Registration

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR BIKE MS?
We encourage all participants to register online at www.bikeMSli.org. You can click on “Register” and join Bike MS by starting a team, joining an already existing team, or participating as an individual. If you need assistance with registering or would like to register over the phone, please call us at 631-864-8337. Please note: Online registration is now closed.

IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?
Yes. The current registration fee to register for the Bike MS: East End Ride is $100. Online registration is now closed. Cyclists may register the morning of the ride beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Southampton Elks Lodge located at 605 County Road 39 Southampton, NY.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EVENT PARTICIPANT AND A VIRTUAL RIDER?
An event participant is someone who is planning on participating in the event by riding during Bike MS. A virtual rider is someone who cannot ride on the day of the event but wants to fundraise for the event. Both can be part of a team and are eligible for fundraising rankings and prizes. Virtual riders will receive all fundraising resources and communications but will not receive any rider materials for the event.

Fundraising 

IS THERE A MINIMUM FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT? 
Yes. The fundraising minimum requirement for the Bike MS: East End Ride is $150.00. This is in addition to the registration fee. All riders are required to fulfill their minimum prior to participating in Bike MS. Pending matching gifts will not count towards the $150 fundraising minimum.

WHERE DO I SEND MY DONATIONS?
We encourage all participants to fundraise online using the tools in your Participant Center. If you wish to mail in donation checks, please do so at:

National MS Society, Long Island Chapter
Attn: Bike MS
40 Marcus Drive, Suite 100
Melville, NY 11747 

WHO SHOULD CHECKS BE MADE OUT TO?
Checks should be made out to NMSSLI-BIKE MS. Also, remember to put your name and/ or team name in the memo section of each check so we know to credit your Bike MS account.

HOW LONG AFTER I SEND IN A CHECK DOES IT TAKE TO SHOW UP ON MY PERSONAL PAGE?
Donations made online are immediately posted to your account and will appear on your web page at the time of the donation. Donations that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to appear on your web page. Donations submitted on the day of the event can take up to six weeks to appear on your web page. To avoid the wait, encourage your donors to sponsor you online; online donations are safe and easy.

WHAT IS A TOP FUNDRAISER?
A Top Fundraiser is a participant who raises $1,000 or more. Participants who raise $1,000 or more by September 5, 2014 will receive the Top Fundraiser jersey by the event day. 

CAN I STILL BECOME A TOP FUNDRAISER?
Yes - all individuals who raise $1,000 or more by September 30, 2014 are Top Fundraisers and are eligible to receive a commemorative Top Fundraiser jersey.

HOW DO I CLAIM MY TOP FUNDRAISER JERSEY?
All individuals who raise $1,000 or more by September 30, 2014 will receive the Top Fundraiser jersey in the mail by mid-October.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND HOW DO I GET A RECEIPT?
Yes. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cancelled check or credit card transaction confirmation serves as a receipt. Donors giving $250 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgement from the National MS Society by the end of the calendar year in which the donation was made.

WHAT IF MY COMPANY WANTS TO MATCH MY DONATION?

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please visit www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch.

If your company matches, you may be able to access the forms directly through the search. Follow the set procedure, and the National MS Society will be happy to assist. The impact of your gift may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.

Event Questions

HOW DO I CHECK-IN FOR BIKE MS? 
All Bike MS participants will receive their bib # and emergency bracelet at check-in the morning of the ride. Cyclists who do not meet the minimum fundraising required will not receive the bib.  

WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Bike MS takes place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions routes may be altered or cancelled. These decisions are made on the day of the event. We encourage you to check our website the weekend of the ride for up to date information.

CAN I BRING MY PET TO BIKE MS?
No. While we love pets, we ask that you leave yours home for the safety and comfort of your fellow participants. Not everyone is comfortable with pets, many people are allergic, and many animals react differently in large crowds than they do at home. To ensure everyone’s comfort and safety, please do not bring your dog/pet with you to Bike MS. Service dogs are allowed at the Bike MS festival site, but not along the route.

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET A FLAT TIRE?
We highly encourage all participants to know basic safety and repair skills, including fixing a flat tire. Be prepared and bring your own pump and extra tubes for your bike. However, if you are still unable to make the repair, marshals and SAG vehicles will accompany riders along all routes. Should you need assistance, just let one of the marshals know and, if a marshal is unable to assist you with the repair, a SAG vehicle will take you to a rest stop where mechanical support may be available, or to the finish line. Please note that the wait for assistance and/or a ride to the nearest rest stop can be long and by waiting, you run the risk of not being allowed to finish the route. Visit your local bike shop to learn how to handle basic repair needs.

WILL THERE BE REST STOPS ALONG THE ROUTE?

Bike MS: East End Ride: Rest stops will be provided every 10-20 miles and will be supplied with restrooms, first aid, water, miscellaneous fruit and snacks. Volunteer bike mechanics will be on site to assist with minor repairs. Lunch will not be provided along the route. Please bring any specific snacks or beverages you prefer along with you.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO BIKE MS?

Please bring your photo I.D., cash/credit card, your cell phone (fully charged), signed waiver, patch kit, any specific snacks or beverages you prefer, your helmet, cleats and of course, your bike.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT TO COMPLETE BIKE MS?
Yes, for the Bike MS: East End Ride all riders must be off the route by 4 p.m. If a participant is not able to keep up with the time limits they will be transported by a SAG vehicle to the finish line. 

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN BIKE MS?
Yes. Participant must be at least 16 years of age in order to ride in the Bike MS: East End Ride. Waivers must be notarized the morning of the ride for all minors.  

NO tagalongs, trailers or carriers will be permitted. Every rider, regardless of age or team affliation, must meet the $150.00 fundraising minimum in order to ride.