Registration

How do I register for the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour?

Register online or call (800) 486-6762.

What are the registration fees for the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour?

This is a benefit fundraising ride. Registration fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and not applicable to the $400 fundraising minimum requirement. The registration fees are for registration ONLY. They do not cover any fees associated with the bus transportation event weekend. All route fundraising minimums are $400. 25- mile route participants do not require bus transportation.

• $40 - Registration Fee Only
• $60 - Registration Fee AND Saturday transportation
• $60 - Registration Fee AND Sunday transportation

• $50 - Registration Fee Only
• $70 - Registration Fee AND Saturday transportation
• $70 - Registration Fee AND Sunday transportation

• $60 - Registration Fee Only
• $80 - Registration Fee AND Saturday transportation
• $80 - Registration Fee AND Sunday transportation

Fundraising minimums must be met by rider check-in.

How old must I be to participate?

The minimum age to participate in the Bike MS Tour is 12 years. All riders between ages 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult (21 years of age or older) at all times, on and off the route. If an underage rider (12-17 years of age) is picked up by one of our Support & Gear (SAG) vehicles for any reason, the accompanying adult must stay with the underage rider.

Riders 12 to 17 years of age: Please download the child waiver and release form (link coming soon), fill it out, get it notarized, make a copy for your records and return it to our office. Any rider under 18 years of age who has not returned his or her notarized waiver will not receive a rider packet at rider check-in and will not be allowed to participate in the event weekend.

Can people who haven't registered show up and ride on the morning of the Bike MS Tour?

No registrations will be accepted the morning of the ride. IF, AND ONLY IF, we have not reached our capacity of 2,500 riders and registration is still open, the final registration opportunity will be at our last rider check-in on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Due to the limited spaces available in this Tour, you will be held responsible for the minimum pledge of $400 in order to ride. If you are unable to participate please give us the courtesy of prior notice. If you have registered for the event and are unable to participate, we ask that you please email Merri Hulet or call her at (800) 486-6762 prior to the event. Please note that once canceled, your rider number will be marked inactive.

When will I receive my rider number, luggage tag and bike number?

Approximately two weeks prior to the event, we will host rider check-in events throughout Southern California. ALL riders will be required to attend one of our rider check-in events. For out of area riders, we will hold a final check-in on Friday, October 16, 2015 near the start line location. View rider check-in locations.

How do I start a team?

Register online! If you are already registered as an individual, you can contact the Teams Department at (800) 486-6762 and a team coach will help you start a team.

I will be unable to join the Bike MS Tour. Can I participate as a Virtual Rider?

Yes! You can still participate and fundraise through our online Virtual Rider Program. All you have to do is register (you can participate individually or join a team) and select "Virtual Rider." Then start fundraising in the fight against MS! Virtual Riders are eligible to be members of a team and earn fundraising prizes. There is no registration fee. Virtual Riders do need to meet the fundraising minimum of $400 for 25-, 100-, 125- & 150-mile routes and pay a registration fee if they choose to participate event weekend at Bike MS.

Fundraising

Is there a fundraising requirement for the Bike MS Tour?

Yes, to continue our efforts to find a cure for MS, every rider is required to raise a minimum of $400, including tandem riders (registration fees do not apply toward this minimum). All riders are required to fulfill the $400 fundraising minimum in order to check-in and receive their rider packet. All route options have the same fundraising minimum of $400.

What is the Tax ID for the National MS Society?

The National MS Society Tax ID is 95-2633200. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request.

What fundraising resources are available?

Once you register, you can start fundraising right away! Start by customizing your web page to share your story of why you are participating. Send emails to friends, family and co-workers asking them to support you. Staff is also on hand to help you come up with new and creative fundraising ideas. You can contact the Bike MS Team by e-mail or call (800) 486-6762.

When and where do I turn in my donations?

Online fundraising is the key to success! Studies show that fundraisers who solicit donations via e-mail, Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm, are more than twice as likely to receive contributions.

Donations not received online should be mailed to the NMSS at 12121 Scripps Summit Drive, Suite 190, San Diego, CA 92131. Please write the name of the participant on every check. You will also have an opportunity to submit donations in person at one of our rider check-in locations. Donations can be sent in as soon as you receive them or send them all at once at the end of the month.

When should I collect my donations to ensure that I raise the $400 minimum?

It's best to collect donations as soon as you can; remember, you are required to raise a minimum of $400 in order to ride. Take advantage of our online donation feature and watch your donations grow! If your sponsor gives you cash and wants a receipt, you can download receipts from our website or just call the Chapter at (800) 486-6762 and we'll send them to you. Remember...you must raise the $400 fundraising minimum in order to pick up your rider packet.

To whom should checks be made out?

Checks should be made payable to the National MS Society (or NMSS) with the rider's name and 2015 Bike MS Tour on the memo line.

Can I split money between two or more individuals?

Yes. If you have money to be divided among two or more individuals, a Donation Distribution form (PDF) must be completed and submitted with the donations that are to be distributed. All individuals listed on the form will be credited the amount indicated on the Donation Distribution form. Donations made online cannot be split. If someone would like to make a credit card donation to be divided among two or more individuals, please email us or call us at (800) 486-6762.

How can I become a Top Fundraiser? What are the benefits?

To be recognized as a Top Fundraiser at the 2015 Bike MS Tour, you need to raise $2,000. You will receive a special Top Fundraiser jersey and VIP admittance for you and a guest to the Top Fundraiser lounge at the Day One Finish Festival where you will join other Top Fundraisers for complimentary appetizers, beer and wine.

What is the 150 Club?

The Top 150 Fundraisers from the 2014 Bike MS Tour are now members of the 2015 150 Club. Members receive a commemorative gold rider number bib indicating their fundraising status (i.e. the TOP fundraiser in 2014 will receive rider bib #1 at the 2015 Tour). There are a variety of additional special Top Fundraiser benefits including admission into the exclusive 150 Club Lounge and a commemorative 150 Club wearable.

How do I earn prizes?

Prizes are based on actual donations received by 5:00pm on January 4th, 2016.

Where does my money go?

48% of the funds we raise support local programs and services for people living with MS and others affected by MS including their families, professionals and more.

• Emotional: newly diagnosed programs, professionally-led and self-help groups, counseling and visitation.
• Wellness: aquatic and specialized exercise, medical clinics.
• Direct: medical equipment loan, financial assistance, transportation assistance.
• Family & Social: caregiver support, holiday and family events, respite care.
• Education & Advocacy: outreach, community and professional education, information, referral, research updates.
• Independence: care management, employment resources, financial planning.
• Learn more about where your fundraising money goes.

Cycling

Is this a race?

No, this is a fun ride for all skill levels and it is not timed.

Can I use aero handlebars?

Aero (laydown) handlebars slow down reaction time. For safety reasons, laydown handlebars are prohibited in areas that cause an unsafe situation for any rider at the Bike MS Event.

Will the roads be closed during the ride?

No, cyclists will be riding on the road alongside vehicles and pedestrians. Participants are required to follow all rules of the road. If a cyclist is seen breaking the law, he or she will be pulled from the course.

What type of route support can I expect on the tour?

Every rider will receive route slips with turn-by-turn directions for the route, and the route will be marked with arrows to lead you. Fully-stocked rest stops will be provided every 10-15 miles. Every rest stop will have snacks, hydration, mechanical support, an EMT and portable bathrooms. Our Safety Crew will also provide additional support from start to finish.

What is the 25-mile route in San Diego?

The 25-mile route is a fully-supported one-day route that will start and finish on Sunday, October 18 at Hospitality Point, the two-day finish line location in Mission Bay. The route takes riders along Mission Bay and joins those completing the second day of the Irvine to San Diego ride in La Jolla and all riders will then continue along the La Jolla coastline back to Hospitality Point. 25-mile route participants are required to pay the registration fee and raise the $400 minimum.

If my friends are riding the 100-, 125- or 150-mile route and I am riding the 25-mile route, can I still be on their team?

YES! Teams can consist of 25-, 100-, 125- or 150-mile route participants. Even Virtual Riders can be part of a team! Saturday night at the Day One Finish Festival in Carlsbad is a perfect time for teams to meet up and celebrate their accomplishments!

What is the Century Challenge?

For experienced cyclists, the Bike MS Tour offers one of the most challenging and scenic Century rides in California. The Century Challenge adds an additional 50 miles to the route on Saturday through North San Diego County's beautiful backcountry, with a finishing stretch along the Coast. The Century Challenge route features 6100' of climb. Century riders ride 100 miles on Saturday and 50 miles on Sunday.

Do I have to ride both days?

No, Bike MS Tour cyclists do not have to ride both days of the Tour. However, participants are still required to pay the full registration fee and raise the minimum of $400. If you decide not to ride on a particular day, you are responsible for arranging transportation for yourself and your bicycle.

Will I need to carry identification or medical information?

Yes. All participants MUST carry a current driver's license, state I.D. or student I.D., and insurance card with them at all times. Riders may be required to show their I.D. in order to pass through Camp Pendleton. 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.

Will I have to wear a helmet?

YES. All cyclists are required to wear helmets - this is a Bike MS Tour requirement. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us.

Can I wear headphones?

NO. For your safety, Bike MS participants are not allowed to wear headphones while on the route.

Event Weekend

How many pieces of luggage can I bring? How will it be transported?

Each 100-, 125- and 150-mile rider is allowed to bring ONE piece of luggage that will be tagged to correspond to your rider number. We ask that the bag weigh under 30 pounds since volunteers will be loading and unloading the luggage truck. When you arrive at the start line, drop off your luggage at the truck labeled "Luggage Truck." Make sure you have all belongings (identification, bike supplies) that you plan to carry with you before you hand your luggage to the volunteer.

Your luggage will be waiting for you in a designated area at the Day One Finish Festival in Carlsbad. Please have your rider number bib handy for the attendants so they can quickly retrieve your bag for you. On the morning of Day Two, drop off your luggage at the "Luggage Truck" and pick it up at the finish line in Mission Bay. You are responsible for your luggage as soon as you arrive in Mission Bay.

Will there be storage for my bike in Carlsbad?

We offer a secured, overnight bike locker with 24-hour security guards at the overnight site location in Carlsbad. The bike locker is a locked, fenced-in area in the parking lot with bike racks. All riders will deposit and retrieve their own bicycles on these bike racks. We highly suggest that you take off any removable equipment as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. The bike locker is locked from 6pm to 6am, during which time you will not have access. No exceptions!

Where will I sleep?

All Bike MS Tour participants are responsible for coordinating their overnight accommodations. Our overnight Festival location, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa, will be sold out to our riders. There are also opportunities for riders to choose from several preferred hotels and thousands of hotel rooms within seven miles. Continuous shuttle service will be provided to and from the hotels listed on our site. Shuttle service is ONLY provided to hotels listed on our preferred accommodations page!

There is a limited number of camping sites available near our overnight location. However, shuttle service will not be provided to those sites. South Carlsbad State Beach is the closest campground, but it books up quickly. Get details.

What kind of food will be provided at the Bike MS Tour?

The Tour provides food and beverages along the route. At every rest stop, there will be water, sports drinks and light snacks. Lunch will be served both days. Dinner (on Saturday) and breakfast (on Sunday) will be served at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa. Friends and family can purchase meal tickets at our Information Booth located at all three sites. While the rest stops are fully supported, all riders are encouraged to bring their own supply of bars, gels and sports drinks. If you have special diet needs, please bring your own supply of snacks for the event.

What if it rains during the Bike MS Tour?

It is not allowed to rain for our Bike Tour...but if it does, the Bike MS Tour will take place rain or shine.

What should I pack for the ride?

Here's a helpful packing list (make sure this link goes to the “What to Wear” tab found in the Experience Bike MS page) of items you will want to bring with you on the ride.

Are there transportation options if I live in San Diego?

Transportation service is available via coach bus on Saturday morning from Mission Bay, San Diego to the start line in Irvine for those riders living in the San Diego and surrounding areas. Please make sure to choose the registration fee that includes pre-event transportation service from San Diego to the start line in Irvine on Saturday, October 18, 2014, when registering.

You can add the transportation service until October 1, 2015, if you did not select this option during the registration process and it is still prior to October 1, 2015, you can still purchase a seat by going to our Accommodations & Transportation page here (make sure this links to that page). The fee is an additional $20 and must be paid by credit card at time of request. If you have further questions, please contact Merri Hulet or Randi Bretz at (800) 486-6762.

How will I return to Irvine after the ride?

Transportation service is available via coach bus at the finish line in Mission Bay, San Diego for those riders that need transportation back to Orange County. Please make sure to choose the registration fee that includes transportation service from the finish line to Irvine on Sunday, October 18, 2015 when registering. Riders must purchase a seat on the bus to have their bike transported.

You can add the transportation service until October 1, 2015, if you did not select this option during the registration process and it is still prior to October 1, 2015, you can still purchase a seat by going to our Accommodations & Transportation page here (make sure this links to that page). The fee is an additional $20 and must be paid by credit card at time of request. If you have further questions, please contact Merri Hulet or Randi Bretz at (800) 486-6762.

If I take the bus, how will my bicycle be transported?

If you use the transportation service on either Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon, your bike will be wrapped, padded, and secured in an Ace Relocation Systems moving van and transported separately. Rider numbers must remain on the bike for transportation. The National MS Society does not take responsibility for bikes placed on the moving vans. Please take this into consideration when putting your bike on the van. Riders must take the bus transportation to have their bike transported.