FAQs

General

What are the dates of the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge?
October 12 & 13, 2013

Where will the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge be located?
The start and finish location of this year’s ride is San Buenaventura Park, Ventura CA. Located at 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA.

What time does the event start?
The opening ceremony will  begin at 7:00am. All riders, regardless of length of route, will start at the same time.

How do I register for the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge?

Register online!
Or call us at 310.479.4456 and we'll register you over the phone.
 


What are the registration fees?
Registration fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and not applicable to the minimum pledge. Tandem riders are considered two individuals on one bicycle and each individual is required to register. The registration fees are:

January 1-March 31 $50.00
April 1-May 31 $55.00
June 1- October 11 $60.00
October 12-13 $65.00

How old must I be to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge is 12 years of age. All riders between the ages of 12-17 must be accompanied at all times, on and off the route, by a participating parent or guardian. If an underage rider is picked up by one of our SAG vehicles, the participating parent or guardian must accompany the rider. Additionally, all participants 17 and under must have a notarized waiver form submitted to the Southern California & Nevada Chapter prior to the ride. Download the notarized waiver form here. These will be available at all rider check-in locations.

What is the 501(c)3 number?
The National MS Society Tax Id # is 95-1727656. Official 501c3 letters and W9 forms are available by request.

Fundraising

Is there a fundraising requirement?
Yes, to continue our efforts to find a cure for MS, every rider is required to raise a minimum of $350, even tandem riders (registration fees are not applicable).

Once you register, we'll provide you with simple fundraising tips to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. You can track response rates and online donations on your personal page with the fundraising goal scale. And don't forget to ask your donors if their company has a Matching Gift program.

You will not be allowed to pick up your rider packet (bib number, t-shirt, etc.) unless you have already met the $350 pledge minimum.

What if I only want to ride one day or one of the shorter routes on Saturday, do I still need to raise $350?
All riders, regardless of how far they ride, are required to raise the minimum pledge of $350. And you don't have to stop there! We encourage you to take up the challenge and raise as much money as you can to join us in the movement to create a world free of MS.

Can people who haven't registered show up and ride on the morning of the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge?
Yes. All riders who register the morning of the event will be required to provide donations, meeting or exceeding the pledge minimum upon registration.

When should I collect my donations to ensure that I raise the $350 minimum?
As soon as possible. It's best to collect donations as soon as you can; remember that you are required to raise a minimum of $350 in order to ride. Check out our Fundraising Prizes! For donors who prefer to donate by check, make checks payable to the National MS Society or NMSS and be sure to put the rider's name and Bike MS on the memo line of the check. The deadline to mail in checks is September 22nd. After the 22nd, please bring all checks to the event to hand in to ensure the donations goes toward your total!

 When and where do I turn in my donations?
Donations not received online should be mailed to the NMSS at 2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 115, Los Angeles, CA 90064. You will also have an opportunity to submit donations in person at one of our Rider Check-In locations.

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.

How can I become a Top Fundraiser and what are the benefits?
Click here to visit our page.
 

How do I earn prizes?
Prizes are based on actual donations received by the prize deadline see our prizes page for more details.
 

What happens if I don’t meet the fundraising minimum by the ride?
Any participant with an unpaid balance up to $350 on October 12th can choose to settle that balance via check or credit card to ensure participation.

 

Event Information

Will I need to carry identification or medical information?
Each participant MUST carry a current driver's license, state I.D. or student I.D. with them at all times. It is imperative that each rider is easily identified should an accident occur. We also require each participant to submit emergency contact information upon registration. This information will only be used if an accident occurs during the event. You must also show your valid ID to be permitted to enjoy the festival beer garden at the finish festival!

Do I have to wear a helmet?
All cyclists are required to wear helmets; it is a Bike MS: Coastal Challenge requirement. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us.

When will I receive my rider number and bike number?
ALL riders will be required to attend one of our Rider Check-Ins. For out of area riders, we will host a final Check-in the morning of the event at the start location.

Where will parking be located and is there a cost?
There will be plenty of parking at the San Buenaventura State Beach for $10 per day. Accessible parking will also be available.

Is there storage for my bike at the event site?
We offer a secured overnight valet bike service with 24-hour security guards at the event site. We highly suggest that you take off any removable equipment, as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. The bike valet is locked from 7 pm to 6 am, during which time you will not have access, no exceptions.

Where do I sleep?
C
hoose between camping out under the stars for free or coordinate your own overnight accommodations at one of the hotels.

What type of route support can I expect on the tour?
Safety is our number one priority for our riders! Support and Gear Vehicles (SAG) monitor the entire route to help the weary rider or offer assistance to those riders who experience mechanical problems. Medical support and bike techs will be at the start/finish, as well as all rest stops.

 What if it rains during the ride?
It is not allowed to rain for our rides...but if it does, the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge will take place rain or shine.

Is this a race?
No, this is a fun ride for all skill levels and it is not timed. Form a team with friends, family or co-workers and enjoy an unforgettable day!

Are non-riding family and friends encouraged to participate in the weekend's festivities?
OF COURSE! There are a number of opportunities for you and your family/friends to enjoy the ride together. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of Bike MS: Coastal Challenge, and is a great way for non-riders to get involved. Visit the Volunteer section of the website for job descriptions and to register as a volunteer. We also invite your family and friends to join you at the overnight and at the finish line for the festivities. We will have activities and ample parking at both locations for visitors.

Will there be vegetarian options at the rest stops, lunch stops and dinners?
A vegetarian option will be provided for all meals on the event. 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.

 

Thank you to our premier national sponsor

Thank you to our national sponsors

Left Hand
Become a Sponsor
 

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