WEEKEND GUIDE BIKE MS: RIDE THE RIVERSIDE J U N E 9-1 0, 2 0 1 2 NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (202) 296-5363,option 2 MSandYOU.ORG/bike What s Inside Participation Requirements 2 Welcome to Bike MS 3-5 Site Map, Directions & Parking Info 6-7 Rules of the Road 8-9 Support You Can Count On 10-11 2011 Top Fundraisers 12 Prizes & Clubs 13 Fundraising 14 Bike Shops 15 Thank you Volunteers 16 Thank you Sponsors & About MS and the MS Society 17
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS WAIVER, DONATION TURN-IN & RIDER BIB DETAILS There are three pieces of business you must complete prior to riding in Bike MS: your minimum $300 in donations, your waiver, and rider bib information. 1. YOUR MINIMUM $300 All cyclists must turn in at least $300 in donations prior to riding. This can be submitted in advance or at packet pick-up. You will not receive a rider number until we receive your minimum requirement. 2. WAIVER All cyclists must sign a waiver prior to riding. You can download a waiver online at www.msandyou.org/bike and bring it with you when you pick up your packet. You can pick up a friend s packet if they have provided you with a completed waiver, available online, and fulfilled the fundraising minimum. 3. RIDER BIB In addition to the waiver, there is an emergency contact form on the back of your rider bib. It is crucial that you fill this out before the ride. While we hope it never needs to be used, it provides immediate information to emergency personnel should they need it. Minor Policy The National MS Society has a policy that no one under the age of 12 will be permitted to ride in Bike MS. Participants ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (at least 21 years old) at all times (including in SAG vehicles). Both the child and the parent/guardian are required to fulfill the $300 fundraising minimum in order to partipate. Parents/guardians of children ages 12 to 17 must sign and have notarized a special waiver for minors. Download the waiver for minors at www.msandyou.org/bike or call us at (202) 296-5363, option 2. 2 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
Welcome to Bike MS! FRIDAY, JUNE 8 Weekend Schedule & Information Friday, June 8 - Sunday, June 10 National Harbor, MD 4:30-8:30 pm Packet Pick Up Aloft Conference Room 156 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745 8:00 pm Movie: Sum of All Fears (Marina) SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Once you arrive Pick up your packet: if you haven t attended an early packet pick up, sign & turn in your waiver Attach your frame number to your bike; your helmet number to the front of your helmet Fill out the emergency information on the back of your bib number and then pin on your bib number. All participating cyclists are required to wear a bib number Put your wristband on so you can eat, drink, and be merry all weekend long! If you removed your front wheel from your bike to fit it in your car, please double check to be sure it is attached correctly there will be mechanics if you need assistance near the start line Make sure your water bottle is filled Be sure to enter the Bike MS Help Line: 202-375-5622 into your phone START LINE SCHEDULE (please see site map for locations) 5:30 am Parking Open (American Way and St. George. Drop off/kiss and ride enter on American Way, exit on St.George) 6:00 am - 8:00 am Packet Pick up opens Food and hydration station opens 3 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
Team Photos Bike mechanics available 7:00 am - 7:15 am Start for 100 mile route 7:30 am - 7:45 am Start for 60 mile route 8:00 am - 8:15 am Start for 30 mile route *No cyclist will be allowed to enter the route outside of their start times. FINISH LINE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE (please see site map for locations) 9:00 am 11:00 am Team Row set up 10:00 am 8:00 pm Bike MS 2013 Registration open 10:30 am 12:30 pm 30 mile cyclists finish Musical entertainment 11:00 am 3:30 pm Corner Bakery Cafe Lunch on the route for 60 & 100 mile riders and at National Harbor for 30 mile riders 12:00 pm 2:00 pm Musical entertainment featuring Jeff From Accounting 12:00 pm 6:00 pm Massages available - $32/20 min., $1.50/min. 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 60 mile cyclists finish 1:00 pm 6:00 pm VIP Tent 2:00 pm 7:30 pm Beer Garden (ID required) 3:00 pm 6:00 pm 100 mile cyclist finish 3:00 pm 5:00 pm Musical entertainment 4:30 pm 7:00 pm Dinner compliments of Waterford Receptions 5:00 pm All cyclists must be through the final rest stop 5:00 pm Awards Ceremony Top Fundraisers, Top 50 Club, BIG Capital Cup & more! 6:00 pm Route Closed 8:00 pm Fireworks (Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center) *All bands and performance times subject to change. ALSO AT FINISH LINE: You ll receive your official medal! You also get your official Bike MS t-shirt. If you ve raised $1,000 by the day of the event, you ll receive your jersey at the VIP tent. There will a lot of FUN at the Finish Line so be sure to join us there when you are done! Bike Corral: You must park your bike upon finishing. The corral is an indoor, secure location. Keep your bib to retrieve your bike. 4 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
SUNDAY, JUNE 10 START LINE SCHEDULE (please see site maps for locations) 6:00 am Parking Open (American Way and St.George) 7:00 8:00 am Packet Pick-up for Sunday-only cyclists Breakfast available Team Photos Bike Mechanics available Food and hydration station open 8:00 8:15 am Start FINISH LINE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE (please see site maps for locations) 9:00 am 10:00 am Team Row set up 10:30 am 1:00 pm Lunch 11:30 am All cyclists must be through the final rest stop 12:30 pm Route Closes 2:00 pm Finish Line Festival concludes 5 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
NATIONAL HARBOR SITE MAP 6 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
DIRECTIONS & PARKING INFORMATION For directions to Bike MS Ride the Riverside at National Harbor please use the following. For a map of the metro area indicating National Harbor location, please see the link below. http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/directions.htm From Washington, DC Take I-295 South for approximately 5.5 miles Take National Harbor Exit 1B Follow signs for National Harbor Blvd Turn Right at the 4th stoplight onto American Way Turn Right into Participant Parking From Maryland Merge onto I-495/I-95 Capital Beltway Inner Loop (toward Virginia) The lanes will divide after you pass Exit 4. Make sure to stay in the right lanes in order to follow the LOCAL LANES Take National Harbor Exit 2A Follow signs for National Harbor Blvd Turn Right at the 4th stoplight onto American Way Turn Right into Participant Parking From Virginia Merge onto I-495/I-95 Capital Beltway Outer Loop (toward Baltimore) As you are approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, stay in the right lanes in order to follow the LOCAL LANES Cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Take National Harbor Exit 2A Follow signs for National Harbor Blvd Turn Right at the 4th stoplight onto American Way Turn Right into Participant Parking From Reagan National Airport Follow Signs to George Washington Parkway South (to Alexandria) Take GW Parkway South toward Alexandria Veer Right at the sign to Slaters Lane. Take a right at the traffic light onto Slaters Lane Follow signs to US Route 1 south and merge onto US Route 1 South (N. Henry Street). Proceed on Henry Street through Old Town Alexandria Follow signs to I-95 N (Baltimore/Maryland) Veer Right at signs toward I-95 Veer Left toward I-95 (Baltimore/Maryland signs) and merge onto I-95 N/I495 E Capital Beltway Outer Loop Stay Left to follow the LOCAL LANES toward Baltimore Cross Woodrow Wilson Bridge Take National Harbor Exit 2A Follow signs for National Harbor Blvd Turn Right at the 4th stoplight onto American Way Turn Right into Participant Parking From Washington Dulles International Airport Follow Airport Exit signs Take VA-267 East and follow signs to I-495 South toward Richmond Take I-495 South Capital Beltway Outer Loop (toward Richmond) Continue on Capital Beltway, but merge with I-495 E/I-95 N toward Baltimore As you are approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge stay in the right lanes in order to follow LOCAL LANES Cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Take National Harbor Exit 2A Follow signs for National Harbor Blvd Turn Right at the 4th stoplight onto American Way Turn Right into Participant Parking 7 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
ules of the oad Help us make Bike MS a safe and good experience for everyone. Police and highway patrol will issue tickets to riders who disobey traffic laws. Riders who disobey these regulations risk being ejected from Bike MS. Do: Ride single file in a straight line Wear a helmet (mandatory) Ride in the right-hand lane Use hand signals for all turns Watch out for gravel and potholes Cross railroad tracks at right angles Pass only on the left and call out on your left or ring your bell Stop at all stop signs and red lights, obeying all traffic laws Please NOTE: MANDATORY SAFETY REGULATIONS Don t: Wear headphones Draft behind cars Ride side by side Talk on a cell phone while riding Weave across the road Run stop signs, yellow, or red lights Be mindful, just because there is a police presence DOES NOT mean the road is closed to traffic. You must still obey ALL RULES OF THE ROAD. Call the Bike MS Help Line if you see or encounter any issues. Bicycle passenger carrier/trailers (Burleys) or seats for children and infants are NOT allowed Age restrictions: Children under the age of 12 may not ride. An adult rider MUST accompany riders 12 17 years of age at all times. Youth Riders (12-17 yrs) MUST turn in the youth waiver form signed by a parent/guardian and notarized. 8 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
Left turn: left arm straight out VERBAL & HAND SIGNALS Right turn: Left arm straight out and bent up OR right arm straight out On your left : rider approaching on your left side, allow room to pass Car back : car is approaching from your rear Gravel pothole sand track : each alerts the rider to hazardous road conditions Flat : indicates a rider has a flat tire Slowing : the cyclist in front of you is slowing down; many use the palm of their hand toward the riders behind them to indicate this as well Stopping : indicates rider ahead is stopping; do not forget to unclip from your pedals as your prepare to come to a complete stop COURTESY IS KEY AT BIKE MS Bike MS: Ride the Riverside s reputation rides with you and every other participant. You can help retain our positive image by showing courtesy to the residents of the communities we pass through and your community of fellow cyclists. That means following the basic cycling safety rues, as well as being considerate to cars, neighbors, and other cyclists on the route. IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER ON THE ROUTE Bike MS rides rain or shine but we want you to be knowledgeable on what to do in case of severe weather. We consider severe weather to be thunder and lightening, high winds, and heavy rain. Our team will be monitoring the weather leading up to the event and through the entire ride. What you should do if you are on the route: If you are at a rest stop STAY THERE and wait for communication from the Rest Stop Volunteers who will be in contact with our staff. If you are on the route, please go to the nearest shelter you can locate or pull off to the side of the road call the Bike MS Help Line and give your location. If we have to close the route all riders will be picked up and brought back to National Harbor. We hope to avoid this, but need to look out for our participant s safety first. Please follow the instructions of staff and volunteers on the route at all times. Don t forget about the heat it can get pretty darn warm out there! Be sure to stay hydrated there will be water and Gatorade at all rest stops. If you are not feeling well please notify a volunteer immediately so we can be sure you receive the proper medical attention. 9 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
UPPORT YOU CAN COUNT ON While you ride, you should only be concerned about two things: having fun and riding safely! We take care of all the rest. Here are just a few of the volunteer groups you can count on during your weekend adventure. Route Markers Pick up your cue sheet at the start of each day it will indicate what color arrow to follow to stay on your route of choice. Turns will be heavily marked to ensure you don t miss them, but along straightaways, markers will be more spread out. Police You will see police at different areas along the route. Be mindful, just because they have a presence does not mean the road is closed to traffic. You must still obey the rules of the road. They are there to support and guide both cyclists and vehicles. SAG Wagons (Support and Gear Vehicles) Can t go any further? Or just need some help to get to the next rest stop for a break? Pull off to a safe area along the road and call the help line number on your wristband for a SAG to be dispatched to you OR you can flag one down on the road by giving the thumbs-down signal. You and your bike will be transported. NOTE: The trip to the finish line is rarely direct. Please be patient as we pick up other cyclists. SAGs will have water, snacks, and basic first aid should you require it at any point along the route. Bike Mechanics Will be stationed at rest stops and roving along the routes during the course of the weekend. They will also be at National Harbor prior to each day s Start and during the evening. Medical Support Medical Support is on the route in the event that a cyclist may be injured. Medical personnel can be found at most rest stops and all weekend at National Harbor. Use the phone number on your wristband if you spot an incident or need medical support. If it is an emergency you call 911 first! 10 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
HAM Radio Operators Found at most rest stops and along the route, these volunteers are crucial to communicating cyclist location, route issues, etc. You may never see them but if you do say Thank You! 11 202-296-5363, option 2 Ride Marshals This team of experienced cyclists aims to help you reach the finish line safely. All are trained in the rules of the road, Bike MS, and VA bike laws. They will correct any issues they come across on the route and will alert NMSS Staff as necessary of any flagrant violations. PLEASE contribute to your safety and those around you by adhering to the rules of the road. www.msandyou.org/bike
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PRIZES & CLUBS The more funds you raise, the more rewards you can receive! You can also continue your support and join the Mission First Club. $500 National MS Society cycling socks $750 Official 2012 Bike MS jersey for Bike MS: Ride the Riverside $1,000 $25 bike store gift certificate, 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey $1,500 $50 bike store gift certificate, 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey $2,000 $100 bike store gift certificate, 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey $3,000 $150 bike store gift certificate, 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey Information about joining the Mission First Club Make a BIGGER difference and join our MISSION FIRST CLUB by donating your prize back to the National MS Society. By donating your prize, you help us reduce our expenses AND provide more funding to local programs, advocacy, and research. ALL Mission First Club members will be thanked on our website and in an enewsletter after Bike MS 2011. Top Fundraisers: you keep your jersey and 2012 top fundraising status when donating prizes back! $5,000 $100 bike store gift certificate, 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, membership to the National Passport Club, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey $10,000 You choose either: $400 bike store gift certificate OR an invitation for one to join us at the National Leadership Conference; 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, membership to the National Passport Club, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey $15,000 You choose either: $600 bike store gift certificate OR an invitation for two to join us at the National Leadership Conference; 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, membership to the National Passport Club, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey $25,000 You choose either: $1,000 bike store gift certificate OR an invitation for two to join us at the National Leadership Conference and a $250 bike store gift certifcate; 2012 TOP FUNDRAISER status, free registration for Bike MS 2013, cycling socks, membership to the National Passport Club, AND the 2012 Bike MS jersey Fundraising Prizes and Mission First Club Prize Deadline: Friday, July 20, 2012 13 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
BIKE MS TOP 50 CLUB The Top 50 Club represents the best of the best! In 2011, the top 50 fundraisers together raised $236,556.74! The top 50 fundraisers of 2011 are honored as members of the club through the 2012 ride, and receive all Top Fundraiser benefits plus: Personalized Bike MS trading cards VIP Parking at the start/finish line at National Harbor, MD Two Saturday evening dinner passes for friends or family Commemorative Top 50 Club item to be given out during Bike MS 2012 Prominently displayed recognition online and at Bike MS To learn more the Top 50 Club, and to brainstorm fundraising ideas to help you become a member of this elite club, contact our Bike MS Staff at BikeMS@MSandYOU.org TOP FUNDRAISER CLUB All Bike MS: Ride the Riverside 2012 registrants are eligible to join our Top Fundraiser Club by raising $1,000 or more to help move us closer to a cure for MS! Become a Top Fundraiser in 2012, and you ll receive: Great prizes, including the official Bike MS 2012 jersey, Bike MS socks, bike store gift certificate and the opportunity to earn additional prizes $1,000 milestone badge, which will appear on your personal fundraising page Top Fundraiser sticker for your 2012 Bike MS bib number FUNDRAISING TOP 50 CLUB & TOP FUNDRAISER CLUB FREE REGISTRATION FOR BIKE MS: RIDE THE RIVERSIDE in 2013 Personalized 2013 Bike MS bib with your bib number representing your 2012 fundraising rank Long sleeve Bike MS t-shirt at the 2013 ride with your name and rank listed on the back Recognition as a Bike MS top fundraiser online and at the ride Invitations to VIP Bike MS events and to special National MS Society Chapter events throughout the year In 2011, Bike MS honored 137 top fundraisers, who together raised $346,794.75! Online fundraising tools Log into My Participant Center at MSandYOU.org/bike to take advantage of: Your Own Personal Fundraising Page: Customize your page. It was automatically set up for you when you registered E-mails: Send recruitment, fundraising, thank you and follow-up e-mails to everyone in your address book My Progress : See sponsors who have made pledges to you Follow-Up Reports: Track all electronic correspondence Other Tools: Send solicitation reminders and track thank you notes Don t forget about Matching Gifts! Ask your employer about its matching gifts program. Visit www. MSandYOU.org/bike for more information. Become eligible for the Bike MS National Passport Program when you raise $5,000 or more, and you can take part in as many Bike MS rides as you like for one year. Visit the prize page of www.msandyou.org/bike for more information. 14 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
Partnering Bike Shops We are excited to have the support of the fantastic shops below. Not only will they be out the weekend of the ride to support you, they also offer training rides, cycling clinics, and all the advice you could ever need. They will be promoting Bike MS in their shops as well so be sure to identify yourself as a participant when you go in for supplies or activities. Take advantage of what these shops have to offer. They will make sure you and your bike are prepared for the challenge that awaits you on June 9-10! For complete information on dates for training rides and clinics, visit www.msandyou. org/bike. PLATINUM LEVEL PARTNERS Trail s End Cycling trailsendcycling.com A-1 Cycling a1cycling.com The Bike Lane thebikelane.com Spokes, Etc. spokesetc.com GOLD LEVEL PARTNERS Big Wheel Bikes bigwheelbikes.com District Hardware The Bike Shop thebikeshopdc.com 15 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
BIKE MS: RIDE THE RIVERSIDE WOULD NOT BE A SUCCESS WITHOUT THE DEDICATION, HARD WORK, AND SUPPORT OF VOLUNTEERS. Thank you for making your mark by volunteering at Bike MS! By joining together with friends, family members, and coworkers, our volunteers share the Bike MS experience and make an even bolder mark against multiple sclerosis. Get involved throught out the year. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers to visit www.msandyou.org or call (202) 296-5363, option 2 to learn more. 16 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike
MS STOPS PEOPLE FROM MOVING. WE EXIST TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN T. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS SPECIAL THANKS TO: Andrew McCasker, Lisa Samuels, Jim Hudnall & the Oxon Hill Bike Club, Prince George s County Office of Homeland Security, Prince George s County Department of Public Works, Prince George s County Police Department, MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission, General Smallwood State Park, Purse State Park, Ft. Foote Baptist Church, Councilmember Obie Patterson, Charles County Department of Emergency Services, Sartik s Catering, King James Baptist Church, and many others who made this event possible. ABOUT MS Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. ABOUT THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn t. We do this through our home office and 50-state network of chapters by funding more MS research and providing more services than any other volunteer-driven health organization. Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. National MS Society medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the Society today at www.msandyou.org or 202-296-5363 to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. 17 202-296-5363, option 2 www.msandyou.org/bike