msbike.ca
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 email address. If you registered online and would like to receive a hard copy of this handbook, please email the MS Bike Coordinator. Gimli Mariell Barratt: 204-988-0910 mariell.barratt@mssociety.ca About the MS Bike Tours Riding Mountain Amanda Novak: 204-571-5670 amanda.novak@mssociety.ca MS Bike is 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 Manitoba from the best seat in the house. Gimli - August 26 & 27, 2017 Riding Mountain - September 9 & 10, 2017 Whether you are biking to see the sights of Manitoba 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 Welcome...3 About multiple sclerosis...3 MS BIKE TOURS MANITOBA Gimli...4 Riding Mountain...8 FUNDRAISING Fundraising tips...12 Fundraising rewards...13 TEAM MS Participate as a team...14 RIDE DETAILS FAQ...15 Rider support...16 Safety on route & training tips...17 SPREAD THE WORD...18 2
Welcome to MS Bike 2017 Whether you re a returning participant who rode with us last year, or a rookie a little nervous of riding in 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, you are making a great impact on the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis. Last year in Manitoba, your dollars helped to: Deliver 170 support group sessions. Offer 62 wellness programs. Host 14 education sessions. Provide over $19,000 in grants to 64 people with MS to purchase needed medical equipment. Host a one day conference designed for young adults in their 20s and 30s living with MS. Contribute to an incredible investment of $10 million toward ground-breaking MS research and help launch the MS Knowledge Network that further expands our ability to provide information and help to people affected by MS. 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 MS Bike 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
Gimli Experience August 26 + 27 LOCATION Gimli Recreation Centre SATURDAY CHECK-IN TIME 8:00am SATURDAY START TIME 10:00am SUNDAY START TIME 9:00am ROUTE LENGTH(S) Saturday: 45km, 23km Challenge: 22km Saturday total: 68km Saturday total with challenge: 90km Sunday: 45km Total: 135km (all route lengths approximate) FOR MORE INFORMATION Mariell Barratt 204-988-0910 mariell.barratt@mssociety.ca This year, the route features a scenic ride along the lake, quiet roads, great rest stops and the best part? The stop at the Gimli Recreation Centre mid-ride! Get your bike checked, grab a bite, and if your saddle is sore, take a break at the TeamFight Tailgate! Starting at 10am on Saturday, we will depart Gimli Recreation Centre and head south on Highway 9, stopping in at the Gimli Recreation Centre for lunch before hopping back on our bikes and heading north on Highway 8. The homestretch from Camp Morton to the Gimli Recreation Centre is along Highway 222 and then Centennial Road for the finish line, tailgate and dinner! New this year: cyclists looking for an added challenge will be able to ride our Challenge Leg. This will allow cyclists to ride the northern portion of the route a second time, adding an additional 22km to the ride. Sunday morning starts at 9am and will feature the southern portion of our route a second time; landing back in Gimli for the final finish and lunch. 4
Route Maps for Gimli Saturday Sunday 5
Itinerary 8:00am - 9:45am Check-in: arrive at the Gimli Recreation Centre. Drop off your donation tracking forms, pick up your check-in package and event shirt, enjoy a coffee and light breakfast, take a team photo and get a complimentary safety check on your bike and bike tune-up. 9:45am 10:00am Rest Stop 1 Rest Stop 2 Rest Stop 3 Rest Stop & Lunch Rest Stop 4 Finish 12:00pm 5:00pm Please bring the following items to check-in: Completed donation tracking form (available for download online via your Participant Centre). 5:30pm Opening ceremony Start bike tour Sandy Hook, MB Dunnottar, MB Sandy Hook, MB Gimli Recreation Centre Camp Morton, MB Arrive at Gimli Recreation Centre, drop off your bike and enjoy the TeamFight Tailgate festivities. Sign up for a complimentary massage. Massages are from 12-5pm, Saturday only. Beer garden open Any cash or cheque donations. Saturday, August 26, 2017 Doors open at Gimli Recreation Centre 6:00pm Dinner Sunday, August 27, 2017 7:30am 9:00am Rest Stop 1 Rest Stop 2 Rest Stop 3 11am-2:00pm Enjoy a light breakfast and retrieve your bike. Bike tune-ups will be available on site. Start bike tour Sandy Hook, MB Dunnottar, MB Sandy Hook, MB Finish line lunch at Gimli Recreation Centre 6
IMPORTANT INFO GUEST PASS INFORMATION FOR GIMLI Passes are available for the full weekend or Saturday evening dinner only. Guest passes can be purchased online by visiting msbike.ca and going to the Manitoba page. A limited number of guest passes are available and should be reserved by August 11. Passes can be picked up at Participant Services at the Gimli Recreation Centre. Contact Samantha Bailley at samantha.bailley@mssociety.ca or 204.988.0912. GUEST PASS RATES Children age 8 and under...free Youth weekend age 8-14...$25 (includes all meals throughout the weekend) Youth Saturday dinner...$10 Adult weekend... $40 (includes all meals throughout the weekend) Adult Saturday dinner....$25 ACCOMMODATIONS Free overnight camping will be located on the grounds between the Gimli High School and the Sigurbjorg Stefansson Early School, which is located right next to the Gimli Recreation Centre. Hot showers are available at the Gimli Recreation Centre on both Saturday and Sunday of the tour. Portable toilets and hand wash stations will also be on site. Professional security has been contracted to ensure the safety of all campers. RVS AND CAMPERS A section of the Gimli Recreation Centre parking lot is available to anyone interested in bringing their RV or camper to stay in Gimli. As this area is only a temporary campground, water and power will not be available. OTHER OPTIONS Check out gimli.ca for a listing of available hotels, cabins and bed & breakfasts. OVERNIGHT BIKE STORAGE Bike storage and overnight security will be provided on site by Bike Valet next to the Gimli Recreation Centre. We recommend you leave your bike in the bike compound for security. Once you check your bike into the compound on Saturday you will not have access to it until Sunday morning. PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE CAMPER No campfires. No vehicles. No pets. No alcohol or illicit drugs. No amplified music. Respect your neighbours. Tent area quiet time is 11pm. Respect your environment. Leave only your footprints. BIKE MECHANICS Woodcock Cylceworks, Bikes & Beyond and Olympia Cycle 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. 7
Riding Mountain Experience September 9 + 10 LOCATION Parkland Recreation Complex SATURDAY CHECK-IN TIME 7:30am SATURDAY START TIME 9:00am SUNDAY START TIME 9:00am ROUTE LENGTH(S) Saturday: 75km Sunday: 75km Total: 150km (all route lengths approximate) Biking through beautiful Riding Mountain is an experience of breathtaking views. The ride begins Saturday in Dauphin at the Parkland Recreation Complex and ends in Clear Lake. Throughout your ride into the park you can stop at four rest stops along the route, have lunch in the park, enjoy a complimentary massage and an evening dinner. On Sunday, wake up to a light breakfast and head down the mountain back into Dauphin, celebrating your weekend with a finish line lunch. FOR MORE INFORMATION Amanda Novak 204-571-5670 amanda.novak@mssociety.ca 8
Route Map for Riding Mountain 9
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, September 9, 2017 7:30am - 8:45am Check-in: arrive at the Parkland Recreation Complex. Drop off your donation tracking forms, pick up your check-in package and event shirt, drop off your luggage, enjoy a coffee and light breakfast, take a team photo and get a complimentary safety check on your bike and bike tune-up. 8:45am 9:00am Rest Stop 1 Rest Stop 2 Rest Stop 3 Rest Stop 4 Finish 12:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm Opening ceremony Start bike tour Crawford Creek Hilton Grayling Lake Spruces Arrive in Riding Mountain National Park, drop off your bike, have lunch, pick up your luggage, and sign up for a complimentary massage. Massages are from 12-5pm. Beer garden open Tent open for dinner in the park Dinner Sunday, September 10, 2017 7:45am 9:00am Rest Stop 1 Rest Stop 2 Rest Stop 3 Rest Stop 4 11am-3:00pm Enjoy a light breakfast and retrieve your bike. Bike tune-ups will be available on site Start bike tour Spruces Grayling Lake Hilton Crawford Creek Finish line lunch at Parkland Recreation Centre. Massage open from 11am-3pm. 10
IMPORTANT INFO GUEST PASS INFORMATION FOR RIDING MOUNTAIN Passes are available for the full weekend or Saturday evening dinner only. Guest passes can be purchased online by visiting msbike.ca and going to the Manitoba page. A limited number of guest passes are available and should be reserved by September 1. Passes can be picked up at Participant Services in both Dauphin and Clear Lake. Contact Gail Campbell at gail.campbell@mssociety.ca or 204.571.5671. GUEST PASS RATES Children age 8 and under...free Youth weekend age 8-14...$25 (includes all meals throughout the weekend) Youth Saturday dinner...$10 Adult weekend...$40 (includes all meals throughout the weekend) Adult Saturday dinner....$25 ACCOMMODATIONS All cyclists are responsible for booking their own accommodations. We recommend you do so at your earliest convenience. DAUPHIN Super 8 Motel 1-800-800-8000 Canway Inn & Suites 1-888-325-3353 Dauphin Inn Express 204-638-4430 Prairie Mountain Inn 1-877-638-4233 CLEAR LAKE Aspen Ridge Resort 204-848-2511 Cabins at Clear Lake 1-888-848-2524 Clear Lake Lodge 204-848-2345 Manigaming Resort 204-848-2459 Mooswa Resort 204-848-2533 Idylwylde Cabins 204-848-2383 OVERNIGHT BIKE STORAGE There is a secure lock-up for bikes at the finish line in Clear Lake. There will be professional security on duty over night. The compound is not tented but bags will be available to cover seats and handlebars if requested. Please note: once the compound closes on Saturday, you will not have access to your bike until it re-opens Sunday morning. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this area. BIKE MECHANICS Our partner bike shops 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. Please ensure your bike is in good riding condition and tuned up before the event. 11
Fundraising Tips Register online at msbike.ca. Every cyclist must raise the $300 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 email 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 email 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 email 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 GRAND TOTAL RAISED: $400 12
Fundraising Rewards 2017 Prize Structure $300+ MS Bike T-Shirt $500+ Reflecting Screwdriver Key Light + MS Bike T-Shirt $1000+ Club 1000 Cycling Jersey + Invite to Night of Champions Screwdriver Key Light, T-shirt $2000+ Club 2000 Cycling Shorts Club 1000 Jersey, Invite to Night of Champions, Screwdriver Key Light, T-shirt $3000+ $100 gift card Club 2000 Shorts, Club 1000 Jersey, Invite to Night of Champions, Screwdriver Key Light, T-shirt $5000+ $250 gift card + Club 5000 Cycling Jacket Club 2000 Shorts, Club 1000 Jersey, Invite to Night of Champions, Screwdriver Key Light, T-shirt $10.000+ $500 gift card Club 5000 Jacket, Club 2000 Shorts, Club1000 Jersey, Invite to Night of Champions, Screwdriver Key Light, T-shirt $12500+ Tour of Champions OR $500 gift card Club 5000 Jacket, Club 2000 Shorts, Club1000 Jersey, Invite to Night of Champions, Screwdriver Key Light, T-shirt Club 1000 Jersey Club 2000 Shorts Club 5000 Cyling Jacket JOIN THE MISSION FIRST CLUB Choosing this option means you are requesting a tax receipt in lieu of a gift card. This means that more funds can be directed towards MS research and services. Gift Card Options Stream N Wood Sobeys (RM Only) Woodcock Sobeys Cycle Woodcock Works Cycle Bikes & Works Beyond Bikes & Beyond Olympia Cycle && Ski Ski (Portage Ave) A&L Get Active (RMC Only) *gift cards are not cumulative 13
Participate as a team! Everything is 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. Increase your corporate visibility corporate teams are a great way to gain exposure for your company as well as grow camaraderie amongst your colleagues. Your team can help keep your motivation and fundraising on track. Show your spirit wear your team colours through your jerseys, add hats and banners to identify your 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, 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. 14
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 or portions of the ride may be cancelled as necessary. I registered as an individual, but now I want to join a team. No problem! Contact an MS Bike coordinator and let them know the name of the team you d like to join. 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 $300 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 reward 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 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 Manitoba. You will not be 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, rest stops, and throughout the weekend, however not on the route! Please encourage your friends and family to meet you at the finish line, or to volunteer for the event. Tickets and guest passes are available for the full weekend or Saturday evening dinner only. See Guest Pass Information under Important Info for location specific details. 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 tour 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 tour section near the beginning of this handbook). We do recommend you lock-up your bike in the bike storage for the added security. 15
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 Manitoba 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 Camera Medications Pain reliever Extra clothing for Sunday Money for 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, and snacks. Stopping at the rest stops is optional. BIKE PATROL Bike Patrols are available on certain tours to help along the route. They can contact a SAG (Support and Gear) vehicle if needed. Bike Patrols can be identified by their reflective 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 or to the next rest stop. 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. FIRST AID Trained first aid volunteers patrol the route to help all participants. In case of an emergency, please call 911. 16
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. Please ride single file at all times as the road is narrow with a limited shoulder in many areas. For the safety of our cyclists, participants must be 10 years of age or older by the date of the tour to take part. Children between the ages of 10 and 17 MUST have a participating adult over the age of 18 responsible for them at all times while on the route. Cyclists must wait until the tour officially starts on both days before beginning to ride to ensure support and rest stops are up and running. Always yield to pedestrians. Keep your ears free of headphones or ear-buds while riding. Cyclists must dismount at all railroad crossings and walk their bike across the tracks to ensure their safety. 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. 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. 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. 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 to maintain basic cardiovascular fitness and work your way up to longer routes. 3 Get informed Ask your local bike shop about local cycling clubs. You can speak with MS staff about joining an MS Bike team for inspiration. 17
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. mssocietymanitoba @mssocietymb flickr.com/mssocietymb/ mssocietymb/ Thank you to our national sponsors NATIONAL SPONSORS OFFICIAL APPAREL PARTNER 18