Rookie Riders - City to Shore First Year Cyclists
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Important Dates: Here are a few important City to Shore dates. Click here to view all. June 1: Ocean City Housing Opens |
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Make your mark as a top fundraiser at City to Shore 2012! We’ll be honoring our top rookie fundraiser with a special award at the ride’s awards ceremony. |
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Rookie Rider Highlight
First-year cyclist Joe Calabro of Radnor, Pa., began training for the ride by biking two to three times per week covering between 15-35 miles each time. An avid runner for the past 20 years, he also continued his weekly routine of running five miles per day, three days per week. The 60-year-old cyclist joined The Wild Hogs team this year after the encouragement of daughter Christy Calabro who has been a participant since 2009. |
Rookie Rider = a cyclist participating in City to Shore for the first time.
But I’ve been cycling for years, am I a Rookie Rider? Yes!
Whether you’re a veteran cyclist or you’re new to the sport, you are new to the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride and we want to ensure your first experience is the best it can be. This page, and the Rookie Rider program, is dedicated to making this happen.
Stay tuned for a welcome phone call from our Planning Team. In the meantime, check out the resources and links below that help you connect with fellow cyclists, provide more information on City to Shore, and help you prepare for the weekend.
If you have any questions or needs, please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Hersh for more information.
Keep checking back -- this page is updated frequently!
ROOKIE RIDER RESOURCES:
Choose a Topic:
Rider Expo | Happy Hours | Group Riding Skills Courses
Social Media Sites | Fundraising | Join a Team | Training
Ocean City Experience | Additional Rookie Rider Tips
Rider Expo:
Wednesday, August 29
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Penns Landing Caterer’s
1301 South Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Receive route, training, fundraising information and much more
- Mingle with fellow City to Shore teams, rookies and experienced cyclists
- Chat with sponsoring bike shops about bike maintenance
- Pick up your rider number
More details and how to RSVP will be posted in late June or early July.
Happy Hours:
Don't wait until September to meet your fellow cyclists. Join us at a Bike MS Happy Hour for food and drinks specials, to socialize with fellow riders, meet new cycling buddies, chat with sponsoring bike shops and get excited about Bike MS: City to Shore Ride 2012!
Group Riding Skills Courses:
With 7,000 riders on the road City to Shore weekend, it is important that everyone be a Responsible Cyclist by participating in one of our Group riding skills courses.
- Meet training/riding partners who live in your area
- Get your bike inspected by a sponsoring bike shops (specific courses)
- Become a more skilled cyclists by learning group riding techniques, Bike MS protocol and ways to exhibit safe and courteous riding behavior
- Courses are taught by League of American Bicyclists (LAB) certified instructors
Course spots are limited, so sign up early!
Social Media Sites:
These forums allow you to virtually network with other City to Shore cyclists, providing instant access to discuss questions about the route, fundraising, training, ride preparation and more. Plus, receive important updates and reminders throughout the season.
Fundraising:
Don’t let the $300 minimum intimidate you -- the average City to Shore cyclist raises more than $700. It’s not hard to get there, and we’re here to help you along the way. Once you start telling people why you are riding and where their money goes, you will be surprised at how giving they can be. Set a goal and let our fundraising resources help you get there. Remember to update your goal as you reach it. Raise $1,000 or more and become a member of our exclusive VIP club.
Join a Team:
Being part of a team for City to Shore is a great way to stick to a training schedule while building camaraderie with people who share your interest in cycling and a desire to create a world free of MS. Plus, it makes the weekend of the ride even more fun! Click here to choose a local team or contact Melissa Hersh to start your own team.
Training:
Click here for tips on stretching, exercise, nutrition, hydration and more. As a City to Shore cyclist, you’ll also receive a free subscription to TrainingPeaks, the official coaching software of Bike MS. The package includes custom cycling training plans created just for us by Joe Friel, author of the Training Bible series and the official coach of Bike MS - a $100 value! Click here to set up your account.
Ocean City Rookie Experience:
After you cross the finish line, come to the rookie tent to pick up maps, ask questions regarding festivities and facility information and share your experience with us. We would love to hear how the ride was for you.
Housing opens June 1 and fills up quickly. Please make your reservations via Access Ocean City. City to Shore cyclists are responsible for booking their own accommodations in Ocean City.
There will be plenty of food, drink and entertainment for cyclists, family members and friends at the Ocean City finish line. The Ocean City experience starts at 10 a.m. and finishes Saturday evening at 6 p.m. We will offer a spaghetti dinner for cyclists at the Music Pier on the boardwalk from 3 to 7 p.m.
Stay Tuned for a map of the finish line and weekend tips!
Additional Rookie Rider Tips:
Here's what you need to know to have fun and stay safe on your first City to Shore Ride.
- Train in a group (learn how to ride in a crowd)
- Don't wait to begin fundraising
- Start training now and ride regularly
- Set realistic goals and keep track of your mileage
- Stay hydrated by drinking before you become thirsty
- Wear padded shorts and gloves