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Thank you to our premier national sponsors

Thank you to our local sponsors

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2016 Bike MS: The Road Divided, please contact Sarah Flowers for details.

Participation requirements, where to pick up your Rider Packet, and what to wear, eat, and drink for an optimal experience.

The is a fantastic cycling adventure and a personal challenge unlike any other. We understand that it might seem daunting, but we are here to help you every step of the way. Let's get you ready for the ride of your life!
Remember to also check out our Safety & Training page for additional information!

Participation Requirements

  • The minimum age for a rider in the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 is years of age as of .
  • The required minimum fundraising must be raised prior to picking up your Rider Packet. If you anticipate not being able to meet the minimum fundraising requirement of for the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016, please contact the Fundraising Support Center at once by email at FundraisingSupport@nmss.org or by phone at 855-372-1331 to discuss your options.
    • If you did not meet your minimum fundraising obligation in the 2015 , your 2016 registration may be canceled. Please contact the Fundraising Support Center as noted above to discuss your options.
    • Failure to meet the 2016 minimum fundraising requirement by will prohibit participation in the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 and may prohibit participation in future National MS Society events.
    • The is first-and-foremost a fundraising event, not a race. Completion of the is not required and is not a condition of fundraising.

General Bike MS Participation Requirements

  • Registration fees are non-transferable and do not apply toward the minimum fundraising requirement.
  • Transportation fees are non-transferable and do not apply toward the minimum fundraising requirement.
  • Each rider aged 18 and over must accept and submit the Participant Waiver & Release Form during the online registration process; a downloadable copy is available for offline registrants.
  • Each rider aged 17 and under must have a hard copy of the Waiver, signed by his or her parent/legal guardian in the presence of a notary public ("notarized"). Registrants under the age of 18 will not be issued a Rider Packet for or be allowed to ride in any Bike MS or Bike MS, Jr. event for which a corresponding waiver is not on-hand at the corresponding National MS Society office. Download the Waiver now for printing and signing.
  • All riders must be registered before participating in the event and are required to each submit the Participant Waiver & Release Form in order to receive their rider numbers.
  • Rider numbers are non-transferable.
  • A parent or adult guardian must accompany each rider aged 17 and under at all times during the ride. The maximum ratio of minors-to-adults is 3-to-1.
  • Parents and adult guardians and their underage riders must stay within sight of each other at all times.
  • All riders must obey all state and local traffic laws.
  • All riders must obey all Law Enforcement Personnel, Officials, and Volunteers.
  • All riders must complete the Emergency Contact Information on the back of their rider number bibs. Your rider number must be worn appropriately and display your rider numbers at all times while on the bike route.
  • All riders must practice appropriate cycling and safety etiquette at all times during the event.
  • All riders must wear a bicycle helmet that complies with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standard.
  • Headphones, cell phones, ear buds, radios, and similar audio devices used in, on, or around the rider's head or ears are not permitted while riding. (Tandem communication accessories are allowed.)
  • Equipment and accessories attached to a bicycle for transporting children and/or pets are not allowed. Prohibited equipment includes, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-Along or Trail-A-Bike products, and child carrier seats.
  • All rides are exclusive to cyclists ONLY based on required route safety and support. Any other type of athletic activity is not allowed; this includes, but is not limited to, running, walking, etc.
  • Cyclists are not allowed to transport animals by any means while riding.
  • Inline skates (Rollerblades) and quad skates (roller skates) are prohibited.
  • Registration in the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 and acceptance of the online Waiver/submission of a hard-copy Waiver serves as your agreement to the terms of the event.

Action on Unsafe Rider Behaviors: To further uphold the integrity and safety of the rides, the National MS Society has established specific courses of action for unsafe rider behaviors that may arise during the event.

Packet Pick-Up

Each participant must meet the fundraising minimum prior to picking up a Rider Packet.

Prior to Packet Pick-up: We recommend that you convert cash donations to check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the National MS Society prior to arriving at Packet Pick-Up.

In order to properly credit your fundraising account, write your name (or the participant's name, if not yourself) and "Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016" on the memo line or other available field of each check/money order.

At Packet Pick Up:

  • Turn in a completed Rider Packet Acknowledgment form
  • If you are picking up a Rider Packet for team member(s), friend(s), or family, bring their completed Rider Acknowledgment Form with you. (They must themselves have met the minimum fundraising requirement to receive their Rider Packet).
  • Turn in any donations (either to meet the fundraising minimum requirement or in addition)
  • Collect your Rider Packet
  • Receive an event t-shirt, goodie bag, and Bike MS: Champions Bandanna
  • For riders aged 17 and under, you must submit a notarized hard copy of your Waiver in order to collect your Rider Packet. Notaries will be on hand at Packet Pick-Up to witness any incomplete forms. Download the Waver now. Complete pages one and two, but DO NOT COMPLETE PAGE THREE EXCEPT IN THE PRESENCE OF A NOTARY PUBLIC.

Packet Pick-Up Schedule

Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 Packet Pick-Up Schedule Coming Soon!

Each participant must meet the fundraising minimum prior to picking up a Rider Packet. Each participant must also complete a Rider Packet Acknowledgement Form to pick up a Rider Packet.

Prior to Packet Pick-up: We recommend that you convert cash donations to check, cashier's check or money order payable to the National MS Society prior to arriving at packet pick-up.

In order to properly credit your/the rider's fundraising account, be sure the rider's name and Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 are written on the memo line of each check, money order, or cashier's check.

Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 Packet Pick-Up FAQ

Do I have to attend the Packet Pickup?
YES! Every rider must attend a Packet Pickup and collect a Rider Packet. The rider does not need to be present to pick up a Rider Packet; a designated representative can pick up a rider's packet for them by completing a Rider Packet Acknowledgment Form (also available at Packet Pick-Up).

To participate in the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 and to receive a Rider Packet, each registered cyclist MUST turn in the required minimum fundraising.All non-credit card donations should be submitted during Packet Pick-Up in the form of personal/business checks, cashier's check, or money order (please do not bring cash – convert any cash donations to check/money order). The is a fundraising event and all donations to the National MS Society are tax-deductible.
All participants must also complete the Rider Packet Acknowledgment Form. If the rider is a minor, you must also bring a notarized hard copy of the Waiver and Release Form.
Return the completed form(s) at any Packet Pick-Up. These forms (and a notary, for parents/guardians of riders aged 17 and under) will be available at each packet pick-up location.

Can I pick up a Rider Packet for a friend or family member?
Yes, you can pick up a Rider Packet for a friend or family member. Be sure and bring their completed Rider Packet Acknowledgment Form with you. If the rider is a minor, you must also bring a notarized hard copy of the Waiver and Release Form.

What is included in the Rider Packet?
The Rider Packet contains the credentials needed to participate in the . The packet includes bib number, bike frame numbers, helmet number, luggage tags, and a wristband for meals. You will also receive your Champions bandanna, goody bag, and participant t-shirt. Please have the t-shirt sizes in mind for any participants who are not present whose Rider Packets you are collecting.

Do I pick up a packet if I don't want to ride?
No; please contact us at promptly at FundraisingSupport@nmss.org or by calling 855-372-1331 to cancel your registration. Failure to cancel your registration will obligate you to the minimum fundraising for the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016! Please bear in mind: Your donations raised are non-refundable; and your donations raise and registration fee are non-transferrable.

Can I turn in donations at a Packet Pick Up?
At the Packet Pickup, cyclists are encouraged to turn in any donations raised-to-date at the packet pickup. Please bring donations in the form of check, cashier's check, or money order – please do not bring cash.

What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the Bike MS: The Road Divided 2016 is years of age by – no exceptions. Riders to 17 years of age must submit a notarized Waiver and Release Form (with parent's or guardian's signature) before a packet can be picked up. A notary will be available at the Packet Pick-Up locations.

Why ?

The National MS Society makes a concerted effort to utilize each dollar raised to help people living with multiple sclerosis. In 2015, many registered participants fell short of the required minimum fundraising. In order to help continue making an impact on the lives of those living with MS through our fundraising efforts, the National MS Society requires all registered participants to have met the minimum fundraising requirement prior to picking up their packet.

Examples of how fundraising helps those living with MS:

  • $50 could provide round-trip transportation to a medical appointment
  • $100 could help purchase a walker or shower chair
  • $250 could fund a transport chair, accessible transportation to a medical appointment or a portable ramp
  • $500 could help fund a college scholarship for a high school senior who is living with MS or whose parent is living with MS
  • $1,000 could pay for a hospital bed, provide half the cost toward a standard chair lift, or rental assistance to two people living with MS
  • $43,000 could fund a research grant (average cost)

While participants are required to meet the fundraising requirement prior to picking up their packet, we encourage the fundraising to continue! Don't stop at just – set your goal high and keep raising funds after you experience the ride of your life!

What to Wear

We are delighted to welcome Primal Wear as the official apparel of Bike MS and invite you to check out the special offers they have in place for our cyclists.

So what should you wear for the ?

  • Helmet – Of course! You should wear one every time you ride, and you must wear one while riding in the . Modern helmets are lightweight, airy, and stylish as well.
  • Jersey – A cycling jersey with rear pockets is handy for carrying snacks, your wallet, and other items. Summer jerseys are usually made from a material that wicks moisture way from the skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable. Plenty of casual riders simply pull on a T-shirt, but realize that sweat (or a rain shower) makes cotton heavy and clammy.
  • Shorts – Cycling shorts are no joke. They are key to minimizing chafing and other discomforts when sitting on a saddle for any length of time. Good shorts have a large, smooth, lightly-padded liner ("chamois"). If you don't care for the skintight look of Lycra, opt for the "baggie" mountain-bike-style that looks like casual shorts but still has a liner. Being a loose fit, though, means they could bunch uncomfortably during long rides.
  • Gloves – Short-finger cycling gloves absorb perspiration for a safer grip; protect against raw spots and blisters; and pad your palms to reduce road shock. Most have a terry-cloth back that gives you a way to wipe sweat from your eyes or energy drink from your chin.
  • Shoes and socks – Dedicated cycling shoes, either for road riding or mountain biking, are the best choice. The reason? Very firm soles that let you press as hard as you want without feeling uncomfortable pedal pressure. You can use mountain-bike-style shoes with or without toe clips and straps, or with clipless pedal systems. Plenty of casual riders simply wear running shoes, but their softness makes them less suitable for longer distances. Socks are important for comfort and sweat absorption. Choose the low-cut style if you're worried about a funny tan line.
  • Sunglasses – It's best to use a sports model with unbreakable lenses that have 100% UV protection. The wraparound style will reduce bothersome wind – important if you wear contacts.

Cycling Apparel 101, by Primal


Packing List

Let us transport your luggage for free! It's simple:

On Day 1, simply drop your bags off at one of our Official Luggage Trucks at the Start Line, and pick them up again at the Overnight. Then, on Day 2, repeat the process, dropping your luggage off at the start line at the Overnight, and retrieve them at the Finish Line.

Packing List:

  • Each rider is allowed 2 pieces of luggage
  • No more than 25 lbs. each
  • Put a luggage tag on each luggage piece (printed with your Rider Number)
    • Luggage tags are included in Packet
    • Include your name and cell phone number on each tag

For on the Route:

  • Helmet – REQUIRED IN ORDER TO RIDE
  • Rider numbers and wristband – REQUIRED IN ORDER TO RIDE
  • Padded bike shorts and jersey
  • Cycling gloves and shoes
  • Sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen
  • Tire patch kit, spare tubes, and tire pump
  • Air cartridges
  • Medical insurance card
  • Identification (driver's license)
  • Emergency cash and credit card
  • Water bottles/hydration pack
  • Jacket/rain poncho
  • Camera

In Overnight Bag:

  • Tent (optional)
  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Towel for shower
  • Toiletries, including medications, soap, and shampoo
  • Change of clothes for Saturday evening
  • Plastic cover for bike seat on Saturday night
  • Riding clothes for Sunday
  • Change of clothes for bus trip home
  • Comfortable shoes

Eat Like a Cyclist
Be Smart About Food to Consolidate Your Gains on the Bike – Here's How

written by Selene Yeager with Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, courtesy of Bicycling Magazine

So you want to get fit and fast, and feel great? Riding is the key to reaching that goal, but your eating habits might need to change, too. Accounting for the food you take in is the necessary first step. Too often people want to overhaul their eating but don't have a clue about what they are currently doing. They don't think about how many times a day they eat, or where, or how fast they plow through lunch, and so on. The answer: Write down what you consume.

Now Recording

Several kinds of food journals are available; you can find them online and in the book we're excerpting here. Keep a log daily if possible, to identify patterns then pick the areas you want to work on.

The more detail you provide, the more you'll get out of this. Just writing "sandwich" is not nearly as revealing as "turkey and cheese on whole wheat with lettuce and tomato" or "meatball hero." And that goes for amounts, too. A glass could be a vat, and a handful could be a small jar. Use measuring cups and spoons. Often, when people try to lose weight, portion control is the biggest barrier. After three days, use the log to adjust your eating habits going into the following week.

Time of Day

Are your calories spread evenly through the day? If so, good. If not, it's probably true that like many people, you're eating most of your food at night. Think about how you can redistribute those calories for energy all day long, starting with your morning meal.

Where

Location is more of a factor than you might think. If you always eat in front of your computer and find yourself snacking soon after your meal, that's a flag that you're not registering that you just ate because you're distracted. Eating should be an event in and of itself.

Rate

Winning the award for grab, gulp, and go? The "prize" is generally excess pounds. If it takes you less than 20 minutes to finish a meal, work on slowing down to prevent overeating.

How Much

Your plate should be filled with reasonable portions. Three ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards. Grains, potatoes, pasta, and rice should be about the size of one tightly balled fist. The correct portions are probably a little smaller than you think they should be because we, as a society, have been supersizing for more than a decade. Start cutting down to the right sizes. You won't miss the excess.


How and When to Hydrate
Everything You Need to Know to Stay Hydrated – Before, During, and After a Ride

written by Marianne McGinnie, courtesy of Bicycling Magazine

Sipping fluids before and after a hot-weather workout is just as important as drinking during a ride. Here we turn to the experts for the when, how, and what of staying quenched.

Time it right

Hydrating before pedaling helps you avoid drying out on the road. For best absorption, sip 12 to 16 ounces of water four hours before hopping onto your bike; two hours before, sip another 12 ounces. While riding, drink enough to match the intensity of the exercise, the heat of the day, and your body's needs. The average recommendation is one 16-ounce bottle per hour in cool weather, with up to as many as four bottles per hour in extremely hot weather (based on a 150-pound cyclist). Afterward, your goal is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. If the ride was easy or moderate, sipping water and having a small meal within an hour of finishing should be sufficient; but, if the ride was long and intense, use the weighing method below to determine your drinking regimen.

Customize

People sweat at different rates; and rides vary in terrain, speed and distance; but, hydration goals are the same regardless. "Your aim is to minimize fluid and electrolyte loss or gain," says Douglas Casa, Ph.D., Director of Athletic Training Education at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. The best way to learn your individual sweat rate: Step on the scale before and after a long or hard ride. If you weigh less afterward, you should be drinking a bit more; if you weigh more, you should cut back to avoid overhydration.

Keep It Simple

"On easier rides, stick with water. You'll get the mother lode of electrolytes, calories, and fluids from the meals and fluids you consume prior to, and after, your ride," says Casa, who's been researching hydration and exercise issues for more than a decade. When a ride is intense, pushes past an hour, or is in hot weather, consider a sports drink. "I recommend staying away from the stuff with 9,000 ingredients," says Casa. "You just need the essentials: Fluid, carbohydrates and electrolytes."

Try and Try Again

The only way to find what drinks work for you is by testing them. "Some products may not taste good to you, while others may sit in your stomach in a bad way," says Casa. If you're the type of salty sweater who finds white streaks on your jersey after a ride, you may need a drink with more sodium. For extreme salt sweaters, Casa suggests adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 16 ounces of sports drink (that's 600mg of sodium). If you find that a sports drink upsets your stomach, try diluting it with water. "Just never start a big event with a new product in your bottle," says Casa. "That's a recipe for disaster."

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