2014 cyclisthandbook - Special Events

2014

CYCLISTHANDBOOK

About this handbook This Handbook contains everything you need to know to make the 2014 MS Bike a fantastic experience! 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 us at [email protected] or 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3038.

Contents INTRODUCTION Welcome.........................................................................3 What is multiple sclerosis?.............................................3 TeamMS Why participate as a team?........................................4 Recruit and win..............................................................4 Team tips.........................................................................4 Team toolkit....................................................................4 DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT Refer a friend..................................................................5 FUNDRAISING Your fundraising matters................................................6 Tour of Champions.........................................................6 Celebration of Champions...........................................6 Prizes................................................................................7 Top tips............................................................................7

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CYCLIST HANDBOOK 2014

EVENT DAY INFORMATION Rider packages..............................................................8 What to bring..................................................................8 Prince Edward County..................................................9 Grand Bend to London...............................................10 Niagara.........................................................................12 Toronto...........................................................................13 SAFETY, SUPPORT AND TIPS Safety and support......................................................14 Training Tips...................................................................14 SPECIAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Training rides.................................................................15 Pub nights......................................................................15 Info sessions...................................................................15 Volunteering.................................................................15

Welcome! I have MS and that’s why I ride. I ride for myself, for my family, for my friends and especially for those who live with MS to show them what I can still do. MS is part of me, but it doesn’t define me! I’ve come a long way since my first ride in 2007. I initially joined to experience a fun event with my husband – an avid cyclist – and chose to ride the shorter route that first year. But to my surprise I not only completed the short route, but went on to ride the long route in 2008 – a profound accomplishment for me. A diagnosis of MS has not changed much over the years in terms of the shock, fear and entrance into the world of the unknown. However, what has changed are the options for someone living with MS today – more therapies available, more research, more presence in the media, more information via the internet and less stigma, which means more hope for all of us.

Anna Cooper MS Bike Top Fundraiser, Committee Member and MS Champion

Thank you for joining me for this important event and know you are making a difference to the lives of the 100,000 Canadians living with MS – including me. -Anna Cooper, MS Champion

What is multiple sclerosis? / 100,000 Canadians live with MS – the highest rate of MS in the world.

/ MS is most commonly diagnosed

between the ages of 15 and 40, but can occur at any age. Children as young as 3 have been diagnosed with the disease.

/ Symptoms can include vision and speech problems, extreme fatigue, lack of balance and coordination and paralysis.

/ MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.

OUR MISSION:

To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

For more information about MS or the MS Society, visit mssociety.ca

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Why participate as a team? Because it’s the best way to… more fun – it’s always more fun when your friends and family are by / Have your side! / Keep your motivation and fundraising on track your impact – it’s proven that your fundraising increases when / Strengthen you are part of a team your corporate visibility and grow camaraderie amongst your / Increase colleagues a part of Team Village on event day by earning* or bringing a tent for / Be you and your team to gather at before and after the tour!

Recruit team members and win…*

/ A registered massage therapist in your team tent! / Your team name printed on your event t-shirts / Your own team tent in Tent Village

Note: You will receive more information when you register as a Team Captain

Top tips a team goal and keep in touch with your team members to encourage 1 Set their progress and buy them into the goal! 2 Grow your team! Take advantage of the Friend for Free program (see page 5) 3 Train together! This will get you prepared and keep your team motivated

Team Toolkit Here are some resources to help:

1 Team Captain’s Manual 2 Team Goal Thermometer 3 Team Recruitment Poster

4 Team Activity Checklist 5 Team Tips

Download materials at msbike.ca/ontario/teamtools.

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CUSTOM TEAM JERSEYS * CUSTOMIZE JERSEYS WITH YOUR OWN LOGOS AND COLOURS * 5% DISCOUNT ON YOUR CUSTOM JERSEY ORDER * 10% OF EACH ORDER DONATED BACK TO THE MS SOCIETY ON BEHALF OF LOUIS GARNEAU * MINIMUM ORDER: 6 JERSEYS [email protected] / 1-800-463-8356

– n o i t a r t s i g e R E E R F ! d n e i r f a r e f e r

r an fo n io t a r t is g e free re iv e c e r l ’l y all). e w h n t r d o n C a o t d n a l. Ottaw c x Refer a frie e ( io r a t n nt in O MS Bike eve You’re our #1 recruitment tool! Word of mouth is our best promotion! Help us grow your tour!

Call us today! 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3038 *Registration fees are waived for first-time riders referred by alumni (maximum of one referral per past participant). All registered cyclists must raise the $300 fundraising minimum. MS BIKE

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Your fundraising matters Each year more than 10,000 cyclists take part in 26 MS Bike events across Canada, raising more than $9 million in pledges. As a result of your efforts, YOU are bringing hope to the 100,000 Canadians living with MS by supporting leading-edge MS research as well as services and programs for those in need.

Thank you for bringing us one step closer towards ending MS!

Tour of Champions Raise over $10,000 as part of the MS Bike and join a special group of top fundraisers from across the country at the Tour of Champions – a chance to experience another tour in North America. Join us in 2015 at the Tour of Champions in Denver, Colorado. For more information on the Tour of Champions, please contact Lori Anne McNulty at [email protected].

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Celebration of Champions Participants who raise over $5000 and team captains of teams who raise over $25,000 at any MS Society event in Ontario are invited to the Celebration of Champions dinner each fall. You don’t want to miss out on this inspiring evening!

Fundraising Prizes Put the mission of finding a cure for MS first by joining this club. When you generously donate your prize back to the MS Society, we’ll provide you with a tax receipt for the value of your prize. As a thank you for your fundraising efforts, you are eligible to receive a wide range of prizes.

Raise $10,000+

Raise $2000+

Ride in the Tour

Receive 2000 Club cycling shorts, a 1000 Club jersey, a $150 gift card* and an event t-shirt.

of Champions OR receive a $1000 gift card,* as well as 2000 Club cycling shorts and a 1000 Club jersey, event t-shirt and an invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner where you will be honoured for your fundraising milestone.

Raise $5000+ Receive a $500 gift card,* as well as 2000 Club cycling shorts and a 1000 Club jersey, event t-shirt and an invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner.

Raise $1000+ Receive a 1000 Club jersey, a $75 gift card* and an event t-shirt.

Raise $300+ Receive an event t-shirt.

Raise $3000+ Receive a $300 gift card,* as well as 2000 Club cycling shorts and a 1000 Club jersey 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 or Cineplex Odeon

The MS Society of Canada reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Prizes are not cumulative except for the bonus prizes at the $2,000+ and $1,000+ levels. Please note that any pledges received after October 31, 2014 will be credited towards your 2015 fundraising.

Top 5 tips

3 Fundraise online

1 Set a goal

Use your Participant Centre to create your own personal fundraising page, request secure donations and track your fundraising progress.

Track and share your progress with current and potential donors. Many people will donate a little bit more if they know you’re close to your goal.

2 Be committed Make the first donation yours. Set the standard by pledging yourself as much as you can. It’s an easy way to show your passion for the cause and inspire family, friends and colleagues to also make a generous donation.

4 Make a strategic plan Ask your top donors first to set the standard. Consider your timing when asking (i.e. Ask for a donation on or shortly after pay day).

5 Don’t be shy Now that you’ve contacted your top donors, ask everyone. And when we say everyone, we mean everyone!

For more great fundraising tips visit msbike.ca/ontario/tips. MS BIKE

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Event day information AVOID THE RUSH: Get your rider package early! Mail or deliver any pledges that you collect throughout the year to the MS Society of Canada. Pledges should be sent to PO Box 37 STN. F 50 Charles St E Toronto, ON M4Y 1N9 instead of 250 Dundas. If your pledges (including online) total $300 one month before your tour, we’ll send you your rider bib so you can bypass the check-in line on event day. Event t-shirts and/or Top Fundraiser jerseys and shorts will only be handed out in person on event day or at an “Early Package Pick-Up.” For “Early Package Pick-Up” dates and times, please see pages 9-13 in this handbook.

Check-In on event day If you don’t have a chance to check in early, you MUST check in onsite the day of the event.

pledge sheets (available / Completed for download online via your Participant Centre)

(minimum of $300 must be / Pledges submitted to ride)

pledge submission form / Completed (form will be mailed or emailed to you before the tour)

Here’s what to bring RIDING GEAR Helmet (required)

ID (including your Health Card)

Spare tubes for your bike

Pocket money

Water bottles

Any needed medications

Rain gear (we ride rain or shine)

Sunscreen and lip protection

Comfortable cycling clothes

Change of clothes for evening ceremonies (if applicable)

Sunglasses

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PERSONAL ITEMS

Free overnight parking is available at all Start/Finish locations. However, please carpool when you can and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.


Prince Edward County July 6 – 75km Start/Finish Prince Edward Community Centre

375 Main Street, Picton, K0K 2T0

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE Saturday, July 5 5-6pm

Early Package Pick-Up (Prince Edward Community Centre)

6pm

Awards celebration and pasta supper with cash bar (RSVP required; $10 per person)

Sunday, July 6 7-8:30am

Check-In (Prince Edward Community Centre)

8am

First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)

9:30am

All cyclists must be on route

11am-3pm BBQ • Massage • 25 Club BBQ

CONTACT US Event Coordinator: Carrie Gibson 519-680-7878 or 1-888-510-7777 ext. 3309 [email protected]

ROUTE MAP

2013 Top Fundraisers & Rookie of the Year Top fundraisers Doug Meloche – $15,800 Valerie Hussey – $14,715 Yves Savoie – $12,450 Top teams County Riders – $31,420 Team DaBaDo – $16,435 Bombardier Kingston – $6,576 Rookie of the Year Dale Sokolowski - $2,050

AWARDS CELEBRATION & PASTA SUPPER Enjoy delicious food and good company as we honour your MS Bike success. This is a great opportunity to bring your team together before the ride and meet fellow participants. Prince Edward County Community Centre Saturday, July 5 – 6pm Tickets: $10 RSVP required – [email protected] or 1-888-510-7777 ext. 3309

Preferred Accommodations Comfort Inn Trenton 68 Monogram Pl., Trenton, ON K8V 6S3 613-965-6660

$99.99 per night

NOTE: This route map is not finalized and is subject to change. Official route maps will be available at the start line on event day.

*$5 donation will be given to the MS Society of Canada for every room booked MS BIKE

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Grand Bend to London July 26-27 – 150km Start/Finish Grand Bend Motorplex

70292 Grand Bend Line (Hwy #81), Grand Bend, N0M 1T0

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE Wednesday, July 23 6-8pm Early Package Pick-Up (MS Society, 20-1100 Dearness Drive, London)

Early Package Pick-Up (Grand Bend Motorplex)

Saturday, July 26 6-8am Check-In (Grand Bend Motorplex) 7:30am


10am


(Western University) 11am-6pm Massage 12-6pm

VIP Lounge for Team Captains and $1000+ Club Members

4-7pm Dinner 8pm

Friday, July 25 6-8pm

4-6pm

Evening ceremonies

Sunday, July 27 6-8am Breakfast (Western University) 7-9am Check-Out 7:30am


9:00am


11am-3pm • BBQ • Massage • 100 Club BBQ

• Scrambler • Beer Garden

CONTACT US 519-680-7878 or 1-888-510-7777 [email protected]

Accommodations Overnight accommodations are at Western University and meals and linens are included. 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 tour. Accessible and single rooms are available on a very limited basis according to need. Looking for accommodations the night before the tour? Camp sites are available at the Grand Bend Motorplex for $10. Call 519-238-7223 to book your stay.

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2013 Top Fundraisers & Rookie of the Year Top fundraisers Barry Travnicek – $78,295 Art Weingarden – $26,788 David Wilton – $20,531 Top teams Butt Ugly – $64,267 Team Sparling’s Propane – $53,944 Doug & Marion’s MS Erasers – $53,100 Rookie of the Year Chris Bournakas - $5,247

ROUTE MAPS


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Niagara

August 24 – 40km or 75km Start/Finish Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre

109 Ridge Road South, Ridgeway, L0S 1B0

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE

ROUTE MAP

Saturday, August 23 5-6pm

Early Package Pick-Up (Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre)

6pm

Awards celebration and pasta supper with cash bar (RSVP required; $10 per person)

Sunday, August 24 7-8am

Check-In (Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre)

8am


8:45am


10am-4pm

• Scrambler • BBQ • Massage • Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)

12-2pm

100 Club BBQ

CONTACT US Event Coordinator: Jennifer Roberge 905-937-7772 ext. 26 [email protected]

AWARDS CELEBRATION & PASTA SUPPER Enjoy delicious food and good company as we honour your MS Bike success. This is a great opportunity to bring your team together before the ride and meet fellow participants. Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre Saturday, August 23 – 6pm Tickets: $10 RSVP required – [email protected] or 905-937-7772 ext. 26

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Accommodations Staying overnight in the Niagara region before or after the tour? Visit msbike.ca/ontario/niagara for a complete list of locations, rates and booking deadlines.

2013 Top Fundraisers & Rookie of the Year Top fundraisers Scott Davis – $18,050 Mo Milne – $13,354 Doug Meloche – $13,310 Top teams Eramosa – $41,250 Viagara Falls – $35,690 Wheelin’ Whinos – $26,165 Rookie of the Year Andrew Gray – $7,370.00

Toronto

September 7 – 30km or 55km Start/Finish Centennial Park Ski Chalet

256 Centennial Park Road Etobicoke, M9C 5N3

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE 8:30-9:30am Check-In 9:30am


10am


11am-3pm

• Scrambler • BBQ • Massage • Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)

12-2pm

25 Club BBQ

2013 Top Fundraisers & Rookie of the Year Top fundraisers Claudia Paez – $5,112 Doug Fortin – $5,080 Peter Reaume – $5,000 Top teams Nitro Rhinos – $13,830 EMD Specialized Toronto – $13,159 MS DTM – $8,205 Rookie of the Year Ryan Campbell – $4,317

ROUTE MAP CONTACT US Event Coordinator: Scott McMillan 416-922-6600 ext. 3228 msbiketoronto@ms society.ca

NOTE: This route map is not finalized and is subject to change. Official route maps will be available at the start line on event day. MS BIKE

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Safety and Support Along the route, there will be many staff and volunteers available to help you. Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles will be driving along the route and can transport you to the closest rest stop or the Start/Finish for minor bicycle maintenance or first aid if needed. Some locations will feature Motorcycle Jockeys who monitor the route, offer support to participants and play a large role on the Safety and Communications team.

Tour Leaders – fellow cyclists who have volunteered to help out on the ride – are also on route to provide cycling tips and support as well as basic bike maintenance and first aid when needed.

/ Get your bike tuned-up/inspected before the tour / Always wear a helmet / MP3 players are not permitted on the route / Announce “on your left” while passing other cyclists in rows of no more than two, so not to crowd the / Ride route route is not closed to traffic. Please watch out for / The vehicles and obey the rules of the road at all times

For your safety, please remember the following:

Training Tips

Preparation is important to a smooth ride on event day. While the MS Bike is a recreational event, please consider these five steps to ensure you’re geared up and ready to cycle to end MS.

Visit msbike.ca/ontario for a complete list of MS Friendly Bike Shops

1 Make sure your bike’s a good fit Visit one of our MS Friendly Bike Shops for a free inspection. Be sure to have your seat and handle bars adjusted to fit you perfectly.

2 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 30km ride. In this phase, you are trying to gain and maintain basic cardiovascular fitness.

3 Challenge yourself Once you’ve mastered 30km rides, aim for a weekly ride of 50km to 60km. Try to maintain the same pace

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you established on moderate days, slowing down if necessary to complete the full route.

4 Join a bike club Ask the staff at your local bike store or search online to find one near you. Alternatively, you can speak with MS staff about joining an MS Bike team for inspiration.

5 Ride inside Don’t let inclement weather keep you from training. If you already have a bike, you may want to consider an at-home indoor cycling trainer. You just attach your back wheel and go! You can also visit a local gym and try a spin class.

Special events and opportunities Training rides MS Bike 30km or 40km training rides are an opportunity to prepare for the tour while meeting fellow cyclists. Enjoy refreshments at the halfway rest stop, learn about great fundraising tips and submit any pledges you’ve collected before the tour.

Pub nights Enjoy free appetizers and connect with fellow participants as the excitement builds for the 2014 tour! Speak to MS staff, have all your burning questions answered and submit any pledges you’ve collected before the tour.

Info sessions Join us at a local bike shop to meet MS Society staff and talk to cycling experts who will cover topics such as training, what to expect at the tour and basic bike maintenance tips.

Volunteering

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or call 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3038

Volunteering for the MS Bike is a rewarding experience that allows you to support a great cause while meeting new people, learning new skills and broadening personal experiences. To become a volunteer today, contact us at [email protected].

“Volunteering as a corporate checkpoint was an amazing opportunity for RBC Insurance to get involved in the community and for us to thank every participant for their hard work for such a great cause. It is a tremendous experience for us to be able to lend a hand to all those cyclists on that long ride. The riders enthusiasm is contagious! We always enjoy ourselves and leave with a smile.” – Jamie Ellis, RBC Insurance, Grand Bend to London tour

Do you receive our emails? Information on all these and more are sent out regularly to keep you informed. If you haven’t received the information, contact us at [email protected] MS BIKE

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Join us online msbike.ca

/ Access your Participant Centre to track your .fundraising progress / Learn more about fundraising tips, rewards and tools / Visit your location page for up-to-date event information facebook.com/msbiketour

gearingup.ca

twitter.com/msbiketour

flickr.com/msontarioevents

Thank you to our sponsors NATIONAL SPONSORS:

PROVINCIAL SPONSORS:

OFFICIAL SPONSOR: