General
About My Bike Center
What are the dates of the Bike MS: Tour de Farms?
June 12th & 13th 2010
Where will the Bike MS: Tour de Farms be located?
The start and finish location for both days of this year’s ride is DeKalb, IL- Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center.
How do I register for the Bike MS: Tour de Farms?
Register Online!
What are the registration fees?
Registration fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, but do apply to your minimum fundraising requirement. Tandem riders are considered two individuals on one bicycle and each individual is required to register. The registration fees are:
Registration Fee Schedule:
Oct. 1st Jan 1st: $25
Jan 1st March 1st: $40
March 1st May 1st: $50
May 1st June 11th: $75
Is there a fundraising requirement?
Yes, to continue our efforts to find a cure for MS, every rider is required to raise a minimum of $300, even tandem riders (registration fees are applicable).
The funds raised by participants of the Bike MS: Tour de Farms support research and provide programs and services to individuals with MS and their families. While we want this ride to be an amazing event for all of our participants, we must remember that we are here for one purpose: to move toward a world free of MS. You can help us do just that.
Once you register, we'll provide you with simple fundraising tips to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. You can track response rates and online donations on your personal page with the fundraising goal scale. And don't forget to ask your donors if their company has a Matching Gift program.
Once you pick up your rider packet (bib number, know before you go, etc.) at a Rider Check-In location, you assume responsibility for the $300 pledge minimum, whether or not you end up participating in the event. You will not be able to participate in the 2010 ride if you have not fulfilled the minimum pledge requirement from the 2009 event.
What if I only want to ride one day or one of the shorter routes on Saturday, do I still need to raise $300?
All riders, regardless of how far they ride, are required to raise the minimum pledge of $300. And you don't have to stop there! We encourage you to take up the challenge and raise as much money as you can to join us in the movement to create a world free of MS.
How old must I be to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the Bike MS: Tour de Farms is 12 years of age. All riders between the ages of 12-17 must be accompanied at all times, on and off the route, by a participating parent or guardian. If an underage rider is picked up by one of our SAG vehicles, the participating parent or guardian must accompany the rider. Additionally, all participants 17 and under must have a notarized waiver form submitted to the Greater Illinois Chapter prior to the ride. These will be available at all rider check-in locations. For more information on the guidelines for underage riders, please see the safety section.
Can people who haven't registered show up and ride on the morning of the Bike MS: Tour de Farms?
Yes. All riders who register the morning of the event will be required to provide donations, meeting or exceeding the pledge minimum upon registration.
When should I collect my donations to ensure that I raise the $300 minimum?
As soon as possible. It's best to collect donations as soon as you can; remember that you are required to raise a minimum of $300 in order to ride. Take advantage of our online donation feature and watch your donations grow! For sponsors who prefer to donate by check, make checks payable to the National MS Society or NMSS and be sure to put the rider's name and Bike MS on the memo line of the check. Remember...try to collect all donations before June 12th, 2010. The final deadline to collect your donations to be eligible for prizes is one month after the event.
When and where do I turn in my donations?
Online fund raising is the key to success! Studies show that fundraisers who solicit donations via email, Monday through Friday 9 AM - 5 PM, are more than twice as likely to receive contributions. Donations not received online should be mailed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society- Greater Illinois Chapter at 525 W. Monroe St, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661. You will also have an opportunity to submit donations in person at one of our Rider Check-In locations.
What do I do with money that I want split amongst two or more individuals?
If you have money that is to be divided among two or more individuals, you can contact us at the office or if you’re mailing in donations include a list of individuals you’d like credited and how much they should receive. All individuals listed on the will be credited the amount indicated. If someone would like to make a credit card donation to be divided amongst two or more individuals, please contact Erin Bickus at 312-423-1138.
How can I become a Top fundraiser and what are the benefits?
Click here to visit our Clubs & Incentives page.
How do I earn prizes?
Prizes are based on actual donations received by the prize deadline see our prizes & incentives page for more details.
Will I need to carry identification or medical information?
Each participant MUST carry a current driver's license, state I.D. or student I.D. with them at all times. It is imperative that each rider is easily identified should an accident occur. We also require each participant to submit emergency contact information upon registration. This information will only be used if an accident occurs during the event
Do I have to wear a helmet?
All cyclists are required to wear helmets; it is a Bike MS: Tour de Farms requirement. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us
When will I receive my rider number and bike number?
Approximately two weeks prior to the event, we will host several packet pickups throughout the Chicago land area. ALL riders will be required to attend one of our Rider Check-Ins. For out of area riders, we will have Check-in On Friday, June 12th and the morning of the event, Saturday, June 13th, at the start location.
Is there storage for my bike at the event site?
We offer a secured overnight valet bike service with 24-hour security guards at the event site. We highly suggest that you take off any removable equipment, as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. The bike valet is locked from 7 pm to 5 am, during which time you will not have access, no exceptions.
Where do I sleep?
All Bike MS: Tour de Farms participants can chose between camping out under the stars for free or coordinate their own overnight accommodations. Our overnight location provides the opportunity for riders to choose free camping with teammates or you can make reservations at one of the area hotels and NIU dorms. If you are camping, you need to bring your own tent and sleeping bag. Showers will be at the Convocation Center.
What type of route support can I expect on the tour?
Safety is our number one priority for our riders! Support and Gear Vehicles (SAG) monitor the entire route to help the weary rider or offer assistance to those riders who experience mechanical problems. EMTs are stationed at the start/finish, as well as all rest stops should medical attention be needed. We also have a safety crew made up of experienced riders, police officers, EMTs, firefighters and other law enforcement individuals that will be riding the Tour along with you. Their riding expertise and authority will be a valuable asset to assist novice riders and to remind all participants to follow all the rules of the road.
What if it rains during the ride?
It is not allowed to rain for our bike tour...but if it does, the Bike MS: Tour de Farms will take place rain or shine.
Is this a race?
No, this is a fun ride for all skill levels and it is not timed. Form a team with friends, family or co-workers and enjoy an unforgettable day!
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!
What if I have more questions?
For more information, contact Erin Bickus in the Greater Illinois Chapter at 312-423-1138 and she will be happy to assist you.
GENERAL
- 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 {chapter email address} 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.
ABOUT MY BIKE CENTER
- 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 by making a donation. 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 bike center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
- By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
- How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Bike Center. On the bottom right side of the Bike 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, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her bike 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, division and goal.
- How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Bike Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
- How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Bike 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 a team message?
Simply go to your Bike Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
- 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.
| 
