New This Year:
New Minimum Age Requirement of 12 for Cyclists in 2010
The safety of all 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 National MS Society staff, a decision was made to implement a minimum age requirement of 12 for all cyclists. 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.
Cyclists ages 12 - 17 may participate in Bike MS events, but must be registered and meet the minimum pledge requirement of $250. Cyclists under 18 are also required to submit a notarized waiver signed by a parent or guardian prior to the event. You can find this waiver on our "Event Details" page.
New in 2009 and Still In Effect for 2010:
New Route in 2009
The MS Society is introducing a new Century option to Saturday's rides. This route will add distance between the Ellendale Electric rest stop and Uncle Ted's rest stop. It is an addition that is both scenic and interesting, as it travels through flat woodlands, farm land, and the quaint town of Georgetown, DE. If you're up for the challenge of 100 miles in one day be sure to follow the NEW CENTURY ROUTE signs after leaving Ellendale Electric. These signs will be taken down and the course will be closed after a certain point in the day, restricting riders to only complete the 75 miles due to time constraints.
New in Fundraising for 2009
This year all Bike MS: Bike to the Bay cyclists will be required to meet the $250.00 pledge minimum prior to picking up their number to ride. While the Delaware Chapter has always required that the pledge minimum be met prior to riding, this policy has never been strictly enforced before the event. If you are struggling to meet the pledge minimum before the ride please contact our office prior to ride weekend. Our staff has many great ideas to help you meet your goal! You can also check out our Fundraising Tips page which is regularly updated with fresh, new ideas.
If you have not met the minimum of $250.00 before you pick up your rider number, you will be asked to sign a Promise to Pay form in order to ride. This form gives you an additional 30 days to collect donations after the ride, but states that the chapter has the ability to charge your credit card the remaining balance if you do not meet the required donation minimum.
If you are concerned about matching gifts, please contact your employer as soon as possible to find out the amount of time they need to fulfill the matching gift and then plan your fundraising efforts accordingly!
If you would like to see a sample of the Promise to Pay form you can download it here.
If you have further questions about the $250.00 pledge requirement or about the new policy contact Holly Maddams, Development Director at 302-655-5610 ext 17 or by email at holly.maddams@MSdelaware.org
Ticket to Ride Program
This year we are putting the tools to building a team in YOUR hands! It only takes four riders to form a Bike to the Bay team, and we know that YOU know three people who would love to try Bike to the Bay for the first time! Start your own team by passing out Ticket to Ride coupons to those rookies you would most like to share the weekend with. Each cyclist will be receiving three ticket to ride coupons in their welcome packet shortly after registering. These tickets give first time cyclists FREE REGISTRATION. You can direct your rookie to download a Bike to the Bay registration form here, and mail it in with the coupon you give them. Happy recruiting!
Ticket to Ride Rules and Regulations:
Holder must be a first-time cyclist in Bike MS: Bike to the Bay
Ticket is good for ONE FREE REGISTRATION
Holder is still responsible for raising the $250.00 pledge minimum
Ticket may only be used for non-registered cyclists. Refunds will not be given to first-year cyclists who are already registered.
To redeem, a copy of the coupon must be returned to our office, along with a paper registration form. Coupon can not be redeemed by using online registration.
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