Bike MS Triple Threat Volunteer Handbook
Volunteering: What You Need to Know Enthusiastic, committed volunteers are key components of the annual Bike MS ride. This year, the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter needs volunteers to assist with the 3 rides our chapter is offering: Mooresville, Tour de Beach and Bike to the Battlefield. Volunteering is a great way to help the thousands of people living with MS. You ll meet new people, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, learn new skills and enjoy all that Bike MS has to offer... All volunteers will get a t-shirt, snacks and all the Gatorade you can drink!! What should I bring? Signed and completed volunteer application Water bottle (the weather can be warm during these fall months) Sunglasses and sunscreen Insect repellant Extra clothes (it is best to dress in layers) A smiling face!! How should I dress? Please dress comfortably and weather appropriate. You will be given a volunteer t-shirt to wear shorts, jeans, and tennis shoes are fine to wear. When should I arrive? We will be sending you detailed volunteer instructions 2 weeks prior to the ride you will be volunteering including time of your shift, where to report, etc. Please just let us know which areas you would like to volunteer to help with so we can begin to make assignments.
When are the Bike MS rides: Mooresville (Mooresville, AL): August 14, 2010 Tour de Beach (Orange Beach, AL): Septermber 18-19, 2010 Bike to the Battlefield (Clinton to Vicksburg, MS): October 9-10, 2010 Where can I get the schedule of events for the weekend: The schedule for all three rides is located in the Participant Manual available on the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter Bike MS website which can be found through bikems.org. What if it rains? The Bike MS ride takes place rain or shine; we do have a contingency plan we will enact should bad weather happen during the ride. Are there special emergency numbers for the event? Yes, we will provide all participants and volunteers with a list of important numbers for the weekend. We strongly recommend that you bring your cell phone to have for additional safety measures. Will there be informational and/or route marking signs? Directional signs are placed at every turn along the route. Will there be support and gear assistance (SAG)? Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles will patrol all three routes until the last rider is in. Their primary function is to assist riders. Will there be medical support? Medical personnel will be available throughout the ride including the overnight stay and finish line. In the case of minor roadside situations, SAG drivers and ambulances will be on the course to transport riders to the next rest stop for assistance. If a volunteer is not feeling well, please notify the HAM radio operators who will be patrolling the route and stationed at each rest stop. They will be able to call for medical support..
What is the route? Mooresville: Ride 45, 75 or 100 miles on the flat, scenic backroads of Mooresville, AL Tour de Beach: Ride 45, 75 or 100 miles along the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast Bike to the Battlefield: Ride 35, 75 or 100 miles on the rolling hills between Clinton and Vicksburg, MS Are there rest stops along the ride? Yes, there are rest stops every 8 to 12 miles. Please refer to the route map for the rest stop locations per route. Every rest stop is supported with beverages and energizing snacks, some of our volunteers go all out with themed rest stops to keep the riders entertained. Will parking be available? Parking will be available for all Bike MS ride participants, staff and volunteers. Directional signage will be posted at each location. What if someone wants to meet me along the ride? For everyone s safety, we need to eliminate as much vehicular traffic as possible. Please meet riders at the start or finish lines. How does my luggage get from the start to the overnight? If your volunteer duties extend through the weekend and you will be spending the night (particularly in Vicksburg), the ride will transport your luggage. You will receive two numbered luggage tags. Attach these tags to your bags in order to claim them at Luggage Pick Up/Drop Off on Satruday and Sunday. Also, attach a nametag to your items. Riders and volunteers are responsible for claiming their luggage at the overnight and finish line. Please contact us if you have any special luggage needs. Will food and beverages be provided? The ride provides food, beverages and lunch along the route both days of each ride. Water, energy drinks, and light snacks are available at every rest stop. Dinner and breakfast are also provided at the overnight. Family, friends and team support are welcome to join us at the start/finish area, rest stops, lunch stops and the overnight. For families and friends who are not volunteering who wish to have dinner and/or breakfast, please let MS Society Staff know prior to the ride and you will be able to purchase these meals. I m a vegetarian. Will there be food choices available to me? Yes, we will have vegetarian options available at lunch, dinner and breakfast of each ride.
What hotels are available at each location? Mooresville, Al: *Please mention National MS Society Bike MS The Holiday Inn (HSV WEST) 9035 Madison Blvd Madison, AL 35758 256-772-7170 Tour de Beach, Orange Beach, AL: *Please mention National MS Society Bike MS Find our event and suggested accomodations on the Gulf Coast Sports Commission website: http://www.alabamagulfcoastsports.com/events/ Choose from many different options, all with special group rates. Bike to the Battlefield, Clinton to Vicksburg, MS: *Please mention National MS Society Bike MS Battlefield Inn-official overnight location 1-800-359-9363 601-638-5811 Transportation to Battlefield Inn available from Courtyard, Quality Inn and Hampton Inn. Quality Inn-601-636-0804 Hampton Inn-601-638-6100 Courtyard Mariott Vicksburg-601-636-8788 Clinton, MS Comfort Inn & Suites-601-925-8250 Holiday Inn Express-601-708-0400
Bike MS Volunteer Needs: *Thursday (Vicksburg)-transport supplies from Jackson to Vicksburg *Friday afternoon set-up & unloading supplies *Saturday morning set-up & unloading supplies *Saturday afternoon clean-up *Saturday afternoon unloading & banquet set-up *Decorate (balloons, banners, etc) *Rest Stop volunteers *Parking (direct parking to appropriate area) *Start/Finish Line (decorations, cheering, etc) *Runner (get supplies where needed) *Food line (serve food) *EMT/medical support *Massage therapist Our events would not be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers, please contact us if you are interested in being a part of Bike MS!
Contact Us! If you are interested in helping out with any of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter Bike MS rides, please contact us to let us know what area you can use your talents to help! Alabama: Andrew Bell andrew.bell@nmss.org 205-879-8881 Mississippi: Angie Jackson angie.jackson@nmss.org 601-856-5831