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2013
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INTRODUCTIONWelcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3About the MS Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3About this handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4What is MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TeamMSThere is strength in numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Take the Corporate Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5TeamMS Tent Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Team up and win . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RIDER INFORMATIONPackage pick-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FUNDRAISINGHelp us reach our goals in 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Refer a Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Why your pledge matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Celebration of Champions and Tour of Champions . . . . 8Fundraising prizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Online fundraising system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Fundraising tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
EVENT INFORMATIONPrince Edward County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Grand Bend to London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Acton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Niagara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
GEARING UP FOR A GREAT TOURAccommodations and parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15What to bring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Safety and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Volunteering at the events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Get in gear: Training tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Training rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Pub nights and Bike Shop info nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Share and connect online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SPONSORSThank you to our sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE MS BIKE TOUR TEAMMS staff contact list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CONTENTS
Reminder – All participants must raise a minimum of $300 to participate!
OUR MISSIONTo be a leader in fi nding a cure
for multiple sclerosis and
enabling people affected by MS
to enhance their quality of life.
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WELCOMEAs an MS Champion – a rider who lives with MS – I’m excited to welcome you as we gear up for the 2013 MS Bike.
The moment I was diagnosed with MS, I realized that in life I have two choices: I could let things happen to me or I could do something about it. I chose the latter. I joined the MS Bike three years ago; it gave me the opportunity to do something about MS and help others living with the disease. I ride not only for myself, but also for those who are unable to.
MS Bike is a thrilling experience. With every ride, I tell myself, “I have MS, but it doesn’t have me.” No matter how hard it is, I am determined to prove to myself that I can do it. Because MS is an unpredictable disease, I don’t know for how long I’ll be able to participate. Every time I fi nish a ride, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment, knowing that I am giving hope to those touched by MS.
As you fundraise and ride, remember the difference you are making to the thousands of Canadians who live with MS. Every dollar counts and brings us closer to a cure. With your support, we will end MS.
I look forward to seeing you this year!
-Gus Kailis, MS Champion
If you are a cyclist living with MS and would like to become part of theMS Champion program please contact Sarah Mann at [email protected]
About the Multiple Sclerosis Society of CanadaThe MS Society of Canada is the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families. Since our founding in 1948, the core support of the MS Society has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The Society receives almost no government funding.
Eighty-fi ve percent of the MS Society’s net revenue is devoted to program areas: MS research, services for people with MS and their families, MS clinics, social action, public education and chapter development.
For more information, visit mssociety.ca.
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
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“We wanted this to be a team event and an opportunity to get to know one
another outside of work. We also wanted to support a good cause, and the
MS Society was our choice.”
Keefe ValladaresTeam Captain of Bombardier Kingston
MS Bike – Prince Edward County
This handbook contains everything you need to know to make the MS Bike a fantastic experience. Whether you need training tips, strategies on how to raise pledges or are wondering what to bring with you, it’s all here.
In order to reduce costs, we will be sending updates throughout the year by email. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please make certain that we have your current email address. If you registered online and would like to receive a hard copy of this handbook mailed to you, please contact our offi ce to request one.
O MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system
(the brain and spinal cord) among young adults in Canada
O The disease affects an estimated 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians,
with three more people diagnosed each day
O Symptoms can include vision and speech problems, extreme
fatigue, lack of balance and coordination and even paralysis
O MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and
40, but can occur at any age. Children as young as three have
been diagnosed with the disease
O Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, but
Canada is also a leader in MS research
For more information about multiple sclerosis, visit
mssociety.ca.
This Handbook contains key information – be sure to refer to it before the Tour!
What is multiple sclerosis?
TeamMS
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*Recruit NEW members and earn great incentives like: o Your own team tent in the TeamMS Tent Villageo Your team name printed on your event t-shirtso A registered massage therapist in your team tent, exclusively for your team!
There is Strength in Numbers! Participating as a team is the best way to keep motivated and work more effectively to meet and exceed your fundraising and cycling goals – MS Bike is an experience you will return to year after year - why not share it with everyone you know as part of a team! Recruit friends, family, neighbours and co-workers. You need at least four members to be an offi cial team. Teams also receive exclusive awards and incentive prizes. Register to join or create a team at msbiketours.ca and set your personal and team fundraising goals to do your part to end MS.
Take the Corporate Challenge! Increase your corporate visibility with a team! TeamMS builds camaraderie among staff while promoting your business within the community. Make it easy to grow, inspire and motivate your company team with our helpful resources, corporate presentations and fundraising support. Take the challenge, make an impact.
TeamMS Tent Village! Be front and centre for all the action by renting, or earning (see below) a tent in the TeamMS Tent Village. The Village is the activity hub to gather before and after the Tour to relax, and celebrate with your team. All teams are encouraged to bring their own tents and signs. Setting up a tent is also a great branding opportunity for your business, club or team. Please contact us for details.
Your participation and fundraising means so much, imagine what a team could do! It’s simple to strengthen your impact: 1. Encourage your returning team members to recruit at least one new person to join them utilizing the ‘free friend referral’ promotion.2. Set a team fundraising goal and keep in contact with your members to encourage their progress.3. Have at least one team kick-off prior to the Tour to get everyone excited, organized and motivated to continue fundraising!
*A “NEW” member must be a fi rst-time participant in an Ontario Tour.
To qualify, new members must be registered 30 days prior to their Tour. Prizes may vary between events.
TEAM UP AND
WIN!
RIDER INFORMATION
Prince Edward County
Grand Bend to London
Acton
Niagara
Saturday July 6
Wednesday July 24
Friday July 26
Friday August 16
Saturday August 24
4:30 to 6:00 pm
6:00 to 8:00 pm
6:00 to 8:00 pm
4:00 to 6:00 pm
4:30 to 6:00 pm
Prince Edward County Community Centre 375 Main Street, Picton, ON
MS Society of Canada1100 Dearness Drive, Unit 20, London, ON
Grand Bend Motorplex70292 Grand Bend Line, Grand Bend, ON
Prospect Park, 30 Park Avenue, Acton, ON
Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre109 Ridge Road South, Ridgeway, ON
Early Package Pick-UpTour Check-In Date Time Address
AVOID THE RUSH: Get your rider package early!Send or deliver any pledges that you collect throughout the year. If these, including your online pledges, total $300 one month before your Tour, we’ll send you your rider bib so you won’t have to stand in line on event day. Event t-shirts or MS Top Fundraiser jerseys and shorts will only be handed out in person at an “Early Package Pick-Up.”
ORCome in person to an “Early Package Pick-Up” listed below and you will receive your rider bib, event t-shirt and your MS Top Fundraiser jerseys and shorts (if applicable).
Mail your pledges to:Attention: MS Bike - (Eg.) TorontoPO Box 37 STN. F50 Charles Street EastToronto, ON M4Y 2L4
Prince Edward County
Grand Bend to London
Acton
Niagara
Toronto
Sunday July 7
Saturday July 27
Saturday August 17
Sunday August 25
Sunday September 8
7:00 to 8:30 am
6:00 to 8:00 am
7:00 to 8:00 am
7:00 to 8:00 am
8:30 to 9:30 am
Prince Edward County Community Centre375 Main Street, Picton, ON
Grand Bend Motorplex, 70292 Grand Bend Line
Prospect Park, 30 Park Avenue, Acton, ON
Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre109 Ridge Road South, Ridgeway, ON
Centennial Park, 30 Park Avenue, Acton, ON
Event Day Package Pick-UpTour Check-In Date Time Address
If you don’t have a chance to check In early, you MUST check in onsite the day of the event. Please bring the following to Check-In:
O Completed pledge sheets (available online if you need more copies)
O Pledges (minimum of $300)
O Completed pledge submission form will be mailed or emailed to you before the Tour
When you get to the Start/Finish location, you will be directed where to hand in your pledges and forms, pick up your rider bib and event t-shirt and collect any club prizes you have earned.
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FUNDRAISINGThe pledges you raise for MS Bike make an impact
and bring us closer to ending
multiple sclerosis.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT –
REFER A FRIEND!
Encourage a friend, family member orco-worker to register for MS Bike andbring us closer to our goal of ending MS! Registration fees are waived for fi rst-time riders referred by alumni
(maximum of one referral per alumni).
Please contact us to register a friend. Please note that all registered
cyclists must meet the$300 fundraising minimum.
Help us reach our goals Each year, more than 10,000 cyclists take part in 26 MS Bike events across Canada, raising $9 million in pledges. MS Bike has raised over $50 million since its inception!
You are an important part of this amazing success story. The pledges you raise will help us reach our fundraising goals for 2013, bringing us one step closer to ending MS.
Why Your Pledges MatterYour fundraising dollars touch the lives of those impacted by multiple sclerosis in two major ways: by supporting promising research and providing vital services for those affected by MS, and their families.
Proceeds from MS Bike supports the MS Society’s national research program. This program, led by a group of motivated researchers, is unlocking the mysteries about the cause and cure of MS while investigating new treatments for the disease.
Funds raised through MS Bike also help ensure that support and assistance is available for those living with this debilitating disease. A few of these important services include supportive counseling, self-help groups and fi nancial assistance.
Momentum has never been stronger towards fi nding a cure for MS and supporting people living with it. Your participation and fundraising will add to this growing momentum and bring us one step closer towards ending MS.
“Over the years, having met so many people involved in fi nding the means
to end MS, my determination has grown. I believe that we can be the
generation that ends MS.”
Barry Travnicek Top Fundraiser
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FUNDRAISING PRIZESTour of ChampionsRaise over $10,000 and join a group of top fundraisers from across the country at the Tour of Champions – a chance to see another bike tour in North America with a group of committed fundraisers. For more information on the MS Tour of Champions trip to the 2014 Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour, from Orange County to San Diego in California, please contact Lori Anne McNulty at [email protected].
Celebration of ChampionsParticipants who raise over $5,000 and Team Captains of teams who raise over $25,000 at any Ontario MS Society event are invited to the Celebration of Champions each autumn. This inspiring evening features a $10,000+ Award Ceremony, special guest speakers and the unforgettable opportunity to connect with fellow fundraisers.
$10,000+ $5,000+
2000 Club ShortsRaise $2,000 or more and receive Louis Garneau “2000 Club” cycling shorts.
1000 Club JerseyRaise $1,000 or more and receive a Louis Garneau “1000 Club” semi relaxed cycling jersey.
The MS Society reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Prizes are not cumulative except for bonus club levels. Prizes are awarded based on funds submitted by September 21, 2013.
Please note that any pledges received after October 31, 2013 will be credited towards your 2014 fundraising.
2013 MS Bike Prizes
Receive MS Bike 2000 club cycling shorts, a jersey, a $150 gift card* and an event t-shirt.
Receive an MS Bike 1000 club jersey, a $75 gift card* and an event t-shirt.
*Choose to receive a gift card from one of the following: Louis Garneau, MS Friendly Bike Shop, Chapters Indigo, Petro Canada, Cineplex Odeon
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Raise $2,000+
Raise $1,000+
Receive an event t-shirt.
Join a special group of people who put the mission of fi nding a cure for MS fi rst when you become a Mission First Club member. When you generously donate your prize back to the MS Society we’ll, provide you with a tax receipt for the value of the prize.
MissionFirst Club
$300+
Receive a $500 gift card*, cycling shorts and jersey, event t-shirt and an invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner.
Choose to ride in the Tour of Champions OR receive a $1,000 gift card*, cycling shorts and jersey, event t-shirt and an invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner where you will receive your Fundraising Honour Roll medal.
Receive a $300 gift card*, cycling shorts and jersey and an event t-shirt.
Raise $10,000+
Raise $5,000+
Raise $3,000+
FUNDRAISINGTIPSTry these tips to maximize your fundraising success!
Use social networks and other online toolsO Use online communities like Facebook and Twitter to promote the
MS Bike, raise pledges and keep your social networks up-to-date on your progress.
O Include a link to your online fundraising page in your email signature.
Fundraise at workO See if your company has a matching program to supplement your
pledges.O Teams have been very successful in selling ‘sponsorships’ – a
corporate gift of $250 gets a company logo on their team jersey!O Ask for weekly donations rather than a one-time gift. Two dollars
a week can really add up!
Be passionate and optimisticO Ask everyone – your doctor, lawyer, dentist and real estate agent!
This is the #1 tip of all of our top fundraisers! O Start early and set your fundraising goal high (aim for 10% more
than last year).O Share your story with local media. Creating awareness
is a great way to boost your fundraising.
Get creativeO Get your team together and throw a community BBQ or organize a
bottle drive to collect pledges.O Perform a service in exchange for donations, such as raking leaves,
mowing lawns, housesitting or watching a neighbour’s pet.O Ask businesses you support, to support you. Place a coin box at
your local coffee shop. O Ask for a donation to MS Bike in lieu of a birthday or
holiday gift.
Show your appreciationO Send a thank you email when you receive notifi cation
of an online donation. O Update your donors about how their funds are
being put to good use – visit mssociety.ca for all the latest research information and other news.
ONLINEFUNDRAISING TIPSVisit our online Participant Centre to help you meet (or beat!) your fundraising goal!
O Create your personal fundraising page
O Share your story about why you ride
O Monitor and share your fundraising progress
O Ask your friends and family for pledges or invite them to join your team
O Upload your email contacts and send thank you messages to your supporters
O Add personal or team offl ine gifts to your “My Progress” thermometer
O Post a photo or video
The Participant Centre is also the best place to fi nd the latest information about your event. Check back regularly to stay up-to-date.
Please note that your 2013 fundraising totals will only be available for viewing until October 31, 2013.
Visit msbiketours.ca for more fundraising tips M
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DIRECTIONS TO THE START LOCATIONPRINCE EDWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTRE375 Main Street, Picton, K0K 2T0
FROM HIGHWAY 401:
O Take exit 543A to merge onto N Front St/ ON-62 S toward Belleville
O Continue to follow ON-62 S O Turn right onto Dundas St E/ Old Highway 2/ ON-62 S
(signs for ON-2 W) O Turn left onto Bay Bridge Rd/ ON-62 SO Continue to follow ON-62 S O Continue onto Bloomfi eld Main St/ ON-33 EO Continue to follow ON-33 E O At the roundabout, continue straight onto
Loyalist Pkwy/ ON-33 EO Continue to follow ON-33 E O ON-33 E turns slightly left and becomes County Rd 49/
Picton Main StO Destination will be on the left, 600 m
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCESATURDAY, JULY 64:30 – 6:00 pm Pre Check-In at Prince Edward County
Community Centre
6:00 pm Pasta supper and awards ceremony. Please call the MS Society ahead to RSVP for the supper – $10 per person or purchase your ticket online during registration
SUNDAY, JULY 77:00 - 8:30 am Check-In at Prince Edward County
Community Centre
8:00 am First group of cyclists leaveFOR YOUR SAFETY NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE EARLY
9:30 am All cyclists must be on route
11:00 am - 3:00 pm BBQ & massage for all, 50 Club BBQ
Please note that this route map is not fi nalized and is subject to change for 2013.
Offi cial route maps will be available at the start line.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTYJuly 7 | 75K
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DIRECTIONS TO THE START LOCATION
GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX70292 Grand Bend Line (Hwy #81) Grand Bend ON, N0M 1T0
G.P.S. = 70292 Grand Bend LineNorth 43° 17.595’ West 081° 43.598’FROM TORONTO: (220 km approx. 2.5 – 3 hrs.)
O Head west on Ontario 401 Express O Continue onto ON-401 W O Take exit 278 to merge onto ON-8 W toward Kitchener/ Waterloo O Take the exit onto ON-7 W/ ON-8 W toward Stratford O Continue onto Ontario St (signs for Goderich) O Turn right onto Huron St O Continue onto Line 34 O Continue onto Huron Rd O Continue onto Line 34 O Continue onto Ontario Rd O Turn left onto Blanchard St/ ON-23 S & continue to follow ON-23 S O Turn right onto Hwy 83/ County Rd 20 (signs for Exeter/ Grand Bend) O Continue to follow County Rd 20 O Continue onto Hwy 83/ Thames Rd/ County Road 83 O Turn left onto Main St N/ ON-4 S O Continue to follow ON-4 S O Turn right onto Crediton Rd/ County Rd 10 (signs for Crediton Road/ Shipka/ Huron Park) O Turn right onto Grand Bend Line/ County Rd 81 O Destination will be on the right
Camping is available at the Grand Bend Motorplex for $10 on the evening of Friday, July 26. Call 519-238-RACE (7223), to book your stay.
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCESATURDAY, JULY 276:00 - 8:00 am Check-In at Grand Bend Motorplex
7:30 am First group of cyclists leaveFOR YOUR SAFETY NO ONE WILL BEALLOWED TO LEAVE EARLY
10:00 am All cyclists must be on route
11:00 am - 6:00 pm Massage
12:00 - 6:00 pm Scrambler & Beer Garden
4:00 - 6:00 pm VIP Lounge for Team Captains and$1000+ Club Members
4:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner at Western University
8:00 pm Evening ceremonies
SUNDAY, JULY 286:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast at Western University
7:00 - 9:00 am Check-Out
7:30 am First group of cyclists leaveFOR YOUR SAFETY NO ONE WILL BEALLOWED TO LEAVE EARLY
9:30 am All cyclists must be on route
11:00 am - 3:00 pm BBQ & massage for all, 100 Club BBQ
GRAND BEND to LONDONJuly 27-28 | 150K
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NEW!
Please note that this route map is not fi nalized and is subject to change for 2013. Offi cial route maps will be available at the start line.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START LOCATIONPROSPECT PARK30 Park Avenue, Acton, L7J 1Y5
O Take HWY 401 to Regional Road 25O North (turns into Main St) to ActonO Turn left on Knox StO Follow Knox Street until it joins Park AveO Turn right into Prospect Park
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCESATURDAY, AUGUST 17 7:00 - 8:00 am Check-In at Prospect Park
8:00 am First group of cyclists leaveFOR YOUR SAFETY NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE EARLY
8:45 am All cyclists must be on route
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Scrambler • BBQ and cheer on other cyclists • Massage • Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)
12:00 - 3:00 pm 100 Club BBQ
ACTONAugust 17 | 75K or 160K
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Please note that this route map is not fi nalized and is subject to change for 2013. Offi cial
route maps will be available at the start line.
We are working hard to create an
exciting route. Stay tuned for details!
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCESATURDAY, AUGUST 244:30 - 6:00 pm Pre Check-In at Crystal Ridge
Community Centre
6:00 pm Pasta supper and awards ceremony. Please call the MS Society ahead to RSVP for the supper – $10 per person. Purchase your ticket online during the registration process
SUNDAY, AUGUST 257:00 - 8:00 am Check-In at Crystal Ridge Arena
and Community Centre
8:00 am First group of cyclists leaveFOR YOUR SAFETY NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE EARLY
8:45 am All cyclists must be on route
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Scrambler • BBQ and cheer on othercyclists • Massage • Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)
12:00 - 2:00 pm 100 Club BBQ
NIAGARAAugust 25 | 40K or 75K
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DIRECTIONS TO THE START LOCATIONCRYSTAL RIDGE ARENA AND COMMUNITY CENTRE109 Ridge Road South, Ridgeway, L0S 1B0
O Take Highway 403 WestO Exit at Queen Elizabeth Way NiagaraO Take exit 16 for Sodom Road W/Regional Road 116 W
toward Ridgeway/Crystal BeachO Merge onto Sodom Rd/Regional Road 116O Turn left onto Farr Ave/Regional Road 1
O Turn right onto Ridge Road NorthO Destination will be on the right
Cyclists participating in the Niagara Tour are invited to take advantage of our preferred accommodations rates at local establishments.
Rooms are available at a variety of prices. Please go to msbiketours.ca to check for available locations, rates and booking deadlines.
Please note that this route map is not fi nalized and is subject to change for 2013. Offi cial route maps will be available at the start line.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START LOCATIONCENTENNIAL PARK SKI CHALET256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke, M9C 5N3
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCESUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 88:30 - 9:30 am Check-In at Centennial Park
9:30 am First group of cyclists leave
FOR YOUR SAFETY NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE EARLY
10:00 am All cyclists must be on route
11:00 am - 3:00 pm Scrambler • BBQ and cheer on other cyclists • Massage • Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)
12:00 - 2:00 pm VIP Tent for Team Captains and $1000+ Club Members, 50 Club BBQ
TORONTOSeptember 8 | 55K or 30K
FROM HIGHWAY 401:
O Drive towards the 427 SouthO Exit at Burnhamthorpe RoadO Go west on Burnhamthorpe to Renforth DriveO Travel north on Renforth to Centennial Park Gate
(park entrance)O Turn left on Centennial Park Gate and continue to
Centennial Park RoadO Turn right on Centennial Park RoadO Centennial Ski Chalet (registration area) is north of
the parking lot
FROM THE QEW TAKE HIGHWAY 427 NORTH:
O Exit at Burnhamthorpe RoadO Go west on Burnhamthorpe to Renforth DriveO Travel north on Renforth to Centennial Park Gate
(park entrance)O Turn left on Centennial Park Gate and continue to
Centennial Park RoadO Turn right on Centennial Park RoadO Centennial Ski Chalet (registration area) is north of
the parking lot
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Please note that this route map is not fi nalized and is subject to change for 2013. Offi cial route maps will be available at the start line.
GEARING UP
What to Bring
AccommodationsGRAND BEND TO LONDONOvernight accommodations, meals and linens are included in the registration rate for the Grand Bend to London Tour. Participants will stay overnight at Western University. The majority of rooms are double rooms – please ensure that we have the name of your requested roommate at least one month prior to the event. Accessible and single rooms are available on a very limited basis according to need. Please let us know if you require an accessible or single room.
Camping is also available at the Grand Bend Motorplex for $10 on the night of Friday, July 26. Call 519-238-RACE (7223), to book your stay.
Volunteers who are giving their time on both Saturday and Sunday of the event will receive dinner and accommodations at no charge, as space allows. To book accommodations for guests or volunteers please call us at least one month prior to the Tour.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY PREFERRED ACCOMMODATIONSPreferred rate for Prince Edward County Tour participants is being given by the Comfort Inn Trenton. Call 613-965-6660 to book a room at a special rate of $99.99 per night. The Comfort Inn Trenton will donate $5 back to the MS Society for every room booked. As Prince Edward County is a tourist destination, we advise you to book your accommodations early.
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RIDING GEAR
❍ Helmet (required)
❍ Spare tubes for your bike
❍ Water bottles
❍ Rain gear (we ride rain or shine)
❍ Comfortable cycling clothes
❍ Sunglasses and sunscreen
PERSONALITEMS
❍ ID (including your Health Card)
❍ Pocket money
❍ Any needed medications
❍ Sun and lip protection
❍ Change of clothes for evening ceremonies (if applicable)
REGISTRATIONSUPPLIES
❍ Completed pledge submission form with monies collected to date
❍ Pledge slips/sheets completely fi lled out
❍ Rider Bib* *sent to you prior to your Tour if you have
submitted the $300 fundraising minimum one month prior.
NIAGARA AND ACTON PREFERRED ACCOMMODATIONSCyclists participating in the Niagara or Acton Tour are invited to take advantage of our preferred accommodations rates at local establishments.
Rooms are available at a variety of prices. Please go to msbiketours.ca to check for available locations, rates and booking deadlines.
Parking: Free overnight parking is available at all start locations
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Safety and SupportAlong the route, there will be many staff and volunteers available to help you. Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles will be driving along the route. If you are having trouble, they can transport you to the closest rest stop for some basic bicycle maintenance or fi rst aid.
Bike mechanics who can help with minor repairs and fi rst aid will be available at each Start/Finish location and many rest stops throughout the route.
Tour Leaders are fellow cyclists that have volunteered to help out on the ride. They provide you with cycling tips and support as well as basic bike maintenance and fi rst aid when needed.
For your safety, please remember the following:
o Take your bike to a bike shop for a tune-up/inspection before your event
o Always wear a helmeto MP3 players are not permitted on the routeo Announce “on your left” while passing other
cyclistso The route is not closed to traffi c. Please watch
out for vehicles and obey all traffi c lawso Ensure you are obeying the rules of the road at
all times. Refer to http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/index.shtml for a guide in safe cycling
Bike mechanics and fi rst aid support will be available at every event!
VolunteeringFriends and family members who don’t cycle can still
take part in the MS Bike experience! We have many
volunteer positions available, from the start to the fi nish
line and points in between. Whether it’s to serve food,
supervise parking or cheer on cyclists, encourage your
friends and family to help out (and cheer you on at the
same time!).
Volunteers receive on-site meals and some positions
include an overnight stay. For more details, please refer
to the contact information at the back of this handbook.
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STEP 1 MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE’S A GOOD FITVisit one of our MS Friendly Bike Shops for a free inspection. Be sure to have your seat and handle bars adjusted to fi t you perfectly. For a list of MS Friendly Bike Shops, visit http://mssociety.ca/ontario/bikeshops.htm
STEP 2 TRACK YOUR PROGRESSGauge your improvement during training – use your car’s odometer or online mapping sites to determine the distance of a particular route. Or source cycling route maps from your local bike shop.
STEP 3 GET OUT AND RIDE!Either on your own or with one of our organized MS Bike training rides, start with short rides and forget about time or speed. Take a week to work up to a 30K ride. In this phase, you are trying to gain and maintain basic cardiovascular fi tness.
STEP 4 CHALLENGE YOURSELFOnce you’ve mastered 30K rides, aim for a weekly ride of 50K to 60K. Try to maintain the same pace you established on moderate days, slowing down if necessary to complete the full route.
STEP 5 JOIN A LOCAL BIKE CLUBBecome an offi cial member of a local bike club to receive insider information on other routes in your area. Ask about bike clubs at your local bike store or search online to fi nd one near you. Alternatively, you can speak with MS staff about joining a team for inspiration. Then hit the road with other members and encourage one another to try diverse routes.
STEP 6 RIDE INSIDEDon’t let inclement weather keep you from training. If you already have a bike, you may want to consider an indoor cycling trainer. Indoor cycling trainers are easy to use and take up little room. You just attach your back wheel and go! You can also visit a local gym and try a spin class! Get motivated by those around you and you may also fi nd some people interested in joining you at the Tour!
Check outmsbiketours.ca
for MS Bike Friendly
Bike Shops
Get in Gear: Training TipsGear up now for the 2013 MS Bike!
Preparation is important to a smooth ride on Tour day. While MS Bike is recreational, consider these six steps to ensure you’re geared up and ready to cycle to end multiple sclerosis:
Look for upcoming dates in the What’s Happening section of
the monthly eNewsletter. To receive Gearing Up,
please contact us to ensure we have your current email address.
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Training RidesGet ready for MS Bike with a Training Ride! Training Rides are volunteer led and range from 30K to 40K in length.
Training Rides are an opportunity to prepare before the Tour while meeting other cyclists. Refreshments will be provided at the halfway rest stop, where you will learn some great fundraising tips. You will also have a chance to submit any pledges you’ve collected. Why not make it a team event?
Find out about upcoming Training Rides in our monthly eNewsletter – Gearing Up.
Interested in hosting a Training Ride in your community? Contact us at [email protected].
PUB NIGHTSKick-off the 2013 MS Bike by joining MS Society staff members at a local pub! Enjoy free appetizers and connect with other participants as the excitement builds for this year’s ride! Pub nights are a fun opportunity to speak to MS staff directly, have all your questions about MS Bike and fundraising answered and to submit the funds you’ve raised to date.
Do you have friends or family members interested in participating in MS Bike? Bring them along for a fun night out and to learn what MS Bike is all about!
Non-registered cyclists are welcome to attend all of our pre-tour events!
Find out details on what’s happening in your area in our monthly eNewsletter – Gearing Up.
Share Your MemoriesShare your memorable moments, team photos or experiences with other cyclists online. Join our online communities to stay in touch and get the latest news, share cycling tips and get in gear for 2013!
gearingup.ca
twitter.com/msbiketour
facebook.com/msbiketours
Bike Shop Info NightsPrepare for the MS Bike by joining us at
one of our Bike Shop Info Nights hosted
at a local bike shop! Meet MS Society
staff members and representatives and
talk to cycling experts who will cover
topics such as training, what to expect
at the event and basic bike maintenance
tips. This is a great opportunity
to bring friends and family
interested in joining MS Bike!
Thank you to our sponsors
MS
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Do you have a corporate contact who we could
meet with about becoming more involved with the MS
Society of Canada? If so, please contact
Sarah Mann at 1-888-510-7777 ext. 3303.
Each sponsorship brings us closer to ending MS.
The promotion, production and logistics of MS Bike would not be possible without the generosity of our many sponsors.
CUSTOMTEAM JERSEYS
NATIONAL SPONSORS
PROVINCIAL SPONSORS
OFFICIAL SPONSOR
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR MS BIKE TEAM
ACTON, NIAGARA,AND TORONTO TOURS
Event, fundraising and other inquiries:Candice [email protected]@[email protected]
TeamMS inquiries:Alicia Brown416-922-6600 ext. 3227 or [email protected]
Volunteer inquiries:[email protected]
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY TOUR
Event, fundraising and other inquiries:Carrie Gibson519-680-7878 or [email protected]
GRAND BEND TOLONDON TOUR
Event, fundraising and other inquiries:Sarah Mann519-680-7878 or [email protected]
TeamMS inquiries:Amanda Travnicek519-680-7878 or 1-888-510-7777 ext. [email protected]
Volunteer inquiries:519-680-7878 or [email protected]
OTTAWA TOUR
Event, fundraising and other inquiries:Stephanie Desjardins613-728-1583 ext. [email protected]
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