Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Welcome to the 2006 Patterson-Schwartz/MS 150 Bike to the Bay
Welcome! Thanks to each and every one of you for committing yourselves to helping end the devastating effects of MS by cycling in this year’s Patterson-Schwartz/ MS 150 Bike to the Bay. The 2006 MS 150 Bike Tour will be here before we know it, so before that day gets here, I want to supply you with answers to hopefully all the questions you will have. I want you to have a great time at the Bike to the Bay, be it your first or your twentieth! This rider handbook is chock full of all the information you will need in order to pick up your packet and have a blast at the Bike to the Bay. For your convenience, the Bike Tour Fundraising Kit as well as receipts and additional pledge forms are available online at www.biketothebay.org. If you would prefer any of these materials through the mail, please contact us.
®
Also in this handbook is some information on multiple sclerosis and what the Delaware Chapter of the National MS Society does. Plus, information is provided as to where all the money our cyclists raise goes. A well-informed cyclist is a successful one! So, whether you’re a new participant or a seasoned veteran, please read this rider handbook cover to cover...if you have any questions or concerns that this handbook does not address, please call me at 302-655-5610 or you can e-mail me at amy.hughes@ded.nmss.org. Keep this handbook close at hand (thus the name, “handbook”)— everything you need to know is enclosed. Good luck with your fundraising efforts and have fun! Thanks so much!
Amy Tom Wagner
24 Delaware State Auditor
THE FRESCONI FAMILY
Amy Hughes Development Manager Delaware Chapter, National MS Society
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What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable neurological disease that affects an estimated 400,000 people in the United States. A new case is diagnosed every hour. It can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue and even paralysis and blindness. These problems might be permanent, or they might come and go.
Team Rewards (cont.)
Motivate your team members to turn in their pledges by November 1st (pledge deadline) and you’ll receive the following great prizes:
TEAM CAPTAIN PRIZES
BIKE SHOP GIFT CERTIFICATES & TEAM CAPTAIN JERSEY
If your team raises the following in pledges, we will award you with a bike shop gift certificate (B.S.G.C.) and an MS 150 Team Captain Cycling Jersey: $5,000 in team pledges earns captains a Team Captain Cycling Jersey $7,000 in team pledges earns captains a $20 B.S.G.C. & Cycling Jersey $9,000 in team pledges earns captains a $40 B.S.G.C. & Cycling Jersey $12,500 in team pledges earns captains a $75 B.S.G.C. & Cycling Jersey $20,000 in team pledges earns captains a $150 B.S.G.C. & Cycling Jersey
Who gets MS?
Anyone may develop MS but there are some patterns. Three-quarters of those who have MS are women, with the onset of symptoms occurring in the prime of life years, ages 20 – 50, though there are an estimated 8 — 10,000 children under the age of 18 who also have MS. Studies indicate that genetic factors may make certain individuals more susceptible to the disease, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited. It occurs more commonly among Caucasians, especially those of northern European ancestry, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds are not immune. Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed.
THE MORE YOUR TEAM RAISES, THE GREATER THE PRIZE. Contact Toni Forgie at 302/655-5610 or toni.forgie@ded.nmss.org.
Support on the Route
REST STOPS Rest areas are located every 10-12 miles and will be stocked with water, fruit and energizing snacks. We can also guarantee a lot of encouragement and support from our volunteers! BIKE SHOPS Mechanics from our participating bike shops (Bike Line, Dunbar’s Cyclery, Henry’s Bikes and Wooden Wheels) will be on the route and at the finish lines, ready to assist you with any problem you may encounter along the way. RADIO COMMUNICATION Check with our volunteers at the rest stops along the route. They will be keeping our Sag Volunteers and Staff informed of any emergencies and situations that may develop along the route. SAG WAGONS Our support vehicles will be traveling the route all day long to keep our cyclists safe. They can be recognized as those driving Saturn cars or with a blue placard in their window. FIRST AID First Aid kits will be at each rest stop and with each support vehicle. If you need a band-aid or aspirin, ask one of our volunteers to help you. 23
Can MS be cured?
Not yet. However, advances in treating and understanding MS are being achieved daily and the progress in research to find a cure is very encouraging. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people manage symptoms and lead more productive lives. There are now several FDA-approved medications that have been shown to affect the underlying course of MS.
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Team Rewards
We know that being a team captain takes a lot of time, effort and organization. That’s why we offer these great rewards!
What Medications & Treatments are available for MS?
The NMSS recommends that you begin treatment with one of the disease modifying drugs, Avonex®, Betaseron®, Copaxone®, or Rebif® as soon as you are diagnosed with a relapsing form (the most common kind) of MS. These drugs help to lessen the frequency and severity of MS attacks, reduce the accumulation of lesions in the brain, and slow progression of disability. Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) is also approved for reducing disability and/or frequency of relapses in patients with worsening relapsing of MS. This is the first therapy approved in the U.S. for individuals with secondary progressive MS or who are experiencing a rapid worsening of the disease. In addition to these medications, there are many therapies available to treat symptoms such as spasticity, pain, bladder problems, fatigue and weakness. People should consult with a knowledgeable physician to develop the most comprehensive approach to managing MS.
TEAM PICTURES
Any team of four or more members will have the opportunity to have its picture taken on the morning of the ride. Picture are first come, first served! Each team will receive a free 4x6 team picture, while teams that raise more than $1,250 (for the 1,250 Delawareans living with MS) will receive a framed 5x7 team photo.
TEAM SIGNS
Do you think your team can raise $10,000? If your team reaches that level, we will have a sign placed on the route in 2007 to thank you for your dedication to the mission. This year, 14 teams will see their names on the route. Congrats!
What does the MS Society do?
For more than 50 years, the Society has provided hope and help for Americans with MS: hope through our extensive and promising national and international research programs, and help through client programs, which make daily life better for people with MS and their families. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports more MS research and serves more people affected by MS than any national voluntary organization in the world. Currently, the NMSS is funding over $40 million in 350 MS research investigations in the U.S. and abroad. This investment has made possible significant advancements towards finding treatments and improving diagnosis, rehabilitation, and symptomatic therapy for people with all forms of MS, as well as bringing us closer to a cure.
TEAM WEEK
During this year’s Team Week in August we will ask you and your team to get geared-up! We will offer you special challenges and rewards to build your team. You don’t want to miss it!
TEAM AWARDS
Our top teams and fundraisers will be honored at a special Awards/Kick Off Party in February/March 2007. The Delaware Chapter of the National MS Society will present fun and serious awards, recognize Bike to the Bay sponsors and volunteers, and announce the 2006 fundraising total for the MS 150 Bike Tour. All cyclists who meet their minimum pledge requirement of $250 will be invited to attend. 22
For more information, please call us:
If you would like more information on MS or the services the National MS Society provides, please call our office here in Delaware: 1-800-FIGHT MS or (302) 655-5610 Chapter President: Kate Cowperthwait Programs Director: Ginger Stein 3
How Your Donations Make a Difference
Phantom Rider Program
$300 would provide programs that help young adults (who may become disabled in their early adult years) connect with support groups. $500 would provide assistance to families facing eviction who are in financial crisis due to the cost of MS (one MS drug alone costs $16,000-$25,000/year). $1,000 would provide an opportunity for 40 individuals to meet by phone with a professional counselor to learn about MS and how to cope with living with a chronic illness. $5,000 would provide an opportunity for 20 high-risk families to attend a weekend away together to learn about MS and reconnect as a family. $10,000 would provide financial assistance for 28 individuals to purchase air conditioners to help reduce heat induced fatigue experienced by many individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
support
Would you like to enjoy all the perks of participating in the bike tour, without actually having to cycle 150 miles? Our Phantom Rider Program is designed for those who want to contribute but can’t participate, either physically or due to other commitments. As a Phantom Rider, a person would register the same as a participant, pay the registration fee and be required to raise the minimum $250 pledge. In turn, they would receive the Inside the Ride newsletter and other mailings that cyclists receive, a long-sleeve t-shirt and be eligible for prizes for pledges $500 and over. If you are a member of a team, you would be eligible for team prizes and incentives as well. Please indicate on your registration form that you are registering as a Phantom Rider and we’ll take care of the rest!
Buddy Bucks (Formerly Bonus Bucks)
In order to grow the MS 150 Bike Tour, we rely on attracting new cyclists every year. We need you to help us do that! For every new cyclist you recruit, we’ll give you a $50 Bike Shop Gift Certificate. Sounds easy enough, right? All you need to do is fill out the Buddy Bucks form, you will receive them in the mail, with the name and address of the new cyclist you have recruited. After the following three items have occurred, you will receive a $50 Bike Shop Gift Certificate: 1) verification that the cyclist has not previously participated in the Bike to the Bay, 2) receipt of the cyclist’s registration form, and 3) receipt of the $250 minimum pledge for the Bike to the Bay by February 1. Start recruiting new riders today and you’ll reap the benefits!
Bike to the Bay Awards/Kick Off Party
Join us in February/March to celebrate what we expect to be another successful bike tour! All cyclists who raise $250 will be invited as we recognize our sponsors, volunteers, top teams and individuals who make this tour so wonderfully unique! Not to mention the largest fundraiser for the Delaware Chapter! Invitations will be mailed in January to all cyclists who have completed their minimum pledge requirement. 21
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Day of Incentives
This year all cyclists who turn in $1,250 or more on the day of the ride will receive a Cat Eye Mity 8 Bike Computer.
Services Provided Thanks to Funds Raised
The Delaware Chapter of the National MS Society provides numerous programs and support services to the clients and families serviced by our chapter. Among the programs provided are: * * MS Assessment Clinic *
Chapter newsletter Client Retreats Literature Lending library Peer telephone support Educational conferences Aquatics program National audio teleconference Respite care
Lifetime Rider Hall of Fame
5, 10, 15, 20 years
* Medical equipment assistance * HomeAble * Support groups for clients and
If this is your fifth year to participate in the Bike to the Bay, congratulations! You’ll be inducted into the Lifetime Rider Hall of Fame. To make sure you get the recognition you deserve, please indicate the years, or number of years, you have participated in the MS 150 Bike Tour on your registration form. As a Lifetime Rider, you will receive a special pin at Registration indicating five, ten, fifteen or twenty years participating in the MS 150 Bike Tour.
* * * caregivers * * Short-term counseling groups * * Education programs for the newly * diagnosed *
History of the Bike to the Bay
In it’s 24th year, the Bike to the Bay will take place on September 30 & October 1, 2006. This event is organized by the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Last year, 1,642 registered cyclists raised over $868,000 for MS. Though participants are only required to raise a minimum of $250 in pledges for the Bike to the Bay, our average pledge is over $515. All funds collected by the Bike to the Bay provide local services to people with multiple sclerosis, a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Proceeds also fund research efforts seeking the cause and cure of the disease. Cyclists compete for prizes based on the amount of pledges raised. Cyclists can also form teams, which require a team captain and three other members. Team cyclists compete for special team prizes as well as individual prizes. Those interested in the MS 150 Bike Tour but do not want to participate are welcome to get involved in the fun by volunteering. 5
Ride for Someone with MS
The MS 150 Bike Tour is different from other cycling events; this one offers the most compelling reason to ride. Imagine a father suddenly unable to pick up or even see his three-year-old son; or a young professional who fears that one more hospitalization will mean the end of her promising career. These are some of the faces of multiple sclerosis, and THE REASON to ride in the MS 150 Bike Tour. “I’m Riding For…” tags will be available for you to wear proudly the entire weekend of the ride. These help to remind other riders, volunteers and spectators that we’re all dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS...together!
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2006 Bike to the Bay Itinerary
Thursday, September 28
Pre-Registration Night 5:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. Saturn of Newark, Ogletown Road, Newark, DE (You may register here or on Saturday at DelTech, Terry Campus in Dover)
* Recognition in the Chapter’s Annual Report * A listing in the Chapter newsletter, MS Connection * Inclusion in the marketing materials for the 2007 MS 150 Bike Tour
Raise $4,500 or more and get all the benefits listed above PLUS…
A Personalized Recognition Sign located along the Bike Tour route including your name and the amount of money you raised in the 2006 tour
Saturday, September 30
Day One: DelTech, Terry Campus, Dover, DE Registration Opens: 6:30 a.m. Ride Starts: 8:00 a.m. *Lunch at Milford Middle School: closes at 2:00 p.m. (*half-way to the finish line) Dinner Seatings: 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the new Saturday night finish line— Henlopen Hotel area, which is located at the north end of the Boardwalk and across from Lake Gerar. The actual streets are Lakeview Avenue and Grenoble Place.
Raise $5,000 or more and get all the benefits listed above PLUS…
Membership into the elite MS Bike Tour National Passport Program! Through the Bike Tour National Passport Program, members are eligible to attend many of the other fantastic MS Bike Tours throughout the nation! Members can select from the several fabulous locations and rides available and attend as many of the MS Bike Tour National Passport Program Bike Tours as they would like within one year from November 1, 2006, and October 31, 2007. (Some bike tours may have limited space, so we cannot guarantee a space for riders until availability has been confirmed by the host chapter.) For more information, contact Amy Hughes at 302-655-5610 or amy.hughes@ded.nmss.org
Raise $6,000 or more and get all the benefits listed above PLUS…
Free Night Stay in your own hotel room Saturday night of the Bike Tour
Sunday, October 1
Day Two: Henlopen Hotel area, Rehoboth Beach, DE Breakfast: 6:00 a.m.—7:30 a.m. Ride Starts: 7:00 a.m. *Lunch at Milford Middle School: closes at 2:00 p.m. (*half-way to the finish line) Finish Line Barbecue: DelTech, Terry Campus—all day!
Raise $7,500 or more and get all the benefits listed above PLUS…
Administrative Assistance. We recognize that your fundraising efforts are more involved at this level. Take advantage of administrative support such as invoicing and mailing services (call 655-5610 for more details).
Raise $10,000 or more and get all the benefits listed above PLUS…
Exceptional service and a few surprises designed to pamper you throughout Bike to the Bay weekend
Wednesday, November 1
Pledge Deadline: Mail in your pledge money, pledge sheet and *prize selection sheet.
*We need your returned prize selection sheet in order to mail your prize.
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Cyclists who raise $7,500 or more have the option of attending the Tour of Champions. You can mix and mingle with other top fundraisers across the U.S. for a few days of relaxation, camaraderie and sharing fundraising tips and strategies. Previous locations have included Miami, Florida, San Antonio, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee and the California Wine Country. Keep this prize in mind. After all your hard work, you’ll deserve to get away!
Tour of Champions
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A Note about Private Sags
We at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are aware that the Bike to the Bay is an event that attracts a large number of “spectators” (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). And we encourage your friends and family to participate in the event. However, we would like to take a moment to discuss the safety of 1,800 cyclists who participate in the event. With 1,800 cyclists on the road, sag vehicles, bike mechanics and various other official MS vehicles, moving the Tour from one point to the next is a bit like moving a small city. We would like to ask your cooperation in ensuring that precautions are taken to avoid putting anyone at risk of injury. That said, in our Inside the Ride newsletter, we will publish an alternate route to enable private support vehicles to meet up with their parties at various rest stops along the route, at lunch stops and the finish lines. We would encourage private support vehicles to help us minimize the amount of traffic on the route by following the suggested alternate route. Please let us take care of our riders. We will have plenty of official support vehicles along the route to assist anyone who may need help. We are asking for your cooperation regarding this matter out of concern for the safety of our cyclists. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you should have any questions or concerns.
TeamMS
TeamMS is a fun way for everyone to get involved! What better way to enjoy riding in the tour than with your friends, family, and co-workers? So, get out and form a team! Involving your company with TeamMS boosts internal team work and morale while showing the organization’s community concern. Building a team is easy:
* A team consists of four or more cyclists (including the captain) * Team captains will receive a complete Team Captain’s Kit with * Team members are eligible for both team and individual prizes
recruiting and fundraising tips, as well as newsletters and roster updates
Call Toni Forgie, our TeamMS Coordinator, at the MS office if you need some tips on how to create a team or tips on how to improve and motivate your current team! You may also e-mail her at toni.forgie@ded.nmss.org.
MS 150 Bike Tour Cycling Series
Thank you for choosing to participate in the MS 150 Bike Tour—Bike to the Bay. The MS 150 Bike Tour is the largest organized cycling event in America. Over 100,000 people participate in the Tour nationally to show their support for those individuals living with MS. In 2005 $60 million was raised by teams and individual cyclists to fund MS research and provide local programs and services for approximately 400,000 Americans with MS. At the Delaware Chapter, the Bike to the Bay raised over $868,000 for MS, with 1,642 registered cyclists. With your support, we will be able to reach even greater heights in 2006! You do the pedaling, and we’ll take care of the rest! Enjoy the fully supported routes, including energizing snacks, technical support and plenty of encouragement along the way! Know that you are doing something that means so much to people who live with multiple sclerosis everyday. Check out the National MS Society web site at www.nmss.org to get more information on MS 150 Bike Tours across the country. 7
Thank You!
Raise funds for MS and you’ll be rewarded!
Although the minimum pledge requirement is $250, the majority of our cyclists raise much more than that. The pledge average for the Bike to the Bay is over $515 and prizes are awarded for cyclists who raise $500 or more. For those cyclists who go above and beyond what’s required, we like to reward them in the following way: You must raise $1 for every Delawarean living with the daily challenges of MS. If you raise $1,250, you will become a member of the Mission Possible Club and receive the following perks in 2007:
The Mission Possible Club
* A Mission Possible Club Cycling Jersey worn by MS 150 Top Fundraisers
across the U.S.
* A Mission Possible Club Pin to be worn on the Bike to the Bay
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Prize Structure
Raise: $15,000 Receive: Trip for two to MS Tour of Champions or Cycling Jersey and $1000 Bike Shop Gift Certificate MS Tour of Champions and $150 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Cycling Jersey and $800 Bike Shop Gift Certificate MS Tour of Champions or Cycling Jersey and $600 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $575 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Cycling Jersey and $500 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $450 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Cycling Jersey and $375 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $350 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Cycling Jersey and $275 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $250 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Cycling Jersey and $175 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $150 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Cycling Jersey and $75 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $100 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Hooded Sweatshirt and $50 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $75 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Hooded Sweatshirt and $25 Bike Shop Gift Certificate $50 Bike Shop Gift Certificate or Bike to the Bay Hooded Sweatshirt ** Prizes are not cumulative. We reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if necessary** 8
Directions to the Pre-Registration & Registration Sites
Thursday, September 29th Pre-Registration Saturn of Newark, Ogletown Road
From I-95: Take the 273 West Exit; follow signs to stay on Rt. 273 West, passing MBNA and Avon on the right. Saturn of Newark is next to Infiniti on the left. From Kirkwood Highway: Follow Kirkwood Highway/Rt. 2 West into Newark; turn left at the intersection (McDonald’s, Post Office) onto Rt. 273 East. Saturn is just after General Foods on the right.
$10,000
$7,500
$5,000 $3,600
$2,600
Saturday, October 1st Registration DelTech—Terry Campus, Dover, DE
From Northern Delaware & Pennsylvania: Follow I-95 South past Wilmington and take exit 4A for Christiana Mall/Route 1 & 7 South; follow signs for Route 1 South. Take Rt. 1 South over the Rt. 1 Bridge and through the toll plaza. Continue south on Rt. 1 and just north of Dover take exit 104 (North Dover & Scarborough Road). Take the ramp and proceed through the traffic light, which crosses Rt. 13. Continue straight after the traffic light and then take the first right into DelTech, Terry Campus. From New Jersey: Follow 295 South across the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Take the exit for Route 13 South and follow directions above. From points South: Follow Route 1 North to Dover. Take Exit 104 (North Dover & Scarborough Road). Take the ramp and proceed through the traffic light, which crosses Rt. 13. Continue straight after the traffic light and then take the first right into DelTech, Terry Campus.
$1,600
$1,250
$1,000
$750
$500
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Important Information
Contingency Plan
Be prepared for rain or shine, warm or cool and bring appropriate clothing. In light rain, the Bike to the Bay will continue. 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 the tour off 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 will base their decisions on information provided. We ask for your cooperation— your safety is our number one concern.
2005 Bike to the Bay Statistics
Registered Cyclists Actual Participants Pre-Registered Teams Actual Income 1,642 1,483 125 $868,000 The 2005 Top Ten Top Fundraisers (numbers final as of February 2006) 1. Dick Nenno 2. Michael Bonkowski 3. Mark Lindell 4. Mike Davis 5. MaryEllen Lander 6. Chris Cashman 7. Marshall J. Bonacquisti, Jr. 8. Rob Collins 9. Tom O’Brien 10. Thomas W. Roberts, III Top Teams (numbers final as of February 2006) 1. MBNA 2. Y’s Guys 3. Team Endo 4. Wheeltors 5. Cyc-Os 6. Wilmington Trust 7. JP Morgan Chase 8. Williams Law Dawgs 9. Hercules 10. Roger’s Riders Raised $$$ $15,841 $12,343 $9,428 $7,770 $6,848 $6,040 $5,834 $5,470 $5,398 $5,365 Raised $$$ $42,284 $41,198 $40,404 $40,238 $27,583 $27,226 $24,726 $15,741 $15,559 $14,785
Directions to the MS Society
To the MS Society office from I-95 North:
* Take Exit 6, Delaware Avenue, left lane up the hill, through three lights
and make a left onto Delaware Avenue. Proceed in the far right lane.
* Make the first right after the light at Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. * Straight three blocks and make a left onto Lovering Avenue. * Straight under the train tracks and through the traffic light. Make the
next right at Shinn’s Paints.
* Make the third right on Mill Road. You’ll see a wooden sign. We are
located in the second building, suite 106. To the MS Society office from I-95 South:
* Take Exit 6, Delaware Avenue, make the first immediate right off the
exit.
* Take a right at the first corner onto Van Buren. * Proceed two blocks to make a left onto Lovering Avenue.
directions above.
Pick up
Check out the full list of top fundraisers and teams at www.biketothebay.org. 16 9
Cycling Safety
For the safety of you and your fellow cyclists, we ask that you practice these cycling tips. To keep this ride enjoyable and safe, all riders must follow proper rider etiquette during the Bike to the Bay.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions (cont.)
Children:
May my child ride?
Yes, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any person under the age of 18 must also have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Luggage:
* Always do a safety check on your bike before you begin *
the ride. When riding a bike in traffic, you are a driver. You have the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of an automobile. way and keep a lookout for danger—just like cars must do. The route used for the MS 150 Bike Tour is open to traffic. The only time you are permitted to ignore signs and traffic lights is at a police officer’s direction.
ROAD RULES
How will my luggage get to the beach?
* You must obey signs and lights, give hand signals, yield the right of *
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. Family:
May my spouse and/or family join me, even if they’re not cycling?
* While you are sharing the road with your fellow cyclists, motorists
and pedestrians, respect their rights and be understanding if they infringe on yours. Avoid falling for the “herd instinct” or playing “follow the leader” when riding in groups. cyclists approaching from behind as you would when riding alone or driving a car. Look left and right at stop signs. Never blindly follow the rider ahead of you into an intersection. stop to rest. When walking your bike, be sure to keep it between you and the road. Do not follow too closely behind cars or other cyclists. Do not block the road from passing cars.
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SHARING THE ROAD
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 $10.00 donation. Teams:
*
Do I have to be on a team? Whom do I contact if I decide to start my own team?
* When preparing for a lane change, look out for cars or other
*
* Remember to pull completely off the road when you
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. Contact our TeamMS Coordinator, Toni Forgie, at 302-655-5610 or toni.forgie@ded.nmss.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!
*
Still have questions…
National MS Society, 2 Mill Road, Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19806 (302) 655-5610, Fax—(302) 655-0993. amy.hughes@ded.nmss.org or toni.forgie@ded.nmss.org www.biketothebay.org
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The Most Frequently Asked Questions (cont.)
Rest Stops:
Cycling Safety (cont.)
* Pass on the left only. Before signaling, look back to make sure it
is clear. When passing a cyclist, call out “On your left!” When you hear someone call out “On your left!”, don’t turn around. Hold steady on course and ride straight. Be conscious of your speed and be sure to keep it at a consistent level with your conditions—road surface, other cyclists, etc. Be sure to pull out of a pace line before slowing down.
How far apart are the rest stops? What if I can’t make it to the finish?
The rest stops are placed every 10-12 miles along the route. They will be fully stocked with energizing snacks. Sag vehicles will pick up tired riders and transport them to the next rest stop. Keep in mind that on the first day, our sag vehicles rotate south to the beach. On the second day, they rotate back north to Dover. Route Support:
*
What if I have a problem with my bike along the route?
Don’t worry. Support vans from Bike Line, Dunbar’s Cyclery, Henry’s Bikes and Wooden Wheels will be on the route, at the start and finish lines to provide assistance. Length of the Ride:
*
* Brake lightly and use your front brake less. * In wet weather, the streets will be slick and so will your rims. Dry
the rims by applying the brakes ahead of time. It can take 100 feet or more before your brakes will begin to work normally. Pay special attention to metal and slick surfaces, such as wet leaves, painted traffic markings, manhole covers and oil spots. When you come upon spots such as these, don’t brake, accelerate or turn. Be ready to put a foot down for balance. bottom. There might be a nasty pothole lurking underneath! Be sure to re-lubricate your bike chain to prevent it from rusting when you get home.
RIDING IN WET WEATHER
Is the ride 75 miles each way or 150 miles each way?
We offer 3 option: 40 miles route (which starts at Lake Forest High School at 11 am); 75 miles route (one way to Rehoboth Beach); or 150 miles route (75 miles on Saturday from Dover to Rehoboth on Saturday and 75 mile return ride on Sunday). Please note that the 75 & 150 mile routes begin in Dover at the Terry Campus of DelTech. Shuttles:
*
If I can only participate on Saturday, is there a shuttle that will take me back to DelTech, Terry Campus in Dover?
* If possible, avoid riding through puddles when you can’t see the *
Yes, the MS Society is providing shuttles back to Dover on Saturday night. The cost will be $25 per person. You must reserve a spot by Friday, September 8th. Look for the form on our website, or in the newsletter—Inside the Ride. Shuttles back to Dover will also be provided on Sunday Morning at no cost. It leaves Rehoboth Beach on Sunday around 8:00 a.m. and goes back to DelTech, Terry Campus. Hotels:
* Ride on the right, with traffic, a couple of feet from the edge of
the road. Passing cars usually sweep this part of the road clean from gravel, sand and debris. Continually scan the road ahead for hazards you’re best to avoid. Keep your eyes moving from the road ahead to traffic in front of you. Keep clear of road-edge hazards such as trash, drains and parked vehicles. Cross railroad tracks at a right degree angle.
DEALING WITH ROAD HAZARDS
For $25, you may book a hotel room with the MS Society. We place riders four to a room with two double beds. On Saturday morning at DelTech, Terry Campus, we make the room assignments. If you know who you want to room with, get in line together. 14
Does the MS Society make any arrangements for riders who need accommodations overnight?
*
*
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Dates to Remember
June 30 $35 registration fee, In-Training t-shirt deadline, Special long-sleeve t-shirt on the day of the ride Deadline to reserve a spot back to Dover on the shuttle Saturday, October 1st—cost $25 per person Pre-Registration Night at Saturn of Newark 5:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. Day of the Ride, $55 registration fee Pledge Deadline for prizes—don’t forget to turn in your prize selection sheet along with the pledges you collected Gift certificates will be mailed Bike to the Bay Awards Party Clothing prizes will be mailed or picked up at Awards Party Top Fundraiser, Top Team Rankings and Bonus Bucks Finalized
Bike to the Bay Packing List
Not sure what to pack? Follow this list:
September 8
* Helmet— It is mandatory!! * ID Card—driver’s license * Cycling Apparel (shorts, jersey, jacket,
shoes, gloves)
September 29
* Street Clothes (shirt, pants, socks, shoes) * Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm * Water bottle * Prescription medicine and toiletries * Light jacket/rain gear—just in case! * Pump and patch kit * Money * Don’t forget your bike!!!
October 1 November 2
Late November February
February 1
The Most Frequently Asked Questions
Registration:
We Need Your Help Recruiting Volunteers!
Do you know someone who would love to be involved in the Bike to the Bay, but cannot or doesn’t want to participate? Invite them to join the Volunteer Crew! Volunteering is fun and rewarding, and no matter what job, all volunteers will receive a Volunteer T-shirt. Volunteer efforts are appreciated by those they support and gratitude will abound. To volunteer, call Guylaine Thomas at 302-655-5610 or 1-800-FIGHT MS, e-mail her at guylaine.thomas@ded.nmss.org, or register on-line at www.biketothebay.org.
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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 non-refundable. You will not be required to raise the minimum pledge though. Food: Lunch will be served at Milford Middle School, the half-way point, on both days. Dinner will be served at the new Saturday night finish line— 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 DelTech—Terry Campus Finish Line on Sunday. 13
Is food provided on the Tour?