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Frequently Asked Questions

Event Logistics

Can my children join me in the ride?

Cyclists must be 12 years old or older the day of the ride in order to participate. No children under the age of 12 are permitted to ride. All cyclists under the age of 18 must bring a notarized waiver, signed by a parent, to the event. Click here to download the minor waiver.

All riders between the ages of 12 and 17 must review the Cycling for Minors brochure.  

If the child is on a tandem, all requirements above still apply.

No child carrier or trailers are allowed. No children are allowed on the backs of bikes or in sidecars. Please note: parents or guardians must accompany their minors at all times, both on and off the route.


Do I have to wear a helmet?

YES. For your own safety, helmets are required at all Bike MS cycling events. You will be removed from the route if you’re not wearing a helmet.


What if it rains?

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather! We ride rain or shine. In the event of lightning or other severe weather, we may delay the event until conditions improve.


How long does it take a rider to finish in a day?

The average is 8-16 miles per hour. Remember though, the Bike MS is not a race and everyone should ride at their own pace.


Can family or friends join me for the weekend?

Yes, friends and family are more than welcome to join you for the festivities but are NOT permitted on the route. If they want to be involved but don’t want to ride, please encourage them to volunteer!


Can I have someone follow me in case I don't make it?

In the interest of safety, we must limit the number of motorists on the route. We provide plenty of SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles throughout the ride, equipped with HAM radios. They will transport any cyclists in need.


Can I bring my pet?

Please leave Fido and Fluffy at home. Pets are prohibited at the event, except in the case of service animals.


What about accommodations?

Please visit our Accommodations page to learn more.


What if I am unable to ride?

All Bike MS, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you do not ride in the event (and your packet is not picked up), the fundraising minimum is not required... but it is appreciated!

 

Route Details

Will there be support on the route?

Yes. SAG vehicles will circle the route to assist with technical difficulties (i.e. flat tires), transport you to a mechanic station if the issue is more technical, and to ensure your safe arrival to the finish line each day.


How far apart are the rest stops?

We plan to provide rest stops every 8-12 miles along the route. The distance from one stop to the next will be clearly noted so you can properly prepare for the road ahead.

 

Gear & Packing Suggestions

What do I need to bring with me to Bike MS?

Suggested gear list:

• Riding gear: Bike, helmet, sunglasses/sunscreen, water bottles, extra tubes, tire pump/CO2 cartridges, shorts, jerseys, gloves, socks, etc.
• Personal fuel: gels, bars, energy drinks
• Lounging gear: Comfortable clothes and shoes for after the ride


Do I need to do anything special to prepare my bike?

We suggest a tune up prior to the ride to ensure everything is in good working order. While training for the ride, you’ll have put lots of miles on your bike, so it may need a little TLC before Bike MS.

 

Fundraising and Financial Questions

Why do I have to fundraise for this ride?

Bike MS is a FUN ride, but it’s also a FUNDRAISING ride! Money raised in this event makes a difference in our community and in the global MS movement. All riders (team captains, team members and individual riders) are required to fundraise in addition to the registration fee. Your fundraising minimum must be fulfilled prior to the event date in order for you to participate.


Who do I make checks payable to?

Please make all checks payable to National MS Society.


Are my donors’ contributions tax deductible?

The National MS Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations made to National MS Society are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. End of year tax receipts are sent to every individual donor of more than $250. For donations under $250, the donor's cancelled check or credit card statement is sufficient evidence for IRS purposes, but we will send a tax receipt to any donor who requests one.

Registration, transportation and other fees are not generally accepted as tax deductible.


Do matching gifts count?

Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your fundraising. For detailed information about matching gifts, please refer to our Matching Gifts FAQ.


How do I turn in donations made by cash or check?

Please drop off all cash donations at the chapter office (address below). You may mail checks and we encourage you to do so as you receive them.

National MS Society
Michigan Chapter
21311 Civic Center Dr.
Southfield, MI 48076 

*Checks should be made out to the National MS Society. Please put your full name and team name (if applicable) in the memo line of the check.


What if my donors need a receipt?

Anyone who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Those who send checks valued $250 or more will receive a thank you letter by mail that can be used for tax purposes. If you have a donor who needs a receipt, please let us know and we will be happy to provide one. 


Where does the money go?

Your money helps fund groundbreaking national and local research focused on stopping the progression of the disease, restoring function that's been lost and ending MS forever, and supports programs and services offered to the people in our community who are living with MS. Learn more about where your money goes.

 

About My Account

What is my Participant Center?

Your Participant Center is a fantastic, easy-to-use online tool to manage your fundraising. You can send emails (we even created some messaging ready for you to use), track your fundraising progress, thank donors and customize your Personal Page all in one place. People who customize their page and use these online fundraising tools raise nearly three times as much as people who don’t!


What is a Personal Page?

A Personal Page is an online promotional tool to use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up online, by default, a personal page is created for you. You can customize this page, including images, text, and style/color layout, by going to your account.


By default I have a personal page. Do I have to change it?

Once you sign up online, by default, a personal page is created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. 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. While you can spread the word using customized email solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the mission of the National MS Society.


How do I change my personal fundraising goal?

First, you will need to login to your account. On the Home page in your account you will see your current goal. To change your goal, click the 'change' link under your goal.


How can I see who has donated to me?

Log in to your Participant Center using your username and password. Click the "Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.


I forgot my username and password

Your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive a password-reset email. If you still have problems, please contact our office for help.


How do I change my username and/or password?

Log in to your Participant Center. Click "Profile" at the top of the page. Here, you can change your contact information, email address, username and password. All changes are effective immediately. There is no need to log out and sign in again.


How do I unsubscribe from email?

Near the bottom of each email message is a link that reads, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this Email Message". Click this link and follow the instructions to unsubscribe. Please note, if you unsubscribe from emails, you may miss out on important event information and updates.

 

For Team Captains

How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?

If you are the team captain, you may login to your account and click the "Team Page" tab on top. On the Team Page, team captains have the ability to update the team name, division and goal. To change team goal, click 'Progress' tab on top, then click 'Team' link on the right side. Then click 'change' link under your team goal. Note that only the team captain has the ability to make these changes.


How can I see who has donated to the team?

Log in to your Participant Center. Click the "Progress" tab, and then click "Team" on the right side to view your team donor list and amounts donated to date.


How can I see who is on my team?

Log in to your Participant Center. Go to your account and click the "Progress" tab, then click 'Team' on the right side to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member


What is a team message?

Go to your account and click the "Edit" link under the box that says 'Message from Your Team Captain'. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message. Be sure to send an email to your team members to let them know that it has been updated.

 

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