Frequently Asked Questions

About the Ride
Fundraising Information
General
About My Participant Center

Why is there a required pledge minimum? Funds raised for the Bike MS Ride are used to meet the needs of thousands of people living with MS in your community and also to support the Ride’s operating cost, which ensures a safe and enjoyable event for all participants. The $250 required pledge minimum is a policy instated on March 1, 2007 to address the rising cost of goods and increasing number of non-fundraising participants. All registrations after this date have and will require acceptance of this requirement in order to complete the registration and participate in the event. This policy does not apply to virtual riders, volunteers or registered riders that notify the Greater Washington Chapter of withdrawal in writing before the August 31, 2010 notification deadline.

ABOUT THE RIDE

1. What is the $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.
    
2. What are the dates of the 2010 Bike MS Ride?
   September 11 & 12, 2010.
    

3. Skagit County Fairgrounds: Harrison St & Taylor St Mount Vernon, WA 98273

   Where will the Bike MS Ride be located?
   You will ride through Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties. Visit the event details page for more information. Rider Village is located at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.
    
   The parking entrance is located at Taylor St. & Harrison St. on the south end of the Skagit Valley Fairgrounds. View Map
    
4. How do I register for the Bike MS Ride?
   Register online - it's easy!
     
5. Why can't my young child go on the Ride?
   Riders must be at least age 12 as of September 10, 2010 to participate in the Bike MS Ride. Please review the information below regarding the requirements for youth riders:
    
   

   All riders must be at least 12 years of age. All riders age 12-17 must provide a signed and notarized waiver to the Chapter. All riders age 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult (at least 21 years of age) at all times. All riders between ages of 12 and 17 must complete the following training steps with a parent or legal guardian: review of safety brochure; and review of special flyer for youth riders and parent/legal guardian. An accompanying adult may not be responsible for more than three youth riders, and must accompany all youth together at all times (e.g., if one needs to leave the route, all must leave route together). Any child on a tandem is required to be riding with a responsible adult of at least 21 years of age. All requirements above still apply. No trailers, child carriers, tag-alongs or any equipment and accessories attached to a bicycle for transporting children and pets are allowed on the route at any time.

FUNDRAISING INFORMATION

1. What does the National MS Society do with the money I raise?
   Eighty-one percent of the money raised at the Bike MS Ride funds local programs and services for the 9,000 people living with MS in central and Western Washington, more than 50,000 others whose lives are directly impacted and national research efforts to find prevention, treatment and a cure. Learn more
    
2. Do I have to raise $250 if I'm a Virtual Rider?
   The fundraising minimum is applicable to riders participating in the event. If you are a Virtual Rider, you may fundraise as much as you would like. If you are able to participate in the event after all, the $250 minimum would apply.
    
3. How does the Fundraise with Facebook application work? Coming soon!
   The application links a donate button in Facebook to your participation in the Bike MS Ride. When one of your Facebook friends clicks on the donate button, it opens a donation window linked to you. All they have to do is complete the donation!
    
4. 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.
    
5. How do I turn in donations made by cash or check?
   Mail or drop off your donations* at the chapter office:
    
   Bike MS Ride
   National MS Society
   192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100
   Seattle, WA 98109
    
   *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.
    
6. What if my donors need a receipt?
   

   Our Tax ID Number: 91-0742424

   All people who make an online donation via our website will receive an e-mail confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. People who send checks or cash of $100 or more to the office will receive a thank you letter by mail that can be used for tax purposes. If you have a cash donor who needs a receipt, download it here. 
    
   In addition to a letter or receipt, the IRS will accept the following as proof of a charitable donation: a canceled check, bank or credit union statement, or a credit card statement.
    
7. Why form a team?
   It only takes one person to inspire hundreds - that’s the idea behind Teaming Up. Forming a team brings together your family, friends and co-workers for a weekend of fun, fitness and entertainment. If you need additional information about teams, or want a representative from the National MS Society to come talk to your group, company or organization, please email us or call 1-800-344-4867, press 2 then extension 235.
    
8. How do I split gifts between multiple riders?
   We are happy to split donations between multiple riders; however, each rider must be allocated at least $50, must be registered at the time donation is received, and designation (amount and participant info) must be included with the donation at the time it is mailed or turned in. Refer to our split gift guidelines for more information.
    
9. My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn’t ride but wants to come support me at the event, what can they do?
   We need volunteers! Register to be a volunteer. Or encourage him/her to be a virtual rider.

GENERAL

1. I forgot my Username and Password.
   Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact our office for help.
    
2. 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.
    
3. How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
   Towards the bottom of each e-mail message you will see a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.

ABOUT MY PARTICIPANT CENTER

1. 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 Participant Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
    
2. 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 mission of the National MS Society. 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.
    
3. How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
   First, you will need to login to your Participant Center. On the bottom right side of the Participant Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
    
4. 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 Participant 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.
    
5. How can I see who has donated to me?
   Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated so far.
    
6. How can I see who is on my team?
   Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
    
7. What is a team message?
   Simply go to your Participant Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. 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.
    
8. 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.