|
What you need to know
Click on a topic below:
For more information, please visit the frequently asked questions page or email bikeinfo@nmsswas.org.
What is Bike MS Ride?
Bike MS Ride takes you on an unforgettable, two-day journey through Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties on September 11 and 12, 2010. As many as 2,000 riders will cruise along scenic figure-eight courses ranging from 22 to 92 miles. Six full meals, generous amenities, stunning landscapes, stocked rest stops at multiple sites, and spirited festivities that include music and a beer garden are all included.
Riders raise money to support MS research, programs and services dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by MS. Find out more
|
|
$250 Required Pledge Minimum Policy
All riders (team captains, team members and individual riders) are required to raise a minimum of $250 in donations in addition to the registration fee regardless of attendance at the Bike MS Ride. Registered riders will not be held responsible for the $250 required pledge minimum only if the Greater Washington Chapter has been notified of your withdrawal in writing by August 31, 2010.
This required pledge minimum of $250 must be paid by the October 19, 2010 pledge deadline. Any participant with an unpaid balance up to $250 after the pledge deadline will receive an invoice for the remaining balance to submit payment and fulfill the requirement.
Participation in the Bike MS Ride is at the discretion of the Greater Washington Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registration fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and not applicable to the required pledge minimum amount of $250. Riders must be at least 12 years old to participate.
|
|
Course Description
The Bike MS Ride is a 2-day ride through Whatcom, Island and Skagit Counties. There are four route options on Day 1 and two on Day 2. Exact route maps and information will be available in spring 2010.
All routes are figure 8 loops that start and finish at Rider Village at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon, WA.
Route highlights include:
- Police escort over the beautiful Deception Pass Bridge
- Amazing views along Chuckanut Drive
- Stunning farm and forest terrain throughout the ride
- And more!
Support on the Route
Safety is Number One at all Bike MS Rides and includes many layers of support, including:
- Rider Village Medical Headquarters Tent
- Medics/Nurses at all rest stops
- Doctors on bikes along the route
- Ambulances stationed at strategic locations along the route
- Support and Gear Vehicles on all routes
- Emergency pick-up for all cyclists needing to return to Rider Village
- Motorcycle escorts
- Numerous volunteer flaggers and Dan Henry markings
- State Patrol and Certified Flaggers at all major intersections
Course Time Limit
All routes will be closed at 5:00 p.m. on both September 11 and 12. A sweep vehicle will offer transportation back to Rider Village at this time. You are welcome to turn in your bib number if you would like to continue the ride on your own, but all directional signage, medical support and rest stops will no longer be available, so you will be riding at your own risk. Bibs will be available for pick up at the Volunteer Check-In booth in Rider Village.
Weather
Average high temperature in Mount Vernon during the Bike MS weekend is 69 degrees F. Please plan for all types of weather, including rain and heat. Get the latest weather report from weather.com
|
Accommodations
Rider Village is an easy bike ride or drive from all motels in Mount Vernon and Burlington. There will be free tent camping available first come, first served at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.
There are approximately 60 RV hook-ups available for a fee at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. Call the Fairgrounds office at 360-336-9453 to make a reservation and payment.
View the list of motels
|
Find us on Facebook
Become a fan of the Bike MS Ride and the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society on Facebook. Fans get contest leaks, connections to other Bike MS cyclists and more!
 facebook.com/mswashington.org
|
 Jersey vendors
Rally your team by providing team jerseys! The National MS Society works with a number of quality jersey vendors. See the complete list
|
Training & Calendar
Check out the training resources available to all Bike MS riders: Fitness tips, safety, and more! And don't forget to check the official Bike MS calendar for training ride information. New rides are posted regularly.
The Bike MS calendar includes team training rides, safety and fundraising events. If you are a team captain and would like to post your team's training ride information, please email us or call 1-800-344-4867, press 2 then option 4. Rides posted to the calendar are open to all registered participants.
|
Downloads
Need to re-read the last e-newsletter or download a Bike MS web banner? Download all things Bike MS in the Download Center.
|
Other Training Resources
Official Bike MS Ride Calendar
Cycling route guide
Cycling in Seattle
Cycle University
Seafair Triathlon
|
Ride Marshal
Ride Marshals are our safety ambassadors that promote safe riding behavior at the Bike MS Ride. Interested in being a Ride Marhsal? Click here for more info
|
|
|
About Skagit County
Skagit County is located in the northwest portion of Washington State, USA between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, BC Canada. The majestic Cascade Mountains stand to the east, overlooking a fertile valley boasting a variety of agricultural crops. Running through the valley is the powerful Skagit River flowing westward toward the beautiful San Juan Islands. World famous tulip fields blanket the valley in the spring. Flocks of Canadian geese, snow geese and trumpeter swans can be seen here in the winter. Bald eagles soar overhead year round and great blue herons stand along the shorelines.
Find out more about Skagit County
|
Rider Education & Safety
Education and Safety is key to protecting yourself from potential hazards on the road. Please take the time to review these resources and share the information with friends and family.
The Bike MS Ride takes safety seriously. The event is fully supported by motorcycle escorts, support and gear (SAG) vehicles with emergency communication and roadside assistance, medical staff and countless volunteers.
Youth Riders (ages 12-17): Please review the special rules regarding riders under 18 years of age.
|
Rider Village
Skagit County Fairgrounds
Harrison St. & Taylor St.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Map it! |
This is the home base for rider packet pick-up, start-finish line, mechanical support as scheduled, volunteer check-in, team tents, meals and entertainment!
Find out more about Rider Village
|
Contact us for questions about
Donations
Fundraising
Teams
General
|
Bike MS Ride Packet*
Your packet is required to participate in the Ride. It includes your bib numbers that must be displayed on your bicycle, helmet and person. It also includes a wristband that is good for all of your meals, a bandana signed by an MS Champion, and the Rider's Handbook. A packet pick-up will be scheduled several weeks prior to the event weekend.
* Virtual Riders do not have packets
|
|
Rules of the Ride: Road Etiquette and Safety
Bike MS is NOT a race. The event is conducted on open roads. Motor vehicle traffic is present throughout the course at all times.
- Ride single file and as far to the right of the road as is safely possible.
- Pass on the left side only.
- Communicate with your fellow riders using proper cycling terms such as "on your left," "car back," “stopping,” etc. or use hand signals.
- Hand signals for stopping: arm out and down with your palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping.
- Hand signals for turning: left arm straight out to signal a left turn; put your right arm straight out or put your left arm out and up for a right turn.
- Obey all traffic laws and signals. ALWAYS stop at stop signs. Your bicycle is legally considered a vehicle.
- Ride in control of your bike at all times (no sudden braking, maintain a straight line as much as possible).
- Be Predictable: Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Call out potential hazards, stops and changes in direction to other riders, and follow the rules of the road.
- Do not wear headphones.
- Ride WITH traffic not against it.
- Make eye contact with drivers so you know they have seen you.
- Take a full lane when safety dictates. Pull off to let traffic pass when necessary.
- Ride no more than two abreast. Interfering with passing cars is a serious hazard.
- ANSI/SNELL APPROVED HELMETS ARE MANDATORY.
Ride SMART Tips
Courtesy of the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation:
Stay alert - watch for cars, other riders and hazards - momentary inattention is the number one cause of accidents.
Move off the road when stopping - pull completely off the road or trail to let cars and riders pass; do not block driveways or intersections.
Act like a car - obey all traffic laws - stop at stop signs and use hand signals.
Retain space between yourself and others - leave enough room to dodge obstacles.
Tell others when passing and pass on left.
Choosing the Right Helmet
No rider without a helmet will be permitted on the route. When choosing a helmet, it's important to follow these tips.
Bike MS Ride Language
Learn how to understand and communicate with riders on the route. This is especially important for novice or first-time riders. Your safety and the safety of those around you depends on good communication.
Stay safe while you train
Safety isn't just important while on the Ride. Learn how to stay safe while you train too
"Bicycling Safety Tips for Adults"
Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists
|
|
|
| |
