bike ms nyc 2015 participant guide

Sunday, October 4, 2015Participant and Team Captain GuideNew York City

2015

Thank you for registering for Bike MS New York City! The money raised through your fundraising efforts will provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and programs for people living with and affected by MS in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties as well as support cutting edge research to find the cause of this disease, improve therapies and ultimately find a cure.

This year, our goal is to register 5,000 participants to raise $3 million! Gather your friends, family and co-workers and help make this year’s Bike MS NYC our most successful year yet!

1. bikeMSnyc.org [email protected] 212-463-9791

Welcome to Bike MSNew York City 2015!

June 15 - 19:Team Recruitment Week #1

June 19 – 21:Weekend Fundraising Challenge #1

July 24 – 26:Weekend Fundraising Challenge #2

August 17 – 21:Team Recruitment Week #2

August 25:Early Incentive Deadline – All participants who raise $300 by this date will receive cycling socks!

September 4: Postmark deadline to mail donations for packet mailing

September 11: Postmark deadline to mail donations to be entered by event day

September 14 – 18: Bike MS NYC Fundraising Week

September 18: Deadline to reach $200 fundraising minimum and receive your ridermaterial by mail

September 18: Deadline to reach Top Fundraiser status and receive riding jerseyin the mail

October 4: Bike MS New York City

November 6: Fundraising and Ranking Deadline

Use this guide to answer all of your questions about fundraising and event day. If you need more information, visit www.bikeMSnyc.org, email [email protected], or call 212-463-9791.

» IMPORTANT DATES

212-463-9791 [email protected] bikeMSnyc.org 2.

Champions for a World Free of MSThe MS Champions program is one of the most important links between the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society, event participants and people living with multiple sclerosis. The connection between a Champion, who is living with MS, and a participant fosters education, awareness, gratitude and, most importantly hope. If you don't have a personal connection to MS, we can match you with a MS Champion to make your ride even more meaningful.

You will receive an email or letter with your Champion's story and photo. You will also receive information about where to meet your Champion on the day of the event (if applicable). You and your team can ride in honor of them and show your support in several ways:

• On your personal fundraising webpage, add their photo and explain why you are riding for them. • Spread the word and share your Champion's story when fundraising. Tell others about your experiences. • Honor your Champion on the brand new End MS Forever Mural at the event. • Wear an "I’m Riding For" bib or bandana with your Champion's name and/or photo.

If you or your team would like to ride on behalf of a person with MS, contact [email protected] or call 212-463-9791.

» BIKE MS NEW YORK CITYDate » October 4, 2015Start Line » 12th Avenue (West Side Highway) and W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10019Finish Festival » Pier 92/94, 711 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 Fundraising Minimum » $200Route Options » 30, 55, or 100 milesAge Minimum » 12 (Participants between ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a guardian and submit a notarized waiver)

Event Details

All participants are REQUIRED to raise the $200 fundraising minimum. Your fundraising supports research, programs and services!The minimum must be raised by September 18 in order to receive your packet of materials in the mail.Participants who have not reached the minimum by that date will be required to attend one of our Packet Pick-Up events the week prior to Bike MS NYC. There will be NO exceptions to this, and there will be NO check-in/packet pick-up on event day. If you do not raise the minimum, you will not receive your rider materials and will not be able to ride. If you are hoping to reach your minimum with check donations, please have your mailing postmarked by September 4, 2015.

The New York City - Southern New York Chapter offers one ride, with three different routes for all cycling abilities. Enjoy a traffic-free 30 mile route circling Manhattan, or ride traffic-free through the Holland Tunnel, and experience the 55 or 100 mile routes that wind through New Jersey and Rockland County before finishing back in Manhattan. We gave our 55 mile route a mini face lift this year and eliminated some of the hills. Why not challenge yourself and try it this year?



Event Details

Bike MS New York City participants will have access to:

» A breakfast bar, banana and water at the start

» A catered lunch at the finish line

» Plenty of refreshments along the route at all rest stops

» Bike mechanics along the route

» Exciting finish line festival with informational and interactive booths including a sponsor expo, beer garden, food and beverage samples, massages, entertainment and more

» Recognition areas for top fundraising teams and individuals

Help us raise awareness and funds! “Like” our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BikeMSnycSNY. All fans of our Facebook page

will receive advance notice about upcoming fundraising and recruitment challenges as well as important Bike MS NYC updates

Bike MS NYC is on Twitter! Follow us @bikeMSnyc #bikeMSnyc


Fundraising 101

Here are five easy steps to get you started:

1. BE BOLD - Aim high when you set your goal. Become a Top Fundraiser by raising $1,000 or more and receive special perks including a Top Fundraiser jersey and entry with a guest into the Top Fundraiser Lounge at the finish line. Update your goal in your Participant Center so it is proudly displayed on your fundraising page and share it when asking your friends and family for support. When you surpass your goal, be sure to update your page with a new one!

2. START EARLY - Successful fundraising is planned and executed. You can kick off your fundraising with a bang by making your own donation towards your goal. Others will be more inclined to give if they see you have made a donation yourself.

3. BE PERSONAL - Share your story with your family, friends and co-workers. Personalize your Participant Center page and tell everyone you know why you are riding in Bike MS NYC.

4. KEEP IT SIMPLE - Go online and take advantage of the easy-to-use fundraising tools in your Participant Center! There, you can set up a personal web page, send out emails and track your progress. Go to www.bikeMSnyc.org to start fundraising now!

5. BE CREATIVE - We have all kinds of innovative fundraising ideas and tips to help get you started. If you would like to speak with a chapter staff member for advice, email [email protected].

Fundraising Strategies

Our Boundless Fundraising application allows you to use Facebook to raise awareness of your fundraising efforts. Friends can view your fundraising progress and donate online. You can upload this tool to your Facebook account through your online Participant Center. To get started, click on the “Download the Facebook App” button on the homepage of your Participant Center.

» FUNDRAISE THROUGH FACEBOOK AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS

Whether it’s a dinner party at your home, a garage sale, a karaoke night or a bowling tournament, planning an event is a great way to increase your fundraising for Bike MS NYC.

» HOST A FUNDRAISING EVENT

IDEAS INCLUDE: » “A NIGHT OUT” TAKE OVER: Partner with a local bar or restaurant for a fundraising night and ask if they would be willing to donate a percentage of that night’s profits to benefit your fundraising efforts. In exchange, you help promote the local business and invite all your friends and family! The business may even be willing to put out MS information or brochures on the tables to help raise awareness AND additional money.

» BAKE SALES/GARAGE SALES: Ask neighbors to donate baked goods or gently used goods that you can sell at your home or a community event.

» EXERCISE FOR A CURE: Ask a local gym if they would be willing to teach a Zumba, Spin or Yoga class for free and invite friends, family and community members to participate for a set donation fee.

The New York City – Southern New York Chapter can support your event in the following ways: » Provide you with literature about multiple sclerosis, the Chapter and the National MS Society.

» Provide you with the Bike MS NYC logo (NOTE: The chapter must approve use of its logo on materials in advance).


Matching Gifts and Employer Charitable DonationsMany companies have matching gift programs to maximize their financial contributions to non-profit organizations. If yours does, they will match your donations which will increase your fundraising total and bring us closer toward a world free of MS. Check to see if your employer has an eligible matching gift program by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch.

You can drastically increase your fundraising total by having your donors apply for matching gifts.

HOW IT WORKS: » Send an email to all your donors explaining the benefits of Employer Matching Gifts, and let them know that they can access an employer by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch.

» Ask your donors to contact their company’s HR department to learn about their company’s matching gift policies and procedures.

» Have them follow the procedure outlined by their company’s matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to: New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society Attn: Bike MS Matching Gifts 733 Third Ave., Third Floor New York, NY 10017

» Our staff will send confirmation to the donor’s company. Upon receipt of the matching gift

check, we will credit your Bike MS NYC fundraising efforts with the amount. While this

process may take up to several months, if we receive the matching gift paperwork by the

fundraising deadline of, November 6, 2015, we will include the pending donation in your

Bike MS fundraising total. It is that easy to increase your fundraising total!



Mobile Fundraising

Recruit teammates, manage your team and fundraise on the go with our Bike MS NYC mobile app. Update your web pages, send emails and check your progress – all from the palm of your hand.

The Bike MS NYC mobile app is available for IOS and Android, and is available also in a mobile web experience. It’s fast, fun and easy to use… and FREE!

» Send emails to thank your donors and recruit people for your team

» Request donations through Facebook

» Track your fundraising progress

» Keep up-to-date on event information

» Update your personal page

The app is available to all Bike MS NYC participants with iPhones and Androids. Search for "Bike MS" in your phone's app store.

» USE THE MOBILE APP TO:

Your Participant Center: Online Fundraising Tools

Using these online tools is the best and easiest way to grow your fundraising. Don’t wait! Go to www.bikeMSnyc.org to log in and get started now!

Upload contacts to your address book in order to email them simultaneously.

Customize your personal URL and web page with personal messages and photos.

Fundraise with Facebook.

Keep track of your personal fundraising and update your goal.

Send emails to your contacts using template messages or create your own.



The Benefits of Fundraising

All Bike MS NYC participants will receive a T-shirt on event day. There are a variety of T-shirts available based on your fundraising efforts: » $200 - $999: white short-sleeved Bike MS NYC T-shirt » $1,000+: specialty Top Fundraiser Bike MS NYC T-shirt » An orange short sleeved Bike MS NYC T-shirt is available for people living with MS

» T-SHIRTS

There are many perks that come with fundraising – so don’t delay and start today! Check out these great fundraising reward opportunities and set your personal goals accordingly.

All participants who raise $300 or more by August 25 will receive our early fundraising incentive – a commemorative pair of Bike MS NYC cycling socks. These socks are back by popular demand!

» EARLY FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE

Did you know that $200 will pay for someone living with MS to get to and from their doctor’s appointment when they have no other form of transportation?

All participants who raise $5,000 or more can join our Passport Program to take part in any Bike MS ride across the country. For more details, email [email protected] or call 212-453-3253.

» PASSPORT PROGRAM

Become a Member of One of our Elite Fundraising Clubs!

All participants who raise $1,000 or more will become Bike MS NYC Top Fundraisers!

All individuals who raise $1,000 or more by or on event day will receive extra perks at Bike MS NYC:

» A specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt » Access for you and a guest into our VIP Top Fundraiser Lounge on event day

All participants who raise $1,000 or more by or before the final fundraising deadline, November 6, 2015, will also be considered Top Fundraisers and will be eligible to receive a commemorative Bike MS NYC Top Fundraiser jersey.

» September 18: Raise $1,000 or more by this date and a Bike MS NYC jersey will be mailed to you before the ride!

» October 4: Become a Top Fundraiser by the day of the ride and receive a jersey at the Top Fundraiser Lounge after the ride.

» November 6: Reach Top Fundraiser status by the fundraising deadline and receive a Bike MS NYC jersey post event.

» BIKE MS NYC TOP FUNDRAISERS:

Rankings will be calculated after the November 6 deadline. All 2015 Elite 200 members will be eligible for cycling shorts embroidered with Elite 200 on them.



» BIKE MS ELITE 200 CLUBOur 2015 Elite 200 Club is made up of our top 200 fundraising individuals from Bike MS NYC 2014. Elite 200 Club members receive a full year of perks leading up to event day as well as great perks on event day. These perks include:

PRE-EVENT: » Name and ranking listed on bikeMSnyc.org » Dedicated staff to assist you throughout the year » Invitations to various special events throughout the year

EVENT DAY: » Breakfast and coffee before the ride » Personalized bib corresponding with members’ fundraising ranking » Admission for member and a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge » Specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt » Goodie bag distributed in the Top Fundraiser Lounge

Our Elite 200 Club members from Bike MS NYC 2014 raised $1,056,191!

Become a Member of One of Our Elite Fundraising Clubs!

» MISSION FIRST CLUBMany of our participants who earn prizes generously donate them back to further support our mission – to create a world free of MS. By donating the cost of your prize back, you are supporting cutting edge research to find the cause of this disease, improve therapies and ultimately find a cure. The Mission First Club is set up to honor and recognize these individuals. Email [email protected] or call 212-463-9791 if you would like to forego your prize and become a member of our Mission First Club.

Other Ways to Participate

Friends and family members do not have to be present at Bike MS NYC to participate. Encourage them to register and select “Virtual Rider.” Virtual Riders can be members of teams, participate in fundraising contests and become Top Fundraisers. Virtual Riders can also create a personal fundraising web page and have access to all of our online fundraising tools.

We could not host Bike MS NYC without the support of our volunteers. Please tell your friends and family who are not planning to ride that they can volunteer on the day of the event. The following are many of the perks of being a volunteer:

» Commemorative volunteer T-shirt » A chance to meet new people » Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS » Opportunity to take on a vital leadership role by becoming a Volunteer Captain

» WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER CAPTAIN?Volunteer Captains go the extra mile that makes the New York City – Southern New York Chapter’s events the best! Volunteer Captains help event day run smoother by managing the logistics and volunteer on the Food Team, Registration Team, and Information Team. Volunteer Captains add an extra level of expertise, going above and beyond to learn what goes on behind the scenes, while working with amazing staff and volunteers who are all here to help create a world free of MS. To learn more email [email protected] or call 212-453-3258.

» VIRTUAL RIDERS

» VOLUNTEERS



Several times throughout the Bike MS NYC season, we will host weekend long fundraising challenges. On these days, participants will have the chance to win a variety of great prizes for the donations they raise during the specific fundraising periods. Our 2015 Fundraising Challenges will be held: » June 19 – 21: Weekend Fundraising Challenge #1 » July 24 – 26: Weekend Fundraising Challenge #2 » September 14 – 18: Week-long Fundraising Challenge

The fundraising deadline for Bike MS NYC is November 6, 2015. You can continue your online fundraising or mail in donations up until this date. The total you have raised by this day will be the amount used to rank all individual and team fundraising efforts. These rankings are used to finalize our Elite 200 Club eligibility for 2016, Top Fundraising Team rewards, and identify the recipients of our fundraising prizes.

» SOCIETY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEEach November, the leaders across the MS movement gather together at the Society Leadership Conference to celebrate progress, learn from each other, and strengthen commitments to make an even greater impact in the coming year. The 2015 Society Leadership Conference will take place November 5 – 7 in Fort Worth, Texas. » All individuals who raise $15,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society Leadership Conference as well as have their flight paid for. » All individuals who raise $20,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society Leadership Conference and have their flight and hotel accommodations paid for.

» ONLINE FUNDRAISING CHALLENGES

» BIKE MS NYC FUNDRAISING DEADLINE AND RANKINGS

ImportantFundraising Dates

Team Info

TEAM CAPTAIN RECRUITMENT WEEKSTeam Captain Recruitment Week #1: June 15 – 19Team Captain Recruitment Week #2: August 17 – 21

Win amazing prizes for your team by recruiting team members and fundraising with them. Your chances of winning are better than you might think!

» TEAMS ARE IMPORTANTTeams make the biggest impact on our mission and make up 76% of all Bike MS NYC participants!

By working together to raise money, team members increase their effectiveness in helping to

create a world free of MS!

» TEAM CAPTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES As a team captain, your role will be to serve as a leader to your team members. Throughout the

season, the Bike MS NYC staff will contact you regarding important information, recruitment

challenges and event day details. As a team captain and friend, your team members will be more

likely to read information that comes from you, since it is important that all participants receive

the most current and up to date information. We know that leading a team is a lot of work, but this

guide provides useful information and helpful tips that will equip you to be a great team captain!


Need recruitment materials? Email the Bike MS NYC staff at [email protected] or call 212-463-9791 to order supplies such as posters, rack cards and “Join My Team” business cards.


Team Info

Bike MS NYC teams must consist of a minimum of three people but there is no limit to the

number of team members they can include. Here are some tips for recruiting your team:

» Encourage team members to recruit at least one family member, friend or colleague to

grow your team.

» Post on Twitter and Facebook to let people know you are doing the event and to join your team.

» Host a happy hour, or work lunch to promote your team and invite everyone you know.

» If you are a returning team captain, start with your team roster from previous years, which can

be provided to you by the Bike MS NYC staff.

» Hang team posters at the gym, workplace or your local dry cleaners. Include your team name

and contact information.

» Ask your company to support your team. You can spread the word by highlighting your team in

the company newsletter or by posting Bike MS NYC materials around the office.

» Send an email with our Bike MS NYC recruitment video to anyone that might be interested in

joining your team. The video is available at www.bikeMSnyc.org.

» RECRUIT FOR YOUR TEAM

» Each team has their own team website in their Participant Center. Update it with a photo of your team and your story of why you’re riding » Opportunity to participate in team contests and incentives » Team meeting area at Bike MS NYC » Team photo at Bike MS NYC » Eligibility to have your own spot in the Super or Elite Team areas » Form a corporate team and promote your company by wearing matching team jerseys » Team Spirit Award: Try to win the most spirited award by dressing up on event day in costume or create a team jersey or T-shirt to distinguish your team

» TEAM BENEFITS AND REWARDS

Team Info


Celebrate your team’s success at the exclusive Super Team area located at the finish line of Bike MS NYC. Teams that commit to raise $15,000 - $39,999 can reserve a private, seated area for their team members to meet after their ride.

» SUPER TEAMS

Elite Teams are teams that commit to raise $40,000 or more and receive an exclusive, private area with bag check to meet and enjoy breakfast the morning of the ride. Elite Teams and Elite 200 Club members are the ONLY participants allowed into the pier the morning of the ride!

Due to equipment rental and signage orders, team captains must reserve a spot in the Super or Elite Team areas by August 28, 2015. The fundraising total is to be raised by the November 6, 2015 fundraising and ranking deadline.

» ELITE TEAMS

Awards will be given to the following teams at the Recognition Ceremony in winter 2016: » #1 Corporate Team » #1 Friends and Family Team » Top Fundraising Average » Credit/Debit Challenge (top accounting firm team) » Rookie Team of the year (first year team) » Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team

» WIN A TEAM AWARD

Is your company looking to become more involved? Contact the Bike MS NYC staff about corporate teams. Companies like Barclays, Bloomberg, Radical Media, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan Chase all have large corporate teams for Bike MS NYC. Use the following as incentive for your employer participation.


For more information on any of the awards or prizes, email [email protected] or call 212-453-3228.

Team Info

Top Bike MS NYC TeamsFrom 2014

Ranking1

2

3

4

6

10

5

7

8

9

Total Raised$130,467

$102,985

$84,057

$78,457

$72,545

$56,862

$55,718

$43,782

$42,670

$42,350

Captain(s)Paige Maire

David Greenstein

Jeff Matusow, Matthew

Applegate, Anthony Cavanna,

David Fucio, Tomas Hamudis,

Stephen Harasek, Chris

Murnane, Fran Pak

Larry Cranch

Edgar Bautista, Benjamin

manuel, Steve Nettler

Andrew Tunick & Peter Smith

Cindy Quan, Stephen Brown,

Carly Mattson

Henry Richmond &

Hope Tannenbaum

Adam Lekach, Mary

Cunningham, Sean Rosenberg

Paul Low

Team NameBarclays Chain Gang

Tire Team

JPMorgan Chase

AB Riders

The Hot Sprockets

ING Bike Team

Goldman Sachs

Team in Motion

Rosani Riders

MSX

» #1 Friends and Family Team: Tire Team » Rookie Team of the Year: Lifetime Cycle Club

» #1 Corporate Team: Barclays Chain Gang » Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team: Team Ousely

» Top Fundraising Average: Wheels With Friends » Credit/Debit Team Challenge Winner: KPMG

» 2014 TEAM AWARDS


Whether it’s new equipment or expert advice, you will find everything you need at Bike MS NYC Official Bike Shops. A current list of bike shop partners is available on our website at bikeMSnyc.org.

Interested in getting your local bike shop involved? Email [email protected] or call 212-463-9791 for more information.

Official Bike Shops& Bike Safety

The chapter and Bike MS NYC is committed to providing a quality cycling experience by enforcing safety precautions while ensuring that all participants have a fun and memorable experience. For this reason, tips on group riding, bike maintenance, managing road hazards and cycling rules of the road have been included. It is our hope that once you read it, you’ll find it useful and easy to incorporate into all of your cycling experiences.

» BIKE SAFETY


Training

Visit the training page on our website today to learn about Training Peaks, an interactive, web-based training log and food diary designed to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. Subscriptions to the basic edition are FREE to our cyclists, who have the opportunity to download custom-written cycling training plans for beginner and intermediate cyclists.

GO THE DISTANCEWe’re pleased to announce that we have changed the course for our mid-level ride. By taking away the higher elevation areas, we’ve reduced the route to 50 miles. This is the perfect opportunity to go the distance and challenge yourself at Bike MS NYC!



What to Expect

» START LINEThe start line is an energetic, fun-filled area with fellow riders who are excited about the event. Early arrival is suggested so you will have time to turn in additional donations, eat a light breakfast and secure your spot in the lineup. Note: there will be NO packet pick-up the morning of the ride. Participants should go straight to the start line on 12th Avenue (West Side Highway) at West 46th Street when they arrive.

» ROUTEBike MS NYC offers various route options for cyclists of all levels. All routes are fully supported with rest stops, bike mechanic support, support vehicles and first-aid stations. All riders must maintain a minimum speed. Participants who are not able to do so will be picked up by our route support.Please visit www.bikeMSnyc.org for the minimum speed requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a guardian. NO tagalongs, trailers, youth bike seats or carriers will be permitted. Tandem bikes will be permitted as long as both riders are physically able to pedal the bike and are 12 years of age or older. Both riders must register, have a rider bib and have met the fundraising minimum by the weekend of the ride.

» Visit the www.bikeMSnyc.org for up to date details about all of the route options.

Crossing the finish line is an incredible accomplishment and we intend to help you celebrate! After you complete the ride, be sure to get your medal, check your bike in at the mandatory bike parking area and enjoy the finish line festival. The festival will include a sponsor expo, food and beverages, music and VIP perks for Top Fundraisers and teams.

» FINISH LINE

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE TO PARTICIPATE?Yes, the registration fees are as follows: » $50 through September 10» $75 September 11 - October 2 » $100 October 3 beginning 12 p.m.Registration fees are non-refundable and not transferable, even if you are unable to attend the event.

IS THERE A MINIMUM FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT? Yes. The fundraising minimum is $200. This is in addition to the registration fee. All riders are required to fulfill their $200 minimum prior to participating in Bike MS NYC 2015. Pending matching gifts will not count toward the $200 fundraising minimum.

WHERE DO I SEND MY DONATIONS? Checks should be made payable to Bike MS New York City. Remember to put your name in the memo section of each check so we can credit your Bike MS NYC account. Send to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Attn: Bike MS NYC P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555-0123

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY RIDER MATERIALS IN THE MAIL?All participants must raise a minimum of $200 by Friday, September 18, 2015 to receive rider materials in the mail. We encourage you to make sure your address is current in our system before September 18, 2015. Note: we cannot guarantee the USPS delivery. If you raised $200 by September 18, 2015, and have not received your materials two days prior to the ride, you will need to attend the Packet Pick-Up day which is the day before the ride. Please note: if you are mailing donations to be counted toward the September 18 mailing deadline, they must be postmarked no later than Friday, September 4.

» FUNDRAISING




WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO? In 2014, 77% of the chapter’s donations went toward funding programs, services and research.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND HOW DO I GET A RECEIPT? Yes. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cancelled check serves as your receipt for those giving by check and your confirmation email will serve as your receipt for those giving online by credit card. Donors giving $250 or more will automati-cally receive an acknowledgement from the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society by the end of 2015. Please note donations are non-refundable and non-transferrable. The tax ID# of the NYC – Southern NY Chapter of the National MS Society is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request.

HOW LONG AFTER I SEND IN A CHECK DOES IT TAKE TO SHOW UP ON MY PERSONAL WEB PAGE? Donations made online are immediately posted to your account and will appear on your web page at the time of the donation. Donations that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks and donations submitted on the day of the event can take up to six weeks to appear on your webpage. To avoid the wait, encourage your donors to sponsor you online where it is safe, easy and fast.

» GENERAL QUESTIONS

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN BIKE MS? Yes. Participants must be at least 12 years of age in order to ride. If you are registering a minor aged 12 to 17, you will need a notarized waiver.

Participants ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a guardian. NO tagalongs, trailers, youth bike seats or carriers will be permitted. Tandem bikes will be permitted as long as BOTH riders are physically able to pedal the bike, are registered, have met the fundraising minimum and have rider bibs.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BIKE MS STAFF?You can email us at [email protected] or call 212-463-9791.



WHAT IF IT RAINS? Bike MS NYC takes place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions, routes may be altered or cancelled, but the Finish Line Festival will take place unless it is an emergency weather situation. These decisions are made prior to, and/or on the day of the event. We encourage you to check our website the weekend of the ride for updated information.

WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR ON THE DAY OF BIKE MS NYC? You can find parking lot locations by neighborhood and estimated costs at http://nyc.bestparking.com. We highly recommend that riders use public transportation and carpool, as many roads will be closed on the day of Bike MS NYC and there is limited parking near the start and finish lines.

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET A FLAT TIRE?We recommend all participants know basic safety and repair skills, including fixing a flat tire. Be prepared and bring your own pump and extra tubes for your bike. However, if you are still unable to make the repair, marshals and support vehicles are accompany riders along all routes. Should you need assistance, just let one of the marshals know and, if a marshal is unable to assist you with the repair, a support vehicle will take you to a rest stop or to the finish line. Please note that the wait for assistance and/or a ride to the nearest rest stop can be long and by waiting, you run the risk of not being able to finish the route.

» EVENT INFORMATION

CAN MY TEAM HAND IN ALL OUR DONATIONS WITH OUR TEAM CAPTAIN?No. All donations must be handed in individually. Every participant is required to raise a minimum of $200 in order to be able to ride in Bike MS NYC 2015. Fundraising incentives are based on individual fundraising success.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO I HAVE TO HAVE ON MY TEAM?Teams must consist of at least three members, including the team captain, to receive any team recognition, awards and prizes.

WHEN WILL I GET MY TEAM PHOTO?Team photos will be available on the Bike MS NYC Facebook beginning two to three weeks after the event.

» TEAM INFORMATION


Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to loss of vision and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide.

About Multiple Sclerosis

The New York City - Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is committed to helping the 12,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties continue moving their lives forward. The chapter raises funds locally to support the Society’s critical research initiatives and to provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and educational programs for people living with MS, their family and friends. For more information, visit www.MSnyc.org.

» ABOUT THE NEW YORK CITY - SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAPTER

About Multiple Sclerosis


Our promise to people living with MS

We must stop the disease in it tracks by speeding up the development of new disease-modifying drugs and symptomatic treatments including alternative and complementary therapies.

We must find new ways to repair the damage that’s been done through nervous system repair, including myelin repair, and help people regain physical and cognitive function through rehabilitation.

We simply will not stop until we discover the cause and can prevent it from affecting future generations, so that no one will ever again have to hear the words “You have MS.”

Early and ongoing treatment with FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your healthcare professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or call 1-800-344-4867 (1-800-FIGHT-MS).

» MS NOW: AN MS RESEARCH REVOLUTION

Funds raised through Bike MS NYC will go toward our MS NOW research initiative. The National MS Society is at the center of MS research and the MS NOW campaign is a bold initiative dedicated to mov-ing research forward faster by raising $250 million to drive MS research. In 2014, the Society invested $50.6 million to advance more than 380 research projects around the world in order to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

» WHERE THE MONEY GOES


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www.raceMSnyc.orgFebruary 28, 2016 www.climbMSnyc.org

September 11-13, 2015 MSchallengewalkcapecod.org

Join Events Year-Round

www.walkMSnyc.org

Spring 2016

Summer 2016 www.muckfestMS.com

Race toStop MS

Chapter EventWalk 2008

bike ms nyc 2015 participant guide

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