WELCOME ABOUT THE TOUR STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION CONTENTS

Transcription

1 Leduc to Camrose Participant Handbook June 9 & 10, 2018

2 WELCOME ABOUT THE TOUR The Johnson MS Bike is the largest cycling series in North America and a signature fundraising event at the MS Society of Canada. Since 1989, cyclists of all ages and fitness levels fundraise and cycle together to end Canada s disease. In 2017, the Johnson MS Bike - Leduc to Camrose raised over $2 million dollars to help fund ground-breaking research aimed at providing a better future for Canadians living with MS. Whether you are cycling to support a loved one, or simply ride for a personal fitness challenge, you ll be sure to enjoy the feel-good ride while helping to end MS! STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Manager, Johnson MS Bike - Nicole Gasior: nicole.gasior@mssociety.ca Coordinator, Johnson MS Bike Amber Tkachuk: amber.tkachuk@mssociety.ca Coordinator, Events Lexi Brum: alexandria.brum@mssociety.ca Manager, Corporate & Community Development Tyler Russell: tyler.russell@mssociety.ca Coordinator, Corporate & Community Development Makhanna Maraj: makhanna.maraj@mssociety.ca Senior Coordinator, Volunteer Resources Jody Deckert: jody.deckert@mssociety.ca Coordinator, Volunteer Resources Meaghan McCarthy: meaghan.mccarthy@mssociety.ca CONTENTS About MS...page 2 Fundraising......pages 3 5 Recruitment & Get Togethers.....page 6 Training Rides....page 7 Package Pick Up.....page 8 Packing... page 9 Tour Rules... page 10 Route Support... page 11 Route Map...page 12 Saturday Start Line... page 13 Saturday Finish Line Information....pages Sunday Start & Finish Lines... page 17 Post Tour Information...page 18 Sponsor Feature Collective Waste Solutions... page 19 Sponsor Feature Johnson Insurance... page 20 Sponsor Feature- Tour Sponsors... page 21

3 ABOUT MS & YOUR IMPACT ABOUT MS Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada. World-leading MS research is being produced by MS experts across the country. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects not only individuals, but also families who come together to manage the realities of MS. OUR MISSION: To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. YOUR IMPACT Every year, Canadians come together in so many ways to fight MS. We are so grateful to all of you who work tirelessly to raise money to fund research that leads to better quality of life for people living with MS. Whether you are a caregiver, donor, sponsor, volunteer, person affected by MS thank you, so much, for fighting with us for a world free of MS! This past year marked many exciting developments in MS research. With each breakthrough bringing us one step closer to understanding the underlying causes of MS, we can find new ways to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS. Through our funding programs we continue to display strong leadership in the fight to end MS by supporting innovative fundamental and clinical research in progressive MS, myelin repair and protection against nerve damage, symptom management and improving well-being and quality of life. Our Impact Report explains in detail research objectives and goals that have been addressed through studies funded by the MS Society of Canada because of you! Check out your impact here: goo.gl/qj6i3d LEARN MORE To follow our progress and get the inside story on MS research, visit DrKarenLee.ca or on Twitter.

4 FUNDRAISING NEED TO KNOW The Johnson MS Bike - Leduc to Camrose is an annual fundraiser which supports ground-breaking multiple sclerosis research and a host of programs and services for people affected by MS. By registering for the 2018 tour and raising funds, you are making a profound difference in the lives of more than 14,000 Albertans living with MS. On a consolidated basis in Alberta and Northwest Territories (Division office and all its Chapters), in 2018 the MS Society expects to raise 7.5 million in gross proceeds at a direct cost of 31%. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS o The registration fee is non-refundable and does not apply to the minimum fundraising requirement. o This is a fundraising event and every cyclist must raise the $300 fundraising minimum to participate. o There are no additional costs for food or road support during the tour weekend. *We do have vegetarian and gluten-free options. If allergies are a concern, please bring your own food for the weekend. o All cyclists MUST wear a non-expired regulation bicycle helmet. o Please have a proper safety check and bike fit done prior to the tour. This will ensure you have a smooth ride! HOW TO TURN IN PLEDGE MONEY 1) After filling out your pledge sheets and collecting cash and cheques, visit us at our office located at 150, Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 2T4 (Please use East Entrance off 49th Street NW). You can visit us any time prior to the tour or during package pick-up week. Cheques can be made out to MS Society of Canada - Leduc Bike. Please do not mail cash. 2) You can also bring in your donation the Saturday morning of the tour at our start line location - Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, located at 1500 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, Alberta, T9E 8H6. 3) Online. We encourage cyclists to have their donors give online as it is the quickest way to have your fundraising dollars accounted for. Donating online through msbike.ca also provides donors with instant tax receipts sent out to them electronically.

5 FUNDRAISING TIPS & TRICKS o Start Early: Once you register, start your fundraising. The sooner you start asking, the more money you will raise, so start asking today! o Set A Goal: When people see that you have set a goal they will want to help you achieve it. By setting a higher goal, donors will be more likely to give you larger pledges, helping you reach your fundraising goal easier. o Pledge Yourself First: Make the first donation yours. It s an easy way to show your passion for the cause and inspire family, friends, and colleagues to also make a generous donation. o Ask Your Top Donors First: This will help set the standard of donations you receive. Consider timing when asking (i.e. ask for a donation on, or shortly after, pay day) o Then Ask Everyone: Don t be shy! Now that you ve contacted your top donors, ask everyone. This is the number one tip given by our top fundraisers - and when we say everyone we mean everyone! Be prepared to tell donors about MS and how their donations are put to good use. o Spread the Word: Let people know you are fundraising for the tour. Create a team poster or change the signature of your s to mention your involvement. o Social Media: Post a link to your personal fundraising page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. and ask your friends and family to donate. o Get Creative: Whether it s a silent auction, wine survivor, bonspiel, raffle basket, 50/50 draw or an MS pasta dinner - a creative fundraiser can be a great way to raise a lot of money quickly. Contact Makhanna Maraj at makhanna.maraj@mssociety.ca with any related questions. o Join or Form A Team: Need to stay motivated? Join our rookie team, Team United Sport & Cycle, or form your own team with coworkers, family and friends. There is power and fun in numbers. o Make Your Charitable Donations Work Harder: For donations greater than $200 in a calendar year, Albertans receive a 50% charitable tax credit (one of the highest in Canada). New donors can also take advantage of the federal government s First Time Donor s Super Credit. o Thank Your Donors: Make sure to follow up and thank those who have helped you reach your fundraising goal. Send them a postevent update about your ride! CUSTOMIZE YOUR PERSONAL FUNDRAISING PAGE Login to your account at to create and update your personal information. Make your page compelling by writing a personal message. Let sponsors know why you have chosen to ride, and that the Johnson MS Bike deserves their support! Be sure to upload a great photo of you, your team, or who inspires you to ride! From your participant centre you can send an to your friends, family and donors. If you require assistance with your online fundraising page or require access to your login ID and password, please contact Lexi at alexandria.brum@mssociety.ca, or by phone at ext

6 FUNDRAISING REWARDS

7 RECRUITMENT PARTICIPATE AS A TEAM RECRUITMENT CHALLENGE! Grow your team by recruiting 3 new members! What if each member of your team inspired three more to join the cause? Growing your bike team is easier than you think! Invite your friends, family or your co-workers. Tell them you are riding to raise funds to end MS. Spread the word, the more the merrier! CYCLING WITH A TEAM IS THE BEST WAY TO o Have more fun - It s always more fun with family, friends and co-workers by your side! o Strengthen your impact - Fundraising is easier with the support of your team! It s proven that your fundraising increases when you are part of a team. o Show your spirit - Order custom Jersey Lab team jerseys with your own colors and logos! (Contact alexandria.brum@mssociety.ca for more info) *$10 from each jersey is donated back to the MS Society! o Increase your corporate visibility - It s a great way to gain exposure for your company as well as grow camaraderie amongst your colleagues. o Stay motivated - Keep your motivation and fundraising on track. o Be a part of Rider s Village on event day earn your spot in the hub of Rider s Village, where all the afternoon action takes place! Gather your team and relax before and after dinner, it s a great bonding experience! Contact Makhanna at makhanna.maraj@mssociety.ca to book your team area today! JOIN US AT A PRE-TOUR GET TOGETHER! STOP IN FOR A PINT! Join us at the ONLY pub night for the 2018 Leduc to Camrose fundraising season at Hudsons Downtown on Thursday, March 29 th at 5:30 pm! It s a long weekend so come and enjoy a beverage on us (and free underground parking!) RSVP to Makhanna at makhanna.maraj@mssociety.ca! YOU RE INVITED TO OUR EXCLUSIVE SHOP NIGHTS AT UNITED SPORT & CYCLE! Join us from 6:30-8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 24 th and Tuesday, May 29th and enjoy having the entire store to yourself! Take advantage of this exclusive sale and shop all bikes, bike parts and activewear, plus other VIP sale offers! Stock up on items you need for the tour, bring in your bike for a tune-up, fill up on delicious snacks, and socialize with MS Society and United Sport & Cycle staff!

8 TRAINING RIDES Join us every Saturday leading up to the tour to get ready for the ride. Training rides meet at Shift Happens in Devon and depart around 9 am. RSVP to stewarth2@gmail.com for weekly updates and ride information, and/or visit TRAINING RIDE SCHEDULE Saturday, April 7 th - Kick Off Ride Saturday, April 14 th Saturday, April 21 st Saturday, April 28 th Saturday, May 5 th Saturday, May 12 th Saturday, May 19 th Saturday, May 26 th Saturday, June 2 nd followed by a Tailgate BBQ! CYCLING WITH A TEAM IS THE BEST WAY TO The key to a successful ride lies in consistent training and preparation. Here are five steps to get in gear for the 2018 Johnson MS Bike. o Get Tuned and Fitted: Stop in at your local bike shop and let the experts verify that your bike is road savvy. We strongly recommend that you have your bike checked before the weekend of the tour. o Start Training 8 Weeks Before the tour: Spring in Alberta has unpredictable weather, so why not continue training by joining an indoor spin class? o Start with Short Rides: The purpose of your rides is to build up cardio-vascular fitness - so don t push it too hard! Take a week to build up your 30km distance goal. o Double Up Your KM s: Conquered the 30km a week goal? Why not strive for 50 or 60km in a week then? Remember to maintain your pace while always remembering slow and steady wins the race. The purpose here is to gain distance and confidence. o Hill Training: The key to mastering hills and intervals is to start with a moderate inclined ride without challenging yourself. After the uphill pedal, recover on a smooth downhill, and repeat again. This power and stamina build will help you conquer any hills during the tour. Tip: Try to ride consistently five days a week, doing your longest ride on Saturday. OFFICIAL TRAINING RIDE SPONSOR

9 PACKAGE PICK UP Cyclists are required to pick up their cyclist packages before the Saturday morning of the tour. Please contact Lexi at if you are unable to pick up your package before the ride. Cyclist packages will only be distributed to cyclists who have raised the minimum pledge of $300. You may also pick up packages for your teammates provided they have raised the minimum pledge amount. IN YOUR PACKAGE The following items are in your participant package and are key in ensuring a safe, smooth and enjoyable weekend experience. o Helmet Tag o Bib Number (4 pins included) o Event Wristband (You will receive 2 total - 1 for your wrist and 1 for your luggage) o Crossbar/Bike Tag (Twist Ties Included) o Bike Chip o Event T-Shirt o Complimentary Water Bottle o Event Jersey ($1000+ raised) & Shorts ($2000+ raised) PICK UP LOCATION OPTIONS MS SOCIETY OFFICE WHEN: Monday, June 4 - Friday June 8 TIME: Mon - Tues 9am to 6pm Wed - Thurs 9am to 8pm Friday 9am to 6pm WHERE: 150, Street, Edmonton - use East entrance off 49th street NW CAMROSE REGIONAL EXHIBITION GROUNDS WHEN: Friday June 8 TIME: 11am to 1pm WHERE: 4250 Exhibition Drive, Camrose FYI: If you would like to pick up your package in Camrose, you must let us know. Please contact Amber at or at amber.tkachuk@mssociety.ca to ensure that your name is on the pick-up list.

10 PACKING WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING MUST HAVES RAIN OR SHINE o Helmet o Rider numbers and wristband o Padded bike shorts and jersey o Cycling glasses o Driver s license o Cash for food trucks and beer gardens o Water bottle and/or hydration pack o Spare tube and small pump o Multitool o Tire Levers THE JOHNSON MS BIKE ROLLS ON RAIN OR SHINE - SO BE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHER AND PACK APPROPRIATELY. Visit our friends at United Sport & Cycle for all your gear needs! WARM WEATHER o Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm o Light gloves o Thin light merino wool top base layer (may be worn under jersey) o Light merino wool socks COLD/WET WEATHER o Breathable light rain jacket o Warm gloves o Toque or buff o Light wool or synthetic base layer (may be worn under jersey and rain jacket) o Leggings o Warm, moisture-wicking socks (wool) o Helmet cover to keep rain out o Rain shoe covers o Rain poncho o Spare items packed away, so they stay dry and clean

11 TOUR RULES & ROUTE SAFETY o This is NOT a competitive race; respect fellow cyclists and their level of cycling experience. o Be alert while cycling. The roads and highways are not closed and there will be traffic on the route. o Obey all traffic signs and signals at all times. This includes stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, etc. You are considered a vehicle while riding. o Always yield to pedestrians, potential wildlife and traffic; give cars the right of way. o Do not draft behind motor vehicles. o Watch out for road hazards such as patches of loose gravel, drains or sand on the road. o Keep clear of road-edge hazards, such as trash, low branches and parked vehicles. o Ride single file and give room to other cyclists. o Ride on the right side of the road in order to allow faster cyclists and vehicles to safely pass on the left. o Pass on the left. Announce yourself to other cyclists by saying On Your Left. o Give hand signals when stopping or turning and move safely off the pavement when stopping to rest. o Do not block checkpoint entrances. Move fully into the checkpoint area and safely out of the path of oncoming cyclists. o Never leave the scene of an accident. Call 911 in the event of a serious emergency. o All cyclists must obey law enforcement personnel, bike tour officials, and volunteers. o Do not wear headphones. The use of cellphones, ipods, radios or similar audio devices while cycling is prohibited. As necessary, law enforcement personnel and bike tour officials can and will remove any cyclist who violates this crucial safety regulation. o All cyclists must wear a current, non-expired, regulation bike helmet. THIS IS MANDATORY. o Please respect the communities that we cycle through. They support the MS Society and our mission to end MS, and therefore, support you too.

12 ROUTE SUPPORT & OTHER TOUR SERVICES MECHANICAL SUPPORT Official Bike Shop Sponsor, United Sport & Cycle, will be on site and on route providing bike repair services. Repairs, such as flat tire fixes, are complimentary. Please carry your own tubes. United Sport & Cycle is here to support you during your ride, however we do encourage cyclists to ensure that their bikes are in good riding condition and tuned up before the tour. *NEW* RIDER INFORMATION PHONE LINE This year we are thrilled to introduce our new rider information phone line! This automated line will be active on June 9 th & June 10 th and is your key to all essential tour information. Everything from the schedule to emergency information will be available at this number. Keep it handy during the tour weekend for quick and convienient answers to all your MS Bike questions! SAG VEHICLES SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles travel along the route between rest stops. If a cyclist is unable to complete the ride, or simply needs a break from cycling, a SAG vehicle can transport them to the next check stop on both days of the tour. Please note: priority will be given to those in need of medical or mechanical attention. To signal a SAG vehicle driver, follow these steps: o Move safely off the road and well out of the path of other cyclists o Dismount and stand near your bike o Remove your helmet and hold it in the air o In the event of an emergency, call 911, and do not leave the scene BIKE MARSHALS Volunteer bike marshals are a special team of cyclists who offer assistance along the route and monitor cyclists safety. Please listen to bike marshals and heed their advice! Marshals can be identified by their GREEN tour bib/safety vest. MEDICAL SUPPORT & FIRST AID Trained professional medical personnel provided by Canadian Ski Patrol will be available along the route, as well as at the CRE and Ritchie Bros. start/finish lines each day of the tour. If you are in need of medical assistance, please check with our safety volunteers.

13 ROUTE MAP Checkpoints are supplied with water, sports drinks, fruit and trail mix. Lunch is served at designated Lunch Stops. Gluten free and vegetarian food options are available but limited - please keep this in mind as you pack your weekend essentials.

14 SATURDAY START LINE SCHEDULE & SITE MAP SCHEDULE Parking Lot Opens...6am Grounds Open...6:30am (Check-in, additional pledge drop off, luggage drop off, t-shirt/jersey pick-up, coffee and light breakfast) Team Photos....6:30am-7:30am Tour Starts.....7:30am

15 SATURDAY FINISH LINE SCHEDULE & ACCOMMODATIONS SCHEDULE Fillmore Construction s Rider s Village am-11pm Bike Storage...11am-6pm Luggage Retrieval am-6pm Dorm Check-In am-6pm Showers...11am-10pm Outdoor Food Vendors (Bring Cash) am-11pm Alley Kat Beer Garden....11am-11pm First Aid pm-11pm Shuttle Service (Dorms & Select Hotels) am-12am Collective VIP Cocktail Hour :30-5:30pm Dinner (CRE Arena - Guest Tickets $35) :30-7:30pm Program, CRE Arena :30pm Collective After Party (live band) :30-11pm Last Shuttle to Augustana am Augustana Dorms Locked....12:30am DORMS Cyclists who selected dorms will be staying at the Augustana Campus - University of Alberta. Cyclists staying in dorms are required to bring their own towels and soap. The campus is a five-minute shuttle ride from the Camrose Regional Exhibition Grounds. Shuttle buses run: o Saturday - 11am to 12am o Sunday - 6am to 8am HOTELS Cyclists who selected on your own are responsible for booking their own accommodations for the tour weekend. It is recommended that cyclist book their hotel rooms early, as rooms book up quickly. o Norsemen Inn ( Ave) o R&R Inn and Suites ( Ave). o Travellers Inn Camrose ( Ave) o Motel Stardust ( Ave)* o Camrose Motel ( Ave) o Hotel Marada ( Ave) o Alice Hotel ( St)* o Ramada Inn ( St) *Shuttle stops by request only CAMPING Cyclists who selected camping will be staying at the Camrose Regional Exhibition Grounds. Camping cyclists may bring tents, motor homes or trailers. NOTE: This is a no-hook up campground. Please bring your own generator and water supply. However, complimentary shower facilities are available on site. Fires are NOT permitted on Camrose Regional Exhibition Grounds. RV Drop Off: Friday, June 8th - 12pm to 8pm RV Pick Up: Sunday, June 10th - 10am to 8pm & Monday, June 11th - 7am to 5pm

16 SATURDAY FINISH LINE SITE MAP WHEN YOU ARRIVE: o Drop your bike off at bike storage for 24-hour monitored overnight storage. Bikes are locked at 6pm and re-open at 7:15am on Sunday. Please be sure to remove all your necessities from your bike, as we do not open bike storage once it is locked. o Pick up your luggage. Luggage is organized by number so be sure to show your wristband to grab your items. o Freshen up, then get ready to enjoy a night of festivities!

17 SATURDAY FINISH LINE ACTIVITIES ALLEY KAT BEER GARDENS & NEIGHBOURING FOOD TRUCKS Alley Kat Brewery is yet again hosting the beer gardens for all cyclists ages 18+. From 11am until 11pm, come and enjoy a hard-earned brew after Day 1 of cycling. 100% of beer sale proceeds go towards the MS Society of Canada! Remember to bring your photo ID and cash to enjoy some tasty treats! FILLMORE CONSTRUCTION RIDER S VILLAGE The Fillmore Construction Rider s Village is the focal point of all Saturday afternoon team activities at the Camrose Regional Exhibition Grounds. Featuring games, prizes, a live band and DJ, this is the place to celebrate your accomplishments with your fellow teammates and cyclists! BIKE TEAM INCENTIVE: The top 10 fundraising teams from the 2018 Johnson MS Bike will win a tent in the Rider Village for the 2019 Leduc to Camrose tour! Use your lot as your team s meeting place, lounging area, or party center, and be sure to decorate to show off your Johnson MS Bike team spirit! Enjoy a cold one or grill some burgers and smokies knowing that you re fundraising dollars have made a difference in the lives of those affected by MS! COLLECTIVE VIP COCKTAIL HOUR & AFTER PARTY Raised over $1000? We invite you and 1 guest to enjoy a complimentary beverage from 4:30-5:30pm at the Kinsmen Hall! After dinner it s time to get your dance on! Come and rock out to a live band at the Collective After Party, located in the Kinsmen Hall room at the Camrose Regional Exhibition grounds!

18 SUNDAY CRE START LINE & RBA FINISH LINE SCHEDULE CRE START LINE Breakfast, CRE Arena :30am Shuttle Service (Dorms and Select Hotels) am Showers...6-7:30am Bikes Unlocked...7:15am Tour Starts :30am First Aid CRE :30-8:45am Bikes Confiscated and taken to Ritchie Bros am ONLY Shuttle Bus to Ritchie Bros am SCHEDULE RBA FINISH LINE Finish Line BBQ (Guest Tickets $5) am-4pm Finish Line Expo am-4pm Team Photo am-4pm First Aid at RBA pm-close Route closes pm

19 POST TOUR INFO PRIZE PICK UP Remember, if you reach $3500+ you are eligible to receive a gift card reward. If you qualify, be sure to submit your prize selection during package pick up week or by ing Amber at amber.tkachuk@mssociety.ca. Prizes will be distributed during prize pick up week in October Stay tuned for details on where and when you can collect your 2018 rewards! 2019 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION Registration for the 2019 Johnson MS Bike - Leduc to Camrose will be open on June 9 & 10. For a limited time, you will be able to register at an all-time low, event weekend only price for the 2019 Johnson MS Bike. Keep a lookout at the finish line to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and secure your spot for next year! EVENT PHOTOS Thanks to the incredible volunteers who lend their time and talents to the tour, we are able to bring you some amazing shots from the weekend s events. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and MS Bike s for our Flickr link in the weeks following the tour. Please note: Our volunteers graciously provide their photography services and photographs free of charge. Be patient as they edit and upload the hundreds of photos captured during the Johnson MS Bike. KEEP CYCLING JOIN THE JOHNSON MS MOUNTAIN BIKE! The Johnson MS Mountain Bike is a unique, adrenaline packed weekend unlike any other. The longest standing MS Mountain Bike event of its kind, this ride has something for all riders. Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or a beginner rider join us. All you need is a bike and the passion to end MS. What to expect? With over 300 cyclists in attendance this two-day, 90km mountain ride offers panoramic mountain views, double and single-track trails with rest stops as well as additional challenge loops for those experienced riders. Enjoy weekend celebrations that include beer gardens, entertainment, great food and a profound sense of accomplishment. DATE: September 8 & 9, 2018 LOCATION: Hinton, Alberta CHECK-IN TIME: 8:00am START TIME: 9:00am ROUTE LENGTH: Approx. 45km/day FOR MORE INFORMATION Amber Tkachuk, MS Mountain Bike Coordinator Amber.tkachuk@mssociety.ca

20 SPONSOR FEATURE COLLECTIVE WASTE SOLUTIONS

21 SPONSOR FEATURE JOHNSON INSURANCE

22 SPONSOR FEATURE TOUR SPONSORS TITLE SPONSOR NATIONAL SPONSORS & OFFICIAL APPAREL SPONSOR LOCAL SPONSORS