Bike the US for MS : Application

Dear Prospective Rider,

To ensure a space on a trip please complete and submit all required sections in this application. If you have any questions regarding the application process or anything at all please contact us.

Select Your Preferred Route

TransAm - Supported ( June 1 - Aug 1 )
Northern Tier - Supported ( May 28 - Aug 4 )
Ride a Segment
Self contained, independent route of your choice
Unknown or More Information Needed Before Choosing

View the complete Adventure Cycling routes PDF

The application consists of four sections:

Introductory Information and Agreements
Personal Information
Cyclist's Pledge
General Questions

Alumni Login

If you have previously ridden with us you can have this application pre-filled with your existing information. You will need to supply your first name and email address. You will still need to go through each section making sure all areas are correct as well as selecting any radio buttons and checkboxes as needed. Open Alumni Login.

please enter code to continue

Section 1 - Introductory Information and Agreements

Cyclist Information

Upon receipt and acceptance of your completed application, Bike the US for MS will send you an e-mail confirming your enrollment, as well as directions on how to access the cyclist information.

Minimum Fundraising Requirements: $1 per mile

Each participant must raise $1 per mile by the start date of the trip you are participating in (see below). To ensure that all riders do not fall behind in fundraising we ask that each rider raise one half of this requirement by two months before the trip's start date. If you are riding 3,800 miles starting June 1st, you would need to raise $1900 by April 1st. Our goal is to use less than 50% of raised funds to accommodate a cyclist on the road & the remainder will be distributed to clinics & organizations devoted to finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

Note: Segment riders must raise $2 per mile

What is this reasoning behind this policy?
Bike the US for MS has a responsibility to everyone involved in our program to direct as much money as possible to the organizations we support. To do so, all of our trips must be full and participants must fulfill their fundraising requirements. We hope that this policy doesn't intimidate you from participating, but we do hope that you will consider the requirements before you enroll in one of our trips. We'll provide you with fundraising ideas and strategies. It sounds like a lot but you can do it.

Expenses covered by the fundraising minimum:

Maps
Tubes
Tires
Patches
Team gear
Bike repair
Campsites
Some team meals
Occasional Hotels
Support vehicle & gas
Any other group expenses

In the case of your withdrawal or failure to meet the fundraising requirements your fundraising balance will be considered a donation to Bike the US for MS and will not be refunded. Each rider must raise the fundraising minimum. There is no giving of fundraised money from one participant to another.

check to agree

I have read, understand, and agree to the above requirements and expectations. I understand that if I do not raise the above stated fundraising minimum by the start of the trip, I cannot participate in Bike the US for MS.

Your Photo and 400 Word Profile

When you enroll in Bike the US for MS, we will list your name on the Bike the US for MS website. We ask that you write a 400 word profile & submit a photo of yourself for publication on the website.

check to agree

Upon acceptance, I do hereby give BIKE THE US FOR MS its assigns, licensees, and legal representatives the irrevocable right to use my name, picture, portrait, or photograph in all forms and media and in all manners, including composite, for advertising, for publication or any other lawful purposes, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written copy, which may be created in connection therewith.

Section 2 - Cyclist Information

First Name Middle Initial Last Name

Address City State ZIP

Email Home Phone Cell Phone

College Class Of Birthday Gender M F

Occupation T-Shirt Size XS S M L XL

Emergency Contact Information

Name Relationship

Home Phone Mobile Email

Address

Name of Primary Physician Office Phone

Medical Insurance Carrier Policy #

Section 3 - Cyclist Pledge

check to agree	I understand that Bike the US for MS is going to be a challenge. I might want to complain, I might want to quit, but I must remember that many other riders before me have successfully completed this journey across the country, and I am just as tough as they were.
check to agree	I understand that Bike the US for MS does not have control over the weather. I pledge to be prepared to ride in all weather conditions, which include beautiful days, rainy days, very hot days, very cold days up mountains, and all the terrain in between. Bike the US for MS has no control over insects and wildlife.
check to agree	I pledge to make riding safely my top priority each and every day on the bike. I agree to wear a helmet at all times while training for and during a Bike the US for MS event. I understand that the only way to know how to ride my bike safely is to put in the training beforehand.
check to agree	I understand that Bike the US for MS has a commitment to its donors and supporters to be a good steward of the money it has collected. In this regard, I understand that the provided amenities will be simple in nature, and we will often be "roughing it". I understand that we'll be camping many nights, sometimes in remote areas, sometimes without a shower available. No big deal, I'm hardcore.
check to agree	I understand that this could be the most amazing summer of my life, but I must work hard to be physically and mentally prepared. Bike the US for MS volunteers are here to help, but I am responsible for myself at all times.
check to agree	If I truly want to get the most out of this opportunity, I pledge to be familiar with my bike and my equipment prior to arriving on the trip. I pledge I will ride at least 500 miles on the bike I plan to ride across the country, and complete at least one ride over 60 miles before arriving at orientation. I understand that failure to do this minimal amount of training puts me at greater risk for injury, which could seriously jeopardize my summer.
check to agree	I am responsible for being able to read the maps that are provided and plan ahead before leaving each day. Our vehicles support many other riders and may not be available at all times. I need to be prepared while riding by carrying water, snacks, cell phone and tire changing tools at a minimum.
check to agree	I will think about the 400,000 Americans living with MS daily before I complain about being tired, dirty, sore, hot, wet, cold, or afflicted with any other nuisance that comes with bike touring.
check to agree	I understand that I will be a representative for the organization, and Bike the US for MS has the right to remove me from the roster at any time for unsafe, inappropriate, or irresponsible behavior.

Section 4 - General Questions

In order to get a better understanding of your motivations behind riding with Bike the US for MS this coming summer, please answer the following questions. If you have already completed a trip with us, you do not need to submit these essay questions.

Select Your Preferred Route

The application consists of four sections:

Alumni Login

Section 1 - Introductory Information and Agreements

Cyclist Information

Minimum Fundraising Requirements: $1 per mile

Your Photo and 400 Word Profile

Section 2 - Cyclist Information

Section 3 - Cyclist Pledge

Section 4 - General Questions

Are you interested in being a route leader? YES NO

Please explain why you should be considered for a route leader position.

Describe your biking experience

Describe your camping experience

Why would you like to bike across the country?

What is your connection to MS if any?

Do you have a bike?

What charity / volunteer experience do you have?

What is your current profession / lifestyle?

How did you hear about Bike the US for MS?

Section 5 - Submit Application