About the MS Bike Tours

Transcription

1 msbike.ca

2 This handbook contains everything you need to know to make your MS Bike a fantastic experience! To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please ensure that we have your current address. If you registered online and would like to receive a hard copy of this handbook, please the MS Bike Coordinator in your area: Fraser Valley Experience Ashley McCartie x 7320 ashley.mccartie@mssociety.ca Cowichan Valley Experience Sheron Chrysler x 7303 sheron.chrysler@mssociety.ca West Kootenay Challenge Okanagan Experience Jillian Earl x 7298 jillian.earl@mssociety.ca About the MS Bike Tours The MS Bike Tours are the largest cycling series in north America and a signature fundraising event of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Since 1989, cyclists of all ages and fitness levels fundraise and cycle together to end Canada s disease: multiple sclerosis. Explore BC from the best seat in the house. Join as many as you can to tour beautiful BC: Fraser Valley Experience - July 15 & 16, 2017 Cowichan Valley Experience - August 19 & 20, 2017 West Kootenay Challenge - August 19 & 20, 2017 Okanagan Experience - September 9 & 10, 2017 Whether you are biking to see the sights and taste the flavours of BC or ride the tour as your own personal fitness challenge, you ll enjoy a feel-good ride for a feel-good cause in helping end MS. Contents INTRODUCTION About the MS Bike Tours...2 Welcome...3 About multiple sclerosis...3 MS BIKE TOURS BC Fraser Valley Experience...4 Cowichan Valley Experience...5 West Kootenay Challenge...6 Okanagan Experience FUNDRAISING Fundraising Tips...8 Fundraising Rewards...9 TEAMMS Participate as a team RIDE DETAILS FAQ Rider support...12 Safety on route & Training tips...13 SPREAD THE WORD...14

3 Welcome to MS Bike 2017 Whether you re a returning participant who rode with us last year for the umpteenth time, or a newbie a little nervous of riding on a bike tour, you can look forward to an exciting and fun ride while making a difference to end MS. As a participant in the MS Bike Tours, you are making a great impact on the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis. Last year in BC, your dollars helped to host 37 education sessions, distribute over $335,000 of medical equipment and provide 299 individuals with Volunteer Legal Assistance, while contributing to an incredible investment of $10 million toward ground-breaking MS research and helping to launch the MS Navigators network that further expanded our reach. This year we look forward to continuing to provide support and services to people with MS and their families, and fund important research to find the cause and cure for this disease. We invite you to expand your reach as well in helping to improve the lives of Canadians affected by MS. Join us at the MS Bike tour and experience a great sense of accomplishment, challenging yourself physically and raising more critical funds to help end MS. About multiple sclerosis Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world. World-leading MS research is being produced by MS experts across the country. 100,000 Canadians live with MS. MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada. MS 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. For more information about MS or the MS Society, visit mssociety.ca. 3

4 Fraser Valley Experience July LOCATION Coast Hotel Langley CHECK-IN TIME 7:00am START TIME 9:00am ROUTE LENGTH(S) Saturday: 42km, 71km, 102km Sunday: 38km and 60km (all route lengths approximate) FOR MORE INFORMATION Ashley McCartie x 7320 ashley.mccartie@mssociety.ca Make your way through the spectacular vistas of Fraser Valley and enjoy some of the most acclaimed vineyards in the province for a taste of world-class BC wine. The ride begins Saturday at our home base. Rest stops can be found at various points of interest including wineries where you can sample delicious local fare. Upon return, sign up for a relaxing postride massage. Then in the evening, your experience continues with our themed dinner and silent auction. On Sunday, wake up to breakfast and head out with friends, family, and coworkers to explore more of Fraser Valley. Finish your experience with a BBQ lunch and celebrate your success at the closing ceremony! 4

5 Itinerary Please bring the following items to Check-In: Completed donation tracking form (available for download online via your Participant Centre) Any cash or cheque donations Saturday, July 15, :00 am - 9:00 am Check-in: Arrive at the Coast Langley Hotel. Drop off your donation tracking form; pick up your check-in kit and event shirt; enjoy a coffee and a light breakfast, and get a complimentary safety check on your bike and bike tune-up. Team Captains: Pick up your team captain bib at the TeamMS tent and gather your team for a photo. 9:00 am Start Bike Tour: (102km route first, then 71km, then 42km, 20 riders every 4 minutes) Rest Stop (All routes) Rest Stop (106km & 72km routes) Rest Stop (106km route only) Rest Stop (106km route only) Rest Stop & Lunch (All routes) Rest Stop (All routes) Rest Stop (All routes) Finish Backyard Vineyards Campbells Gold Honey & Meadery Mt. Lehman Winery Ravens Brewing Glass House Estate Winery Chaberton Estate Winery Trading Post Brewing Arrive at Coast Langley Hotel. Drop off your bike and check in to your room. Sign up for a complimentary massage. Massages are from 2-6 pm, Saturday only. 6:30 pm Doors open Oh Canada Dinner Ballroom at the Coast 7:00 pm Dinner Langley Hotel DJ d by Spin Doctor DJ and Entertainment. Dinner, silent auction and banquet. 5

6 IMPORTANT INFO ACCOMMODATIONS Use group code GF6131 when making reservations at Coast Hotels central reservations or the hotel direct OVERNIGHT BIKE STORAGE Bike storage and overnight security will be provided on site at the Coast Langley Hotel. However, we do recommend you lock up your bike in the bike storage for the added security. BIKE MECHANICS Sponsor Velofix Fraser Valley will be on site and on route providing bike repair services. Small repairs such as fixing flats are complimentary. These services are to address emergency repairs only. Please ensure your bike is in riding condition and tuned up before the event. WINE PURCHASE & COLLECTION Our service vehicle will follow the final riders around the routes on both days and collect any wine that you have purchased at the wineries. On Sunday when you finish the ride, all wine will be available for pick up on site. All wine will be labelled by bib number, so please make sure you have your bib with you when pick up your wine. Sunday, July 16, :30 am Check Out: Check out of your room at the Coast Hotel. Enjoy a buffet breakfast. Bike tune ups will be available on site. 9:00 am Start Bike Tour Water Stop (60 km route only) Rest Stop (All routes) Glen Valley Organic Co-Op Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery 1:00 pm Wrap up Awards & BBQ Lunch: Arrive at Coast Langley Hotel. Pick up your pre-purchased wine. Family and friends are welcome to join you. 6

7 Cowichan Valley Experience August LOCATION Brentwood College CHECK-IN TIME 8:00am (Sat & Sun) START TIME 10:00am (Sat) 9:00 (Sun) ROUTE LENGTH(S) Saturday: 43km, 63.5km, 100km Sunday: 17.5km, 38.5km, 51km FOR MORE INFORMATION Sheron Chrysler ext.7303 sheron.chrysler@mssociety.ca Biking in the beautiful Cowichan Valley is an experience of breathtaking views and sumptuous flavors. Artisanal cheese makers, slow-food chefs and award-winning wineries await. The ride begins Saturday at the prestigious Brentwood College School. Throughout your ride you can stop and enjoy local wineries, farms, and artisans and sample delicious local fare. Upon your return, spend the afternoon at Rider Village where your experience will continue with appetizers, a gourmet dinner and evening musical festivities. On Sunday, wake up to breakfast and head out with friends, family and coworkers to explore more of the Cowichan Valley. Finish your experience with a BBQ lunch and celebrate your success at the closing ceremony! 7

8 Itinerary Please bring the following items to Check-In: Completed donation tracking form (available for download online via your Participant Centre) Any cash or cheque donations Saturday, August 19, :00 am - 9:45 am Participants check-in at Brentwood College; emergency Bike Repairs available from Experience Cycling; team photos in Rider Village 9:30 am Century Ride Cyclists briefing at start line 9:45 am Group photo at start line for all cyclists Century Ride Cyclists start cycling 10:00 am - 10:45 am Participants head out in waves of :00 am - 2:30 pm Lunch served on all routes 2:30 pm Beverage tent opens in Rider Village 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm Overnight bike storage open 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm Appetizers and bar open in Rider Village Silent Auction opens in Crooks Hall 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Dinner is served in Crooks Hall 8:45 pm Silent Auction closes 8:30-11:30 pm Music Entertainment 11:00 pm Rider Village closes 8

9 IMPORTANT INFO ACCOMMODATIONS There are two accommodation options on site: dorm room or camping. A limited number of dorm rooms are available for participants at a cost of $35 per person. Camping is unlimited and is free. There is also the option of bringing your RV and staying on site. If you require accommodation on site and did not select the dorm or camping option when you registered, please contact Sheron Chrysler at ext or at sheron.chrysler@ mssociety.ca. If you are organizing your own accommodation for the event, please visit Tourism Cowichan at cowichan.bc.ca to see a full listing of accommodation options in the Valley. OVERNIGHT BIKE STORAGE Bike storage and overnight security will be provided on site. However, we do recommend you lock up your bike in the bike storage for the added security. BIKE MECHANICS Our sponsor, Experience Cycling, will be on site and on route providing bike repair services. Small repairs such as fixing flats are complimentary, larger repairs are paid for by participants. These services are to address emergency repairs. Please ensure your bike is in good riding condition and tuned up before the event. PURCHASE PICK-UP On route purchases are picked up daily and returned to the event site for participants. They will be marked with your bib number so please ensure you have that with you for pick-up on site. Sunday, August 20, :00 am - 8:30 am Breakfast 7:45 am - 8:45 am Experience Cycling provides emergency bike repairs Team photos in the Rider Village Bike storage open for bike pick-up 9:00 am Participants head out in waves of 100! 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm BBQ lunch and closing ceremonies 9

10 West Kootenay Challenge August LOCATION Greer Park, New Denver CHECK-IN TIME 7:15am START TIME 8:30am ROUTE LENGTH(S) Saturday: 107km Sunday: 115kmm EARLY CHECK-IN Friday, August 18, :00pm - 8:00pm Gerick Cycle & Ski 702 Baker Street, Nelson, BC FOR MORE INFORMATION Jillian Earl ext jillian.earl@mssociety.ca Challenge yourself. The West Kootenay ride places you in one of the top biking spots in Canada. If you want a real challenge, take on this ride with epic views and fabulous food! This extraordinary two-day 222 km MS Bike tour loops around the Kokanee Glacier in the Selkirk Mountains, from New Denver to Slocan, to Kaslo, and back to New Denver with an overnight in Nelson. If you think you can t ride the full distance, check out our Relay Option all the fun, half the distance. The ride begins Saturday at Greer Park, New Denver. We ll provide the rest stops, food and entertainment while you experience and enjoy the majestic scenery along the way. On Sunday, wake up to breakfast and head out to explore more of the West Kootenays. 10

11 Itinerary Please bring the following items to Check-In: Completed donation tracking form (available for download online via your Participant Centre) Any cash or cheque donations Friday, August 18, :00 pm - 8:00 pm Nelson Early Check-In: Beat the rush and check-in early with your completed donation tracking form and any cash or cheque donations you may have received. If you check-in Friday evening in Nelson, you still need to sign-in at the start location in New Denver on Saturday morning. Location to be announced. Check msbike.ca for updates. Saturday, August 19, :15 am - 8:00 am New Denver Check-In: Check-In at the foot of 6th Avenue in New Denver by Greer Park, with your completed donation tracking form and any cash or cheque donations you may have received. Friday night Early check-in participants sign in at the start location by 8:15am. 8:30 am Ready, set, go! Cyclists set off! 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Lunch is served. All participants must check-in with onsite volunteers. 3:00 pm Shuttle: Any riders who have not departed the Rest Stop located at the turnoff to Blewett Road from Hwy 6 by 3 pm, will be shuttled, along with their bike, to the next rest stop. 4:30 pm Day 1 Finish, Nelson: Sponsored by ATCO Woord Products. Cyclists should aim to finish in Lakeside Park, signing-in with volunteers upon arrival. Overnight bike storage available. Saturday Save-On Celebration: Sponsored by Save-On-Foods, Nelson, dinner and celebration takes place at the Rotary Shelter in Lakeside Park. 6:00 pm Dinner is served! Enjoy a hearty meal, followed by awards and entertainment. 11

12 IMPORTANT INFO ACCOMMODATIONS In New Denver, book accommodations with the Valhalla Inn for Aug. 18 (call and quote the MS Bike Tour to receive the $115 rate). In Nelson, book accommodations with the Adventure Hotel during the Aug. 18 Aug. 20 weekend (call and quote the MS Bike Tour to receive the $129 rate). OVERNIGHT BIKE STORAGE Overnight bike storage is available on Saturday, August 19 in Nelson. BAGGAGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE A baggage transportation service is available from New Denver to Nelson on Saturday August 19, and Nelson to New Denver on August 20. COMPLIMENTARY RIDES Complimentary rides are available on Saturday, August 19 from Lakeside Park to your accommodations within Nelson. Sunday, August 20, :15 am - 8:15 am Sign-In, Nelson: Arrive at Lakeside Park start location, all cyclists must sign-in. 7:45 am - 8:15 am Ready, set, go! Cyclist leave when they are ready between these times. 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Lunch is served in Vimy Park in Kaslo, sponsored by CGIS. All participants must check-in with onsite volunteers. 3:00 pm Shuttle: Any riders who have not departed lunch by 1:30 pm will be shuttled, along with their bike, to the next rest stop, to continue on with the tour. 4:30 am Finish, New Denver: Cyclists finish in Greer Park in by 4:30pm. All riders must sign-in with volunteers upon arrival. 12

13 Okanagan Experience September LOCATION Kelowna, BC CHECK-IN TIME 8:00am START TIME 9:00am ROUTE LENGTH(S) Saturday: 43km, 52km, 107km Sunday: 30km, 53km EARLY CHECK-IN Friday, September 8, :00pm - 8:00pm Indigenous World Winery 2218 Horizon Drive E Kelowna, BC FOR MORE INFORMATION Jillian Earl ext jillian.earl@mssociety.ca Follow the route in Kelowna where you ll find breathtaking landscapes over challenging hills. Here you ll discover first hand why the area is celebrated for its world-class wine and abundant fresh fruit with complimentary samples at rest stops. The ride has options for short and long routes on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a 100km Saturday route. Enjoy the breakfasts and lunches provided throughout the weekend, plus a celebration dinner on Saturday night recognizing the hard work and fundraising achievements of cyclists. 13

14 Itinerary Please bring the following items to Check-In: Completed donation tracking form (available for download online via your Participant Centre) Any cash or cheque donations Friday, September 8, :00 pm - 8:00 pm Early Check-in: Join us for a complimentary wine tasting at Indigenous World Winery with appetizers provided by the Red Fox Club, located at 2218 Horizon Dr., West Kelowna. Bring your completed donation tracking form and any cash or cheque donations you may have received. Saturday, September 9, :00 am - 9:15 am Participant check-in: Check-in at RONA on Springfield Rd. In Kelowna with your completed donation tracking form and any cash or cheque donations you may have received. Bike tuneups are available on site from Fresh Air, as well as Team Photos and a light breakfast. 9:30 am - 10:00 am Ready, set, go! The Okanagan Experience begins! 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Lunch is served at The Vibrant Vine. All participants must check-in with onsite volunteers. 2:00 pm Shuttle: Any riders who have not departed the Meadow Vista Honey Wines rest stop will be shuttled, along with their bike, to the next rest stop. 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Finish: Check-in at RONA, wine and product pick-up and overnight bike storage available. All participants must check-in with onsite volunteers. 4:00 pm Last rest stop closes. 5:30 pm Doors open for dinner at the Best Western Hotel, 2402 Hwy 97N in Kelowna. An RSVP is required in order to attend. 5:30 pm Dinner is served! Enjoy a meal with your fellow riders, followed by awards and entertainment. 14

15 IMPORTANT INFO ACCOMMODATIONS Discounted accommodations with Best Western Plus. To book, call toll-free and quote MS Bike Tour to receive a special rate of $150. OVERNIGHT BIKE STORAGE Overnight Bike storage is available at RONA, upon request. CYCLIST SUPPORT Bike mechanics and support vehicles will patrol the route to help all participants. If you need assistance, please call the central communications number on your map. In case of an emergency, please call 911. Sunday, September 10, :00 am 9:15 am Participant sign-in: Cyclists sign-in at RONA. Bike tune-ups are available on site from Fresh Air, as well as Team Photos and a light breakfast. 9:30 am 10:00 am Day 2 of the Okanagan Experience begins! 1:00 pm Shuttle: Any riders who have not departed the Mt. Boucherie Winery rest stop will be shuttled, along with their bike, to the next rest stop. 2:30 pm Celebration BBQ served at RONA. Wine and product pick-up opens. 3:00 pm Last rest stop closes 3:30 pm Finish at RONA, event closes. Don t forget to register for the 2018 MS Bike Okanagan Experience, launching Sunday, September

16 Fundraising Tips Register online at msbike.ca. Every cyclist must raise the $350 fundraising minimum to partiipate. The registration fee is non-refundable and does not apply towards the fundraising minimum requirement. Set up your Bike page. Story Photo Goal Make first donation Spread the word. Invite friends and family to your team. Share page via and social media. Raise money. Use your Participant Centre to fundraise Host a fundraising event (fancy dinner, karaoke, movie night). Show your gratitude. Send a thank you for each donation received. Follow-up after your Bike tour on how you and your team did! Thanks! Have fun! Ask your team to recruit other team members Create team identity (banners, T-shirts, hats) Fundraising Challenge RAISE $400 IN 4 DAYS! DAY 1 Register and make a donation. $20 x 14 = $280 $20 DAY 2 Use your participant centre to your friends and family to ask for their support. DAY 3 Ask 5 co-workers to pledge you $10 each. $10 x 5 = $50 DAY 4 Ask 5 people from your gym or social group for a pledge of $10 each. $10 x 5 = $50 16 GRAND TOTAL RAISED: $400

17 Fundraising Rewards MISSION FIRST CLUB members opt to receive a tax receipt in lieu of a gift card reward. When you generously donate your gift card reward back to the MS Society, you aid in reducing costs associated with purchasing participant rewards. This allows us to dedicate more money towards vital programs and services to those affected by MS and research. Mission First Club members receive a tax receipt for the value of the gift card. Rewards will be awarded on the basis of donations raised. To be eligible for a reward, your donated funds and reward request must be received by the MS Society within two weeks after event day. Gift card options to be announced. Bike rewards may not be exactly as shown. The MS Society reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Rewards are not cumulative, except for apparel items (MS Bike T-shirt, Club Jersey, Club Shorts, and Club Jacket). All apparel items are in unisex sizes. Rewards are based on individual totals and not team totals. We know you re not in it for the rewards, but when you fundraise for MS Bike, you become eligible to receive them! $350 - $999 MS Bike T-Shirt $3,500 - $4,999 $250 Gift Card $1,000 - $1,999 Club 1000 Jersey $5,000 - $7,499 Club 5000 Jacket & $250 Gift Card $12,500 - $14,999 Invitation to attend Tour of Champions or $900 Gift Card $20,000 - $29,999 Tour of Champions or $1,500 Gift Card $2,000 - $3,499 Club 2000 Shorts $7,500 - $9,999 $550 Gift Card $10,000 - $12,499 $750 Gift Card $15,000 - $19,999 Invitation to attend Tour of Champions or $1,000 Gift Card $30,000+ Tour of Champions or $2,500 Gift Card MS Bike participants who raise $12,500 or more will have the opportunity to join other top fundraisers from across Canada and participate in the Tour of Champions event hosted in the United States. 17

18 Participate as a team! Cycling with a team is the best way to It s always more fun with family, friends and co-workers by your side! 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. Show your spirit wear your team colours through your jerseys, add hats and banners to identify your team! Increase your corporate visibility it s a great way to gain exposure for your company as well as grow camaraderie amongst your colleagues. Stay motivated keep your motivation and fundraising on track. 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, your family or your co-workers. Tell them you are riding to raise funds to end MS. Spread the word. The more the merrier! Need team recruitment materials? Contact your local MS Bike Coordinator. 18

19 Ride Details FAQs What happens if it rains? We ride rain or shine. In the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions, we will delay the event until conditions improve. I registered as an individual, but now I want to join a team. No problem! Contact any of the MS Bike coordinators of the MS Bike tour you want to join, let them know the name of the team you d like to join and we ll get you all taken care of. Are walk-up registrations available? We will gladly accept walk-up registrations. However, MS Bike is a fundraising event and all riders must reach the $350 fundraising minimum to participate, so register early to give yourself time to fundraise. I registered, but can no longer participate; can I transfer my registration to next year s ride, another person, or another MS Bike? Yes, you can transfer your registration to next year s ride, another person or another MS Bike ride. What happens to donations I raised if I can no longer participate in the event? All donations are non-returnable. Your donations allow the MS Society of Canada to fund vital medical research and support local residents in the area living with MS, regardless of your participation in the event. Can I donate my fundraising reward back to the MS Society of Canada? Yes, you can donate your rewards back to the MS Society and receive a tax receipt equal to the value of your reward. By donating your reward, the MS Society can contribute more funds towards vital programs and services to those affected by MS and research. Do I have to wear a helmet? YES! For your own safety, helmets are required at all MS Bike events. This is a legal requirement in BC. You will not permitted to ride if you are not wearing a helmet. Helmets are not supplied on site. Can family and friends join me for the weekend? Family and friends are always welcome at start/ finish or rest stops, however not on the route! Please encourage your friends and family to meet you at the finish line, or to volunteer for the event. Are pets allowed? Pets are prohibited at the ride, however, service animals are welcome. What accommodations are available for the event weekend? Please refer to the specific MS Bike tours section near the beginning of this handbook for more information or contact your MS Bike coordinator. Where can I store my bike overnight Saturday? Bike storage and overnight security will be provided on site (please refer to the specific MS Bike tours section near the beginning of this handbook). However, we do recommend you lock up your bike in the bike storage for the added security. Where can I find route maps? You can download the route maps at msbike.ca (and choose your MS Bike tour location). They will also be available on site. 19

20 What to Bring Come wind, rain or sun going through our handy checklists will help you come to the Tour prepared for all of beautiful BC s weather conditions! Riding Gear Helmet Personal identification Tour bib Route map Basic bike repair kit Water bottle Cycling gloves Rain gear Seat/Handlebar bag Sunscreen for lips and skin Sunglasses Cell phone Personal Gear Toiletries Casual clothing and shoes for dinner and dancing. Camera Medications Pain reliever Extra clothing for Sunday Money for wine purchases and cash bar on Saturday night dinner Ride support The MS Bike is a fully supported cycling tour. The following services are provided to registered cyclists identified by wearing the MS Bike rider bibs. REST STOPS Rest stops are located along the route. Each rest stop is stocked with water, fruit and snacks. Stopping at the rest stops is optional. GUIDE CYCLISTS Guide Cyclists are available on certain tours to help along the route. They can contact a SAG (Support and Gear) Vehicle if needed. Guide Cyclists can be identified by their HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS. SAG VEHICLES SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles travel along the route between rest stops. They can help cyclists along the route with flats and basic first aid. If a cyclist is unable to complete the ride, for whatever reason, a SAG vehicle can transport the cyclist to the finish line. SAG vehicles include picking up purchases made by you on the route! To signal a SAG vehicle driver, follow these steps: Move safely off the road and well out of the path of other cyclists Dismount and stand near your bike Remove your helmet and wave it at the SAG vehicle In the event of an emergency, call 911 and then the central communications number found on the back of your participant bib or on the route map. FIRST AID Trained first aid volunteer patrol the route to help all participants. If you need assistance, please call the central communications number on your participant bib or on the route map. In case of an emergency, please call

21 Safety on route This is NOT a competitive race. Respect fellow cyclists and their level of cycling experience. Some participants are recreational cyclists. Wear your helmet correctly. This is MANDATORY and it s the LAW. The roads are open and therefore cyclists must always follow the Motor Vehicle Act. Obey all traffic signs and signals at all times. Keep your ears free of headphones or ear-buds while riding. Ride on the right side of the road, to the right of the white line when possible, to be respectful of traffic and to avoid a lineup of vehicles. Pass on the left. Announce yourself to other cyclists by saying ON YOUR LEFT. Please ride single file at all times as the road is narrow with a limited shoulder in many areas. When another cyclist is passing you on the left, do not turn around. Hold handlebars steady and keep your bike straight while maintaining your speed. Always yield to pedestrians. Only use your cell phone when stopped and pulled to the right out of bike and vehicle traffic. Watch out for road hazards such as patches of loose gravel on the road. Please respect the communities that we ride through. They support the MS Society and our mission to end MS, and therefore support you too. Some of our MS Bike tours feature stops at local wineries where riders of legal age may choose to sample wines. All cyclists are required to abide by the Motor Vehicle Act which limits the consumption of alcohol and concurrently operating a moving vehicle. The MS Society of Canada requests that all participants act responsibly during the tour. We accept no responsibility for a participant s personal consumption of alcohol. If you need a ride back to the event site, one can be provided for you by a SAG wagon. Training tips Preparation is important to a smooth ride on event day. While MS Bike is a recreational event, please consider these four steps to ensure you re geared up and ready to cycle to end MS. 1 Make sure your bike s a good fit You may need to have a tune-up, or have your seat or handlebars adjusted. Get this done early in your training to ensure your bike is as ready for the tour as you are. 2 Go ride! Either on your own or with a friend, start with short rides and forget about time or speed Take a week to work up to a 30km ride to gain and maintain basic cardiovascular fitness. If the weather s not good if you already have a bike, you may want to consider an at-home indoor 21 cycling trainer, or join a spin class or a gym. 3 Challenge yourself Once you ve mastered 30km rides, aim for a weekly ride of 50km to 60km. Try to maintain the same pace you established on moderate days, slowing down if necessary to complete the full route. 4 Join a cycling club Ask your local bike shop about local cycling clubs. Alternatively, you can speak with MS staff about joining an MS Bike team for inspiration.

22 msbike.ca Join us online msbike.ca Access your Participant Centre to track your fundraising progress Learn more about fundraising tips, rewards and tools Visit your location page for up-to-date event information flickr.com/mssociety_bcyukon Thank you to our sponsors NATIONAL SPONSORS OFFICIAL APPAREL PARTNER PROVINCIAL SPONSORS 22