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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have assembled the most frequently asked questions about Bike MS Willamette Valley. If your question is not listed, contact us.

Logistics | Accomodations | Route Details | Fundraising and Financial Questions | Gear and Packing Suggestions | About My Account

Logistics (Time and Location)

Q: Where are the start, overnight and finish locations?
A: Western Oregon University is where all of the festivities, accommodations and the start/finish are.

Q: When and where will registration/packet pickup be held?
A: We will have a packet pick up party at Western Bikeworks (NW 17th and Lovejoy in Portland) and in our office on Thursday, July 24th all day and Friday, July 25th from 5-7pm at Western Bikeworks.

Q: Is there a deadline for online registrations? If so, what will be the cut-off time for day of event registration?
A: The deadline for online registrations is midnight on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at midnight. If you wish to register and have missed the deadline, you can register on site.  There will still be space available in the ride.  However, if you are interested in dormatory housing, please register prior to the deadline.

Q: Where will parking be located and is there a cost?
A: General Rider Parking for those camping and staying in the dorms are in Lots F (east of the camping area) and Lot R (south of the camping area).  Top Fundraiser and RV Parking is in Lot G. Additional parking is available in Lot J.

Q: Can I ride in Bike MS: Willamette Valley if I am under 18?
A: Yes, the minimum age requirement is 12 years old. Participants between 12 and 18 must provide a notarized waiver.

Q: What is the minimum donation required?
A: 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. You have until September 19, 2014 to submit your donations and have them count towards your total for prize incentives and club membership. The final ranking deadline is Friday, September 30, 2014.

Q: How long does it take a rider to finish in a day?
A: The average is 8 to 16 miles per hour. Remember though, that the Bike MS is not a race and everyone should ride at their own pace.

Q: What if my family or friends want to join me at the overnight for meals?
A: Yes, friends and family are more than welcome to join you for the festivities. Wristbands can be purchased at the information tent for $10 for the whole weekend.

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bike MS?
A: We wish we could accommodate your furry family member(s), but unfortunately dogs are allowed on the Western Oregon University campus unless they are a licensed service animal.



Accommodations

 

Q: What are our sleeping/lodging options for the overnight?
A: There are dormitories and camping options available at Western Oregon University. Camping and RV parking are free.  To reserve dormitory housing, login to bikeMSoregon.com, go into your Participant Center, then scroll to "Dormitory Housing."

Q: What facilities will be made available to us at the overnight location?
A: There will be access to showers in the New Physical Education building, port-a-potties in the camping area and actual bathrooms at the stadium available for campers. For those staying in the dormitories, there are accommodations in your building.

Q: Will there be vegetarian options at the rest stops, lunch stops and dinners?
A: There will be plenty of options for all palates. However, if you have very specific dietary requirements, we suggest that you bring supplemental food items with you to ensure you are properly fueled for the entire weekend.



Route Details

 

 

Q: Will there be shorter route options for participants?
A: 
Saturday: 33, 64, 83, 100 // Sunday: 35, 50

Q: Will there be SAG support?
A:
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, or to ensure your safe arrival to the finish line each day.  There will also be Route Marshals (identified wearing blue Route Marshal jerseys) riding along the route to support riders as well.

Q: How far apart are the rest stops?

A:
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 that you can properly prepare for the road ahead.

 

Fundraising and Financial Questions

 

 

Q: What is the deductibility of my donors' contribution?
A: The National MS Society, Oregon Chapter is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations made to National MS Society are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. All online donations will be immediately emailed their tax deductible letter. End of year tax receipts are sent to every individual donor of more than $250. For donations under $250, the donor's canceled 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.

Q: What is the Oregon Chapter's Tax ID?
A: 93-0551147

Q: Is it safe to mail cash?
A: It is not safe to mail in cash. If you wish to turn in cash, please bring it to our offices located at the address below:
Bike MS: Willamette Valley 2014
National MS Society
5331 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 290
Portland, OR 97239
*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.

Q: Do matching gifts count?
A: Yes! Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your fundraising. For detailed information about matching gifts, please refer to our Matching Gifts FAQ.

Q: How do I turn in donations made by cash or check?
A: Mail or drop off your donations* at the chapter office:
Bike MS: Willamette Valley 2014
National MS Society
5331 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 290
Portland, OR 97239
*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.

Q: What if my donors need a receipt?
A: All people 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. Also, if you turn in donations within 2 weeks before or after the event, please let us know if one of those donors needs a receipt.

Q: Where does the money go?
A: 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 7,900 people in Oregon and Southwest Washington living with MS. 
 

 

Gear and Packing Suggestions

 

  

Q: What do I need to bring with me to Bike MS: Willamette Valley?
A: Suggested Gear List:

  • Riding Gear: Bike, helmet, extra tubes, tire pump/CO2 cartridges, shorts, jerseys, socks, etc. for both days
  • Personal Fuel: gels, bars, energy drinks
  • Lounging Gear: Comfy clothes and shoes, shower items (towel, soap, shampoo, etc.) - there will be access to showers available
  • Camping Gear: (if you choose this option) - Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, shade, etc.

Q: Do I need to do anything special to prepare my bike for this ride?
A: We recommend a tune up just prior to the ride to make sure that everything is in good working order. While training for the ride, you will have put lots of miles on your bike, so it will deserve a little TLC to make sure it is ready for Bike MS: Willamette Valley. We encourage you to visit one of our valued Bike Shop partners.

 

About My Account

  

 

Q: What is a Personal Page?
A: 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.

Q: By default I have a personal page. Do I have to change it?
A: 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 e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the mission of the National MS Society.

Q: How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
A: 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.

Q: How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
A: 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.

Q: How can I see who has donated to the team?
A: Login to the site using your username and password. Go to your account and click the "Progress" tab, then click "Team" on the right side to view your team donor list and amounts donated to date.

Q: How can I see who is on my team?
A: Login to the site using your username and password. 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.

Q: What is a team message?
A: 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.

Q: How can I see who has donated to me?
A: Login to the site using your username and password. Go to your account and click the "Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.

Q: I forgot my Username and Password.
A: Your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to 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.

Q: How do I change my Username and/or Password?
A: Login to the site using your username and password. Click on the "Profile" link at the top of the page. Here, you can change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes are effective immediately. There is no need to log out and sign in again.

Q: How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
A: Near the bottom of each e-mail message is a link that reads, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message". Click this link and follow the instructions to unsubscribe. PLEASE NOTE: If you unsubscribe to email messages, you will not receive critical messages regarding the event.  Please consider this carefully prior to unsubscribing. 

 

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