About the Bike Chesapeake Challenge

Q: Who do I make checks payable to?

Please make all checks payable to National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Q: What should I do with cash and checks I receive as donations?

Donations can be mailed to the National MS Society, Maryland Chapter at: 2219 York Road, Suite 302, Timonium, MD 21093. The donations mailed into our office will be entered into your online account within 7-10 business days. Please include your name and the event in the memo field or in a separate note included with the donations. All riders must turn in at least $300 at registration check-in. If you have not turned in the minimum pledge by the start of the event, the National MS Society will discuss payment options, including charging the balance onto a credit card, with you.

Q: What happens if it rains?

Keep your fingers crossed! We hope that it will not rain during the Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge, but we will ride rain or shine. In the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions, we will delay the event until conditions improve. 

Q: Can children participate?

Cyclists must be 12 years old or older by May 30, 2014 in order to ride on a single-seat bike (parents must still ride in the event with their child age 12-17 at all times). No children under the age of 12 are permitted to ride. All cyclists under the age of 18 must bring a notarized waiver, signed by a parent, to the event. No children are allowed on the backs of bikes or sidecars. Click here to download the waiver.

All riders between the ages of 12-17 must complete the following training steps with a parent or legal guardian:
--review of safety brochure; and review of special flyer for youth riders and parent/legal guardian.

If the child is on a tandem, all requirements above still apply.

Q: Do I have to wear a helmet?

YES! For your own safety, helmets are required at all MS cycling events and conditioning rides. You will be removed from the route if you are not wearing a helmet.

Q: Can family and friends join me for the weekend?

Family and friends are always welcome! Volunteers are always needed. Accommodations at hotels need to be reserved in advance. Free indoor and outdoor camping is available at the Talbot County Community Center. Meals are free to cyclists and volunteers.

Q: Can I have someone follow me in case I don't make it?

In the interest of safety, we must limit the number of motorists on the route. We provide plenty of SAG vehicles throughout the ride, equipped with HAM radios. They will transport any cyclists in need.

Q: What do I do with my pledge sheets?

You keep your pledge sheets--use them to track the donations you've collected and to follow-up with your donors after the event.

Q: What if I can't collect my pledges?

When you ride in Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge, you are making a commitment to fulfill the $300 pledge minimum. We count on each and every dollar to provide services and research to help those with MS. If you are finding it difficult to collect your pledges, please call us. We can provide you with some fundraising ideas. Cyclists unable to meet the minimum pledge requirement will not be allowed to participate in the activities of the Bike MS.

Q: Can I bring a friend with me who didn't register prior to the event?

Yes! Your friend will need to register during one of the designated check-in times either Friday night at the Comfort Inn Easton or Saturday morning at the Talbot County Community Center. Your friend will need to pay a full registration fee of $40 as well as turning in the $300 pledge minimum. We encourage everyone to pre-register.  

Q: Are pets allowed?

No, pets are prohibited at the Talbot County Community Center. We ask that participants staying overnight at the Community Center especially do not bring pets to adhere to the quiet hours and do not disturb others while they are sleeping.

Q: How far is the Talbot County Community Canter?

Allow 1 1/2 hours driving time to Easton from Baltimore and the D.C. areas. Also, don't forget to allow extra time for weekend beach traffic.

Q: I can't remember my discount code. What should I do?

For questions about your discount code, please contact Samantha Flottemesch at samantha.flottemesch@nmss.org or call her at 443-641-1207.

Q: Where do I make my accommodations for the weekend?

A variety of hotels and camping options are available. Please see our Accommodations page for a complete listing. Reservation deadlines differ, so please be sure to take special note.  

Participants may stay for free overnight at the Talbot County Community Center on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. The free space available at the Talbot County Community Center is indoor and there are also outdoor camping-style accommodations. You will be provided with plenty of space, lavatory access and showers. Participants are responsible for bringing desired sleeping needs (i.e. sleeping bags, air mattress, tent).

Q: Is my registration fee refundable?

Please contact the Maryland Chapter for more information at 443-641-1200 or info@nmss-md.org.

General Questions

Q: What if I forgot my username and password?

Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at samantha.flottemesch@nmss.org for help.

Q: 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.

About my Bike Center

Q: What is a Personal Page?

A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your bike center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.

Q: By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?

Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.

Q: How do I change my personal fundraising goal?

First, you will need to login to your Bike Center. On the bottom right side of the Bike Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.

Q: How do I change my team name, team goal or team division?

Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her bike center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.

Q: How can I see who has donated to me?

Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Bike Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.

Q: How can I see who is on my team?

Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Bike Center and click the "Join My Team" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

Q: What is a team message?

Simply go to your Bike Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.

Q: What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?

By default, a personal page is Public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to Private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.