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BP Bike MS FAQ’s
· What is my fundraising obligation?
Every cyclist is required to raise a minimum of $200. That amount will increase to $250 in 2010.
Must I actually "raise" the money?
No. You may write a check if you want to skip the fundraising part. But we encourage fundraising, because often you will raise above the minimum, allowing us to do even more for those with MS! Your $200 minimum covers expenses associated with the event—such as food and portable restrooms.
· Are there any special rules to follow or gear that I need?
Yes. Every cyclist must wear a helmet. You may ride two abreast. You must obey all traffic signs and signals. There will be law enforcement personnel throughout the route, as well as ride marshalls and SAG (Support and Gear) drivers to help ensure the safety of our cyclists. Portable restrooms, water, sports drinks and snacks will be available at all rest stops to refresh you, but you are welcome to pack your own snacks/drinks.
· My child is 12 and would like to ride. Are minors allowed?
Yes. Children under the age of 16 are allowed to ride, so long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian (who is ALSO riding) at all times. A parent my designate a rider guardian for their child by signing a form and having it notarized. Any minor riding must have a notarized waiver, as well. A minor is treated just like any other cyclist and must still raise the $200 minimum. For more information or to get the necessary forms, please contact April Brownlee at 806-468-8005. Notary will be available at early check-in and the morning of the ride.
· I have a food allergy or intolerance. Can I bring my own snacks/meals?
Yes. You may bring whatever you need or like. If your meal needs to be refrigerated, please pack it in a small cooler, labeled with your name and bring it to registration the morning of the ride. Make sure tour director April Brownlee is aware of this, and specify whether the food is for lunch, dinner or both and we will get the cooler to the necessary places for you.
· I understand there are "Ride Marshalls.” What does that mean?
Ride Marshalls are veteran cyclists of all skill levels who have agreed to help ensure everyone is riding safely and obeying the rules of the road. If a ride marshal sees a cyclist breaking any rules, the marshal will instruct the cyclist on the proper safety procedure. If the cyclist continues breaking the rules, the ride marshal has the authority to contact the tour’s law enforcement or tour organizers and the cyclist may be removed from the route.
· If I’m too tired to continue or not feeling well, what do I do?
SAG drivers will be looping between every rest stop and are available to assist you or give you a ride to the nearest rest stop or the finish line. Patting the top of your helmet is a signal you need assistance. You may choose to stop at any time. Please do what is best for YOU, because your safety is what is important! We also have pain relivers available at each rest stop, though we are not responsible for the consumption or effects of medications, so please take them according to directions.
· Can I have friends or family be my "personal SAG" on the ride?
We ask that friends and family not SAG you. We provide plenty of SAG drivers to assist you. If you have a friend or family member who wants to follow your progress, please have them meet up with you at a specific rest stop, lunch or the finish line. For safety reasons, we try to keep the route clear of extra vehicles .
· Can my spouse/kids/friends attend the Saturday night dinner & awards?
Yes. The cost for guests is $5/person. Reservations must be made for your guests by July 15. Please call April Brownlee at 806-468-8005 to register a guest. Guests will need a wristband to attend the dinner.
· My spouse/kids/friends/coworkers would like to be involved, but they don’t want to ride. What can they do?
We have a number of volunteer opportunities available! We’d love to have their help at the finish line or even at rest stops to cheer the cyclists on. Please call April Brownlee at 806-468-8005 for more information on how your friends and family can be involved!
· Can I wear ear-plugs, ear-buds, or headphones?
No. In previous years, such items have been allowed, but we are no longer allowing them in order to make this ride as safe as possible. Use of these items will also not be allowed even in just one ear. Violation of this rule could result in removal from the ride.
general website FAQ’s
- I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at april.brownlee@nmss.org for help. - How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again. - How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.
participant center FAQ’s
- 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 do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her bike center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal. - 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 having 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.
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