Bike MS NYC 2014 by Michele

Sunday, October 5, 2014 30th Anniversary

New York City 2014

Event Guide

Welcome to Bike MS New York City 2014!

Champions for a World Free of MS

Thank you for registering for the 30th Anniversary of Bike MS New York City! Money raised through

The MS Champions program is one of the most important links between the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society, event participants and people living with multiple sclerosis. The connection between a Champion, who is living with MS, and a participant fosters education, awareness, gratitude and, most importantly hope. If you don't have a personal connection to MS, we can match you with a MS Champion to make your ride even more meaningful.

your fundraising efforts will provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and programs for people living with and affected by MS in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties as well as support cutting edge research to find the cause of this disease, improve therapies and ultimately find a cure. This year, our goal is to register 5,000 participants to raise $3 million! Gather your friends, family and co-workers and help make this year’s Bike MS NYC our most successful year yet!

» IMPORTANT DATES July 25 – 27:

September 19:

August 18 – 22:

Deadline to reach $200 fundraising minimum to receive your rider material by mail

August 26:

September 19:

Weekend Fundraising Challenge #2

Team Recruitment Week #2 Early Incentive Deadline – All participants who raise $350 by this date will receive a commemorative pair of Bike MS NYC cycling socks!

Deadline to reach Top Fundraiser status to receive riding jersey in the mail

September 5:

Bike MS New York City

Postmark deadline to mail donations for packet mailing

September 15 - 19:

You will receive an email or letter with your Champion's story and photo. You will also receive information about where to meet your Champion on the day of the event. You and your team can ride in honor of them and show your support in several ways: • On your personal fundraising webpage, add their photo and explain why you are riding for them. • Spread the word and share your Champion's story when fundraising. Tell others about your experiences. • Honor your Champion on the Wall of Hope at the event. • Wear an "I’m Riding For" bib or bandana with your Champion's name and/or photo.

If you or your team would like to ride on behalf of a person with MS, contact bikeMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791

October 5:

November 7: Fundraising and Ranking Deadline

Bike MS NYC Fundraising Week

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Event Date and Location

Here are five easy steps to get you started:

» Bike MS New York City Date » October 5, 2014 Start Line » 12th Avenue (West Side Highway) and W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10019 Finish Festival » Pier 92/94, 711 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 Fundraising Minimum » $200 Route Options » 30, 55, or 100 miles Age Minimum » 12 (Participants between ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a guardian and submit a notarized waiver) All participants are REQUIRED to raise the $200 fundraising minimum. Your fundraising supports research, programs and services! The minimum must be raised by September 19 in order to receive your packet of materials in the mail. Participants who have not reached the minimum by that date will be required to attend one of our Packet Pick-Up events the week prior to Bike MS NYC. There will be NO exceptions to this, and there will be NO check-in/packet pick up on event day. If you do not raise the minimum, you will not receive your rider materials and will not be able to ride. If you are hoping to reach your minimum with check donations, please have your mailing postmarked by September 5, 2014.

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Fundraising 101

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1. BE BOLD - Aim high when you set your goal. Become a Top Fundraiser by raising $1,000 or more and receive special perks including a Top Fundraiser jersey and entry with a guest into the Top Fundraiser lounge at the finish line. Update your goal in your Participant Center so it is proudly displayed on your fundraising website and share it when asking your friends and family for support. When you surpass your goal, be sure to update your page with a new one! 2. START EARLY - The early bird gets the worm! Successful fundraising is planned and executed. You can kick your fundraising off with a bang by being the first to give. Others will be more inclined to give if they see you have made a donation yourself. 3. BE PERSONAL - Share your story with your family, friends and co-workers. Personalize your Participant Center page and tell everyone you know why you are riding in Bike MS NYC. 4. KEEP IT SIMPLE - Go online and take advantage of the easy-to-use fundraising tools called your Participant Center! There, you can set up a personal web page, send out emails and track your progress. Go to www.bikeMSnyc.org and get started now! 5. BE CREATIVE - Dye your hair orange if you meet your goal or host a donut eating contest. We have all kinds of innovative fundraising ideas and tips to help get you started. If you would like to meet with a Chapter staff member for advice, contact us at bikeMS@msnyc.org.

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Fundraising Strategies Fundraising is easy if you keep it simple and start small. Segment your contacts and plan specific outreach to ensure success – contact them via email and/or by “snail” mail!

Fundraising Strategies » Host a Fundraising Event

» Group One: Family and Very Close Friends

Whether it’s a dinner party at your home, a garage sale, a karaoke night or a bowling tournament, planning an event is a great way to increase your fundraising for Bike MS NYC.

» Group Two: People Impacted by Multiple Sclerosis

IDEAS INCLUDE:

Make a list of people in your inner circle who you are confident will make a donation. These individuals might be your parents, supervisor, or friends. Identify any of your contacts who may have a personal connection to MS.

» Group Three: Close Friends These should be people you think are more likely than not to donate.

» Group Four: General Appeals This group consists of other friends, coworkers, extended family and the rest of your contacts.

» Group Five: Social Media Contacts Don’t forget to utilize your social media contacts by posting calls to action on Facebook and Twitter. You never know!

» Fundraise through Facebook and other Social Media Outlets Our Boundless Fundraising application allows you to use Facebook to raise awareness of your fundraising efforts. Friends can view your fundraising progress and donate online. You can upload this tool to your Facebook account through your online Participant Center. To get started, click on the blue “Fundraise with Facebook” button on the homepage of your Participant Center.

Help us raise awareness and funds! “Like” our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BikeMSnycSNY. All fans of our Facebook page will receive advance notice about upcoming fundraising and recruitment challenges as well as important Bike MS NYC updates

» “A Night Out” Take Over: Partner with a local bar or restaurant for a fundraising night and ask if they would be willing to donate a percentage of that night’s profits to benefit your fundraising efforts. In exchange, you help promote the local business and invite all your friends and family! The business may even be willing to put out MS information or brochures on the tables to help raise awareness AND additional money.

» Bake Sales/Garage Sales: Ask neighbors to donate baked goods or gently used goods that you can sell at your home or a community event.

» Exercise for a Cure: Ask a local gym if they would be willing to teach a Zumba, Spin or Yoga class for free and invite friends, family and community members to participate for a set donation fee.

The New York City – Southern New York Chapter can support your event in the following ways:

» Provide you with literature about multiple sclerosis, the Chapter and the National MS Society. » Provide you with the Bike MS NYC logo (NOTE: The chapter must approve use of its logo on materials in advance).

Bike MS NYC is on Twitter! Follow us @bikeMSnyc #bikeMSnyc

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Matching Gifts and Mobile Fundraising Employer Charitable Donations Many companies have matching gift programs to maximize their financial contributions to non-profit organizations. If yours does, they will match your donations which will increase your fundraising total and bring us closer toward a world free of MS. Check to see if your employer has an eligible matching gift program by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch. You can drastically increase your fundraising total by having your donors apply for matching gifts.

HOW IT WORKS: » Send an email to all your donors explaining the benefits of Employer Matching Gifts, and let them know that they can access an employer by visiting

www.nationalmssociety.org/employermatch.

» Ask your donors to contact their company’s HR department to learn about their company’s matching gift policies and procedures.

» Have them follow the procedure outlined by their company’s matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to: New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society Attn: Bike MS Matching Gifts 733 Third Ave., Third Floor New York, NY 10017

Recruit, manage your team, and fundraise on the go with our Bike MS NYC mobile application. Update your web pages, send emails and check your progress – all from the palm of your hand. The Bike MS mobile app is available for IOS and Android. It’s fast, fun and easy to use…and FREE!

» use the mobile app to: » Send donations, thank you emails to your friends and recruit people for your team » Request donations through Facebook » Track your progress » Stay up-to-date on event information » Update your personal page! The app is available to all Bike MS NYC participants with iPhones and Androids. Search for "Bike MS" in your phone's app store.

» Our staff will send confirmation to the donor’s company. Upon receipt of the matching gift check, we will credit your Bike MS NYC fundraising efforts with the amount. While this process may take up to several months, if we receive the matching gift paperwork by the fundraising deadline of November 7, 2014, we will include the pending donation in your Bike MS fundraising total. It is that easy to increase your fundraising total, which will move us closer toward a world free of MS.

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Participant Center: The Benefits of Fundraising Online Fundraising Tools There are many perks that come with fundraising – so don’t delay and start your today! Check out these great fundraising reward opportunities and set your personal goals accordingly.

» T-shirts Send emails to your contacts using template messages or create your own. Keep track of your personal fundraising and update your goal.

All Bike MS NYC participants will receive a T-shirt on event day. There are a variety of T-shirts available based on your fundraising efforts: » $200 - $999: white short-sleeved Bike MS NYC T-shirt » $1,000+: specialty Top Fundraiser Bike MS NYC T-shirt » People living with MS are eligible for an orange short-sleeved Bike MS NYC T-shirt

Customize your personal URL and web page with personal messages and photos.

Make sure to increase your fundraising goal as you hit it so people see you are still striving to reach it!”

Upload contacts to your address book in order to email them all at once.

Customize your team web page with personalized messaging and team photos.

Did you know that $200 will pay for someone living with MS to get to and from their doctor’s appointment when they have no other form of transportation?

Create a personal URL for your team webpage by adding your team name to a short cut URL.

» Early fundraising incentive All participants who raise $350 or more by August 26 will receive our early fundraising incentive – a commemorative pair of Bike MS NYC cycling socks. These socks are back by popular demand!

Using these online tools is the best and easiest way to grow your fundraising. Don’t wait! Go to www.bikeMS nyc.org to log in and get started now!

» Passport Program All participants who raise $5,000 or more can join our Passport Program to take part in any Bike MS ride across the country. For more details, contact Shera Salgado at shera.salgado@nmss.org

or call 212-453-3253.

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The Benefits of Fundraising

Become a Member of our Elite Fundraising Clubs!

» Tour of Champions

» Bike MS NYC Top Fundraisers

The 2014 Leadership Conference, November 6-8 in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, invites leaders across the MS movement to gather together, celebrate progress, learn from each other and strengthen commitments to make an even greater impact in the coming year. » All individuals who raise $15,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society’s National Conference as well as have their flight paid for. » All individuals who raise $20,000 or more by the fundraising deadline will earn the opportunity to attend the Society’s National Conference and have their flight and hotel accommodations paid for.

» Online Fundraising Days

All participants who raise $1,000 or more will become Bike MS NYC Top Fundraisers! All individuals who raise $1,000 or more by or on event day will receive extra perks at Bike MS NYC: » A specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt at check-in that stands out from the standard event T-shirts » Access for you and a guest into our VIP Top Fundraiser Lounge on event day All participants who raise $1,000 or more by or before the final fundraising deadline, November 7, 2014, will also be considered Top Fundraisers and will be eligible to receive a commemorative Bike MS NYC Top Fundraiser jersey.

» September 19: Raise $1,000 or more by this date and a Bike MS NYC jersey will be mailed to you

On these days, participants will have the chance to win a variety of great prizes for the donations they raise during the specific fundraising periods.

Our 2014 Fundraising challenges will be held:

» June 20 - 22: Weekend Fundraising Challenge #1 » July 25 - 27: Weekend Fundraising Challenge #2 » September 15 - 19: Week-long Fundraising Challenge

» Bike MS NYC Fundraising Deadline and Rankings

before the ride! Wear it proudly on event day! » October 5: Become a Top Fundraiser by the day of the ride and receive a jersey at the Top Fundraiser Lounge after the ride. » November 7: Reach Top Fundraiser status by the fundraising deadline of November 7, 2014 and receive a Bike MS NYC jersey after the ride.

Did you know that $1,000 will pay for three members to have up to five sessions of crisis counseling?

The fundraising deadline for Bike MS NYC is November 7, 2014. You can continue your online fundraising or mail-in donations up until this date. The total you have raised by this day will be the amount used to rank all individual and team fundraising efforts. These rankings are used to finalize our Elite 200 Club eligibility for 2015, Top Fundraising Team rewards, and identify the recipients of our fundraising prizes.

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Become a Member of our Elite Fundraising Clubs!

Other Ways to Participate

» Bike MS Elite 200 Club

» virtual riders

Our 2014 Elite 200 Club is made up of our top 200 fundraising individuals from Bike MS NYC 2013. Elite 200 Club members receive a full year of perks leading up to event day as well as great perks on event day. These perks include:

PRE-EVENT:

» Name and ranking listed on bikeMSnyc.org » Customized Elite 200 Club cycling arm warmers » Dedicated staff to assist you throughout the year » Invitations to various special events throughout the year

» volunteers

EVENT DAY:

» Personalized rider bib corresponding with members’ 2014 fundraising ranking » Admission for member and a guest to the Top Fundraiser Lounge » Specialty Top Fundraiser T-shirt » Goodie bag distributed in the Top Fundraiser area Our Elite 200 Club members from Bike MS NYC 2013 raised $1,163,855! 2014 rankings will be calculated after the November 7 deadline. All 2015 Elite 200 members will receive a specialty wearable embroidered with the Elite 200 logo.

» mission first club Many of our participants who earn prizes generously donate them back to further support our mission – to create a world free of MS. By donating the cost of your prize back, you are supporting cutting edge research to find the cause of this disease, improve therapies and ultimately find a cure. The Mission First Club is set up to honor and recognize these individuals. Contact us at bikeMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 if you would like to forego your prize and become a member of our Mission First Club.

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Friends and family members do not have to be present at Bike MS NYC to participate. Encourage them to register and select “Virtual Rider.” Virtual Riders can be members of teams, participate in fundraising contests and become Top Fundraisers. Virtual Riders can also create a personal fundraising web page and have access to all of our online fundraising tools.

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We could not put on Bike MS NYC without the support of our volunteers. Please tell your friends and family who are not planning to ride that they can still volunteer on the day of the event. The following are many of the perks of being a volunteer:

» Commemorative volunteer T-shirt. » A chance to meet new people. » Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. » Opportunity to take on a vital leadership role by becoming a Volunteer Captain!

» what is a volunteer captain? Volunteer Captains go that extra mile that makes the New York City – Southern New York Chapter’s events the best! Volunteer Captains help event day run smoother by managing the logistics and volunteer on the Food Team, Registration Team, and Information Team. Volunteer Captains add an extra level of expertise, going above and beyond to learn what goes on behind the scenes, while working with amazing staff and volunteers who are all here to help create a world free of MS.

Contact michael.providence@nmss.org or call 212-453-3258.

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Official Bike Shops

Training

Whether you need new equipment or expert advice, you will find everything you need at Bike MS NYC Official Bike Shops. A current list of bike shop partners is available on our website at bikeMSnyc.org.

Bike MS NYC is approaching quickly. It is important that you prepare your body and bike to complete the ride, by training consistently and adhering to all safety precautions.

Interested in getting your local bike shop involved? Email jenny.you@nmss.org or call 212-463-9791 for more information.

Bike MS NYC has once again teamed up with local cycling experts and bike shops to provide training rides and resources. Training rides have a no-rider-left-behind policy. All levels of cyclists are encouraged to attend the training rides. Training rides will be offered in New York City and the Southern New York region. Please continue to check our website for up to date training information: www.bikeMSnyc.org. Check the Bike MS NYC website for more detailed information on training ride dates, locations and updates because they are subject to change.

» Rules of the road » All participants must wear a helmet! » Know and obey all traffic laws: stop at red lights, obey signs, observe speed limits, and follow lane markings. Cyclists in New York State have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicle operators.

» Stay to the right, a few feet from the shoulder, and only pass on the left. » Cycle with traffic, never against it. » Never ride more than two abreast. » Watch out for metal plates, potholes and cobblestones on the road which can cause falls - especially

All cyclists should be prepared for the unexpected. It is important to carry spare tubes, water bottles and snacks while riding. All riders, regardless of their experience, should know how to change a flat and ride in a large group before committing to Bike MS NYC.

Can’t attend any of the above training rides? Visit the training page on our website today to learn about Training Peaks, an interactive, Web-based training log and food diary designed to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. Subscriptions to the basic edition are FREE to our cyclists, who have the opportunity to download custom-written cycling training plans for beginner and intermediate cyclists.

in wet weather.

» Bike MS NYC is not a race, ride at your own controllable speed. » Respect marshals and officials on the route. They are there for your safety. » Headphones, cell phones, radios and similar radio devices are not permitted while riding. » Visit bikeMSnyc.org for more important safety tips and dates for upcoming bicycle maintenance clinics!

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Team Info

What to Expect » start line The start line is an energetic, fun-filled area with fellow riders who are excited about the event. Early arrival is suggested so you will have time to turn in additional donations, eat a light breakfast and secure your spot in the lineup. Note: there will be NO packet pick-up or check-in the morning of

the ride. Participants should go straight to the start line on 12th Avenue (West Side Highway) at West 46th Street when they arrive.

» route Bike MS NYC offers various route options for cyclists of all levels. All routes are fully supported and complete with rest stops, bike mechanic support, gear, vehicles and first-aid stations. All riders must maintain a minimum speed. Participants who are not able to maintain this speed will be picked up by our route support. Please visit www.bikeMSnyc.org for the minimum speed requirements. Please note: Participants aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a guardian. NO tagalongs, trailers, youth bike seats or carriers will be permitted. Tandem bikes will be permitted as long as both riders are physically able to pedal the bike and are 12 years of age or older. Both riders must register, have a rider bib and have met the fundraising minimum by the weekend of the ride.

» Visit the www.bikeMSnyc.org for up to date details about all of the route options. How long will it take to pedal the route? Beginner cyclists pedal at about 10 miles per hour on a flat road. Intermediate cyclists in good physical condition ride at approximately 15 miles per hour. Racers and advanced cyclists cruise at more than 20 miles per hour. These speeds are estimates and do not include rest stops or mandatory stops.

» finish line Crossing the finish line is an incredible accomplishment and we intend to help you celebrate! After you complete the ride, be sure to get your finisher medal, check your bike at the mandatory bike parking area and enjoy the finish line festival. The festival will include a sponsor expo, food and beverages, music and VIP perks for Top Fundraisers and teams.

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Team Info

Team Info » RECRUIT FOR YOUR TEAM

TEAM RECRUITMENT WEEKS Team Recruitment Week #1: June 16 – 20 Team Recruitment Week #2: August 18 – 22 Win amazing prizes for your team by fundraising and recruiting. Your chances of winning are better than you might think!

» team captain responsibilities Teams make the biggest impact on our mission and make up 73% of all Bike MS NYC participants! By working together to raise money, team members increase their effectiveness in helping to create a world free of MS!

» ROOKIE team captains As a new team captain, your role will be to serve as a leader to your team members. Throughout the season, the Bike MS NYC staff will contact you regarding important information, recruitment challenges and event day details. As a team captain and friend, your team members will be more likely to read information that comes from you, since it is important that all participants receive the most current and up to date information. We know that leading a team is a lot of work, but this guide provides useful information and helpful tips that will equip you to be a great team captain!

Bike MS NYC teams must consist of three or more people but there is no limit to the number of team members they can include. Here are some tips for recruiting your team: » Encourage team members to recruit at least one family member, friend or colleague to grow your team. » Post on Twitter and Facebook to let people know you are doing the event and to join your team. » Host a happy hour or work lunch to promote your team and invite everyone you know to attend » If you are a returning team captain, start with your team roster from previous years, which can be provided to you by the Bike MS NYC staff. » Hang team posters at the gym, workplace or your local dry cleaners. Include your team name and contact information. » Ask your company to support your team. You can spread the word by highlighting your team in the company newsletter or by posting Bike MS NYC materials around the office. » Send an email with our Bike MS NYC Recruitment video to anyone that might be interested in joining your team. The video is available at www.bikeMSnyc.org.

Need recruitment materials? Contact the Bike MS NYC staff at bikems@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791 to order supplies such as posters, rack cards and “Join My Team” business cards.

Is your company looking to become more involved? Contact the Bike MS NYC staff about corporate teams. Companies like Barclays, Bloomberg, Radical Media, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan Chase all have large corporate teams for Bike MS NYC. Use the following as incentive for your employer participation.

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Team Info

» team benefits and rewards

» elite teams

» Each team has their own team website in their Participant Center. Update it with a photo of your team and your story of why you’re riding. » Opportunity to participate in team contests and incentives. » Team meeting area at Bike MS NYC. » Team photo at Bike MS NYC . » Eligibility to have your own spot in the Super or Elite Team areas. » Form a corporate team and promote your company by wearing matching team jerseys. » Team Spirit Award: Try to win the most spirited award by dressing up on event day in costume or create a team jersey or T-shirt to distinguish your team.

» Win a Team Award Awards will be given to the following teams at the Recognition Ceremony in winter 2015: » #1 Corporate Team » #1 Friends and Family Team » Top Fundraising Average » Credit/Debit Challenge (top accounting firm team) » Rookie Team of the year (first year team) » Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team

Elite Teams are teams that commit to raise $40,000 or more and receive an exclusive, private area with bag check to meet and enjoy breakfast the morning of the ride.

» super teams Celebrate your team’s success at the exclusive Super Team area located at the finish line of Bike MS NYC. Teams that commit to raise $15,000 - $39,999 can reserve a private, seated area for their team members to meet after their ride. Due to equipment rental and signage orders, team captains must reserve a spot in the Super or Elite Team areas by August 22, 2014. The fundraising total is to be raised by the November 7, 2014 fundraising and ranking deadline.

We highly encourage both Super and Elite Team members to decorate, show team spirit and celebrate your team’s achievements in these coveted private areas!

For more information on any of the awards or prizes, contact teams@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791, option 3.

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Top 2013 Bike MS NYC Teams Ranking 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Team Name

Captain(s)

Total Raised

Barclays Chain Gang

Paige Maire

$125,756

2 ING Bike Team Edgar Bautista, Steve Nettler, Benjamin Emanuel

$114,993

3 JPMorgan Chase Jeff Matusow, Fran Pak, Rob Moore, Dave Fucio, Matthew Applegate, Anthony Cavanna

$106,190

Tire Team

David Greenstein

$83,205

5 Goldman Sachs Cindy Quan, Augustine Opoku, $76,103 Carly Mattson 6

MSX

Paul Low

$67,122

The Hot Sprockets

Andrew Tunick & Peter Smith

$59,970

8 Credit Suisse Danielle Milota, Norman Parton, $59,612 Zach Tucker, Simon Upton 9

Radical Media

Marc Frydman

$52,415

10 Morgan Stanley Bike Team Sean Murdoch, Kate Waters, Gabriel de Kock

$50,486

» 2013 team awards

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IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE TO PARTICIPATE? Yes, the registration fees are as follows: » $50 through September 4 » $75 September 5 - October 3 » $100 October 4 beginning 12 p.m. - October 5 Registration fees are non-refundable and not transferable, even if you are unable to attend the event.

IS THERE A MINIMUM FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT? Yes. The fundraising minimum is $200. This is in addition to the registration fee. All riders are required to fulfill their $200 minimum prior to participating in Bike MS NYC 2014. Pending matching gifts will not count toward the $200 fundraising minimum.

WHERE DO I SEND MY DONATIONS? Checks should be made payable to Bike MS New York City. Remember to put your name and account number in the memo section of each check so we can credit your Bike MS NYC account. Your account number is located on the mailing label of this participant guide and on the home page of your online Participant Center. Send to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Attn: Bike MS NYC P.O. Box 10123 Uniondale, NY 11555-0123

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY RIDER MATERIALS IN THE MAIL?

» #1 Friends and Family Team: Tire Team » #1 Corporate Team: Barclays Chain Gang » Top Fundraising Average: Wheels With Friends ($3,582)

» Fundraising

» Rookie Team of the Year: Radical Media » Most Improved Veteran Fundraising Team: Pepsi Rollas » Credit/Debit Team Challenge Winner: KPMG

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All participants must raise a minimum of $200 by Friday, September 19, 2014 to receive rider materials in the mail. We encourage you to make sure your address is current in our system before September 19, 2014. Note: we cannot guarantee the USPS delivery to you. If you raised $200 by September 19, 2014, and have not received your materials two days prior to the ride, you will need to attend the Packet Pick-Up day which is Saturday, October 4, 2014. Please note: if you are mailing donations to be counted toward the September 19 mailing deadline, they must be postmarked no later than Friday, September 5.

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Frequently Asked Questions WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO? In 2013, 76% of the chapter’s donations went toward funding programs, services and research. The chapter has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading independent charity evaluator. This is the highest rating and is based on an evaluation of financial health and accountability/transparency.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND HOW DO I GET A RECEIPT? Yes. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cancelled check serves as your receipt for those giving by check and your confirmation email will serve as your receipt for those giving online by credit card. Donors giving $250 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgement from the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society by the end of 2014. Please note donations are non-refundable and non-transferrable. The tax ID# of the NYC – Southern NY Chapter of the National MS Society is 13-2835721. Official 501(c)(3) letters and W-9 forms are available by request.

HOW LONG AFTER I SEND IN A CHECK DOES IT TAKE TO SHOW UP ON MY PERSONAL WEB PAGE? Donations made online are immediately posted to your account and will appear on your web page at the time of the donation. Donations that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks and donations submitted on the day of the event can take up to six weeks to appear on your webpage. To avoid the wait, encourage your donors to sponsor you online where it is safe, easy and fast.

» Team infoRMATION CAN MY TEAM HAND IN ALL OUR DONATIONS WITH OUR TEAM CAPTAIN? No. All donations must be handed in individually. Every participant is required to raise a minimum of $200 in order to be able to ride in Bike MS NYC 2014. Fundraising incentives are based on individual fundraising success.

Frequently Asked Questions » eVENT infoRMATION WHAT IF IT RAINS? Bike MS NYC takes place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions, routes may be altered or cancelled, but the Finish Line Festival will take place unless it is an emergency weather situation. These decisions are made prior to, and/or on the day of the event. We encourage you to check our website the weekend of your ride for updated information.

WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR ON THE DAY OF BIKE MS NYC? You can find parking lot locations by neighborhood and estimated costs at http://nyc.bestparking.com/. We highly recommend that riders use public transportation and carpool, as many roads will be closed on the day of Bike MS NYC and there is limited parking near the start and finish lines.

» general questions IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN BIKE MS? Yes. Participants must be at least 12 years of age in order to ride. If you are registering a minor aged 12 to 17, you will need to register offline with a form that must be accompanied by the Bike MS NYC notarized waiver. Participants ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a guardian. NO tagalongs, trailers, youth bike seats or carriers will be permitted. Tandem bikes will be permitted as long as BOTH riders are physically able to pedal the bike, are registered, have met the fundraising minimum and have rider bibs. Every rider, regardless of age, must meet the $200 fundraising minimum in order to ride.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BIKE MS STAFF? You can contact us at bikeMS@msnyc.org or call 212-463-9791.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO I HAVE TO HAVE ON MY TEAM? Teams must consist of at least three members, including the team captain, to receive any team recognition, awards and prizes.

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About Multiple S clerosis Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to loss of vision 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 2.3 million worldwide.

Join Events Year-Round 2015

» About the new york city - southern new york chapter The New York City - Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is committed to helping the 12,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in the five boroughs and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties continue moving their lives forward. The chapter raises funds locally to support the Society’s critical research initiatives and to provide hundreds of comprehensive support services and educational programs for people living with MS, their family and friends. For more information, visit www.MSnyc.org.

March 1, 2015

www.climbMSnyc.org

www.muckfestMS.com challenge walk

Race to Stop MS

September 5-7, 2014 .

www.raceMSnyc.org

MSchallengewalkcapecod.org

www.walkMSnyc.org

Spring 2015 NYC – Southern NY 2015

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