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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Ride
How long is the ride?
For cyclists who choose the 2-day ride, the route is either 100 (century option) or 75 miles from DelTech’s Terry Campus in Dover to Rehoboth Beach on Saturday and 75 miles back on Sunday. Cyclists who only want to ride on Saturday, can choose from a 100 mile route from DelTech’s Terry Campus in Dover to Rehoboth Beach, a 75 mile route from DelTech’s Terry Campus in Dover to Rehoboth Beach, a 45 mile route from Lake Forest High School in Felton to Rehoboth Beach, or a 17 mile route from Uncle Ted’s Rest Stop in Milton to Rehoboth Beach.
What time does the ride start?
Saturday Start Time
-DelTech Terry Campus in Dover’s 75 mile one-day, 100 mile one-day, 150 mile two-day, or 175 mile two-day route: 8:00 a.m. Start.
-Lake Forest High School in Felton’s 45 mile one-day route: 11:00 a.m. Start.
-Uncle Ted’s Rest Stop in Milton’s 17 mile one-day route: 1:00 p.m. Start.
Sunday Start Time
The route opens at 7:00 am on Sunday. There is no “official” start site on Sunday. Cyclists can start from their hotels, or from the Cape Henlopen Hotel site after breakfast. However, cyclists are asked not to begin their ride on Sunday before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 a.m.
What should I bring with me the day of the ride?
-Contribution form and funds raised (if not turned in at Pre-registration -Thursday night)
-Helmet (mandatory!!!)
-ID Card/Driver’s license
-Cycling Apparel (shorts, jersey, jacket, shoes & gloves)
-Water bottle
-Pump and patch kit
-Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
-Light jacket/rain gear just in case!
-Prescription medicine, band-aids, toiletries
-Street Clothes (shirt, pants, socks, shoes, etc.)
-Money
-Don’t forget your bike!!!
Will the ride be cancelled due to rain?
Be prepared, rain or shine, warm or cold…Bike MS: Bike to the Bay Ride will go on! Bring appropriate clothing because no matter what the weather is, we’ll ride! Mornings can be cool and as the day progresses, get warmer; so, dress accordingly.
In the event of severe weather (e.g., tornadoes or severe thunder and lightning), the MS Staff may temporarily stop the event by holding you at rest stops until the storm passes over, or may call off the event for the day and provide transportation to the finish for those on the route. MS Officials will be in contact with the National Weather Service and base their decisions on information provided. We ask for your cooperation your safety is our number one priority.
Is food provided on the ride?
Yes, food is provided. In fact, many riders have even commented that they actually gain weight on the ride because of all the food. Lunch will be served at Milford Middle School, the half-way point, on both days. Dinner will be served near the Henlopen Hotel area, which is located at the north end of the Boardwalk and across from Lake Gerar. The actual streets are Lake View and Grenoble Place. Breakfast, on Sunday morning, will be at the same location as Saturday’s dinner, and there is an all-day barbecue at the Finish Line at DelTech’s Terry Campus on Sunday.
How far apart are the rest stops? What if I can’t finish?
The rest stops are placed every 8-12 miles along the route. They will be fully stocked with energizing snacks. SAG (support & gear) vehicles will pick you up and transport you to the next rest stop or to the finish line if you are unable to complete the ride.
Is there route support?
Don’t worry. Support vans from our sponsoring bike shops will be on the route, at the start, and at the finish lines to provide assistance. SAG vehicles will also be traveling the route all day long to keep our riders safe. They can be recognized as those driving Saturn cars or with a blue placard on their automobile that says MS OFFICIAL VEHICLE.
First Aid Kits will be available at every rest stop, lunch, and in every support vehicle. In addition, EMT’s will be available on the course. If you need medical assistance at any time, see a volunteer or a SAG driver to get help or call the emergency number that you will be given at registration.
Will the Breakwater Junction Trail be available to ride on again this year?
Yes. There are still two route options for finishing the end of the ride, as there was last year. In addition to being able to take the traditional route that follows along Rt. 1 into Rehoboth, you can also choose to ride on the Breakwater Trail. The trail is a safer option, as it avoids the highway altogether, but please be advised that although everyone is welcome on the trail, it is a LOOSE GRAVEL trail that MAY be best suited for mountain bikes and hybrids.
Are there shuttles on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes, the MS Society is providing a shuttle back to all starting locations on Saturday night. The cost will be $25 per person. You must reserve a spot by Friday, September 17th by mailing the form on our website to our office with your payment of $25, or by reserving a spot when you register for the ride (just choose “Cyclist + Saturday Shuttle”). The shuttle will leave promptly at 6:30 PM and we ask that all riders be on time.
Sunday morning shuttles only go from Rehoboth Beach back to the DelTech starting line in Dover, DE but are FREE to all riders. Shuttles leave from in front of the Henlopen Hotel, and begin to depart at 8:00 AM. The last shuttle will leave for Dover at 9:30 am. Please be aware that you and your bike may not arrive to Dover at exactly the same time.
Can I make hotel arrangements for Saturday through the MS Society?
For $35, you may book a hotel room with the MS Society. We place riders four to a room with two queen beds. On Saturday morning at DelTech’s Terry Campus, we make the room assignments. If you know who you want to room with, get in the hotel line together at registration. If you have paid for a room but are riding in the 45-mile or 17-mile rides, you must still check-in and receive your room assignment at the DelTech Terry Campus on Saturday morning before heading to your ride start location.
Do I have to ride as a member of a team?
You do not have to be on a team, but it is fun to have people to ride with. The encouragement and the camaraderie among team members can make the ride more enjoyable. There are also special team prizes and incentives available. Teams consist of four or more cyclists. Contact Karen Kukulka, Team Coordinator, at 302-655-5610 ext. 26 or by email at karen.kukulka@msdelaware.org if you would like information about how to start a team. You will receive a complete team captain’s kit with everything you’ll need to recruit team members, raise pledges and generate enthusiasm!
May my child participate?
Children under the age of 12 may not participate in the 2010 Bike to the Bay. The safety of our Bike MS cyclists is a top concern for the National MS Society. Based on the collective consultation and feedback from national cycling organizations, event participants, and Society staff, the decision was made to implement a minimum age requirement of 12 to participate. It is designed to not only protect younger cyclists, but all cyclists that participate in Bike MS events. As the sport of cycling carries inherent risk, we believe that it is critical that cyclists possess not only basic bicycle-handling skills, but also the maturity and ability to respond quickly and appropriately when riding in a Bike MS event.
Children ages 12 - 17 may participate, however, everyone on the course MUST BE A REGISTERED PARTICIPANT and are, therefore, responsible for raising the $250 pledge requirement. Of course, parents are welcome to assist their children with fundraising. In addition, any participants ages 12 - 17 must also have a NOTARIZED waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Can my family follow me on the route?
No. To help ensure the safety of everyone involved, we ask that families and friends stay off the route. At the start line, we will have alternative directions to the rest stops and finish line.
How will my luggage get to the beach?
Drop it off at the luggage truck in the designated spot at DelTech, Terry Campus on Saturday morning. Each rider will be given a luggage tag, with their rider number on it at Registration. We will deliver the luggage to your hotel. If you are staying at a friend’s home or a hotel we don’t deliver to, your luggage will be dropped off at the finish line at Henlopen Hotel in Rehoboth Beach. On Sunday morning, the luggage that was delivered to the hotels will be picked up. Others may drop off their luggage at Henlopen Hotel. All luggage will then be taken back to DelTech, Terry Campus.
May my spouse and/or family join me, even if they’re not cycling?
Family and friends may join you at the finish line in Rehoboth Beach and DelTech, Terry Campus. If they would like to join you for dinner on Saturday night, we do ask for a $12.00 donation for adults and $6.00 for children in order to help cover costs. On Sunday morning, your family can also eat breakfast. The requested donation for breakfast is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Questions about Fundraising
If I can't participate will I get reimbursed for my registration fee? Will I still be required to raise the minimum pledge?
Unfortunately, the registration fee is nonrefundable. You will not be required to raise the minimum pledge, provided you contact our office before October 1st and ask to have your rider status be made inactive.
What is the minimum amount I must raise to participate?
Each rider in the 2010 Bike MS: Bike to the Bay is responsible for turning in a minimum of $250 in donations. This amount must be turned in prior to picking up your rider number either at pre-registration or at check-in the morning of the ride. If you have not raised the $250.00 by this point, you will be asked to fill out a Promise-to-Pay form, which gives the chapter the right to charge your credit card the remaining balance you owe if you still have not turned in $250.00 by Wednesday, November 3, 2010.
Where does the money go?
Your pledges provide hope for the more than 1,500 Delawareans living with MS. Every mile that you ride and every dollar that you raise brings us closer to a world free of MS. Besides funding important research into the cause of MS, the development of more effective treatments, and, eventually, the cure, these funds support programs and services for those Delawareans living with MS.
Who sponsors me?
Anyone can sponsor you! Riders can sponsor themselves or ask co-workers, friends, neighbors, local businesses and family members for their support. Many companies sponsor their employees. Be sure to ask if your company offers a matching gift program. For fundraising tips or for more information on how to start a team of four or more people, contact Karen Kukulka, Team Coordinator, at 302-655-5610 ext. 26 or karen.kukulka@msdelaware.org.
What do I need to do to receive my company’s matching gift?
First, check to see if your company has a matching gifts program. If so, are there restrictions? Some companies limit the types of gifts they’ll match and/or the amount that an employee can submit each year. Check with your human resources department to find out more about your company’s matching gifts program and to obtain a matching gift form. Complete the form and email, mail, or fax it to our office (302-655-0993) with your pledge money. Matching gift funds help you qualify for prizes and can help you become a Top Fundraiser or Top Team.
Can I turn in my pledges before the day of the ride?
Yes. In fact, we encourage you to turn in pledges before the day of the ride, so that you aren’t worried about this detail on ride day. You may mail or drop off your contributions.
Our address is: Two Mill Road, Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19806.
Our office hours are: Monday through Friday 9am until 5pm.
Don’t forget that online fundraising is the easiest and most secure way to raise funds. If you need help with online fundraising contact our office at 302-655-5610.
How should my sponsors make out their checks?
Please make all checks payable to “National MS Society” and include your name in the memo section.
What can I give my sponsors who want a receipt?
Donation receipts can be downloaded from our website at www.biketothebay.org under the “Event Details” section. For pledges over $100, we will send a receipt for tax purposes.
When is the deadline to turn in my pledges before my credit card is charged the remaining balance on my $250 minimum pledge requirement?
The pledge deadline is Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Pending matching gifts will be included in your total. When is the ranking of Top Fundraisers and Teams finalized?
The ranking for Top Fundraisers and Teams will be finalized by December 1, 2009 for the 2009 Bike to the Bay and December 1, 2010 for the 2010 Bike to the Bay. Any pending matching gifts will be factored into this ranking. However, please follow up with your company to ensure that they finalize your matching gifts as soon as possible. If your matching gifts form does not look like it will be approved, the money will not be included in your total when the rankings are finalized.
Questions about Your Participant Center
First, check out the How-To Guide for using your Participant Center…if you still have questions read some of the FAQ’s below!
What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your bike center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Bike Center. On the bottom right side of the Bike Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your username and password. Go to your bike center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts that have been donated.
How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your username and password. Go to your bike center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
What is a team message?
Simply go to your Bike Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a personal page is Public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to Private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.
Still have questions? Contact:
Holly Maddams, Development Director, at 302-655-5610 ext 17. or by email at holly.maddams@MSdelaware.org
Emilee Keyser, Event Coordinator at 302-655-5610 ext. 15 or by email at emilee.keyser@msdelaware.org
Karen Kukulka, Team Coordinator, at 302-655-5610 ext. 26. or by email at karen.kukulka@MSdelaware.org
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