HANDBOOK 2019 - Everything you need to make your MS Bike a memorable experience - Special Events
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CYCLIST HANDBOOK 2019 Everything you need to make your MS Bike a memorable experience 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 1
Thank You and Welcome to MS Bike Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS Bike raises significant funds to search for a cure for MS. Again this year, thousands of cyclists across the country will ride in the MS Bike, united by a compelling common goal – a future free of MS. Your time and efforts to cycle and fundraise for Contents MS Bike are true acts of greatness. Thank you in Introduction advance for all you do. Research funding...........................................................3 Your impact....................................................................3 To help you achieve your acts of greatness, this What you need to know...................................................4 handbook contains all the participant information Rookies you require, including tips to help you meet and Are you a first-time rider?................................................5 beat your fundraising goal. Now all you need is a Support to new riders.....................................................5 bike and the passion to end MS. TeamMS Cycling with a team…......................................................6 Contact Us National company teams................................................6 Fundraising To ensure you receive the most up-to-date Fundraising....................................................................7 Rewards.........................................................................8 information, please make certain that we have Mission First Club...........................................................8 your current email address. Top fundraising leaders..................................................9 If you registered online, and would like to Event day information receive a hard copy of this handbook mailed to Ride support................................................................10 you, contact us at 1-800-268-7582. Refreshments...............................................................11 Safety on route.............................................................12 Avonlea Bike Tune-up................................................................13 Amy Bosche Training tips.................................................................13 Volunteers...................................................................13 P: 306-522-5600 ext. 5005 Submitting donations...................................................14 E: amy.bosche@mssociety.ca What to bring...............................................................14 Accommodations.........................................................15 Waskesiu Schedule of events & maps Rebecca Snider Avonlea................................................................... 16-17 P: 306-244-2114 ext. 5052 Waskesiu................................................................ 18-19 E: rebecca.snider@mssociety.ca Join us online...............................................................20 Thank you to our sponsors............................................21 2 GEAR UP TO END MS
Research Funding Research funding ■ Cause & risk factors Mechanisms of disease 14% 8% ■ Triggers of MS The MS Society is on the cusp of important research 14% ■ Mechanisms of progression breakthroughs that will change lives, and your 18% ■ Repair processes fundraising makes it all possible. Here are the areas ■ Therapy & clinical 22% of focus of currently funded MS research. tool development 22% ■ Symptom management & quality of life Your impact By joining MS Bike you have become a part of a movement of 10,000+ cyclists across Canada who are determined to make a difference in the lives of their fellow Canadians. Every dollar you fundraise supports ground-breaking research and impactful services, making life better for people affected by MS. In 2018, the MS Society of Canada released evidence-based recommendations for vitamin D supplementation and maintenance of vitamin D serum levels bringing us one step closer to answering a long-standing question – is there a connection between daily vitamin D intake and the risk of developing MS? “According to multiple studies, vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for MS,” says Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie, Director, MS Clinic, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and a member of the Vitamin D and MS Panel who worked on the recommendations. They provide optimal dosing ranges for people with or at risk for MS, and information about comorbid conditions, sun exposure, vitamin D supplements, and food sources. “Having these recommendations available to someone like myself, who may be at risk of the disease, gives me hope,” says Marie-Ève Simard, whose mother lives with MS. 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 3
What you need to know • MS Bike is a fundraising event, not a race, therefore each rider must raise a minimum of $350. We encourage riders to strive to earn a jersey by raising $1,000+. • The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable and is not included in the minimum fundraising requirement. • We ask that cash donations are brought to the event, or to an MS Society office. Please don’t send cash in the mail. • All riders must wear a helmet. Please see the “Safety on route” section on page 12 of this handbook for more information about safety requirements and guidelines. Wanda 2019 Bike Ambassador “After receiving my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, I was in shock. I was recently married, a new mother, and unable to work. I had a: ‘What! Now what?’ moment. My MS made me a fighter and I became passionate about not allowing this disease to control my life. I wanted to do my part to raise funds to support MS research, so I joined the MS Bike.” In 2018 Wanda celebrated her 25th year participating in the MS Bike tour. Over that quarter century her team, Zena’s Warriors, has raised approximately $400,000 for research, programs and services. Zena’s Warriors were asked to participate in the first Waskesiu bike in 2005 when there were around 35 cyclists. Today the Waskesiu ride has grown to over 400 participants. Wanda thanks all returning and first-time cyclists she rode with last year and encourages those who have never participated to give it a try. After more than 25 years she knows how much fun and incredibly fulfilling it is to “JOIN ME. Get involved — volunteer or raise participate in MS Bike events. funds for this years’ MS Bike.” 4 GEAR UP TO END MS
Bring your own rookie Invite a friend, family member, or colleague to ride with you and their registration fee will be waived!* Call 1-800-268-7582 to register for free. *Applies only to a new cyclist being referred by a past participant. One referral per past participant. All registered cyclists must raise the $350 fundraising minimum. Are you a first-time rider? You’re in for an amazing experience! We offer support to new riders to help with your fundraising as well as preparation for the big day. We will provide you with resources to help you reach your fundraising goal, match you with a team if desired and guide you throughout the process. • Learn the perks of riding with a team on page 6. • Check out fundraising tips and rewards on pages 7 and 8. 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 5
Cycling with a team is the best way to… • H ave more fun – it’s always more fun with family, • Increase your corporate visibility – gain exposure friends and coworkers by your side. for your company and grow camaraderie amongst your colleagues. • Strengthen your impact – teams make a bigger impact by raising more funds and giving more • Stay motivated – keep your motivation and visibility to the cause. fundraising on track. • Show your spirit – order custom Primal team • Be a part of Rider Village on event day – earn or jerseys with your own logos and colours. bring a tent for you and your team to gather at before and after the event (Waskesiu only). National company teams If your company has three or more teams registered • Dedicated MS Society staff support to help for MS Bike nationally, you will receive the following promote and support your teams. additional benefits: • Dedicated team area on event site. • D edicated online presence to promote and track all employee teams across Canada. • Tools and resources to host a kick-off event at your office. • Onsite recognition of involvement. For more information on becoming a national company team, contact info.sask@mssociety.ca. 6 GEAR UP TO END MS
Fundraising • Make it personal Donate towards your own fundraising goal to get the momentum going and show your commitment to the cause. • Ask your top donors first To set the standard of donations you receive, reach out first to those who’ve been generous in the past or who will support your efforts. • Then ask everyone This is the number one tip given by our top fundraisers—and when we say everyone, we mean everyone! Share why you ride and be prepared to tell donors about MS and how their donations are put to good use. • Ask your workplace Check with your workplace if it offers a charity matching gift program. Send in a request to match your donation to help increase your fundraising total. • Use social media Get started Post a link to your personal fundraising page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and ask your The following fundraising tips friends, family and business network to donate. Take will help you surpass your advantage of our social media tools and download our new and improved MS Bike app, details at msbike.ca. fundraising goal. • Get creative Fundraising doesn’t have to be restricted to asking for donations. Sell your baked goods in return • Start early for a donation. Throw a party and ask guests to Once you register, start fundraising. The sooner you donate in lieu of a hostess gift. Organize a sports start asking, the sooner you will reach, and even pool and dedicate a portion of the money to your surpass, your goal. So start asking today! fundraising. Your donors will appreciate your effort and commitment. • Use the Participant Centre The Participant Centre’s tools and resources make it • Join or form a team easy to achieve your fundraising goal. You can edit Need to stay motivated? Many teams are looking to your personal page, request secure donations, send welcome new members. Call 1-800-268-7582 to find out customizable e-mails and track your progress at how to join an existing team, or form your own team msbike.ca. with coworkers, family and friends. There is power and fun in numbers. • Set a goal of $1000 When you set a higher goal, many people will give larger • Thank your donors donations to help you reach it. If you raise $1,000, Follow up and thank those who have helped you reach you earn our commemorative Club 1000 jersey. Raise your fundraising goal! This is made easy through $2,000 and you earn the matching shorts. pre-populated and customizable templates in the Participant Centre. 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 7
Rewards To thank you for raising crucial funds for MS, we recognize your fundraising accomplishments with rewards*. • Raise $12,500+ • Raise $2000+ Ride in the Tour of Champions or receive a $900 gift card, † Receive the Club 2000 cycling as well as the Club 2000 cycling shorts, Club 1000 jersey, shorts, Club 1000 jersey, an event t-shirt, and an invitation to the Dinner of Champions invitation to the Dinner of where you will be honoured for this amazing fundraising Champions, and an event t-shirt achievement • Raise $1000+ • Raise $5000+ Receive the Club 1000 Receive a $400 gift card, Club 2000 cycling shorts, Club jersey, an invitation to the 1000 jersey, event t-shirt, and an invitation to the Dinner Dinner of Champions and of Champions an event t-shirt • Raise $3500+ • Raise $350+ Receive a $250 gift card, as well as the Club 2000 cycling Receive an event t-shirt shorts, Club 1000 jersey, an invitation to the Dinner of Champions, and an event t-shirt *The MS Society of Canada reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Gift cards are not cumulative. Rewards are based on funds submitted approximately 2 weeks after the event. †Choose to receive a gift card from one of the following: Dutch Cycle, Bike Doctor, Canadian Tire and Walmart The Mission First Club is a special group of people who put the mission of finding a cure for MS first. When you raise $3500+, you are eligible to receive a gift card reward, which you can donate back to help reduce our costs and allow us to dedicate additional funds towards people living with MS. You will receive a tax receipt for your thoughtful contribution. Join the club by contacting us at 1-800-268-7582, or by selecting the Mission First Club option on your participant information form. 8 GEAR UP TO END MS
Top fundraising leaders Want to know how to join the Top 25 Club? Our Top 25 Club consists of the top fundraisers from each event the previous year, who can be identified at each of the events by an iconic yellow rider bib. Challenge yourself with original fundraising ideas, or contact us for fundraising tips, so that you can be a part of this club. $1000+ Club perks • Club 1000 jersey and/or Club 2000 shorts • Invitation to the 2019 Dinner of Champions • Recognition of achievement in the Gearing Down Newsletter Experiences for top fundraisers Tour of Champions The MS Bike Tour of Champions is an opportunity to experience firsthand the international movement to end MS while cycling through the United States with fellow MS Bike participants. If you raise $12,500+, you will be offered a spot on Team Canada in the 2020 tour, along with a Team Canada jersey provided by Primal. For more information, please contact info.sask@mssociety.ca. Dinner of Champions Each fall, participants who raise $1000+ are invited to attend the Dinner of Champions in Regina and Saskatoon. Make 2019 the year you join this exceptional group of top fundraisers for an evening of fun, friends, and awards. 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 9
Ride support MS Bike is a fully supported cycling tour. The following services are provided to registered cyclists wearing the appropriate rider bibs. Rest stops First aid Optional rest stops are located every 10 to 15 Trained first aiders are available throughout the route kilometres along the route. Each rest stop is stocked to help all participants. If you need assistance, do with refreshments like water, sports drinks, and not hesitate to ask. In the case of an emergency, snacks. It is also equipped with portable toilets and please call 911. first aid supplies. Bike mechanics SAG vehicles Most rest stops will have a bicycle mechanic, Support and gear (SAG) vehicles travel along the courtesy of Bike Doctor and Dutch Cycle who route between rest stops. They can help cyclists can provide basic repairs (i.e. tools and tubes). with flats and basic first aid and will also transport We encourage you to take your bike to a Bike Shop cyclists to the next rest stop if a bicycle mechanic or for an inspection prior to the ride or attend a Tune-Up first aid is needed. If a cyclist is unable to complete Party to ensure that your bike is in top condition. the ride, a SAG vehicle can transport the cyclist to the finish line. To signal a SAG vehicle driver, follow these steps: • Move safely off the road and out of the path of other cyclists • Dismount and stand near your bike • R emove your helmet and wave it at the SAG vehicle 10 GEAR UP TO END MS
Refreshments MS Bike, along with generous sponsors, will provide food Bring and beverages during the ride. (Items will vary by location your own water and may not meet all dietary needs. If you have special bottle and have dietary requirements, please pack additional food that you it refilled at the may need.) filling stations. Start line Finish line Fruit | Breakfast snack items | Coffee | Water | Fruit | Water | Sports drinks | Pop | Juice | Chips Sports drinks Waskesiu Celebration Dinner Rest stops Celebration Barbecue Fruit | Snacks | Water | Sports drinks Avonlea Celebration Dinner Lunch Celebration Banquet Fruit | Water | Sports drinks | Sandwiches | Soup | Snacks 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 11
Safety on route • This is not a competitive race. Please respect • Always yield to pedestrians. fellow cyclists and different levels of cycling • Only use your cell phone when stopped and pulled experience. Many participants are recreational to the right out of bike and vehicle traffic. cyclists. • Watch out for road hazards such as patches of • Wear a helmet correctly. This is mandatory. loose gravel on the road. • Give hand signals when stopping or turning. • The communities we ride through are supporting • Obey traffic signs and signals at all times. our mission to end MS – let’s thank them by being respectful to their residents. • Headphones/earbuds are not permitted while riding. • Ride on the right side of the road or in marked bike lanes to allow faster cyclists and vehicles to safely pass on the left. • Pass on the left. Announce yourself to other cyclists by saying, “On your left.” • Ride single file to let vehicles and faster cyclists pass on the left. • When another cyclist is passing you on the left, do not turn around. Hold handlebars steady and keep your bike straight while maintaining your speed. 12 GEAR UP TO END MS
Training tips While MS Bike is a recreational event and a fit for cyclists of all levels, we encourage riders to get geared up to end MS before the event in the following ways: • Make sure your bike is in good working condition. • Join a cycling club. Ask the staff at your local bike store or search online to find one near you. • Go ride. Start your training ride with shorter Alternatively, you can speak with MS Staff about distances like 15 to 20 kilometres and gradually joining or creating a MS Bike team for motivation. increase to the full distance. Bike Tune-up Regina Tune-up Party – Thursday August 8th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm MS Society Office (150 Albert Street) Come enjoy a burger, hand in donations and receive a free bike inspection. Saskatoon Bike inspections will be available from Sept 2nd – 14th to currently registered cyclists at Bike Doctor (623 Main Street) during regular business hours. Just let them know you are riding in an MS Bike event in Saskatchewan. Volunteers Volunteers are crucial to MS Bike’s success. From assisting in the planning of the MS Bike event, to helping on event day, there is a volunteer position for everyone. Meet new people and make an impact in lives of people with MS – right in your community. For more information on getting involved in a MS Bike event in your community, please contact us at info.sask@mssociety.ca. 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 13
Submitting Donations Ready to ride? If you have only collected online pledges this process will not apply to you; however, if you have received any Here’s what to bring: offline donations (cash or cheque), the following process will need to be followed. All money can be handed in: 1. To either MS Society of Canada – Saskatchewan Riding gear Division office (Saskatoon: 2 – 706 Duchess Street or Regina: 150 Albert Street). ¡¡ Helmet (required) 2. At Cyclist Check-in onsite at the MS Bike. ¡¡ Water bottles All participants handing in cash/cheques must do the ¡¡ Rain gear (we ride rain or shine) following: ¡¡ Comfortable cycling clothes 1. Ensure all donation tracking forms are filled out correctly and correspond to cash/cheques being ¡¡ Sunglasses handed in (Note: Do not include any online gifts). We require each donor’s complete and valid postal address to issue a tax receipt (even if an email address had been provided). Personal items 2. Complete a pledge submission sheet with your ¡¡ ID (including your Health Card) contact information and complete donation breakdown of what is currently being handed in. ¡¡ Pocket money 3. Put your donation tracking form, pledge submission ¡¡ Any needed medications sheet and donations into a large re-sealable plastic bag with the pledge submission sheet information ¡¡ Sunscreen and lip protection facing out so it can be seen. ¡¡ Change of clothes for evening banquet 4. Submit package to staff or volunteers. (if applicable) Please note that all forms are available for download online from your participant center or can be picked up from an MS Society Office. These forms will also be We recommend that you leave your valuables available at Cyclist Check-in. at home and only bring the necessary items that you need for the event. The MS Society cannot be responsible for lost or stolen articles. 14 GEAR UP TO END MS
Accommodations Cyclists are responsible for arranging their own accommodations for the MS Bike. It is recommended that cyclists book accommodations sooner rather than later as these can book up quickly! The following options are listed as suggestions only. Avonlea Waskesiu Dunnet Regional Park Campground The following businesses in Waskesiu have agreed to give our participants a discount. Be sure to mention that you To book a camp site, and look at nightly camping rates at are riding in the MS Bike when booking your stay. Dunnet Regional Park Campground, please visit www.dunnetpark.ca/stay. Armstrong Hillcrest Cabins 15% discount 306-663-5841 www.elchuk.com/armstrong Kapasiwin Bungalows 15% discount 1-877-963-5225 www.kapasiwin.com Waskesiu Resorts 20% discount 306-663-5377 www.waskesiuresorts.ca The Suites at Waskesiu 15% discount 306-663-4620 www.thesuitesatwaskesiu.com For a complete listing of Waskesiu accommodations, visit www.waskesiu.org Camping Accommodations To reserve a camping spot in Beaver Glen or Red Deer Campground contact: 1-877-737-3783 or visit: www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 15
Avonlea SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, August 17 7 am MS Bike Kickoff Banquet Tickets: Check-In Breakfast * All cyclists and volunteers Team Photos (7:45-8:45 am) will receive a banquet ticket. Club 1000 Photo (8:45 am) If you would like to purchase additional tickets for guests 9 am Opening Ceremony and Kickoff at Avonlea they are $20 per person. Community Hall — MS Bike Begins! Extra Banquet Tickets 10 am – 1 pm Lunch available — be sure to plan your All cyclists and volunteers stops and pace accordingly! receive a complimentary ticket for the banquet at 5:30 pm on 12 pm – 5 pm Rider Village Open event day. Finish Line Celebrations Beer Gardens If you wish to purchase an Music, Games and Snacks extra banquet ticket for a 4:00 pm Route Closes guest, the deadline to do so is August 9th. Tickets are $20 per 5:00 pm Doors Open for Banquet person and can be purchased in the Regina office or over the phone (306-522-5600). Tickets 5:30 pm – 8 pm Banquet will NOT be sold at the event on August 17th. * Please note: Cyclists will be responsible for their own storage and security of their bikes. Dietary Restrictions If you or your guests have any dietary restrictions please let us know. 16 GEAR UP TO END MS
Avonlea Route August 17, 2019 63 or 102km 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 17
Waskesiu SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, September 13 7 pm – 9 pm Early Check-in at the Waskesiu Community Hall Beverages available for purchase Extra Barbecue Tickets All cyclists and volunteers Saturday, September 14 receive a complimentary 8:30 am MS Bike Kickoff ticket for the barbecue being Check-in served in Rider Village at 4:30 Light Continental Breakfast pm on event day. Team Photos (8:45 am) If you wish to purchase an Club 1000 Photo (9:45 am) extra barbecue ticket for your family, the deadline to do so 10 am Opening Ceremony and Kickoff is September 6th. Tickets are MS Bike Begins! being sold at $20 for adults, $15 for children 6-12, and 11 am – 1:30 pm Lunch available all children 5 and under are Be sure to plan your stops and free when accompanied pace accordingly! by an adult with a ticket. Tickets can be purchased in 2:30 pm Challenge option closes. the Saskatoon office, or over All cyclists wanting to do the the phone (306-244-2114). Challenge Route must have started. Tickets will NOT be sold at the event on September 14th. 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Rider Village Activities Finish Line Celebrations Beer Gardens Dietary Restrictions Team Tents If you or your guests have any Music, Games and Snacks dietary restrictions please let us know. 4:15 pm Route Closes 4:30 pm Barbecue Supper Begins 5 pm Closing Awards & Ceremonies 5:30 pm Last call for alcohol 6 pm Bar and Hall close 18 GEAR UP TO END MS
Waskesiu Route September 14, 2019 50 or 76km 2019 MS Bike Cyclist Handbook 19
Join us online msbike.ca • Access your Participant Centre to track your fundraising progress • L earn more about fundraising tips, rewards and tools • Visit your event page for up-to-date event information Do you receive our emails? News about the events are sent out regularly to keep you informed. If you haven’t received information, contact us at info.sask@mssociety.ca @MSSocietySK @MSSocietySK @MSSocietySK flickr.com/mssocietysask 20 GEAR UP TO END MS
Thank you to our sponsors NATIONAL SPONSORS OFFICIAL APPAREL PARTNER PROVINCIAL SPONSORS LOCAL SPONSORS Join us online msbike.ca
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