bike Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 2008 Bike MS Cyclist s Event Guide
Congratulations! You and thousands of other cyclists have accepted the challenge to ride in the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride. The Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society and its clients are very proud of all the time and preparation that you have put forth to make this such a successful event. Your investment of time and money through fundraising campaigns, equipment, gear and physical training is immeasurable to those who are living with MS. Your efforts help bring inspiration and hope to fellow cyclists and volunteers alike who are working together to help move towards a world free of MS. With your participation, this year s ride is shaping up to be an exciting weekend full of rolling hills, beautiful scenery and lasting friendships. Back again in 2008, is the lower mileage Curascript Express Route on both days in addition to the traditional 75- and 100-mile routes. Please take time to look over the information in this guide that will benefit the new riders as well as the seasoned cyclists of the Mid-Missouri ride. Use this booklet as your key to help you get the best experience that the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride has to offer. Thank you again for your participation and enjoy the ride.
Table of Contents Why We Ride Living, Riding with MS Page 1 Bike MS Itinerary Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6 Page 2 Saturday, September 6 (continued) Page 3 Sunday, September 7 Page 4 Important Reminders Gates Open, Packet Pick-Up, Helmets, Wristbands, VIP Tent, Pets Page 5 Menus Friday/Saturday Page 6 Sunday Page 7 Site Maps Midway Expo Center Page 8 Bike MS Village Site Page 9 Guide to Your Home for Bike MS Parking Page 10 RV Camping, Camping, Team Tents, Massage Tent, Bike MS Village Tent Page 11 Bike MS Champions, Beer Garden, Main Stage, Bike Storage Page 12 Information Tent, Registration and Packet Pick-Up Area, Medical Tent, Refreshments and Welcome Back Tent Page 13 What Else You ll Need to Know Accommodations, Family and Friends, Team Photos, Page 14 Best Team Jersey, Best Rest Stop Page 15 On the Route Route Signage, Rest Stops Page 16 Century Route, CuraScript Express Route Page 17 SAGs Page 18 Medical, Bike Mechanics, Motorcycle Support Page 19 Thanks to Our Sponsors Page 20
Wh y We Ri d e Living, Riding With MS On the route of Bike MS a couple of years ago Sheila Miranda, a Bike MS veteran before she was diagnosed with MS in 2002, made a pact with a teammate to not get off their bikes to walk up the hills. It was her first year riding, there were a lot of hills and I wouldn t get off my bike, Miranda said. She got really mad at me because if I wouldn t get off she couldn t get off either. Miranda, who rode twice before being diagnosed and has participated three times since, hasn t let her MS keep her off her bike. Since my MS doesn t prohibit me from riding, I thought I should take advantage of my good health, Miranda said. It might be a good inspiration for riders who may see me as somebody to look up to. Those who can t ride are an inspiration to me because I know I m very fortunate. Miranda and her husband have been part of several teams and the event has grown in its meaning over the years. It brings people together whether or not they have a direct connection to MS, Miranda said. I was the same way and then all of a sudden I was diagnosed and then it took a different spin. The experience has also taught Miranda about how unselfish people can be. I love that the ride brings together a very positive spirit, she said. The cyclists feel great because they re doing something good and physically they re getting into shape. It s also very heartwarming for me to see all the volunteers who come out to help. As someone who lives and rides with MS, Miranda has also seen what she can do simply by asking. From being sort of a spokesperson or mascot of the team I ve learned you can inspire someone to do something that they never would have done before, she said. Staying positive and trying to keep others motivated is something that is very important. You can do whatever you want if you just try and try hard, just like getting over those hills. 1 Sheila Miranda and her husband Sidney with son Eric and daughter Carlie.
Bi k e MS It i n e r a r y Details specific to events and activities can be found throughout this guide. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Gearing Up for the Ride 4-9 p.m. No one will be allowed into Midway Expo Center before 4 p.m. Packet pick-up at the Registration/Information room in the Midway Exposition Hall. Again this year If you have not picked up your rider packet, they will be available in the Midway Exposition Hall - LOOK FOR SIGNAGE TO DIRECT YOU TO THE PROPER LOCATION WHEN YOU ARRIVE. Bike storage opens. Bike Maintenance - Bike Mechanics will be on hand to help you with questions, problems and minor bike adjustments. Pitch a tent - Campers and RV s can set up. Team celebration - Team tents open for pre-ride bonding and relaxation. Pre-event party - Listen to live music by popular Columbia and St. Louis bands and come explore the Bike MS Village. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Showers open from 4-10 p.m. 2 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Day 1 5:30 a.m. Gates open to the Midway Expo Center. 6 9 a.m. Packet pick up in the Midway Exposition Hall. Bike Maintenance Bike Mechanics will be on hand to help you with questions problems and minor bike adjustments. Team Photos at the top of the hill near Bike Storage. Refreshment Tents at the Start/Finish line and the Bike MS Village open. Breakfast will be catered by the Midway Expo Center 6-8:30 a.m. Top Team breakfast held near the start line 6-7 a.m. Showers open 6-9 a.m. 7 a.m. Staggered team start of the top four fundraising teams and the 2007 Bike MS Top Rookie Team. Monsanto Mavericks Team Rams Team Kaldi s Coffee Team Mich Ultra Ernst & Young Bi k e MS It i n e r a r y
Bi k e MS It i n e r a r y 7:30 a.m. OFFICIAL START OF BIKE MS: EXPRESS SCRIPTS GATEWAY GETAWAY RIDE Important note: Riders on all routes must start by 9 a.m. Cyclists starting after 9 a.m. will be taken by SAG to a rest stop on the route. Rest stops every 10-12 miles stocked with food and beverage, medical volunteers, bike shop maintenance and tons of volunteers. Route fully supported with SAG (Support and Gear) Vans, motorcycle escorts and communication support provided by Mid-Missouri and St. Louis area HAM radio clubs. Bi k e MS It i n e r a r y SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Day 1 Noon - 9 p.m. Bike MS Day 1 Finish line opens at the Midway Expo Center. Inside Bike MS Village you will find: 5-7 p.m. Showers open 2-8 p.m. Massage Tent Medical Tent Beer Garden hosted by Anheuser-Busch Team tents VIP tent Live entertainment (See page 12 for details) Raffles Registration for Bike MS 2009 Dinner will be catered by the Midway Expo Center. Noon - 4 p.m. CuraScript Express route lunch served in the food tent inside the Bike MS Village at the Midway Expo Center. There will be plenty to eat at the Expo Center and along the route at Bike MS. 3
6-8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be catered by the Midway Expo Center. Bike Maintenance Bike Mechanics will be on hand to help you with questions problems and minor bike adjustments. Refreshment Tents at the Start/Finish line and the Bike MS Village opens. Mechanics will be on site to give you a hand with your bike if you need it. 7 a.m. OFFICIAL DAY 2 START OF BIKE MS: EXPRESS SCRIPTS GATEWAY GETAWAY RIDE Important note: Riders on all routes must start by 9 a.m. Cyclists starting after 9 a.m. will be taken by SAG to a rest stop on the route. Rest stops every 10-12 miles stocked with food and beverage, medical volunteers, bike shop maintenance and tons of volunteers. Bi k e MS It i n e r a r y SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Day 2 7 a.m. Route fully supported with SAG (Support and Gear) Vans, motorcycle escorts and communication support provided by Mid-Missouri and St. Louis area HAM radio clubs. Noon - 6 p.m. Bike MS Day 2 Finish line opens at the Midway Expo Center. Finish line cheering and medals presented Go visit that special person you dedicated your ride to in the Bike MS Champions Tent located near the finish line Finish line dinner Massage Tent There s nothing like crossing that finish line after a long day in the saddle. Bi k e MS It i n e r a r y 4
Important Reminders Important Reminders The gates of the Midway Expo Center will open no earlier than 4 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2008. AGAIN THIS YEAR If you have not picked up your rider packet, they will be available in the Midway Exposition Hall - LOOK FOR SIGNAGE TO DIRECT YOU TO THE PROPER LOCATION WHEN YOU ARRIVE. There will not be shuttle service to or from the Columbia area hotels. You must find your own transportation to and from the Midway Expo Center. You cannot camp in the parking area next to your car. Due to the site layout, parking will be tight and traffic will be heavy, especially early in the morning. For your safety, you will only be allowed to camp in the designated areas. Bike MS will go on rain or shine. Be sure to pack accordingly. Helmets are required to participate in Bike MS. Any rider not wearing a helmet will be pulled from the route and their rider number will be revoked. The wristbands in your rider packet are required for food service. Volunteers will be checking to ensure that everyone is wearing one. If you would like to purchase additional wristbands for your family or friends, you may do so at the Information/Registration tent inside the Bike MS Village or at the registration area inside the Exposition Hall. For more information, see the Friends/Family section of page 14. For those members eligible for the VIP area, your wristbands will have a special marking for your entrance into the VIP tent. Staff at the Beer Garden, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, will be checking I.D. s. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, please be ready to show your I.D. to the Beer Garden Staff. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. 5
Me n u s *All meals are included in the registration fee for the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 unless otherwise noted. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Dinner Dinner and drinks can be purchased from 5-9 p.m. at the Midway Expo Center inside the Bike MS Village. Hamburger $3.00 Cheeseburger $3.50 Hot Dogs $3.00 Soda $1.50 Beer 16 oz draft $2.50 Budweiser, Bud Light SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 lunch Lunch sponsored by Lion s Choice Rest Stop #5 (75 mile and Century Route) Turkey Sandwiches Roast Beef Sandwiches Deli Sandwiches Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches Chips Cookies Water Sports drink Me n u s SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Breakfast, 6-8:30 a.m. Breakfast catered by Midway Expo Center inside the Bike MS Village from 6-8:30 a.m. Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Sausage Links Oatmeal Bagels with Peanut Butter and Jelly Mixed Fruits Orange Juice, Milk, Coffee, Water, Sports Drink Important Note - Lunch for the CuraScript Express Route will be held at the Midway Expo Center inside the Bike MS Village. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Dinner, 5-7 p.m. Catered by Midway Expo Center inside the Bike MS Village from 5-7 p.m. Penne Pasta (Meat and Vegetarian options available) Mixed Salad with Creamy Ranch or Vinaigrette Dressing Sliced Garlic Bread Chocolate Fudge Brownies Iced Tea Soda 6
Me n u s SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 BREAKFAST 6-9 a.m. Inside the Bike MS Village from 6-8:30 a.m. Biscuits and Gravy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Sausage Links Oatmeal Bagels with Peanut Butter and Jelly Mixed Fruits Orange Juice, Milk, Coffee Me n u s SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 lunch TBD Important Note - Lunch for the CuraScript Express Route will be held at the Midway Expo Center inside the Bike MS Village. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Dinner, noon to 6:30 p.m. TBD You ll be able to start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at the Bike MS Village. 7 After a long day in the saddle you ll get to replenish yourself with dinner each day.
Midway Expo Center Site Map Site Maps f West Interstate 70 East g Hwy 40/240 Start/Finish Line f To Event Parking & Tent Parking Registration/Packet Pick-Up Parking Truck Repair Truck Stop/ Convenience Store Midway Expo Center, Columbia, MO September 6 & 7, 2008 g Midway Exposition Hall Bike MS Champions Tent Daycare Center Budget Inn g Team Photos Bike MS Village See Pages 10-14 for details Outdoor Arena Additional Event Parking RV Hookups Registration/Packet Pick-Up Volunteer Check-in (Midway Expo Volunteers Only) Bike MS Champions Parking Lot g g Exit 121 g 8
Bike MS Village Site Map g g Interstate 70 Gate Parking VIP Parking Parking VIP Parking Parking Men Showers Women Site Maps Drop-Offf Road Camping Camping Shower Trailers Bike Shops Information Tent Medical Massage Bathrooms Bike Storage Team Tents Beer Team Stage Photos Food Dining Area VIP Tent Additonal showers and restrooms g Team Tents To Start/ Finish and Top Team Breakfast g 9
Gu i d e to Yo u r Ho m e Fo r Bi k e MS The Midway Expo Center will be home to the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008. The Expo Center is located off Interstate 70 at Exit 121, Missouri State Highway 40. Look for the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 signs off of Highway 40 and follow them up the hill to registration, parking and drop-off locations. 1. PARKING Ample parking will be available for cyclists, volunteers and guests. Please follow the directions of the parking attendants to the next available spot. VIP parking will be provided to those who have earned the distinction through their outstanding fundraising efforts in last year s ride. Platinum, Gold and Silver Spokes members have earned prime parking at the site. *Instructions for VIP parking will be included in your rider packet. VIP parking will be located in the main parking area outside the Bike MS Village. Please do not park in areas signed VIP parking unless instructed to do so. Accessible parking will also be available near the entrance to the Bike MS Village. Properly tagged vehicles will be directed into this area. Gu i d e to Yo u r Ho m e f o r Bi k e MS If you are being dropped off, follow the signs into the Midway Expo Center and tell the parking attendants that you are heading for the drop off area. Please pull to the side and unload promptly to avoid congestion of the roadway. **Please note that no cars will be allowed beyond the parking area. A hayride shuttle will be available to carry camping equipment to the camping area from 4-10 p.m. on Friday evening. 10
Gu i d e to Yo u r Ho m e f o r Bi k e MS Guide to Yo u r Ho m e Fo r Bi k e MS 2. RV CAMPING RV camping is permitted at Bike MS. RV s requiring electricity will be directed to park east of the festival area below the hill. Self-sufficient RV s will be allowed to park in the designated camping area. If you require electricity, the cost is $15 a day ($30 for the weekend) payable in cash to the Midway Expo Center upon arrival. No reservations are accepted prior to the weekend of Bike MS. 3. CAMPING The designated camping area will be available at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 5. Limited electrical spots will be available on site for a fee of $15/day payable in cash to the Midway Exposition Center upon arrival. ** Due to space constraints in the parking lot, there will not be room for camping next to cars. Camping will only be permitted in the designated area. IN ADDITION, CARS CANNOT DRIVE UP TO OR PARK IN THE CAMPING AREA. 4. TEAM TENTS (in the Bike MS Village) Team Tents will open on Friday, September 5 at 4 p.m. and will close on Sunday, September 7, at 7 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS. A NMSS Representative will be on hand for set-up on Friday and tear down on Sunday to verify that all rentals items are accounted for. 5. MASSAGE TENT Massage tents will be located outside the Bike MS Village. It will be staffed throughout the event to help you relax each day after cycling. Some Massage Therapists are not volunteers and will be charging a small fee for their services. Please be prepared to pay for the services rendered. 6. BIKE MS VILLAGE TENT Be sure to stop and take a look at the resources available in the Information Tent located at the entrance to the Bike MS Village. Inside you will find valuable information about MS and you can even register for the 2009 ride. 11
Guide to Yo u r Ho m e Fo r Bi k e MS 7. BIKE MS CHAMPIONS Stop by on Sunday after you cross the finish line to meet your Bike MS Champion who cheered you on during the ride. Food and refreshments will be provided to all Bike MS Champions. 8. BEER GARDEN (sponsored by Anheuser-Busch) Relax and enjoy cold refreshing beverages after a hard day of riding in Mid-Missouri. Anheuser-Busch products will be available. *Bring your ID; you will need it to be served in the Beer Garden. Once served at the Beer Garden you will be given a proof-of-age wristband for the rest of the weekend. Remember that you must be wearing your wristband or show ID in order to be served. 9. MAIN STAGE The main stage will be the site for live music. A schedule of events is as follows: Friday, September 5 Sunday, September 7 TBD 6-7 p.m. The Brothers 1:30 3:30 p.m. Maxx Roby 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, September 6 Maxx Roby 2:30-5 p.m. Expressions 5-7 p.m. Sidewinders 7:30-9:30 p.m. 10. BIKE STORAGE Bike racks will be provided for overnight bike storage. To retrieve your bike, the rider number pinned to your back must match your Bike tag number. Security will be provided overnight in the Bike Check Area. Overnight, secure bike storage will be available Friday and Saturday nights at the Midway Expo Center. Gu i d e to Yo u r Ho m e f o r Bi k e MS 12
Guide to Yo u r Ho m e Fo r Bi k e MS 11. INFORMATION TENT (Inside the Bike MS Village) Be sure to vote for Best Rest Stop There will also be people on hand to answer your questions about Bike MS and locate lost and found articles. You will also be able to purchase meal wristbands for friends and family for $10 per adult and $5 for children 10 and under. You can also register for the Bike MS 2009. Gu i d e to Yo u r Ho m e f o r Bi k e MS 12. REGISTRATION AND PACKET PICK UP AREA (inside the Midway Exposition Hall) If you have not picked up your rider packet, they will be available in the Midway Exposition Hall LOOK FOR SIGNAGE TO DIRECT YOU TO THE PROPER LOCATION WHEN YOU ARRIVE. There will also be people on hand to answer your questions about Bike MS. You will also be able to purchase meal wristbands for friends and family at a cost of $10 per adult and $5 for children 10 and under. You can also register for the Bike MS 2009. 13. MEDICAL TENT For any medical needs, see the qualified medical staff. They can offer treatment or advice about anything from headaches to relieving sore muscles. Please bring any medications you are taking or may need. 14. REFRESHMENTS AND WELCOME BACK TENT A refreshment stand containing water and sport drinks will be set up near the start/finish line and near the Bike MS Village for you to cool-off and refill each day of Bike MS. 13
Wh a t El s e Yo u l l Ne e d to Kn o w ACCOMMODATIONS As always, campers will have electricity (for a small fee) and shower trailers on site. However, those of you who prefer indoor accommodations can reserve a room at one of Columbia s hotels. Make your reservations NOW. Visit our Web site at www.gatewaymsbikeride.org and click on accommodations. Here you will find a listing of hotels that have blocked rooms especially for cyclists. Mention the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride to reserve your room at a discounted rate. Discounted rooms are on a first come, first serve basis. FAMILY AND FRIENDS Family and friends are welcome to join us at the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008. Invite them to bring their cheers and support for cyclists crossing the halfway mark and the finish line at the Midway Expo Center on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. Extra dinner wristbands will be available for purchase on Saturday and Sunday evening at the Registration/Information Area inside the Midway Exposition Hall and inside the Bike MS Information Tent. TEAM PHOTOS Don t miss your chance to preserve the memory of the 24th Annual Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride. Gather your teammates early for this first come, first serve photo opportunity. Team photos will be taken between the Bike Storage area and the top of the Be sure to get your team photo at the top of the hill to the start Saturday or Sunday beginning at 6 a.m. hill to the start line. Team photos will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. All team captains will receive a FREE team photo, and all team members will have the option of purchasing a photo after the ride. Wh a t El s e Yo u l l Ne e d to Kn o w 14
Wh a t El s e Yo u l l Ne e d to Kn o w BEST TEAM JERSEY All jerseys for the Best Team Jersey Contest must be turned in before the ride. The deadline is Saturday, September 6 at 9 a.m. You can turn it in to Kristen Kuhn at the National MS Society office prior to September 4, or at the Information/Registration Area on Friday or Saturday, September 5 & 6. You may also email your jersey artwork to kristen.kuhn@gatewaymssociety.org for inclusion in the contest prior to September 4. Please make sure that all jerseys are clearly marked with the team name and team captain s name on the inside. The Best Team Jersey winner will be announced at the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 Awards Party. Wh a t El s e Yo u l l Ne e d to Kn o w BEST REST STOP Remember all those wonderful volunteers out along the route that work so hard to set-up and stock all the rest stops. Visit the voting table inside the Information Tent and vote for your favorite stop of the day. Show them how much you appreciate their efforts and dedication. Additional volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you know someone who would like to volunteer for the weekend, contact Tiffany Heil at 314-446-4182 or tiffany.heil@gatewaymssociety.org before the ride or sign up at the volunteer table inside the Exposition Hall at the Midway Expo Center the weekend of the ride. Don t forget to stop in the Information Tent after your ride each day to vote for the Best Rest Stop. 15
On Th e Ro u t e ROUTE SIGNAGE Each route will be marked by volunteers prior to the ride with corresponding color signs. Please make note of the color signs to the route you wish to ride. A legend of route colors will also be available at the start/finish line. CuraScript Express Route = Green 75-Mile Route = Orange Century Route = Blue REST STOPS Rest stops will be located every 8 to 12 miles along the 75-mile route, the century route and the CuraScript Express route. Stopping at rest areas will allow you to refuel and refill with sports drink and ice cold water. Snacks or energy bars will also be stocked at each area. However, flavors and quantities may be limited. If you require specific energy products, you will have to provide them for yourself. Rest stop locations are held at local businesses and at private residences. Please be respectful of their property and their thoughtfulness of hosting a Bike MS rest stop. Rest stops will be stationed every 8-12 miles on the 75-mile, century and CuraScript Express routes. Please be respectful of the property of our rest stop hosts who help to make Bike MS possible. On t h e Ro u t e 16
On t h e Ro u t e On Th e Ro u t e CENTURY ROUTE Driven cyclists who want to challenge themselves can choose to ride the century route each day. A modified 100-mile course has been designed which varies slightly from the original route. If you plan on riding the century route, please sign in at the last century rest stop each day and pick up your century patch. Riders must be at the Century cut off on the regular route by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (22.8 miles) or by noon on Sunday (48.7 miles) in order to finish the century route by the official route closing time (6 p.m.) Cyclists after these times will be unsupported on the route (no SAG support or rest stops). Century, 75-mile and CuraScript Express (about 40 miles) routes will be available each day of Bike MS. Follow blue for century, orange for 75 and green for 40-mile route. CURASCRIPT EXPRESS ROUTE Back again in 2008 is the lower mileage CuraScript Express Route option (approximately 40 miles). This route will open at the same time as the other routes each day. On Saturday it will share a large portion of the route with the other cyclists. Riders will travel through the town of Harrisburg (at the 15-mile mark) that has a parade scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You will be held at the start of the parade until it is over if you have not passed that location on the route. On Sunday, the CuraScript Express Route will be a completely independent route that will travel north of the Midway Expo Center. Lunch will be served for the CuraScript Express route at the Midway Expo Center. Although this route is shorter, it will be no less a challenge. The roads of Mid-Missouri have rolling hills and proper training is required. Please contact the Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society for additional information. 17
On Th e Ro u t e SAGs Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles will be traveling each route to provide support for cyclists in between rest areas. If you are feeling tired and need a little extra help, flag down a SAG driver for a lift to the next stop. By flashing the thumbs up sign to oncoming SAG drivers they will know you are cycling without problems, and seeing the thumbs down sign will SAG vehicles will travel each route to provide support. alert them to stop and give you a ride. If you need the assistance of a SAG vehicle, pull to the shoulder of the road, remove your helmet and wave it at the next SAG vehicle that passes by. SAG vehicles will be traveling in the opposite direction of the cyclists. Cyclists transported to the next rest stop will need to ride in the SAG vehicle until it returns back to the next rest stop or may be combined with other cyclists who would like to return to the Midway Expo Center. Due to the record number of cyclists, SAG drivers will not be able to transport gear, bags, medication or any other cyclist s items. We are not responsible for any items left in SAG vehicles. *IMPORTANT* Personal/Team SAG s will not be permitted to set up at rest stop locations. Due to the remote countryside location of Bike MS, many of our rest areas have to be located in Mid-Missouri residents front yards. As a result, the National MS Society, Gateway Area Chapter has signed a liability agreement with these residents to comply with national risk management guidelines. Only NMSS staff and volunteers are included under this policy. In addition, we have spoken with homeowners and have defined their expectations of what will take place in their front yard. Personal/Team SAG s are not involved in this process and have no way of honoring our agreements. We must remember that we are guests at their homes and it is thanks to their hospitality that this event can happen year after year. Personal/Team SAG s will not be allowed to pull into, park, or distribute any materials (including lunch) at an official Bike MS Rest Stop location. On t h e Ro u t e 18
On Th e Ro u t e MEDICAL Certified medical personnel will be located at the start/finish line, at each rest stop, and will also be traveling the route. Your health is important to us, so please ask if you need any assistance. If you need certain medications, please be sure to bring it with you to the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008. BIKE MECHANICS Bicycle mechanics from Maplewood Bicycle, Cyclextreme, Walt s Bicycle, Fitness and Wilderness Co., Big Shark Bicycle Co. and Ghisallo Sports will be at each rest stop to fix any problems that may occur. Bicycle mechanics will also be on hand Friday evening at the Midway Expo Center and will have supplies available for purchase and mechanics on hand to help. However, the mechanics are limited in the technology they can use in the field. Before you gear-up for Bike MS be sure to visit one of our participating bike shops for a tune-up. Thank you to these bike shops for providing the labor for the weekend of the Bike MS: Express Scripts MS Bike Ride. Thank You To Our Top Shops for their support during Bike MS. Please carry a credit card or cash with you to pay for parts that you may need along the route. On t h e Ro u t e MOTORCYCLE SUPPORT These volunteers will patrol the bike route providing assistance to cyclists in need of support. They will have a limited supply of water, first aid kits and a tire pump. They will look for signs of dehydration and summon help through the use of CB s, HAM radios or cell phones in case of emergencies along the route. They also help identify hazards along the route. Additionally, they can inform cyclists how far the next rest stop is, any traffic problems and provide overall moral support. 19
Thanks To Our Generous Sponsors The Gateway Area Chapter is grateful for the continued support and generosity of our Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 sponsors. Sponsorship provides funding for the programs, research and services for more than 5,700 individuals and their families living with MS in our area. Together we can move towards a world free of MS. Emerson JW Terrill Ernst & Young MHW Milers Sigma-Aldrich Monsanto Spencer Stuart BMC Software Enterprise RAC JM Family 20 Practice Link Smurfit Stone Container Corporation Washington University Orthopedics Thanks to Our Sponsors
Thank you to our Committee Members for their help in making the Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 a success: Steering Committee Mark Abels Bob Cannon Steve Heinrich Mike McGrath Jamie Mealey Scott Naeger Recruitment Committee Gail Cameron Tony Dichiro Anne Heine Randy Hughes Debbie Morris Robert Ross Craig Snethen Logistics Committee Ron Blechle Bill Carroll Rebecca Carroll Gary Deabler Rich Edsell Al Guise Cindy Johnson Anita Klopfenstein Jamie Mealey Don Moore Scott Naeger Ken Olson Leslie Pilson Len Schulte Bob Valentine Laura Veremakis The Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2008 is brought to you by the Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society. 1867 Lackland Hill Parkway St. Louis, MO 63146 314-781-9020 or 1-800-344-4867 info@gatewaymssociety.org www.gatewaymssociety.org