FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• When is the Bike MS Ride?
  Saturday and Sunday, May 16 & 17, 2009 
  
  
• Where is the Bike MS Ride?
  The bike ride starts Saturday at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales 1152 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales and finishes at the Caribe Royale Resort, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, then back again to Bok Tower Gardens on Sunday!
  
  
• What time does the Bike MS Ride start?
  Registration/check-in begins on Saturday mornings at 6 am and the ride begins at 7 am at Bok Tower Gardens; then on Sunday at 6am and the ride begins at 7 am at Caribe Royale Resort.
  
  
• Are cyclists required to wear a helmet?
  YES!  You MUST wear a helmet!  Riders will be asked to leave the Ride if found not wearing a helmet.  It makes safe sense! 
  
  
• How much does it cost to participate?
  There is a individual registration fee of $40 for participants and cyclists are required to raise minimum donations of $250.  Example: 1 Adult =  $40. Registration fee + $250 required minimum pledge payment
  
  Team member registration fees are $30. If you have registered as an individual and later want to join a team, we are unable to refund your $40 registration fee.
  
  
• Regardless of age, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a legal guardian on the Ride. Minimum age to ride is 12 years of age.  Anyone under the age of 12 who wishes to participate in the Bike Ride is always welcome to volunteer.
  
  
• What if it rains?
  The Bike MS Ride takes place rain or shine. Pack appropriate gear!
  
  
• How can I and/or someone I know sign up to volunteer?
  Volunteers are the key to success, and the main reason the Bike MS Ride is a wonderful event for everyone participating.  Volunteering is a fulfilling experience that also gives you a great opportunity to make new friends, have a positive impact and help others.  Recruit your friends, family and co-workers to volunteer and enjoy all that the Bike MS Ride has to offer.  Volunteers are needed for everything from cheering at the finish line to traffic control, so there’s something for everyone!  Sign up to volunteer online doris.lill@nmss.org or contact Doris Lill at 1-800-818-8854.
  
  
• When and where can I pick up my event packet?
  We will be offering pre-event packet pickup on Friday, May 15 at Bok Tower Gardens from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  Please attend the early packet pickup on Friday to avoid the long lines Saturday morning.  Click here for more information on our Pre-Registration Packet Pick-Up Party! 
  
  On Saturday, packet pickup begins at 6:00am at Bok Tower Gardens.
  
  
• I've raised over a $1,000, how do I get my jersey?
  WAY TO GO! If you have reached $1,000 on-line, then we will have your jersey ready for you at packet pickup. If you wish to turn in your collected contributions at packet pickup, you'll be able to recieve your jersey and wear your jersey during the ride!
  
  
  USING THE WEBSITE:

• Is my information secure?
  The National MS Society and the Bike MS Ride website and its provider have made every effort to protect your information. We use industry standard SSL encryption techniques to make sure your credit card information, passwords, and personal information travel securely over the Internet. We have also installed an encryption engine on our database server so your data is securely stored.
  
  
• How is my credit card information handled?
  Credit card information is not stored in our database. During the donation process, we send your credit card information to an online processing terminal using a secure connection. The information passed back is an approval or denial for the credit card donation.
  
  
• What is my username and password?
  When you register online, you will create a username and password to continue with the registration process.  Each person has a unique username and password. If you are a past participant, please login with your existing information and then register. The system will recognize you and provide a much easier registration experience!
  
  
• What if I forget my username and password?
  Remember that your username and password are case sensitive.  The link to click to find your password = "Forgot Your Password" in the gray box at the top right of any of the Bike MS webpages; you will receive an e-mail with your username and password.  If you still have problems, please contact us at 888-950-9080.
  
  
• How do I change my username and/or password?
  First, login to the site using your current username and password.  Once logged in, you will see a link called “Edit My Profile.”  Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address and username.  All changes will be made to your account immediately; there is no need to sign in again. To change your password, please contact us at 888-950-9080 and we will help you.
  

 FUNDRAISING:

• Is there a minimum fundraising requirement to participate?
  Yes, each rider is required to raise a minimum of $250 in addition to the registration fee.  Last year, the average amount raised was over $600 per rider. Volunteers can fundraise if they choose.
  
  
• Where does the money go?
  Your money helps fund national research for finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis, and supports programs and services offered to the 70,000 people in Central Florida affected by the disease.  Your money also helps with fundraising costs and public and professional education. 
  
  
• Who sponsors me?
  ANYONE can sponsor you.  Participants can sponsor themselves or ask co-workers, friends, neighbors, local businesses and family members.  Many companies sponsor their employees, also be sure to ask your employer if they offer a matching gift program.
  
  
• People have asked me for a receipt.  What should I do?
  We can send you a packet of receipts for donations of $75 or less, or you can download a printable one from the website.  We also will send a Thank You acknowledgement letter with the appropriate tax information to all donors who have given over $10. (provided we have their correct name and mailing address information)
  
  
• Who do I make checks payable to?
  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  Please mail to:
  National MS Society
  2701 Maitland Center Parkway - Suite 100
  Maitland, FL 32751
  **Please put the participant's name and BIKE MS on the memo line so we can give credit to your fundraising efforts**
  
  
• What if I don’t want to mail my donations?
  You may drop off your donations at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 2701 Maitland Center Parkway, Suite 100, Maitland FL 32751.
  
  Alternatively, you can turn in checks when you pick up your packet either the morning of the ride or at early packet pickup.  A collection envelope will allow you to track donations that you receive on the pledge sheet portion and hold the money you receive in the envelope.
  
  It’s recommended that your turn in the money early or as you receive it so it can be entered quickly and reflected in your personal fundraising goal. 
  
  
• I have raised pledges, but am unable to participate in the Bike MS Ride.
  You can still turn in pledges and be eligible for all the incentives as if you were there the day of the Tour.  Simply mail your pledges to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and you will then receive information about how to receive prizes.
  
  
• How can I get more pledge sheets?
  You can call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 407-478-8882 or you can download pledge sheets.
  
  
• What if my company wants to match gifts?
  To take part in the matching gift program, please visit your Human Resource Department or your Matching Gifts Coordinator and ask for a Matching Gift Form.  Then mail it to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2701 Maitland Center Parkway, suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751  Please include the rider's information so we can apply the match correctly.   
  Increase your fundraising efforts ~ don't forget to ask your sponsors if their companies will provide matching gifts! Many companies will match any donation made to the bikeMS ride.
  
  
• How do I enter in checks received in the mail to my webpage?
  You can record checks that you receive and watch your fundraising thermometer rise by recording these donations through your Participant Center.  Access your Participant Center, click on "My Progress" and then Enter Gifts Received Offline. Enter the amounts and donor information and simply mail those checks to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Once we receive those checks, we will confirm the amounts and your fundraising totals will reflect the donations.
  
  

SAFETY: 

• Are there special emergency numbers for the event?
  A special emergency hotline number will be printed on route maps.  We strongly recommend riders bring cell phones for additional safety measures.
  
  
• Will there be informational and/or route marking signs?
  The Bike MS Ride will provide information centers and route maps.  Directional signs are placed at every turn along the route.  Area Departments of Transportation request limited painting of roadways, so signage is a key tool for us to guide you along the route. If at anytime you get off the route and need assistance please refer to the Route Map for Emergency Assistance Numbers.
  
  
• Will there be support and gear assistance (SAG)?
  Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles patrol all three routes until the last rider is in.  Their primary function is to assist riders. SAG’s do not stop to make repairs to bikes. They will bring riders to the next Rest Stop offering repair services. Do not be shy about taking advantage of them if you feel tired!
  
  
• How do I signal a SAG vehicle?
  To signal Support and Gear vehicle drivers, follow these three steps:
  
  Off Road - First, move out of the path of other riders.
  
  Off Bike - Second, stand or sit nearby.
  Wave Helmet 
  Third, let the SAG drivers know you are not just taking a breather. (From a moving car, it is hard to distinguish a friendly wave from a call for help.)
  
  Help our volunteer SAG drivers help you. Be aware that some of the official vehicles on the route are medical, staff, or communications vehicles and are not equipped to carry riders. In addition, at peak hours SAG vehicles may be full. Please remember to be patient and that a SAG vehicle will pass by soon.
  
  
• Will there be medical support?
  Medical personnel will be available throughout the Tour including the overnight stay and finish line. In the case of minor roadside situations, SAG drivers may transport riders to the next rest stop for assistance.
  
  
• Can my child, infant or dog ride with me? 
  Children can ride only if they register, but we ask that you keep infants and dogs off the route for everyone's safety.
  

ROUTE:

• What is the route?
  A copy of route cue sheets and route maps are available both days.  See Event Details page for routes and cue sheets.
  
  
• Are there rest stops along the Ride?
  Yes, there are rest stops every 8 to 12 miles.  Please refer to your route map for rest stop locations per route option. Every rest stop is supported with beverages and energizing snacks.
  
  
• Are there route maps?
  Yes, riders are provided with route maps each day to take with them before riding.
  
  
• Is the route marked?
  Yes, each day will have route marking signs. 
  
  
• How long does it take a rider to finish in a day?
  It all depends. The average is 8 to 12 miles per hour.  Please remember though, that the Bike MS Ride is not a race and everyone should ride at their own pace. 
  
  
• What if I get tired at any time along the route?
  Not a problem.  There are Support and Gear vehicles along the route to assist you. 
  
  
• What if someone wants to meet me along the Tour?
  If riders have family or friends driving to meet you anywhere along the tour, we ask that they please use the alternate route.  A plentiful supply of support vehicles, including medical, SAG, bike repair, staff and supply trucks, are on the route to assist you.  In addition, when you consider the vehicles of individuals who live in the area of the route, it can become congested. Please tell supporters to avoid driving on the bike route. For everyone’s safety, we need to eliminate as much vehicular traffic as possible. Please note that parking areas at rest stops can be limited. Once again, please consult the route map.
  

 TEAMS:

• How do I go about forming a team?
  All you need is a minimum of four people and a team name.  For more information, call 407-478-8882, if you want to form your team and register online, go to the Register tab and click on Form a New Team to get your team started. Then as your teammates register, have them click on Join an Existing Team and then search for your team name. If you have already registered as an Individual Rider, please call or email us at cory.yerian@nmss.org and we will be happy to create your team for you, or place you on an existing team.
  

 EVENT WEEKEND:

• Will parking be available?
  Parking will be available for all MS Bike Tour participants, staff, and volunteers.  Directional signage will be posted. 
  
  
• How does my luggage get from the start to the overnight?
  The tour will transport your luggage on Saturday from the Bok Tower Gardens to the Caribe Royale finish line then back again on Sunday to Bok Tower Gardens finish line. You will receive two numbered luggage tags when you pick up your registration package. Attach these tags to your bags in order to claim them at Luggage Pick Up/Drop Off Saturday and Sunday.  Also, attach a Nametag to your items.  Riders are responsible for claiming their luggage at the overnight and finish line.
  
  As always, packing explosives, firearms, substances prohibited by law and/or fragile items are not permitted at the Bike MS Ride. The Ride relies on volunteers, some of who may not be conditioned to load and unload rider baggage.  The Bike MS Ride wishes to avoid all risk of injury. Please contact us if you have special luggage needs.
  
  
• Will food and beverages be provided?
  The Bike Ride provides food, beverages and a catered lunch along the route both days. Water, energy drinks, and light snacks are available at every rest stop.  Dinner and breakfast are provided at the overnight.  Family, friends and team support are welcome to join us at the start/finish area, rest stops, lunch stop, and the overnight.  For families and friends who are not volunteering who wish to have dinner and/or breakfast please visit the Customer Service Tent to purchase a wristband. Check for pricing information closer to the Tour.
  
  
• I'm a vegetarian.  Will there be food choices available to me?
  YES! There will be a variety of options, including a vegetarian selection that will fulfill your needs so you are ready to pedal on Sunday morning
  
  
• Where will my bike be overnight?
  Riders check in their bikes when they arrive back on Saturday afternoon.  You will be provided with a bicycle tag matching your bib number. Attach this tag to your bicycle before beginning the Ride. Please note that once your bike is checked in at Bike Lock Up you cannot take it out until Sunday morning.  Once all bikes are in, the area will be closed for the night and security will monitor the area.  On Sunday morning bike check out will open for you to pick up your bike.
  
  
• What are the overnight accommodations options?
  Participants are encouraged to stay at our host hotel (Caribe Royale) but may make other accommodations.  See Event Details page for more information.
  
  
• What is the start and estimated finish time on Sunday?
  We anticipate that the Bike MS Ride and festivities will end on Sunday around 6:00pm. 
  
  
• What happens when I arrive at Caribe Royale, Orlando on Saturday afternoon?
  When you arrive at Caribe Royale Orlando on Saturday, it’s time to relax and enjoy live music, refreshments and food.  Depending on the time you arrive and the accommodations you have chosen, it’s all about YOU!  Enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet banquet and awards program held Saturday evening.  Guests and family members are welcome to attend the buffet dinner and program with you. Additional tickets for family or friends is $20. which can be paid at the door on Saturday evening. Each year, the Bike MS Ride team works diligently to create a festive atmosphere for all participants to celebrate and have a great time. A cash bar will be available.