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Frequently
asked Questions "FAQs"
These FAQs are provided to help new
riders understand more about the tour and what to expect when helping fight MS
by taking part in the MS150. It is also a good way for the veteran
riders to refresh year-to-year!
Team Forward Motion believes this
information to be accurate and reminds riders to check the
North
Central States Chapter office website or call them at 800-344-4867 for specific details.
Q: How much will it cost me to ride the
MS150 Bike Tour? Is there a minimum pledge that I have to have before I
can ride?
There is a $30 entry fee. Then you need to round up a minimum of $200 in pledges
that will go towards finding a cure for MS. Riders under 18 years of age need to
raise a minimum of $100.
Q: Where does the money raised in the MS 150 go?
38% Research, National Education and Service Programs
36% Programs and Services
14% Professional and Public Education
8% Fund Raising (not including benefit to donor expense)
5% Reserve
2% Administration
87 cents of every donated dollar directly supports our mission!
NOTE: 60 cents of every dollar stays in the Dakotas
Q: How can I register?
Riders can register by:
1) Mailing a
registration form with credit card information or a check to the Dakota
Chapter MS office
2) Fill out the registration form and give it to Pat Lynch, Mike
Lynch, Lori Waldner or any other Team FoMo member you may know.
3) Or (the fastest/best way) by
registering
online with a credit card.
Q: When is the last day to register?
You can register the day of the ride, however, you must pay your
registration fee and the minimum or $200 in pledges. Team Forward
Motion suggests its members register as soon as possible so we inform you of
some team training rides, and we can all keep motivated as we prepare for the
tour.
Q: What do I get when I register?
Registrants receive a Rider Welcome Kit. The kit includes a Ride
Guide with everything you need to know to be successful in your fundraising and
your training.
Q: Where
can I get a pledge sheet?
Each registered rider will receive a pledge form with their Ride
Guide, or check with the
North
Central States Chapter office
website or call them at
800-344-4867 for specific details.
Q: Can my company participate as a team?
Absolutely! While we would love you have you on Team
Forward Motion, if your company would like to sponsor a team and get
involved in that way - Great! A team is made up of four or more cyclists. There is a special place
on the registration form to fill in team name and team captain's name. Be sure
to check with the
North
Central States Chapter office
website or call them at
800-344-4867 for specific details.
Q: What if it rains? Do we ride rain or shine?
Just like MS, the weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for anything.
In the unfortunate event of rain, the tour goes on. There is no rain-date. Unless there is lightning or dangerous weather we will not
stop the tour. Typically rest stops provide some shelter, and
SAG vehicles provide
support for riders in need of a lift.
Please be prepared for any type of weather in
case conditions change overnight.
Q: I have raised pledges, but
because of some reason (family emergency, sickness, work) am unable to participate in the MS150.
You can still turn in pledges and be eligible for all the incentives as if you
were there the weekend of the MS 150. Simply drop off your pledges at the
North
Central States Chapter Office. Or you can mail your pledges to the office.
Q: I can’t ride on
Saturday. Can I join in on Sunday?
Q: I can't ride on Sunday. Can I join in on just Saturday?
Yes. You can ride just one day as long as you have your paid registration
and minimum pledge turned in you can ride either day as your schedule may
permit. Be sure to check with the
North
Central States Chapter office
or call them at
800-344-4867 for specific details.
Q: How long of a ride is the MS 150?
In 2005 the two-day tour had routes of 100 (50 miles per day) or 150 (75 miles per
day) miles. There is also a ‘Century Loop’ option for the first day of the tour.
Once you check in at the finish line, you can continue on to ride a total of 100
miles for that day. You receive a recognition patch for your accomplishment.
The MS150 Tour organizers hope to provide different mileage options each year.
Q: How far do I
have to ride? What if I can't make it the entire length of the Tour?
What if I have bike troubles? Getting right down to it "Do
I have to ride the whole way?"
No, you can stop whenever you get tired and support will be provided for you.
There are many Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles driving the route to pick up any
tired riders. We also have HAM radio operators patrolling the tour and help with
communication along the way. Sometimes riders just need a little break and
the support vehicles carry the rider to the next stop and then they ride the
rest of the way in - whatever is best and needed for the rider.
Q: Should I get my bike
inspected? Is it required that I have my bike inspected before I can ride
the MS150 Tour?
Yes. When you register you will receive a
bike inspection form in your Rider Guide.
Q: Can my child ride with me?
For safety reasons the MS150 Tour organizers do not allow anyone not registered to ride in the MS150
tour. We do have young riders registered and riding, and Team FoMo suggests
they be accompanied on the ride by an adult at all times. Don't forget
about the wonderful
volunteer opportunities for family
members who are not riding.
 Q:
What is a SAG wagon or SAG vehicle?
We're glad you asked...everyone eventually does :-) SAG stands for SUPPORT and
GEAR. SAG vehicles patrol the Tour to provide assistance to riders who need a
lift ahead on the route. SAGs may stop to make minor repairs to bikes or bring
you to the next rest stop offering repair services. Don't be shy about taking
advantage of them if you feel tired!
Q. How do I let the SAG
driver know I need help?
To signal SAG vehicle drivers follow these three steps:
1. OFF ROAD - First, move out of the path of other riders.
2. OFF BIKE - Second, stand or sit nearby.
3. WAVE HELMET - Third, let the SAG drivers know you aren't just
taking a breather.
 Note:
From a moving car it is hard to distinguish a friendly wave from a
call for help. Help our volunteer SAG drivers help riders by following the Off
Road, Off Bike, and Wave Helmet, when you need a hand. Be aware that some of the
official vehicles on the route are medical, staff or communications vehicles and
are not equipped to carry riders. Also, at peak hours SAG vehicles may be full.
Please have patience with us as another will be by soon.
Logistics of the Tour
Questions
Q: Where does the MS150
start? Where does the Bike Tour go?
The Sioux Falls MS150 always starts in Sioux Falls and each year the MS office
and MS150 committee determines the town the tour will go to, and what the route
will be. Each year be sure to check with the
North
Central States Chapter office
website or call them at
800-344-4867 for the specific details of the current tour.
Q.
What should I bring?
What am I responsible for bringing with me on the tour?
Team
FoMo suggests you divide your gear into two piles:
1) What to bring on the ride (the body/bike stuff you carry
with you on your bike)
2) What to pack in your overnight bag
See our
"cycling safety" & “tour tips”
section for more information.
Team FoMo suggests you print these lists and use them as a check list so you
don't forget something.
Mainly - do not forget to
bring - LOTS OF ENERGY!
Q: Are there rest stops along the route?
Approximately every 10 -12 miles on the road ride there are port-a-potties,
snacks, fluids, and friendly volunteers! See our "about the MS150 tour"
section for more information about the rest stops.
Q: Do I need to bring my own food?
From your registration the MS150 Tour provides food throughout the weekend.
At every rest stop there will be water, sports drinks and snacks to energize
your ride.
1) Friday: They also provide a “fuel-up” meal on Friday night before the
ride.
2) Saturday: Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner (banquet) is furnished on Saturday
night
3) Sunday: A nice "fuel up" breakfast, lunch, and a finish-line meal on Sunday
 However, if you'd like extra snacks along the way
(power bars, etc.), you may want to bring a supply with you. The MS office is always
looking for food donations - if you know of any companies that might be
interested in donating food, please contact us at the
North
Central States Chapter office at
800-344-4867.
Q: Can I leave my vehicle at the Start/Finish location for the weekend?
Yes. Parking at the Start/Finish location will be available
throughout the weekend and overnight.
Q: How will the riders'
bags/gear or luggage be transported to the destination for day one and back?
Do I have to carry all my gear (including overnight) on my cycle?
The MS Tour organizers truck your luggage from Sioux Falls starting point to the
destination town (of that year) on Saturday. When you finish your ride on
Saturday your luggage is waiting for you. They provide you a tag to put on
your luggage to help ensure it is not mixed up! Then on Sunday, the trucks
bring your gear to the finish line (back in Sioux Falls) so you can enjoy the
finish line festivities.
Q: When the riders arrive in the tour destination (on
Saturday - Day one) are their bikes stored or shuttled with the riders to their
accommodations for the night?
The main concern is that your bike will be safe. Depending on the
destination town, the MS150 Tour organizers will ensure there is a location for
you to keep your bikes stored and safe, so they will be ready for you to ride on
day two! These logistics change from year to year and this information is
provided with all the specific yearly event information.
Q: Where do we stay in the
town we ride to? Are hotels (room and board) provided?
Arrangements will be made by the MS150 Organizers and this information will be
provided with all the specific yearly event information. Typically riders
will either select to stay in a Hotel, or if the tour goes to a town with a
University the dorms may also be utilized.
Note: These options are at the expense of the
individual rider. Sometimes riders will stay with friends or family in the
town where the tour goes on the first day. It is all up to the individual
rider and as long as they are up and ready for Day Two well rested .... all
should be good!
Q: How do we get around the town
on Saturday night if we need to? All I have is my bike.
Well, you just rode Day One of the MS150 bike tour - a few more miles to check
out the host city of day one may be just the cool down ride your body needs.
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