in 2005.
*Riders under 18 must have their waiver notarized & signed by a parent or guardian prior to the ride. Waivers will be sent out to each person upon registration.

What do others do to raise pledges?
Once you register, a packet of information will be sent to you with fundraising ideas and a pledge form so you can track those that have given to you and you can thank them. Visit our Bike MS Fundraising Toolkit section on the website for more ideas or to print out a pledge form to get started now. The easiest and fastest way to raise funds is via the web tools in your Participant Center. Check out the details below on how to use your Participant Center.

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 and be sure to put the rider's name in the memo line of the check. If your sponsor gives you cash and wants a receipt, you can download receipts or email nth@nmss.org and we'll send them to you.

ABOUT MY BIKE CENTER

I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at nth@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, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.

What is a Personal Page?
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 bike 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 Bike Center. On the bottom right side of the Bike 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 Bike Center and click the "My Progress" tab; 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 Bike Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

What is a team message?
Team messages are emails you can send from your Participant Center to your Bike MS team members. Use it to recruit new members, solicit donors, thank them after they give, and keep your team motivated! Simply go to your Bike Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team messages.

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.