FAQ’s

What are the dates of the Bike MS: Southern California Ride?
October 3 & 4, 2009

Where will the Bike MS: Southern California Ride be located?
The start and finish location for both days of this year’s ride is San Buenaventura Park, Ventura CA. 901 San Pedro St. Ventura, CA 93001

How do I register for the Bike MS: Southern California Ride?
Register online!

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:

$35.00 December 15th April 1st
$45.00 April 2nd July 31st
$50.00 August 1st September 1st
$60.00 September 2nd day of event

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). The rider average for 2008 was $952.00!

The funds raised by participants of the Bike MS: Southern California Ride support research and provide programs and services to individuals with MS and their families. While we want this ride to be an amazing event for all of our participants, we must remember that we are here for one purpose: to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. You can help us do just that.

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.

Once you pick up your rider packet (bib number, luggage tags, etc.) at a Rider Check-In location, you assume responsibility for the $350 pledge minimum, whether or not you end up participating in the event. You will not be able to participate in the 2010 ride if you have not fulfilled the minimum pledge requirement from the 2009 event.

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.

How old must I be to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the Bike MS: Southern California Ride 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 Chapter prior to the ride. These will be available at all rider check-in locations.

Can people who haven't registered show up and ride on the morning of the Bike MS: Southern California Ride?
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. Take advantage of our online donation feature and watch your donations grow! For sponsors 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. Remember...try to collect all donations before October 3rd, 2009. The final deadline to collect your donations to be eligible for prizes is one month after the event.

When and where do I turn in my donations?
Online fund raising is the key to success! Studies show that fundraisers who solicit donations via email, Monday through Friday 9 AM - 5 PM, are more than twice as likely to receive contributions. 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.

What do I do with money that I want split amongst two or more individuals?
If you have money that is to be divided among two or more individuals, you can contact us at the office or if you’re mailing in donations include a list of individuals you’d like credited and how much they should receive. All individuals listed on the will be credited the amount indicated. If someone would like to make a credit card donation to be divided amongst two or more individuals, please contact Krisztina Quick at 310.479.4456.

How can I become a Top fundraiser and what are the benefits?
Click here to visit our Clubs & Incentives page.

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

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

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

When will I receive my rider number and bike number?
Approximately two weeks prior to the event, we will host several Rider Check-Ins throughout Southern California. 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.

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?
All Bike MS: Southern California Ride participants can chose between camping out under the stars for free (please choose that option at registration) or coordinate their own overnight accommodations. Our overnight location provides the opportunity for riders to choose free camping with teammates or you can make reservations at one of the area hotels. If you are camping, you need to bring your own tent and sleeping bag. Showers will be at San Buenaventura Park.

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. EMTs are stationed at the start/finish, as well as all rest stops should medical attention be needed. We also have a safety crew made up of experienced riders, police officers, EMTs, firefighters and other law enforcement individuals that will be riding the Tour along with you. Their riding expertise and authority will be a valuable asset to assist novice riders and to remind all participants to follow all the rules of the road.

What if it rains during the ride?
It is not allowed to rain for our bike tour...but if it does, the Bike MS: Southern California Ride 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!

What is the schedule of events?
Check back soon for more detailed information about the event schedule

My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn’t ride but wants to come support me at the event, what can they do?
We need volunteers!

What if I have more questions?
For more information, contact Krisztina Quick in the Southern California Chapter at 310.479.4456 and she will be happy to assist you.