2010 Rider Manual

www.bikeMSgeorgia.org

PLATINUM AND GOLD SPONSORS

BIKE STORES

MEDIA

SILVER AND BRONZE SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSOR

Table of Contents

Welcome to Bike MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

About MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Where Does the Money Go? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Getting Started: 3 Simple Steps to Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Why Ride Alone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Fundraising Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Online Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Matching Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Top 25 Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Friends and Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

On Route Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Official Bike Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Packet Pickup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Preparing For The Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Safety Starts With You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Going the Extra Mile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Calendar Of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

For more information and team resources, please visit: bikeMSgeorgia .org

CONTACT USRoy A. RangelChapter PresidentRoy.rangel@nmssga.org

Special Events StaffAilena Gibby ParramoreDirector of Special Events Ailena.parramore@nmssga.org

Jared MileyWalk MS Development ManagerJared.miley@nmssga.org

Cara Misuraco ReeveSpecial Events ManagerCara.reeve@nmssga.org Amanda Karnik MoranCommunity Development ManagerAmanda.moran@nmssga.org

Development StaffRina CookDirector of Fund Development Rina.cook@nmssga.org

Program StaffHilary LaMotteDirector of Clinical & Chapter ProgramsHilary.lamotte@nmssga.org

Tammy EarnestSenior Manager, Community Programs & Chapter ServicesTammy.earnest@nmssga.org

Kyle PinionDirector of Public Policy & AdvocacyKyle.pinion@nmssga.org

Administrative StaffNicole HillVice President Finance & AdministrationNicole.hill@nmssga.org

Melissa PolunOperations ManagerMelissa.polun@nmssga.org

Susie CollinsReceptionistSusie.collins@nmssga.org

Lynn RunstenFinance AssociateLynn.runsten@nmssga.org

Terri CoolData Entry AssociateTerri.cool@nmssga.org

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Welcome to Bike MS: Deloitte.Atlanta to Athens Ride 2010!

You’ve accepted the challenge, and now you are ready for the ride of your life! This Rider Manual is designed to assist you in moving forward and staying motivated, as well as provide you with some great tips for having fun while fundraising .

Ride with Us Date: April 10-11, 2010

Start Location: Georgia State University Atlanta, GA

Overnight Location: Holiday Inn - Athens, GA

Website: www.bikeMSgeorgia.org

For more information, visit www.bikeMSgeorgia.org or call 678.672.1000.

National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyGeorgia Chapter1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101Atlanta, Georgia 30338Phone: 678 .672 .1000 Fax: 678 .672 .1015www .nationalMSsociety .org/gaa

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We are people who want to do something about MS NOWAbout MS Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness 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 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.About the National MS Society The National MS Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-FIGHTMS.

Where does the money go?MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We do this through our home office and 50-state network of chapters by funding more MS research, providing more services to people with MS, offering more profes-sional education and furthering more advocacy efforts than any other MS organiza-tion in the world. Just look at the difference it makes in your own community:Chapter Program & Research HighlightsFor over 50 years, the Georgia Chapter has been providing hope to nearly 8,500 individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis in Georgia. The Georgia Chapter provides outstanding, comprehensive programs and support services designed to help people with MS and their families better address the challenges of living with this unpredictable disease. We strive to provide knowledge and assistance to help people with MS to maintain the highest possible quality of life. Offering much needed services and funding top-rated research, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. Chapter Financial Information85 cents of every dollar raised in the Georgia Chapter is spent towards ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. The Georgia Chapter depends on com-munity support to fund local programs and accelerate national research projects to identify the cause and cure of MS. We are thankful to our members and their friends, event participants, corporate partners and the general public who help us raise the money to help create a world free of MS.

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Getting Started: 3 Simple Steps to Success

As a part of the MS movement, you are committed to a world free of MS. We’re committed to you and your Bike MS experience.

1. Raising Money (Pages 6-9)Fundraising comes more naturally when you make it personal. Share your story, or ask to share the story of someone riding with you. Don’t forget to ask everyone who sponsors you if their employer offers matching gifts! Remember, you are raising important dollars through Bike MS for vital research and client programs. Ask Boldly!

2. Preparation And Training (Pages 10-17)With a little training and preparation, this event will be an experience you can be proud of. Prepare yourself with general knowledge about the National MS Society and MS, details about the event, and how to prepare for the ride. Bicycling success can be achieved through basic knowledge of hydration and fitness training. Get to know your local bike store representatives, participate in regular training rides, and continue reading for further tips.

3. Really Having Fun! (Pages 5 & 18)Bike MS can be more than a fundraising event — it can be a joyous celebration of how far we’ve come together! This is an opportunity to share a great experience with friends and family members, or co-workers — a community coming together for a common goal and the accomplishment of a unique personal challenge! Experiencing the Bike MS ride as part of a team can make your experience that much more fun. Continue reading for more information on joining or forming a team.

Benefits to Moving Together1. Teamwork and Team Building 2. Corporate Pride and Employee Retention3. Fantastic Marketing Opportunity4. Strong community Relationships Built Through

Community Involvement5. Creates Health Conscious Employees and Community6. Team Fundraising Makes Asking for Donations Easy7. It’s More Fun at the Event!

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Why Ride Alone?

There are many benefits to forming and riding on a team.

It’s a lot of fun! Riding in the inagural Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride will be more enjoyable when you have a group of teammates to support and encourage you along the way. By forming a team, training and fundraising is easier and more fun leading up to the event as you work together towards your goals. Plus, there are great perks to riding with a team, including the opportunity to have a team tent at the overnight celebration, team jerseys and more!

Everyone loves to win! Teams can compete for top awards.

Encourage team building! Team involvement is a great way to network within your company and in the corporate community. It is an opportunity to meet people you normally would only pass at the copier or in the elevator. By forming a corporate team you can give your co-workers or employees the opportunity to work together towards a goal in a fun, social setting.

Enhance moral and employee retention! Company involvement promotes loyalty among employees and general goodwill within the company. Participation as a team encourages community involvement and camaraderie. Working together to achieve a common goal brings everyone together.

Increase Recognition! Your marketing department will thank you for the additional exposure your company will receive. With 500 event participants, and over 400 volunteers, the media and lots of our supporters will see your team. By wearing company jerseys, you can gain valuable exposure.

INTERESTED IN FORMING A TEAM? Call the National MS Society – Georgia Chapter office at 678-672-1000. Team Captain Manuals are available with recruitment ideas, fundraising and training tips. Team Captains will also receive team captain e-mails with tips and advice about team recruitment and fundraising. National MS Society Staff are also available to visit your company to promote the Ride and meet with your management team. Also, you can schedule a “Lunch & Learn” session at your company to encourage team growth and answer questions for prospective recruits. The National MS Society is here to help every step of the way!

Richard Foster, Team CaptainTeam Georgia Powerr

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The Basics∫ Set Goals! Determine a personal goal

and let your supporters know what dollar amount you are aspiring to reach.

∫ Have Enthusiasm! Excitement shows potential donors that you are enthusi-astic about their support.

∫ Share Why You Ride! If you are rid-ing in honor of a loved one with MS, include their story and picture in any letters or emails that you send out. If you don’t have a personal connection to MS, contact the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter to find out about the Champions Against MS program.

∫ Show Commitment! Make the first pledge yourself.

∫ Don’t Apologize! You are doing some-thing good for the community, so don’t apologize for asking for support. People will respect you for the commitment you’ve made to a worthy cause.

∫ Make a List of Places That You Spend Money! Donations to the National MS Society are tax deduct-ible, and we will be glad to provide receipts. Do not forget doctors, dry cleaners, dentists, hairdressers, me-chanics and your favorite restaurants!

∫ Send Letters & Emails! Send an an-nouncement of your plan to partici-pate to friends, business associates, church members, family and old ac-quaintances. Do not forget companies, organizations and school newsletters!

∫ Get Educated! You can contact the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter

and request useful materials full of in-formation. Also, visit www.nationalms society.org/gaa for more information.

Going The Extra Mile∫ Have A Party! For a donation, throw

a party. Host a dinner party and treat your guests to a home-cooked meal in exchange for a donation to your cause; throw a birthday party for someone, but instruct guests to give donations to the ride, in lieu of gifts.

∫ Go Out! Organize a night out at a local restaurant or bar where a portion of the proceeds go to your efforts. Get a band that is willing to donate their services and charge a cover at the door.

∫ Host An Event At Work! The office is a great place to go and get people to support your efforts. With permis-sion, raffle off tickets for either a day off or a parking space close to the door. Have employees pay a fee to be able to dress down one day. Create a challenge between offices or departments.

∫ Pin-Up Sales: If you work somewhere with lots of foot traffic, ask about Bike MS pin-up sales — an easy way to quickly raise money.

∫ Speak At A Civic Organization Or Place Of Worship! Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting or service. Ask the group to vote to sup-port your effort, join your team or be volunteers!

∫ Sell Something! Join forces with your team members to host an auction, garage sale, or bake sale.

Fundraising Tips

The Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride is more than just a bike ride — it’s a bike ride with a mission. The National MS Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis and as a rider, you will help us reach this goal. The average participant goes above and beyond the minimum pledge amount of $350. Learn new ways to meet your fundraising goals.

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Simple Steps To Online Success

My Participant Center1. Set up your Personal Web Page Your personal web page is your invitation to

the world to become involved in the movement. By setting up a web page, you are setting yourself up for success. Here are a few hints to help make your page one to remember:

∫ Make it personal – Put in a picture of you or your team. Write your story and how you are moving toward a world free of MS. While there is sample text available, nothing is more compelling than your own words.

∫ Change it often – Keep your page current to generate interest. Provide up-dates on how your training is going or how close you are to your goal through the blog feature.

∫ Create a url shortcut – By doing this you will be able to easily direct people to your page. Put a link to your fundraising page in the signature of your email.

2. Fundraise online – Now for the fun part! After you send your personalized e-mail to all your friends, family and colleagues, you can watch your up-to-the-minute fundraising tracker. Our online tools make it simple for your supporters to donate online to keep you moving toward your fundraising goals.

3. Encourage others to join you! Encourage your friends & family to join you as a rider or volunteer by registering online. If you are part of a team, direct them to the team’s web page for easy registration.

Online ResourcesThe Bike MS website has a plethora of helpful information to assist you in your fundraising and training efforts. The following items are available for download at www .bikeMSgeorgia .org:

∫ Bike MS Guide to Training and Nutrition ∫ My Participant Center How-To Guide∫ Registration and Pledge Forms∫ Route Maps and Cue Sheets∫ Event Schedule∫ Event and Society Logos

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Double Your Pledges With Matching Gifts!

Many companies sponsor matching gift programs to encourage employees to sup-port numerous charities and non-profit organizations. Most companies match dol-lar for dollar and some may even double or triple match a donor’s gift. By informing your donors of this opportunity, you could greatly increase your fundraising total with little effort.

Helpful Tips for Matching Gifts∫ Spread the Word About Matching Gifts: Encourage all of your event donors

to see if their company participates in a matching gift program. Please remind your donors to include information on whose event campaign they are support-ing so the gift will be credited to the correct event participant’s account.

∫ Have Matching Gift Forms When You Approach Your Coworkers: If your company participates in a matching gift program, have the forms available when you approach your coworkers to donate. When a coworker makes a contribu-tion, you can hand them a form to complete.

∫ The Earlier the Better: Providing the matching gift forms on the weekend of the event or even before will ensure that your matching gift will be included with your current year’s total. To assist us in the process, please include a copy of your pledge form for the National MS Society to reference.

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Top 25 Club

The Top 25 Club is an exclusive club available to fundraisers who achieve the highest fundraising pledges among all participants of the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride. Ranking for the 2011 Top 25 Club will be based on participants’ 2010 fundraising and will be tabulated as of the deadline of September 30, 2010. There is no fixed dollar amount that guarantees club membership. To find out more about this special club, and the exclusive benefits available to club members, visit the website at www.bikeMSgeorgia.org.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society would not be able to fund cutting-edge research, provide services, host programs, or educate healthcare professionals and the public if it were not for the extraordinary fundraising efforts of those who support Bike MS rides in Georgia. We’d like to show our appreciation to the top fundraisers from the 2009 Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride who will make up the 2010 Top 25 Club:

Ranking Name Amount Raised

1 Michael Olagbegi $2,406 2 Charles Faulk $2,000 3 Christa Deissler $1,655 4 Ken Hart $1,613 5 Lane Conville $1,600 6 Renee Spivey $1,585 7 Jeff Waddle $1,560 8 Cynthia Heim $1,430 9 David McDermitt $1,350 10 Angela Kenison $1,25511 Don Clawson $1,185 12 Jodi Giles $1,14513 Casey Cool $1,02514 Jessica Parker $1,025 15 Amanda Williams $1,025 16 Jill Jenkins $1,02117 Katie Van Etten $92518 Margaret Clay $905 19 Missy Catlin $836 20 Cliff Hagan $825 21 Megan Sanders $775 22 Julie Drick $745 23 Ellen Forbes $735 24 Cecil Clontz $700 25 Sander Ellis $670

Top Fundraisers

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General Information

More detailed information on the following topics can be found at www.bikeMSgeorgia.org.

Saturday Start & Sunday Finish Location:The start and finish lines for the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride will be located on the campus of Georgia State University. Cyclists will line up on Piedmont Avenue at the intersection of Gilmer Street. Visit www.gsu.edu/map.html for detailed map.

Saturday Overnight Location in Athens:Day one of the Ride will end in downtown Athens, GA. Overnight festivities, including the Team Village, will be located a short distance from the finish line at the Host Hotel, the Holiday Inn, at the intersection of Broad and Lumpkin Streets.

Minimum Pledge:Cyclists riding in the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride commit to raising a minimum of $350 to be reached by the Packet Pickup prior to the Ride. Donations support client programs, services and research supported by the National MS Society.

Ride Schedule: The ride will start on Saturday, April 10th at 8:00am and will end at 6:00 pm. Day two begins on Sunday, April 11th at 8:00amand officially closes at 5:00pm. Riders are encouraged not to leave the start line early as there is no support on the route prior to start times.

Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age to participate is 12 years old at the time of the ride. For the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride 2010, riders must be 12 years old by April 10, 2010.

Packet Pickup and Rider Packets:All riders must pick up a Rider Packet at the Packet Pickup prior to the ride (please review page 14 for more information). The minimum pledge commitment of $350 is due prior to or at the Packet Pickup.

Safety Restrictions: Equipment and accessories attached to bicycles for transporting children and/or pets are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-Along or Trail-a-Bike products, and child carrier seats.

Rider Services Centers: For any questions that you may have, the Rider Services Center will be able to help you. A location will be available at the Packet Pickup as well as at the Start, Overnight and Finish.

Accommodations:Riders are responsible for arranging hotel accommodations during the ride. Several area hotels have been secured with special rates for the weekend as well as a free camping

area. continued

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General Informationcontinued

Food And Beverage:Food and beverages are provided throughout the ride to all participants. Lunch will be provided on the route both days. Breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning at the overnight location. The overnight celebration at the Team Village will include live music and entertainment. However, dinner will NOT be provided on Saturday night - Cyclists and their friends/family are encouraged to enjoy the tastes of Athens.

Bike Compound:You have the option to store your bike in the Bike Compound on Saturday night of the Ride. The Bike Compound will be a secured facility located in the Team Village at the Holiday Inn. NOTE: For security reasons, your Rider Number must be clearly displayed on the bike and you must have the matching Rider Number on you in order to retrieve your bike from the compound.

Bike Maintenance:The Official Bike Stores will have mechanics at break points and at the start and overnight lines. Official Bike Stores will offer free inspections for all registered riders from March 1-26, 2010. An inspection sticker will be provided for passed inspections and will entitle you to 50% off labor while on the ride.

Non-Denominational Service:A non-denominational fellowship service will be offered on Sunday, April 11th at 7:00am at the overnight location.

Photography:Photographers will be located at different points along the route. In addition, team photos may be taken at the start line.

General Information - Friends And FamilyThe Start/Overnight/Finish areas for the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride are open to all friends and family of riders wishing to show support. Whether coming to cheer on the riders as they cross the finish line or to help prepare arrangements for overnight, friends and family are considered an important part of the Ride.

For the safety of the cyclists, supporters should not make plans to meet cyclists on the route. Official support vehicles such as medical, SAG, bike repair, event staff, breakpoint trucks, and supply trucks will be available along the route. There will also be no parking allowed at any breakpoint or lunch stop.

continued

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General Information – On Route Supportcontinued

Medical:First-Aid volunteers will be available at breakpoints, start and finish, and overnight designated areas. An ambulance will also be on route both days of the Ride. If you have any medical conditions requiring prescription drugs, please be sure to carry those medications with you.

Support And Gear (SAG) Vehicles: Support And Gear (SAG) vehicles patrol the route to provide help to riders who might need assistance. SAGs are operated by dedicated volunteers who patrol the route for safety. Should you need a SAG to transport you to the next breakpoint, first move off the road and out of the path of other riders; next, dismount your bike and stand nearby; then wave your helmet to let the drivers know that you are not just taking a break. Be aware that some of the official vehicles on the route are medical, staff or communications vehicles and are not equipped to carry riders. Also, at peak hours SAG vehicles may be full. Please have patience, another will be by soon.

Motorcycle Marshals:Motorcycle Marshals are volunteers who patrol the route, respond quickly to emergencies and traffic situations, and check the well-being of riders. Please follow the instructions of these volunteers.

Bike MS Routes Signs:Route signs are placed along day 1 and day 2 routes as directional signage. Please adhere to all road signs in addition to taking directions from the route signs.

Vehicles On The Route:Your safety is our number one priority. For that reason, family members, friends, photographers, team volunteers and non-ride officials are not allowed on the routes. Pulling over, driving too fast or too slow, or honking at cyclists may create severe safety hazards. No vehicles will be allowed to park at the breakpoints. No team support vehicles are allowed.

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Official Bike Stores

The Official Bike Stores are here to help!

Free Bike Inspections: Official Bike Stores of the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride provide free, professional inspections to event participants. Inspections run March 1-26, 2010. We recommend that all participants take advantage of this offer to ensure your bike’s safety prior to each Bike MS event. An inspection sticker will be provided for passed inspections and will entitle you to free labor while on the ride. An inspection sticker will be provided for passed inspections and will entitle you to 50% off labor while on the ride.

Official Bike Store Training Rides: All of the Official Bike Stores host regular training rides from their store locations. Easy, moderate, and fast paced rides are available. Contact your closest location for a list of available training rides.

Bike Maintenance: Bike store mechanics will be available at break points and the start and overnight lines. An inspection sticker will be provided for passed inspections and will entitle you to 50% off labor while on the ride.

Bike Recommendations: The official bike stores can recommend which bike will be most suitable for you and provide a basic bike fitting, literature on training and information on other equipment.

Athens Area Official Bike Stores

TBDCycleWorks4970 Lower Roswell RoadMarietta, GA 30068770-509-9494

1580 Holcomb Bridge RoadRoswell, GA 30076770-993-2626

3576 Peachtree Industrial BlvdDuluth, GA 30096770-476-4949

Free-Flite Bicycles2949 Canton Rd. Suite 1000Marietta, GA 30066770-422-5237

Roswell Bicycles670 Houze WayRoswell, GA 30076770-642-4057

TREK Bicycle Stores312 Commerce Drive Peachtree City, GA 30269770-632-1830

120 Westridge Pkwy McDonough, GA 30253770-320-7477

Metro-Atlanta Area Official Bike Stores

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Mark Neville Team CaptainTeam Coca-Cola

Packet PickupDo I have to attend the Packet Pickup?Yes and No! Every rider must have the proper credentials to participate in the Ride. In order to collect a rider packet of credentials, every rider must turn in their signed Waiver & Pledge Agreement form, indicating acknowledgement of the fundraising commitment of at least $350, at the Packet Pickup. However, the rider does not need to be present to pick up a rider packet; a designated representative can turn in the rider’s signed Waiver and Pledge Agreement Form and pick up a packet in their stead. Chapter Risk Management Policy prohibits the mailing of Rider Packets. In order to allow staff to focus on safety, there will be no Packet Pickup or registration on the day of the bike event.

What is included in the rider packet? The rider packet contains the credentials needed to participate in the Bike MS: Atlanta to Athens Ride 2010. The packet includes bib number, bike frame numbers, helmet number, luggage tag and a wristband for meals.

Do I have to reach my minimum fundraising goal by a certain date? Yes. In order to obtain your rider packet, your minimum fundraising commitment of $350 must be turned in prior to or at the packet pickup.

What do I need to bring with me? At the Packet Pickup, riders must turn in a signed copy of their Waiver and Pledge Agreement form. Cyclists are encouraged to turn in any donations raised to date at the packet pickup. The minimum of $350 must be reached in order to pick up your rider packet.

Are there special requirements for riders under 18? Riders between the eligible participant ages of 12 and 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian AND have the waiver notarized - EVEN IF THE PARENT IS PRESENT AT THE PACKET PICKUP.

Packet Pickup Dates TBD

Please visit the website at www.bikeMSgeorgia.org for up-to-date information regarding Packet Pickups. NOTE: No Packet Pickup or Registration on the day of the event.

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The miles of the Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride are challenging, but a little training and preparation will make the ride easier and more enjoyable.

Training TipsPreparing yourself is just as important as having the right equipment. The Bike MS Ride is an accessible ride for nearly every skill level, but less experienced riders should develop a training schedule to fit their needs. The Official Bike Stores can assist in helping you prepare a training program. Download the Bike MS Guide To Training And Nutrition to get started at www.bikeMSgeorgia.org.

Cycling Tips∫ When Cycling, try to maintain 90-100 rpm. That may seem fast, but it is the

most effective method of increasing blood flow to your muscles. More blood means more oxygen and that means less burning in your legs as well as more endurance. Adjust the bike to whatever resistance allows you to maintain that high rpm for the duration of your ride.

∫ It is more effective to train with 5-6 shorter rides each week rather than one or two long rides. Your body adjusts to daily cycling better and therefore more conditioning, even if you ride the same distance.

∫ Carbohydrates the day before a long ride give you more energy for the ride the next day. Pasta, potatoes, and bread are good examples.

∫ Drink one bottle per hour, with every second bottle being a sports drink. ∫ Snack while riding. Energy bars & power gels are some examples of very effec-

tive bike nutrition. Bananas are also good, and they are easy to eat. ∫ Train with other people. It’s more fun, it’s safer, you can practice riding in a

group, and you have someone to motivate you when things get tough.∫ Get your bike inspected at one of the Official Bike Stores prior to the event.

Not only does this entitle you to free labor during the event, but they can pro-vide you with additional information on training and equipment.

∫ Head injuries are of special concern for cyclists. Even falling at a slow rate of speed can cause a serious head injury. Helmets must be on your head and strapped while riding in Bike MS — no exceptions.

What to Wear: All Bike MS riders must wear an approved bicycling helmet at all times while riding the route. It is also suggested that riders wear cycling clothing for their own com-fort. In picking items to wear look for clothing that lacks buckles or ties that might catch in bike tires or chains, is close-fitting to reduce chafing and wind interfer-ence, and wicks perspiration away from the body.

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Preparing for the Ride

Top FundraisersJeanne Slagel &Mike Purdo

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Preparing for the Ridecontinued

Most important are the places where the rider’s body meets the bike: gloves, shorts, and shoes. Cycling gloves are designed to keep hands dry and protect palms from handlebar vibration and the occasional spill. Cycling shorts are padded in the seat and are generally close-fitting to eliminate wind resistance and chafing. Cycling shoes have stiff soles to reduce foot fatigue and lock into pedals to increase pedaling efficiency.

What to Pack

With You On The Ride:

∫ Helmet — THIS IS REQUIRED!

∫ Padded bike shorts, jersey

∫ Cycling gloves, good athletic shoes

∫ Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen

∫ Patch, spare tubes, tire pump

∫ Identification (driver’s license)

∫ Emergency cash, credit card

∫ Water bottles, hydration pack

∫ Rider numbers & wristband

∫ Route maps & cue sheets

∫ Medications, hand sanitizer

∫ Rain poncho (just in case)

In Your Overnight Bag:

∫ Tent, sleeping bag and pillow if camping

∫ Travel alarm clock

∫ Towel & toiletries for on-site shower

∫ Medications

∫ Change of clothes for Saturday night and Sunday

The safety of Bike MS participants is the number one priority for the National MS Society – Georgia Chapter. However, it is also the responsibility of each individual cyclist to be knowledgeable of and adhere to safe practices. Please familiarize yourself with the following safety tips and guidelines.

Official Bike MS Safety Initiatives For your safety, the following initiatives are enforced for all Bike MS events.

∫ Minimum Participation Age: The minimum age to participate is 12 years old at the time of the ride.

∫ Equipment and Accessories attached to bicycles for transporting children and/or pets are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-Along or Trail-a-Bike products, and child carrier seats.

Rule Of the Road: When you ride a bike on the road, you are a driver; therefore, you have the same road responsibilities as the driver of an automobile. Be sure to follow these rules as you ride:∫ Wear a helmet.∫ Obey all traffic signs and signals.∫ Never wear headphones.∫ Ride on the right side of the lane, a few feet from the edge.∫ Ride in the same direction as traffic.∫ Ride in single file to allow traffic to pass.∫ Never ride more than two abreast.∫ Pass on the left only, and allow riders to pass.∫ Give hand signals when stopping or turning.

Safety Tips:Riders must follow the rules of the road, but it is just as important to follow these cycling etiquette tips:∫ Ride in a straight line; do not weave.∫ Cross railroad tracks at a right angle.∫ Try to make eye contact with drivers before turning.∫ Glance back often, always before moving right or left.∫ Watch out for yourself. Don’t depend on other riders to spot hazards.∫ Talk to your fellow cyclists. Let them know “CAR BACK,” “ON YOUR LEFT,” or

“STOPPING.”∫ Before passing, look to be sure it is clear, then signal.∫ When passing another cyclist, call out “ON YOUR LEFT.”∫ When you hear someone say “ON YOUR LEFT,” do not turn around. Hold

handlebars steady and your bike straight. Allow them to pass.

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Safety Starts With You!

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Going the Extra Mile

Champions Against MS: The Champions Against MS program has become a special way for cyclists to connect with people in the community living with MS. It is an opportunity for cyclists to personalize their experience by riding for someone with MS. Ride for someone you know and proudly display your bandana, signed by your champion. If you do not know someone with MS, the Champions Against MS program will pair you with one of our clients served by the National MS Society. For more information, contact the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter at 1-800-FIGHTMS/678.672.1000.

Mission Possible: Cyclists who raise $1 for every person with MS we serve in Georgia are eligible to receive a beautiful Mission Possible plaque. The local chapter provides client pro-grams to 8,500 Georgians seeking services from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Set a goal for yourself to be a member of this prestigious club.

Tour Of Champions:The Tour of Champions award goes to the highest caliber of fundraisers. When you raise a minimum of $10,000, you will join other fundraisers from around the country for a weekend long get-away at a great destination. Airfare and hotel accommodations are provided at no cost to the participant. You will get an opportunity to share your drive and passion for fundraising and success stories with others. For an additional $5,000 raised, you may invite a guest to the Tour of Champions.

Calendar of Events

December

TBD Registration Opens ($50)

March

1-26 Bike Inspections at Official Bike Stores

TBD Packet Pickup #1

April

3 Deadline to Register for $50

4 Registration fee increases to $400

($50 Registration Fee + $350 minimum pledge)

9 Packet Pickup #2 (last chance to pick up packet)

10 Bike MS: Atlanta to Athens Ride - Day 1

Day One Start: 8:00am

Day One Route Closes: 6:00pm

11 Bike MS: Atlanta to Athens Ride - Day 2

Day One Start: 8:00am

Day One Route Closes: 5:00pm

May

11 Pledge Deadline

September

30 Top 25 Club Qualifying Deadline

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1 800 344 4867 | www.bikeMSgeorgia.org