Bike MS: Deception Pass Classic 2014

September 6-7, 2014
Skagit County Fairgrounds
Mount Vernon, WA

• Rider Village Information
• Parking
• Route Information
• Support on the Route
• Route Safety
• Fundraising, Prizes and More
• Volunteers
• Meals
• Rest Stop Reminders
• FAQs
• Event Sponsors

Rider Village

Rider Village is the center of all activity; bringing together more than 2,000 cyclists, volunteers and supporters to celebrate personal victories and a collaborative movement to create a world free of MS.

Rider Village Activities

• Registration for Bike MS 2014
• Start/Finish Line Festivities
• Beer Garden
• Team Row
• Bike Corral
• Dining
• Bike MS Evening Program
• Pre-registration for Bike MS 2015

Schedule of Events

Rider Village and Start/Finish: Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon, WA

Registration & Rider Packets
Remember to bring your packet with you to the event. Your packet includes your bib number and wristband for meals. You are required to have these items at the event.

Rider packets will be available for pick up at the Registration booth in Rider Village Friday, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 6:00 - 8:30 a.m. New riders may register for the event during these times as well. All registrations at the event will require a $325 payment, which includes the $250 minimum pledge amount (tax deductible) and the $75 registration fee (not tax-deductible).

Pre-registration for Bike MS 2015 will be available Saturday, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m for only $30. Don't miss this great deal!

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Parking

• North Gate: Bike/Pedestrian traffic only
• South Gate: General Parking, RV and Camping
• West Gate: Accessible Parking, Century Club & SAG vehicles only
• Overflow: Look for signs upon arrival

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Route Information

Check out the Bike MS 2014 Route Maps!

Start Line Procedures
The official start time is 7:30 a.m. and all cyclists must be on the road by 8:45 a.m. Cyclists remaining in Rider Village after that time will be driven by a SAG to Rest Stop 1. Please note that the roads along the route will not be closed. Whenever possible ride single file, particularly in low visibility or heavy traffic areas.

Route Markings
The route is marked with Dan Henry symbols on the road and directional arrows. Please pay attention to these markings and do not divert from the route.

Course Time Limit
All routes will close at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. A sweep vehicle will offer transportation back to Rider Village at that time. If you do not accept a ride, you will be asked to turn in your bib number and continue at your own risk. Directional signage, medical support and rest stops will not be available after the route closes. If you choose to surrender your bib, it will be available for pick up at the Volunteer Check-In booth in Rider Village when you return.

Cue Sheets
Cue sheets for each route will be available in Rider Village. These sheets list the roads, directional turns and mileage.

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Route Support

Safety is the top priority at all Bike MS Rides and includes many layers of support.

Support and Gear Assistance
If you are in need of support on the route, please follow these steps:

• Find a safe spot for both you and the support crew to pull over.
• Watch for a vehicle with a Bike MS Ride Route Support flag or decal displayed.
• Raise your fist to indicate that you need help (do not wave, as this could be misinterpreted that you do not need help).

Ride Marshals
Orange arm bands identify Ride Marshals on the route. Ride Marshals are our safety ambassadors that promote safe riding behavior at the Bike MS Ride.

Additional Support

• Medical Support roaming the routes
• Support and Gear Vehicles on all routes
• Emergency pick-up for all cyclists who need to return to Rider Village
• Volunteer Flaggers

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Route Safety

Bib Numbers
Bib numbers will allow support vehicles to identify you in the event of an injury or emergency. Registered participants must display their numbers on jerseys and bikes to participate. Your bib number is included in your packet. Remember to bring it with you to the event.

Rules of the Ride
Bike MS is NOT a race. The event is conducted on open roads. Motor vehicle traffic is present throughout the course at all times. Please review the Rules of the Ride below to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

• Ride single file and as far to the right of the road as safely as 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.

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Fundraising, Prizes and More!

Now is the time to kick your fundraising efforts into high gear to meet or exceed your goal! All Bike MS cyclists are required to raise a minimum of $250, but don't stop there! The average fundraiser raises $820. Participants who raise $500 or more are eligible for these great prizes!

Want to be king of the mountain? The top 25 fundraisers from 2014 gain membership to the 2015 Century Club. Century Club members receive special recognition and prizes.

You are also welcome to participate in our Mission First Program in which you donate your prize back to the National MS Society's programs, services and research. Bike MS prize and Century Club qualification are determined by the total amount of confirmed gifts received by the October 7, 2014 prize deadline.

Our fundraising ratio is below the industry standard, which means more of your Bike MS fundraising can go towards supporting local individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, and to drive key research for a cure. Learn more now.

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Volunteers

They might serve you breakfast, offer you water at a rest stop or cheer you on at the finish line. Volunteers keep the festivities at Bike MS Ride rolling, and we're looking for more! Your friends, family or co-workers are the perfect fit for our team of volunteers at the event. With a variety of volunteer jobs to suit any interest, they'll be glad to learn that there is an opportunity to support you, and others, while being a part of the celebration. Sign up now!

**We are still looking for Ride Marshals! Please email Adriana Johnson if you know of anyone who may be interested in helping us out! Ride Marshals set an example by practicing safe riding and encouraging others to do the same.

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Meals

Meals are included with rider registration. A full breakfast and coffee will be served Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as dinner on Saturday. Volunteers receive meals during their scheduled work times. Friends and family members may purchase a wristband for meals at Volunteer Check-in for $10 each.

Nutrition on the Route
Rest Stop nutrition will consist of energy bars, fruit and other forms of carbohydrates. If you have specific nutrition preferences (vegetarian, gluten free, peanut-free foods), please plan to bring these items with you.

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Rest Stop Reminders

• DO NOT drop your bike in the entrance to any rest stop or inhibit motor traffic in any way.
• Pay attention to volunteer flaggers who will be working to keep crucial areas clear.
• If a rest stop runs out of cups, please use your water bottle to fill up on hydration until more cups arrive.
• Rest stop snacks and beverages are donated by our generous product sponsors. These donations keep our registration costs down. If you have specific nutrition or taste preferences (i.e. candy bar, gluten free, soda, sports drink), please plan to bring those items with you.

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FAQs

Looking for more? Check our answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Didn't find what you're looking for? Contact us!

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Event Sponsors

Thank you to our generous event sponsors for supporting the Bike MS Ride!

PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORS
Accenture/Avanade | GM Nameplate | Milgard Windows & Doors | Regence | Heritage Bank
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Cascadian Farm | Charlie's Produce | Eastside Harley Motorcycle Club Emergency Services Coordinating Agency | Farmhouse Restaurant Food Should Taste Good | Frito Lay | Honest Tea | Lara Bar | Rex Goliath Wines Tim's Cascade | Whole Foods | Widmer Brothers Brewing
See our Bike Shop partners