What is the cost to participate, does it change throughout the year?

July 25, 2022 - December 14, 2022: 

• Virtual Cyclist - FREE 
• Cyclist - Own Accommodations - $20.00 
• Cyclist - Camping - $45.00  
• Cyclist - Dorm with Shared bed - $60.00 
• Cyclist - Private Dorm Accommodations - $90.00 

December 15, 2022 - March 31, 2023  

• Virtual Cyclist - FREE 
• Cyclist - Own Accommodations - $40.00 
• Cyclist - Camping - $65.00  
• Cyclist - Dorm with Shared bed - $80.00 
• Cyclist - Private Dorm Accommodations - $110.00 

April 1, 2023 - June 24, 2023  

• Virtual Cyclist - FREE 
• Cyclist - Own Accommodations - $60.00 
• Cyclist - Camping - $85.00  
• Cyclist - Dorm with Shared bed - $100.00 
• Cyclist - Private Dorm Accommodations - $130.00 

Is there a minimum fundraising amount?

• Registering for MS Bike, participants are committing to raise the minimum fundraising amount of $500. Staff are here to support you in reaching your goals. Please reach out to Megan (megan.rietze@mscanda.ca) or msbike@mssociety.ca and we will help you with fundraising ideas, resources, and support.

What happens if I don’t hit the fundraising minimum?

• Cyclists that don’t reach the fundraising minimum will not be able to pick up their package or participate in the bike tour. Please connect with Megan for fundraising tips or volunteer opportunities.

I am on a team - can we just fundraise enough as a team to cover one another’s $500 minimum?

• The $500 fundraising minimum is per participant - team donations and team members cannot cover the fundraising minimum for others. Donations must be kept under the person/team that the donor originally intended - they cannot be moved between participants.  

Are there any training rides?

• We have some ride challenges available in our Ride with GPS Club. You can check it out here: http://bit.ly/3yHblvS

What kind of bike do I need? Is there anywhere I can rent one locally?

• A road bike is best, but any bike will work! Some bike stores and even the University have bike rentals that you could look into for the event weekend.

Do you have a recommended Bike Store?

• Northstar Bicycle YYC is the local bike sponsor for the MS Bike Airdrie to Olds tour. They have 2 locations in Calgary.
  • North Location: 620 46 Ave NE #114, Calgary AB
  • South Location: 15220 Shaw Rd SE, Calgary AB

Are there any opportunities to connect before the event weekend?

• Private Shopping Nights will take place on the following dates and will have a special 10% discount applied for any purchases.

  Wednesday June 14, 2023

  5:00PM – 8:00PM

  Northstar Bicycle YYC SOUTH (Inside Jack Carter Powersports)

  15220 Shaw Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 2A1

  Thursday June 15, 2023

  5:00PM – 8:00PM

  Northstar Bicycle YYC NORTH

  620 46 Ave NE #114, Calgary, AB T2E 8M9

When will I be able to pick up my riders’ package?

• Riders’ Packages as well as fundraising incentive pick-ups will coincide with shop nights. Riders’ Packages and fundraising incentives can be picked up on the following dates:

  Wednesday June 14, 2023

  5:00PM – 8:00PM

  Northstar Bicycle YYC SOUTH (Inside Jack Carter Powersports)

  15220 Shaw Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 2A1

  Thursday June 15, 2023

  5:00PM – 8:00PM

  Northstar Bicycle YYC NORTH

  620 46 Ave NE #114, Calgary, AB T2E 8M9

Can I pick up my friend/teammates package?

• As long as they have reached the $500 minimum fundraising, feel free to pick up for your friend, or your entire team! Make sure to get their sizing for the tech t-shirt and any other fundraising rewards they may have earned!

Is there a minimum age?

• The minimum age to participate in MS Bike is 12 years old. Participants between 12 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Chariots and baby carriers are not permitted on the route. 

Are pets allowed?

• Pets are NOT permitted on the route or at Olds College. If you want your pet to be at the finish line in Airdrie on Sunday, pets must be leashed at all times, well behaved, and all messes must be cleaned up immediately. Failure on any part to follow these guidelines will have this permission revoked for all. 

What happens if I hit a fundraising reward?

• Click here to check out the fundraising rewards! If you qualify for a reward, you can pick it up at the package pick up nights on the following dates or rewards can be picked up the morning of the bike tour.  If you hit a reward level after the bike tour, connect with Megan to get your rewards!

  Wednesday June 14, 2023

  5:00PM – 8:00PM

  Northstar Bicycle YYC SOUTH (Inside Jack Carter Powersports)

  15220 Shaw Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 2A1

  Thursday June 15, 2023

  5:00PM – 8:00PM

  Northstar Bicycle YYC NORTH

  620 46 Ave NE #114, Calgary, AB T2E 8M9

What should I bring if I am staying at the dorms?

• Pack as though you are staying at a hotel- the dorm has linens, travel size soaps, shampoos etc.

Is there a place to camp – Tent or RV?

• There is a parking lot to set up a RV- please let Megan know if you are planning to bring one. There are tent areas as well. 

Event Meal Plan

• Saturday June 24 Lunch (Carstairs)

Sandwiches by Spolumbos (labelled with ingredients to meet dietary preferences)

• Saturday June 24 Dinner

Chicken Supreme, green salad (2 different dressing options), pasta salad (made with egg noodles), roasted potatoes & vegetables

• Sunday June 25 Breakfast

Breakfast is provided by the College cafeteria and will be continental breakfast.

• Route – There will be an assortment of snacks, water, and electrolyte drinks available at each rest stop (Day 1 & 2)
• Beer Gardens – BBQ’d hot dogs, soft drinks & chips
• Dorms -  Cookies by George

**Although we do our best to accommodate all dietary preferences, not all can be met. If you do have a sever allergy, please consider bringing your own food event weekend to ensure your safety.

I have food allergies, should I bring my own food?

• We do our best to accommodate all our cyclists, however, all allergy restrictions and food specifications cannot always be met. We do our best to share the event meal plan in advance of the ride. If you do have a severe allergy, please bring your own food for the weekend to ensure your safety. 

What if I get a breakdown along the route or can’t finish?

• MS Bike is a fully supported ride with first aid, mechanics, and support vehicles. If you need help or encounter a breakdown, move to the side of the road and hold your helmet up. Call the number on your wristband to connect with the Route Control team.

I am spending the night at the dorms, how do I get my overnight bag there?

• At the start line we will have a luggage truck to drop your bag off at. Please ensure your luggage has a wristband matching your bib number attached for pick up after your done your ride!

Day 1 was fun, but my legs are sore and I don’t want to ride back, how can I get back to the start line?

• MS Bike is low pressure ride, if you can’t ride day 2 no problem! We have a bus that is available back to the start line departing at 9:30am. 

Should I bring money to the event?

• Yes - if you are planning on having any alcoholic drinks! We have beer gardens/bar where drinks will cost $5 each (non-alcoholic drinks are free of charge)

What happens day 1 after the ride?

• There will be lawn games, beer gardens, music, dinner, and a program. 

Are there ATM’s on site?

• There is 1 ATM on site with limited funds available. Please try to pre-plan and withdraw money before the event from a different location. 

Can my family/friend join in after the ride?

• Absolutely! Additional meal tickets are available for purchase at the beer gardens entrance or dorms check-in area for $30. 

I received more donations after the event, what should I do with them?

• Fundraising is open until September 30^th! 

I had so much fun, when can I register for next year!?

• MS Bike has year-round registration and fundraising! Registration for next year will open the Saturday evening of the event, with fundraising starting October 1^st. 

When will the pictures be posted?

• It can take some time for photo’s to be sent from our photographers. Typically, they are posted on our Flikr account and Facebook Bike group 4-6 weeks after the event. You will receive an email with the link, once photos are up! 

Is there a Lost and Found?

• Please connect with Megan for any lost and found items.

I just hit a new fundraising milestone, can I still get my reward?

• Of course! Please connect with Megan to arrange a pick-up/delivery time!