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Frequently Asked Questions
About My Participant Center
Donations
About Bike MS
Riding in Bike MS: PA Dutch
Riding in Bike MS: City to Shore
ABOUT MY PARTICIPANT CENTER
- 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 mscycling@pae.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.
- 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. 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 Participant Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
- How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Participant Center. On the bottom right side of your Participant 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 or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team goal. The team captain will need to login to his/her Participant 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 and goal.
- How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts that have been donated.
- How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant 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 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.
DONATIONS
- How do I turn in donations?
Please do not mail in cash contributions. You can write out a personal check for any cash you receive. To turn in your contribution, you can mail or drop off your donations* at the chapter office:
Bike MS
1 Reed Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19147
*Checks should be made out to the National MS Society. Please put your name on the memo line of each check.
- Can I use FedEx, UPS or Certified Mail to turn in my donations?
Yes, at your discretion, you may use the above methods to turn in your donations. Please use the chapter office address:
Bike MS
1 Reed Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Why is PAE Anonymous listed as a donor on my pledge report?
If we receive an offline contribution that does not include the donors name and mailing address, it will be credited to your account under the name PAE Anonymous. To update this information, please email mscycling@pae.nmss.org.
- What if my donors need a receipt?
Sponsors who make an online donation via our website will receive an e-mail confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Offline check or credit card contributions that are received and made out to the National MS Society for $100 or more will receive a thank you letter from us that can be used for tax purposes. You can request receipts for other contributions by emailing mscycling@pae.nmss.org.
- How do I split gifts between multiple riders?
We are happy to split donations between multiple riders; however, each rider must be registered at the time the donation is received, and designation (amount and participant info) must be included with the donation at the time it is mailed or turned in.
- Can my matching gift be used for next year’s Bike Ride?
No, matching gifts can only applied to the same year the contribution was credited. Matching contributions cannot be included in your minimum contribution.
- I mailed a donation to the National MS Society but it’s not listed on my pledge list.
Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please contact us at 800-445-BIKE or mscycling@pae.nmss.org.
- What can I do to make sure my donations are credited to my account?
Please make sure that your name is written in the memo line on all checks and/or include a note with your name and mailing address you used when you registered.
- Can I send in donations for more than one cyclist in one envelope?
Yes, but please be very specific as to how the donations should be credited. The more information you provide the faster we can process your donations.
- Can I mail in cash?
No, please don’t send in cash. For any cash donations you receive, please deposit the contribution into your checking account and send in a personal check. You can request receipts for cash contributions by emailing mscycling@pae.nmss.org.
- What happens to the donations if I can no longer participate in the event?
All registration fees and donations are non-returnable and non-transferable. Your donations allow the National MS Society to fund vital medical research and support over 11,000 local residents in the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter living with MS, regardless of your participation in the event.
- How do I get a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter and/or tax id number?
Please email mscycling@pae.nmss.org to receive a copy of this letter.
- Are donations tax deductible?
All donations are tax deductible in the same calendar year your donation was processed to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.
- Are registrations fees tax deductible?
Registrations fees are not tax deductible.
- Can I send a money order or cashier’s check?
Yes, we accept money orders and cashier’s checks for donations and registration fees.
ABOUT BIKE MS
- What are the dates of Bike MS 2009?
Bike MS: PA Dutch is July 24 & 25, 2010
Bike MS: City to Shore is September 25 & 26, 2010.
- How do I register?
Click here to register online or call 800-445-BIKE.
- What is the minimum donation required?
All riders (team captains, team members and individual riders) are required to register and raise the minimum of $250 in donations for PA Dutch and $300 for City to Shore. The average rider raises $700, so set your goals high!
- Where do the funds from Bike MS go?
Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t.
The National MS Society uses the funds raised through Bike MS to fuel medical research and provide more services than any other organization in the world. We help local people through essential direct services that empower and increase independence, including:
· Specialized MS clinics
· Education and information
· Home/vehicle modifications
· Emergency financial assistance
· Medical supplies
· Home care
· Support groups
· Family programs
- What happens if I register but do not reach the fundraising minimum?
In order to participate in the ride, each cyclist must raise a minimum of $250 for PA Dutch and $300 for City to Shore in donations prior to the event. If you have not met your fundraising minimum prior to the event. Contact our office by e-mail or call 800-445-BIKE for fundraising assistance.
- What if I want to fundraise but I don't want to participate? Will I still have access to these tools?
Yes, you can register as a virtual cyclists or a volunteer and have access to the same fundraising tools!
- Will reaching certain fundraising levels qualify participants to receive incentives?
Yes, cyclists and volunteers receive the same benefits and prizes. You can check out our prizes for this year when they are posted on our website.
- Why is there a fundraising minimum?
The primary goal of Bike MS is to raise funds to support people living with MS. By raising funds, you are helping the National MS Society support vital medical research and local programs for the 11,000 area residents in our chapter area.
- How do I start my own team?
It’s very simple! When you register, you will have the ability to start a team and serve as the team captain or join an existing team. If you opt to register as an individual, you may still create or join a team at any time before the event. To do so, please contact us.
There is no additional cost to create or join a team but please keep in mind that each team member is responsible for the fundraising minimum.
RIDING IN BIKE MS: PA DUTCH
- What are the different route options and start locations for Bike MS: PA Dutch?
75 and 100-mile route options begins in Green Lane, PA at 6 a.m.
50-mile route option begins in Honey Brook, PA at 8 a.m.
- What is the exact route for the event?
Please see the event details page for the route Cue Sheets and Map
- Does the collaboration with the Central PA Chapter mean that the two rides are now one?
No. The two rides have separate identities, with separate starting locations. We will meet around the 4th rest stop with the Central PA Chapter and have a shared finish and overnight. The two rides will part ways the following morning and have two separate routes and finish lines on Sunday.
- Will this year’s route be more difficult than previous years?
No. We are looking to plan a route that has a similar elevation climb, or less than previous years.
- Are there overnight accommodations?
Yes. There are air-conditioned dorms at Millersville University. See the housing page for more information.
- What Support will be on the route?
There will be a rest stop every 10 to 15 miles each day and support vehicles equipped with first aid and mechanical support on the routes at all times. If you need assistance let a volunteer know and they will find someone to help you.
- What if I can’t finish riding?
Bike MS: PA Dutch is a fully supported event. If you can’t seem to finish riding, there are Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles that roam the route and stop at all rest stops to pick up cyclists and their bikes to transport them to the finish line.
- I’m riding only on Saturday, how do I get back to my start location?
Return transportation is provided on Saturday from Millersville University to Green Lane Park. More specific information on times and location will be available closer to the ride.
- Are the roads closed to cyclists only?
No, but safety is our number one concern and we do work with the local authorities in every community we ride through. Click here (PDF) for directions to and from the starts and rest stops.
- What are my training opportunities?
Check our website for local training rides and our featured spin classes that can help you prepare for the Dutch! You can also stop at your local bike shop to see when its next group ride will be.
- My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn’t ride but wants to come support me at the event, what can they do?
We need volunteers! They can register to volunteer by registering on our webpage or by calling 1.800.445.BIKE.
Gearing Up, The Official PA Dutch Rider Magazine (PDF, 227 KB) - ALL you need to know about the ride! The rider magazine will answer all your questions about housing, money turn-in deadlines, what to bring the weekend of the ride, transportation, directions, route support, fundraising incentives and much more.
RIDING IN BIKE MS: CITY TO SHORE
- Where are the start locations for the Bike MS: City to Shore?
75 and 100 mile route options begins in Cherry Hill, N.J. at 6 a.m.
45 mile route option begins in Hammonton, N.J. at 10 a.m.
25 mile route option begins in Mays Landing, N.J. at 8 a.m.
- What is the exact route for the event? Is the route the same as last year?
We are currently working to finalize the route. Once the route is finalized, you will be able to find cue sheets and a map of our route on our Web site.
- How do I find overnight accommodations?
Starting in June, participants can contact Access Ocean City for help with overnight accommodations.
- What support will be on the route?
There will be rest stops every 10 to 15 miles each day and vehicles equipped with first aid and mechanical support will be on the route at all times. If you need assistance, let a volunteer know and they will find someone to help you.
- What if I can’t finish riding?
Bike MS: City to Shore is a fully supported event. If you can’t seem to finish riding, there are Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles that roam the route and stop at all rest stops to pick up cyclists and their bikes to transport them to the Finish Line.
- I’m riding only on Saturday, how do I get back to my start location?
Return transportation is provided on Saturday from Ocean City to each start location. Once you’re ready to leave the fun and excitement at the finish line, just proceed with your bike and belongings to the Transportation Center located at 6th and Atlantic.
- Are the roads closed to cyclists only?
No, but safety is our number one concern and we do work with the local authorities in every community we ride through. Please visit our Safety and Training page this summer for information and resources on how to ride in a group ride.
- What are my training opportunities?
Please check with your local sponsoring bike shops and clubs about training rides in your community. We are here to support you and want you to be ready to ride in September!
- My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn’t ride but wants to come support me at the event, what can they do?
We need volunteers! They can register to be volunteers. Breakaway (PDF, 7.66 MB) - The official City to Shore rider magazine, complete with ALL you need to know about the ride. The rider magazine will answer all your questions about housing, money turn-in deadlines, transportation, route support, directions, fundraising incentives and much more. |
