Download the participant guide here.

General
What are the dates of the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge?
November 10 & 11, 2012

Where will the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge be located?
The start and finish of this year's ride is at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 West Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106 

How do I register for the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge?
Register online!
Or call us at 702.736.1478 and we'll register you over the phone. 

What are the registration fees?
Registration fees are nonrefundable, nontransferrable, and not applicable to the minimum pledge. Tandem riders are considered two individuals on one bicycle and each individual is required to register. The registration fees are:

$35.00 now - October 31, 2012

$50.00 November 1 - day of event

How old must I be to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the Bike MS:   Las Vegas Challenge  is 12 years of age. All riders between the ages of 12-17 must be accompanied at all times, on and off the route, by a participating parent or guardian. If an underage rider is picked up by one of our SAG vehicles, the participating parent or guardian must accompany the rider. Additionally, all participants 17 and under must have a notarized waiver form submitted to the Southern California & Nevada Chapter prior to the ride. These will be available at all rider check-in locations.

What is the 501(c)3 number?
The National MS Society Tax Id # is 95-1727656. Official 501c3 letters and W9 forms are available by request.

Fundraising
Is there a fundraising requirement?
Yes, to continue our efforts to find a cure for MS, every rider is required to raise a minimum of $250, even tandem riders (registration fees are not applicable).

The funds raised by participants of the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge support research and provide programs and services to individuals with MS and their families. While we want this ride to be an amazing event for all of our participants, we must remember that we are here for one purpose: to move us closer toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. You can help us do just that.

Once you register, we'll provide you with simple fundraising tips to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. You can track response rates and online donations on your personal page with the fundraising goal scale. And don't forget to ask your donors if their company has a Matching Gift program.

You will not be allowed to pick up your rider packet (bib number, t-shirt, etc.) unless you have already met the $250 pledge minimum.

What if I only want to ride one day or one of the shorter routes on Saturday, do I still need to raise $250?
All riders, regardless of how far they ride, are required to raise the minimum pledge of $250. And you don't have to stop there! We encourage you to take up the challenge and raise as much money as you can to join us in the movement to create a world free of MS.

Can people who haven't registered show up and ride on the morning of the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge
Yes. All riders who register the morning of the event will be required to provide donations, meeting or exceeding the pledge minimum upon registration.

When should I collect my donations to ensure that I raise the $250 minimum?
As soon as possible. It's best to collect donations as soon as you can; remember that you are required to raise a minimum of $250 in order to ride. Take advantage of our online donation feature and watch your donations grow! Check out our Fundraising Prizes! For donors who prefer to donate by check, make checks payable to the National MS Society or NMSS and be sure to put the rider's name and Bike MS Vegsd Challenge on the memo line of the check. The deadline to mail in checks is October 31. After the 31st, please bring all checks to the event to hand in to ensure the donations goes toward your total! Remember...you must raise the $250 fundraising minimum in order to pick up your rider packet. 

When and where do I turn in my donations?
Online fund raising is the key to success! Studies show that fundraisers who solicit donations via email, Monday through Friday 9 AM - 5 PM, are more than twice as likely to receive contributions. Donations not received online should be mailed to the NMSS at 5463 S. Durango Dr. Suite #115, Las Vegas, NV 89113. You will also have an opportunity to submit donations in person at one of our Rider Check-In locations.

What do I do with money that I want split amongst two or more individuals?
If you have money that is to be divided among two or more individuals, you can contact us at the office or if you’re mailing in donations include a list of individuals you’d like credited and how much they should receive. All individuals listed on the will be credited the amount indicated.

Do matching gifts count?
Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your fundraising. For detailed information about matching gifts, please refer to our Matching Gifts FAQ.

How can I become a Top fundraiser and what are the benefits?
Click here to visit our page.

What is the deductibility of my donors' contribution?
The National MS Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations made to National MS Society are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. End of year tax receipts are sent to every individual donor of more than $25. For donations under $25, the donor's cancelled check or credit card statement is sufficient evidence for IRS purposes, but we will send a tax receipt to any donor who requests one. Registration, transportation and other fees are not generally accepted as tax deductible.

How do I earn prizes?
Prizes are based on actual donations received by the prize deadline see our prizes page for more details.

What if my donors need a receipt?
All people who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Those who send checks valued $25 or more will receive a thank you letter by mail that can be used for tax purposes. If you have a donor who needs a receipt, please let us know and we will be happy to provide one.

What happens if I don’t meet the fundraising minimum by the ride?
Any participant with an unpaid balance up to $250 on November 12th can choose to settle that balance via check or credit card to ensure participation.

Event Information
Will I need to carry identification or medical information?
Each participant MUST carry a current driver's license, state I.D. or student I.D. with them at all times. It is imperative that each rider is easily identified should an accident occur. We also require each participant to submit emergency contact information upon registration. This information will only be used if an accident occurs during the event.

Do I have to wear a helmet?
All cyclists are required to wear helmets; it is a Bike MS: Vegas Challenge requirement. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us.

When will I receive my rider number and bike number?
We will host several Rider Check-Ins . ALL riders will be required to attend one of our Rider Check-Ins. For out of area riders, we will host a final Check-in the morning of the event at the start location.

Is there storage for my bike at the event site?
We offer a secured overnight valet bike service with 24-hour security guards at the event site. We highly suggest that you take off any removable equipment, as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. The bike valet is locked from 7 pm to 6 am, during which time you will not have access, no exceptions.

Where do I sleep?
Click here to see hotel arrangements.

What type of route support can I expect on the tour?
Safety is our number one priority for our riders! Support and Gear Vehicles (SAG) monitor the entire route to help the weary rider or offer assistance to those riders who experience mechanical problems. EMTs are stationed at the start/finish, as well as all rest stops should medical attention be needed. We also have a safety crew made up of experienced riders, police officers, EMTs, firefighters and other law enforcement individuals that will be riding the Tour along with you. Their riding expertise and authority will be a valuable asset to assist novice riders and to remind all participants to follow all the rules of the road.

What if it rains during the ride?
It is not allowed to rain for our bike tour...but if it does, the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge will take place rain or shine.

Is this a race?
No, this is a fun ride for all skill levels and it is not timed. Form a team with friends, family or co-workers and enjoy an unforgettable day!

What is the schedule of events?
Click here to view the weekend schedule.

Are non-riding family and friends encouraged to participate in the weekend's festivities?
OF COURSE! There are a number of opportunities for you and your family/friends to enjoy the ride together. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of Bike MS: Vegas Challenge, and is a great way for non-riders to get involved. Visit the Volunteer section of the website for job descriptions and to register as a volunteer. We also invite your family and friends to join you at the overnight and at the finish line for the festivities. We will have activities and ample parking at both locations for visitors.

Please visit this list of hotels for lodging options.

Will there be vegetarian options at the rest stops, lunch stops and dinners?
There will be plenty of options for all palettes. However, if you have very specific dietary requirements, we suggest that you bring supplemental food items with you to ensure you are properly fueled for the entire weekend.

Website Log In
What if I forgot my username and/or password?
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at 702.736.3715 for help.

How do I change my username and/or password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.

What if I have more questions?
For more information, please contact the Southern California & Nevada Chapter at 702.736.1478 or Yvonne.Overton@nmss.org and we will be happy to assist you.