Download the 2015 Bike MS rider handbook here.
Bike MS Weekend FAQs
- I can't make the ride. Will I be charged $250?
We only hold people accountable for the fundraising minimum if they check in at the event.
- I haven't raised my $250 yet. Can I still ride?
YES, but you will be asked to sign a promise to pay form with your credit card information. If you have not met your $250 by July 27, we will charge your card the difference.
- Can someone check-in for me or can I check-in for someone else?
Yes, IF he/she has met the fundraising minimum or you are prepared to sign a promise to pay form for them. We also recommend you bring a signed waiver for them (if a cyclist is 12-18 years old, the waiver needs to be notarized).
- Can my family members also get meals at the fairgrounds?
Yes, we sell wristbands for $15 which provide all meals Saturday through Sunday's lunch.
- I have money to turn in. What do I do?
Bring it with you to registration/check-in. There will be collection envelopes on-site.
- Do I need to bring a contribution form to the ride or anything that proves the donations I have collected?
No, we already have a record of all your online donations and those that were received in our office. Just show up and check in.
- I want to transfer money to another rider, split a donation, move team donations around...
On event day, it's too late for us to change the registration lists, but you can check-in at the SOLUTIONS table for our team to document your request.
Registration and Materials FAQs
- Why should I pre-register instead of registering on the day of the event?
There are several reasons: (1) Registering in advance ensures that you will receive critical event updates, registration packet, newsletters, emails, and other important information about the ride in a timely manner; (2) It helps our volunteers who are planning the route logistics, rest stops, refreshments, and food; (3) It helps you track your personal and team fundraising success!
- Can people who haven't registered show-up and ride?
Yes! These riders will be directed to the WALK-ON REGISTRATION area and asked to pay the day-of registration fee of $65 with the $250 minimum in pledge money at registration. Check-in/registration will be Friday (6/26) 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday (6/27-28) 6 - 7:30 a.m.
- How long before I receive my registration packet?
Now you can download everything you will need such as contribution envelopes, receipts and deposit slips on our fundraising page.
Bike MS: Event Detail FAQs
- What is the minimum age to ride?
All participants must be at least 12 years old by the first day of the ride in which they are participating. There are no exceptions, regardless if riding tandem or on a tag-a-long. All 12-year-old riders must take a bicycle safety course prior to participating in Bike MS. Please contact Amanda Savage for more info. Also, a Bike MS youth waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized prior to checking in.
- When will I receive my rider and bike number?
We will have an early packet pick-up at Bingham Cyclery. The date and time will be announced closer to the event. You can also turn in any donations received at early packet pick-up. You will be able to pick up your numbers the Friday before the ride in Logan, as well as at the start line on Saturday morning. Check-in/registration will be Friday (6/26) 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday (6/27-28) 6 - 7:30 a.m.
- What should I bring with me to Logan?
Required items (no exceptions):
Contribution form/envelope and funds raised
Helmet
Two water bottles
Pump, patch kit, spare tube
If you've checked in prior to the event, you will need to remember your bib, matching bike and helmet stickers, and safety pins (provided in your registration packet)
Suggested items:
Cash for chance drawing tickets, silent auction, and other fun items for sale
Personal protective equipment
Sunglasses, sunscreen, all-weather gear, etc.
Camping necessities (if applicable) such as towels, sleeping bags, tent, alarm clock, flashlight
Insect repellant
Toiletries
Fresh clothing for after the ride each day
Swimsuit for pool party on Saturday night
- What if it rains during the Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride?
Be prepared, rain or shine, warm or cold... the Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride will go on! Bring appropriate clothing because, no matter what the weather, we ride! Mornings can be cool in Cache Valley and many cyclists wear a light jacket. As the day progresses, it definitely heats up (usually in the 90s), so dress accordingly.
- What is the 150 Club ?
The 150 Club is made up of the top 150 fundraisers from the ride's prior year. Each member of the 150 Club will receives a special yellow bib listing his/her fundraising rank, an invitation to a special reception during Bike MS weekend, priority check-in, as well as many other VIP opportunities and socials throughout the year.
- Will there be anyone to help me along the route?
Absolutely! Supply, Assistance, and Gear (SAG) vehicles are available to provide assistance to riders who need a lift along the route. Don't be shy! Take advantage of them if you get tired. Bingham Cyclery mechanics are also riding the route and are located at most rest stops which are positioned every 7-13 miles to provide refreshments and communications, if needed.
- How long will it take me to finish the entire route?
This depends on which route length, and whether you ride at a leisurely pace or in a pace line. The average rider may finish the 75-mile route in six to seven hours (including approx. 10-15 minutes for rest stops along the way). Riders who start at 7 a.m. can expect to roll across the finish line around 2 p.m. or so. Be sure to stick around for the Saturday dinner program at 5 p.m.
- What if I can't finish the entire route?
No worries! SAG vehicles will be patrolling the route to provide a ride to the finish line or to the next rest stop. Don't over do it--take advantage of the SAG wagons. And have fun!
- How do I get directions to the Cache Valley Fairgrounds
The Cache Valley Fairgrounds are located at 400 South and 500 West in Logan. Call us at 801-424-0112, or 1-800-344-4867 if you need more information.
- Is parking available?
There will be plenty of parking at the rodeo grounds. Accessible parking will also be available at the fairgrounds. The northwest entrance to the fairgrounds (on 500 West) will be closed to all vehicles during the ride.
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What if I want to camp at the fairgrounds?
Camping at the fairgrounds is free and is on a first come, first served basis. The campground opens at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 25. Any markings made prior to that will be removed. There are approximately 50 RV hookups spaced throughout the fairgrounds area. There are three separate restroom facilities and two with showers. Thanks to the Logan Aquatic Park right across the street, there are ample hot shower facilities for those campers who participate in our ride.
Campers are asked to:
- Be conscientious about use of space and only take as much as necessary
- Park extra vehicles at the rodeo grounds next door instead of next to RVs and tents
- Please leave marked FIRE LANES free of any obstruction
- We discourage roping off large camping areas to save for others and cannot ensure that those spaces will be saved if you are not on-site to maintain them
- Observe any top fundraiser reserved signs placed by event organizers
- Are there bathrooms at the fairgrounds?
There are four sets of bathrooms at the fairgrounds and two have showers. There are also port-a-potties. The Logan Aquatic Park generously opens its doors to the riders to take advantage of hot, sparkling clean showers, and is conveniently located right across the street.
- Where can I stay in Logan if I don't want to camp?
Hotels and motels fill up quickly so make your reservations now. For a complete listing of the hotels and motels in the area, please visit www.cachechamber.com/, and click on Visitor’s Guide. From there you will get a link to all hotels or bed and breakfast inns.
- My family would like to support me at the event. What can they do?
We need volunteers to help out with rest stops, lunch, SAG vehicles, etc. If a friend or family member would like to help at the event, they can register on this site to be a volunteer. If you have questions about volunteering, please contact Mike Henderson via email.
Fundraising FAQs
- Where does the money go?
You provide hope for people affected by MS. Every mile you ride and every dollar you raise brings us closer to a cure for MS and helps fund research plus provide local programs to those living with MS. Programs include financial assistance, college scholarships, information and referral, physical therapy and exercise classes, professional and community education, seminars, family social events, advocacy, workshops and support groups, and a lending library.
- How can I get more contribution forms?
You can get contribution tracking sheets, receipts and deposit slips right online.
- Who sponsors me?
Anyone can sponsor you! Riders can sponsor themselves or ask co-workers, friends, neighbors, local businesses, and family members or pledges. Many companies sponsor their employees; be sure to ask if your company offers a matching gift program. For fundraising tips or for more information, contact Amanda Savage.
- What is a matching gift and how do they work?
Many companies offer to match your donation to a charitable organization. First, check to see if your company has a matching gift program by contacting your Human Resources department. If they match, they may have a form that you submit to the Chapter with your pledges. The Chapter fills in the amount of funds that you donate and returns the form to your company who will then "match" those funds. Matching gift funds help you qualify for incentives! Click here for more information about matching gifts.
- How much did the average rider raise last year?
In 2014, the average fundraising total for Bike MS was $547 per rider.
- How do I turn in donations?
Many riders use the online fundraising tools to raise funds. We also provide you with a contribution envelope and receipts to use when getting donations. You can send in batches of funds prior to the event by simply downloading the deposit slip and mailing to the address on the slip. You may also turn in contributions at the event in your contribution envelope with waiver form.
- To whom should checks be made payable?
Please make checks payable to the National MS Society and note the rider's name on the memo line. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Team FAQs
- What makes a team and how do I register a team?
Teams are made up of a team captain and at least three additional riders. Select a team captain and team name and have them register creating a team name during registration. Team members can then register by searching for the team name or captain's name. Make sure you get the word out about your team name and captain's name so additional riders can sign-up. Once the captain has registered, he/she will be able to create a team page which will detail team donations-to-date, goals, important information and will the ability to send out team correspondence.
- How do I change my team name, team goal or team division?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name. The team captain will need to login to the participant center and click the "Team Page" tab. On the team page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name and division by clicking edit in the right corner of the gray team name box.
- 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 “View team roster” on the right side of the page. From there you can view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
- What is a team message?
A team message is an email blast team captains can automatically send to the whole team. Simply go to your participant center and click the "Email Team" button on the right side of the page. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message
My Participant Center FAQs
- What if I forgot my username and password?
You can look up your password online and receive an email with your username and password. If you still need help resetting your username and/or password, please contact the Fundraising Support Center or by calling 855-372-1331.
- 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 on the top left corner of the screen that says "Profile." Once in your profile, you are allowed to change your contact information, email address, username, and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign-in again.
- Email privacy policy and how to unsubscribe
First of all, we hope that you will allow us to keep you informed with critical updates on the events. We DO NOT sell or give your email to ANYONE outside of the Society. In general, you will receive a monthly update on the events called "Teaming Up!" You will also receive emails each time someone makes a pledge on your account. To unsubscribe to the "Teaming Up!" monthly updates, use the unsubscribe link at the very top of each e-newsletter.
- What is a personal page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, a personal page is 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.
- By default I have a personal page. Do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, a personal page is created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized email solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. 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.
- 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. Your contact information will not be made public by selecting to make your personal page public.
- How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your participant center. Your fundraising goal will be listed on the top of your participant center page and you can click “Change” next to it to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
- How can I see who has sponsored/donated to me?
Login to the site using your username and password. Go to your participant center and click the progress tab. This will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts donated.
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