2014 BIKE MS PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 2014 BIKE MS PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK Deception Pass Classic 2014

2 This handbook contains all the important information you will need to have a fun, safe and inspiring Bike MS experience. Read on to get prepped and ready for the ride of your life! Event Details DATE & TIME Sept 6-7, 2014, 7:30 a.m. ROUTES (D1 & D2) D1-22, 59, 79, 97 miles D2-26, 52, 72 miles VENUE (D1 & D2) Start/Finish - Skagit County Fairgrounds 1410 Virginia Street Mount Vernon, WA QUESTIONS bikemsnorthwest.org bikemsnorthwest@nmss.org , press 2 PARKING North Gate: Bike/Pedestrian traffic only South Gate: General Parking, RV and Camping West Gate: Accessible Parking, Century Club & SAG vehicles only Overflow: Look for signs upon arrival Identification Placement The items below are important to identify you as an official Bike MS participant, and must be worn at all times during event weekend. If you lose your wristband, a replacement may be picked up at the registration tent. 1. HELMET TAG Affix to the front of your helmet. 2. BIB NUMBER You must wear your bib number while on the route and at the start and finish lines. Please safety-pin it to the back of your outer-most layer of clothing EVENT WRISTBAND You are required to wear your event wristband during the event. This wristband identifies you as a Bike MS participant and grants you access to all food, beverages and Bike MS services. 4. BIKE TAG Affix to your bicycle for quick identification when your bike is parked in the bike corral and when out on the route. 3 4 I

3 A Special Request to Cyclists the reputation of bike ms rides with you! Protect the future of this event by obeying all traffic laws and being courteous to the motorists, cyclists and host communities around you. BIKE MS IS A RIDE, NOT A RACE BE SAFE! Obey Traffic laws Stay ALERT Don t BLOCK the road DON T warm INTERSECTIONS THE ROADS ARE OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC Follow these safety tips Ride no more than 2 across Stop at all stop signs and traffic lights Always wear a helmet Look before passing other cyclists Never use a cell phone or headphones when riding (it s against the law) Wear a rear safety light (for visibility) Don t cross the yellow line Avoid riding in pacelines At intersections, stay in the correct lane and stay to the right of the cars at all times 2 USE Verbal and Hand SIGNALS Left turn: Left arm straight out Right turn: Left arm straight out and bent up or right arm straight out On your left : Rider approaching your left side. Ride steadily and allow room to pass Car back : Car approaching from the rear Gravel/Pothole/ and/ Tracks : Combined with pointing, alerts other cyclists to hazardous road conditions lowing/ topping : Cyclist is slowing or stopping. May be combined with turning palm of hand toward people riding behind

4 Route Information ROUTE OPTIONS Final route maps and cue sheets will be clearly marked with route information such as rest stops for each route option and available at the Info Booth at Rider Village. Please visit routemapwa.bikemsnorthwest.org for route maps. D1 route options - 22, 59, 79, 97 miles D1 orange signs - 22, 59, 79 mile routes D1 yellow signs - 97 mile route loop ROUTE Routes are open from 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 7.30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. on Sunday with the start line closing at 8:45 a.m. both days. If you are still out on the route after the route closes for the day, you will be asked to turn in your rider bib number and ride at your own risk. Transportation back to Rider Village is available upon request. We appreciate your hard work and want to make sure that each rider is safe and fully supported on the route. D2 route options - 26, 52, 72 miles D2 orange signs - 26, 52 mile route D2 yellow signs - 72 mile route loop To view route maps in prior to Bike MS weekend, please visit routemapwa.bikemsnorthwest.org. ROUTE SUPPORT We are proud to offer the best supported ride in the Northwest. With rest stops every miles, SAG vehicles and medical support throughout, you will have everything you need from food to mechanical support to first aid ready to assist you. If you are in need of support on the route, please follow these steps: 1. Find a safe spot for both you and the support vehicle to pull over 2. Watch for a vehicle with a Bike MS Ride Route Support flag or decal displayed 3. Give a thumbs down sign or hold your helmet in the air (do not wave, as this could be misinterpreted that you do not need help) In addition, all ride marshals and medical volunteers will have official Bike MS armbands displayed to help identify themselves. 3

5 Route Information, continued ROUTE CLOSURE TIMES DAY 1 ROUTE FLAGGERS / CROSSING GUARDS Volunteers will be positioned on the route to help cyclists cross intersections, alert cyclists to changes in the course and ensure safety on the route! Plese follow their instructions, pay attention to their directions and thank them for helping make Bike MS one of the best-supported rides in the nation! 7:30 a.m. Official start (top 2013 fundraising teams lead the way!) 8:45 a.m. Cyclists must be on the route. All cyclists remaining in Rider Village at this time will be shuttled to Rest Stop #1. 1:00 p.m. All cyclists choosing to complete the 97 mile route must begin the loop at Sleeper Rd. & Highway 20. Cyclists arriving at this intersection after 1:00 p.m. must continue onto the 79 mile route. 4:00 p.m. Cyclists must be past Rest Stop #5 at Fidalgo Bay Elementary by 4:00 p.m. After this time, you will be asked to turn in your rider bib number and ride at your own risk. Transportation back to Rider Village is available upon request. 5:00 p.m. All cyclists must have completed all routes and returned to Rider Village. After this time, you will be asked to turn in your rider bib number and ride at your own risk. Transportation back to Rider Village is available upon request. DAY a.m. Official start (Century Club leads the way!) 8.45 a.m. Cyclists must be on the route. All cyclists remaining in Rider Village at this time will be shuttled to Rest Stop # p.m. All cyclists must have completed all routes and returned to Rider Village. After this time, you will be asked to turn in your rider bib number and ride at your own risk. Transportation back to Rider Village is available upon request. REST STOP ETIQUETTE When you arrive at each rest stop, please pull over, dismount and move completely away from the road and the rest-stop entrance. When exiting, move beyond the rest area and proceed with caution on the right side of the road before merging with faster cyclists. 4

6 Rider Village Information RIDER VILLAGE The hub of activity known as the Rider Village is located at Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon. This is where everyone will gather for meals, the Bike MS rally, beer garden, camping, first aid, mechanical support, live entertainment, team tents and more! Bring your favorite lawn games to play in the baseball field next to the fairgrounds. MEALS Wear your wristband at all times to receive catered meals throughout the weekend. Friends and family may purchase a wristband for meals at Volunteer Check-in for $10 each. PARKING North Gate: Bike/Pedestrian traffic only South Gate: General Parking, RV and Camping West Gate: Accessible Parking, Century Club & SAG vehicles only Overflow: Look for signs upon arrival FREE TENT CAMPING FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! Participants and volunteers can camp for FREE at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. Sleeping onsite means you won t miss out on any of the fun! Camping will be available starting at noon on Friday, September 5. No reservations required. Spots are not guaranteed. Vehicles are not allowed in the tent camping area, however a loading zone will be provided. Showers and restroom facilities will be available for all campers. LOCAL HOTEL OPTIONS Visit bikemsnorthwest.org to view a complete list of hotels in Mt. Vernon and nearby towns. Please note that there will be no shuttle transportation from hotels, but most are only a short ride away. ATTENTION PARENTS OF MINORS Parents/authorized adults must supervise minors (volunteers and/ or guests) throughout all event activities and are responsible for their safety. Cyclists under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride on the route/course, including traveling in any form of child carrier or trailer. Minors may not be transported in a SAG vehicle without a parent/authorized adult. 5

7 Rider Village Information, continued QUIET HOURS All gates will be locked at 9 p.m., except the start/finish gate. Quiet hours will begin at 10 p.m. Please respect your fellow riders and the surrounding community by turning off music and ending loud conversations at that time. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to seeing you bright and early in the morning. TEAM ROW CONCIERGE Look for the Team Row Concierge tent on team row and swing by to meet Blaire, Jessica or Molly, ask questions, get information and borrow team tent supplies (scissors, sharpies, tape, etc.). We re here to help! Schedule of Events FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Volunteer Check-In Open 12:00 p.m. Camping & RV Area Officially Open (enter at South Gate) 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Bike Corral Open in Building D 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Mechanic Available in Rider Village 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday Night at the Bike Welcome Reception in Beer Garden & Food Truck 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Packet Pick-up 4:00 p.m. Portable Showers Open in Camping Area 9:00 p.m. Rider Village Closes (all gates locked except start/finish gate) 10:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Campground Quiet Hours SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 5:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Volunteer Check-In Open 5:30 a.m. MS = Champions Bandanas Available at Volunteer Check-In 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Bike Corral Open in Building D (closed 6:30 7:00 p.m. during the rally) 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Team Photos Available in Team Row (roaming photographer) 6:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Coffee Service at Dining Hall 6:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Packet Pick-up (riders must be checked-in by 8:30 a.m.) 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Mechanics Available in Rider Village 7:30 a.m. Official Start (all cyclists must be on the road by 8:45 a.m.) 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 22 Mile Route Lunch served at Dining Hall 1:00 p.m. 97 Mile Route loop CLOSED 5

8 Schedule of Events, continued SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, CONTINUED 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Beer Garden Open 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Dinner at Dining Hall 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Team Photos available on ballfield 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. **2015 Pre-Registration OPEN at the Registration Tent** 4:00 p.m. Route prior to Rest Stop 5 closes 5:00 p.m. Route Closes 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mechanics Available in Rider Village 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Bike MS Rally at Main Stage 9:00 p.m. Rider Village Closes (all gates locked except start/finish gate) 10:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Campground Quiet Hours SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 5:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Volunteer Check-In Open 5:30 a.m. MS = Champions Bandanas Available at Volunteer Check-In 6:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Packet Pick-up (riders must be checked-in by 8:30 a.m.) 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Bike Corral Open in Building D (All bikes *MUST* be removed from the Bike Corral by 9:00 a.m.) 6:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Coffee Service at Dining Hall 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. **2015 Pre-Registration OPEN at the Registration Tent** 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Mechanics Available in Rider Village 7:30 a.m. Official Start (all cyclists must be on the road by 8:45 a.m.) 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Finish Line Lunch Celebration and Entertainment 4:00 p.m. Route Closes 4:30 p.m. Portable Showers Close in Camping Area 5:00 p.m. Rider Village Closes (parking gates locked) RALLY: SATURDAY, 6:30 P.M. (Main Stage) The Saturday evening Bike MS rally will remind you why your efforts are so important in the work to create a world free of MS. This inspirational 30-minute program will feature exciting and motivating messages, team awards, Century Club recognition, announcements and more you won t want to miss it! 6

9 Why We Ride YOUR FUNDRAISING MAKES A DIFFERENCE All riders (team captains, team members and individual riders) are required to raise a minimum of $250 which supports MS research and provides local programs and services for people affected by MS. The average rider raises $820, so set your goals high! Here are some real examples of how your Bike MS fundraising could change lives: $35 Could assist self-help groups in supporting people affected by MS in our community. $65 Could fund wellness programs aimed at treating the mind, body and spirit. $120 Could help pay for a physical therapy session to manage MS symptoms by enhancing strength & mobility. $200 Could fuel our cause to help influence change by engaging elected officials to make MS a national priority. $400 Could help fund a researcher working toward a cure. $1,000 Could provide two consultations with an MS Navigator for nearly 30 people living with MS. Chapter Fundraising Ratio 51% Programs & services for people affected by MS 26% Research 18% Administration & fundraising 5% Reserve for future years The Chapter s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 TURNING IN DONATIONS Bring your donations* to Rider Village and turn them in at the Registration Tent, or mail them to: National MS Society Greater Northwest Chapter 192 Nickerson St., Ste. 100 Seattle, WA Please visit bikemsnorthwest.org for a list of prizes available based on fundraising achievements. * Put your name in the memo portion of each check to be credited for raising those funds. Make checks out to the National MS Society. MATCHING GIFTS Matching gifts are a quick way to multiply your Bike MS fundraising and move us even closer to a world free of MS. A matching gift is a gift from a donor s employer that matches the donors original gift. Most employers with a matching gift program match dollar for dollar, but each matching gift program is unique. Does your company offer matching gifts? Do your donors employers offer matching gifts? Find out now, and direct your donors to check, too, at nationalmssociety.org/employermatch. PRIZE DEADLINE The Bike MS prize deadline is October 7. Continue fundraising even after the ride is over to qualify for the Century Club and other great prizes! Matching gift forms must also be received at the address above (or waswebdonations@nmss.org) by the October 7 prize deadline to count toward prizes and fundraising clubs. 7

10 Deception Pass Classic 2014