Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Event FAQs:

Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?
Yes, all cyclists must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the ride.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are prohibited at the ride; however, service animals are welcome.

Where do I park?
Plenty of parking is available on site.

What kind of food can I expect at the rest stops and site?
Rest stops (every 10-20 miles) are fully stocked by volunteers with nutritious fruits, snacks, water and Gatorade.  Lunch will be served on the route Saturday and Sunday.  Food trucks will be present throughout the weekend to purchase food.  A buffet dinner is provided on Saturday night at Pollak Vineyard.  At the conclusion of Sunday’s ride, we will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.

(Tour de Vine) I’m from out of town, is there accommodation available?
Pollak Vineyard allows camping for free on site.  RVs are welcomed. Shower trucks and toilets are available.  Local Waynesboro hotels have rooms reserved for Tour de Vine participants for a discounted rate.  Contact the Waynesboro Best Western Inn & Suites or Days Inn- Waynesboro and mention you are with Tour de Vine.

What happens if it rains?
We ride rain or shine. If it rains, grab your poncho--you have trained for months and we want you to be able to complete this course. If there are severe storms with high winds, hail or torrential rain, the ride will be canceled or the course will the shortened or adjusted to ensure the safety of our cyclists and volunteers. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Do I have to wear a helmet?
YES! For your own safety, helmets are required at all Bike MS events and training rides. You will be removed from the route if you are not wearing a helmet.

Can family and friends join me for the weekend?
Family and friends are always welcome at our start and finish locations, however not on the route! Please encourage your friends and family to meet you at the finish line, or to volunteer for the event. There will be fun activities on site the day for families.

Can I have someone follow me in case I don't make it?
We prohibit personal vehicles on the route and in or around rest stops. We provide plenty of SAG vehicles to transport any cyclists in need.

Registration & Fundraising FAQs:

What is the minimum pledge?
All riders must turn in the minimum pledge amount of $300, but we encourage all participants to set higher goals for fundraising.  If you reach $1,000 you will receive a 2015 Tour de Vine Thousandaire jersey as a thank you!

Why is there a fundraising minimum?
The primary goal of Bike MS is to raise funds to support the 12,000 individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in our community. By raising funds, you are helping the National MS Society support vital medical research and local programs.

When do I turn in my pledges?
We encourage you to turn in pledges as you receive them using the Deposit Ticket located on the Fundraising Tools page. You will also have time to send in funds after the ride, however, $300 must be turned in by the day of the ride to participate.

Are walk-up registrations available?
Yes, but remember you must have $300 in donations in order to ride.

I registered as an individual, but now I want to join a team.
No problem! Email or call our Fundraising Support Center with the name of the team you’d like to join and we’ll get you all taken care of. 855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org

I cannot find my team from last year. How do I register with my team?
Unfortunately, our system does not carry forward teams from the previous year to automatically be listed for this year's ride. If you do not see your team, contact your team captain and ask them to get your team registered for this year so that the other team members can register as well or you may register and create your team.

Can I be added to a team if I didn’t indicate I was on a team when I registered?
You can be added to a team anytime by calling or emailing our Fundraising Support Center: 855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org

When do donations need to be turned in by?
To receive a rider number and participate, all cyclists must turn in the required minimum $300 in donations by the morning of the ride.

How do I turn in donations?
You can submit your donations online, by mail or by phone. Please be sure to include your name and team name (if applicable) to ensure we properly credit your account. 

Mail to:
Attn: Casey Kasko
National MS Society, Bike MS
4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Online: It’s the fastest, easiest way to fundraise. No paper, no mail. You don’t even have to leave your computer! Use the Participant Center to receive donations.

Can I mail in cash?
For any cash donations you receive, please deposit the contribution into your checking account and send in a personal check or make a personal donation online. Checks should be made out to the National MS Society. Please put your name on the memo line of each check. 

Can I send a money order or cashier’s check?
Yes, we accept money orders and cashier’s checks for donations and registration fees.

Can I use FedEx, UPS or Certified Mail to turn in my donations?
Yes, it is encouraged to mail donations via a method that can be tracked. At your discretion, you may use the above methods to turn in your donations. Please note that if sending regular mail, we cannot be responsible for the US Postal Service.

I mailed/dropped off donations at the Chapter office, but they do not appear in My Account.
Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please contact Casey Kasko at 434-971-1073. Please note that if sending regular mail, we cannot be responsible for the US Postal Service.

Can I send in donations for more than one cyclist in one envelope?
Yes, but please be very specific as to how the donations should be credited. The more information you provide, the faster we can process your donations.

Someone made a donation to my team, rather to a team member. Can it be changed?
Yes, please contact our Fundraising Support Center by phone or email.  855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org

What if my donor makes the check payable to me?
No problem. Just endorse the back "Payable to NMSS." Then sign it and get it to us.

How do I split gifts between multiple riders?
We are happy to split donations between multiple riders; however, each rider must be registered at the time the donation is received, and designation (amount and participant info) must be included with the donation at the time it is mailed or turned in. Contact our Fundraising Support Center for help: 855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org

What can I do to make sure my donations are credited to my account?
Please make sure that your name is written in the memo line on all checks and/or include a note with your name and mailing address you used when you registered.

Should I enter my offline (check or cash) donations in My Account?
You can, please note that donations will not count toward your fundraising until the Chapter receives them. If you enter your offline donations, please make sure to include complete name and address information for your donors to ensure that the donations are credited properly when received.

The total amount ‘I have raised’ does not reflect all the donations?
Donations marked unconfirmed will not be reflected in your total amount raised. Although you can see ‘unconfirmed’ donations in the ‘Progress Section’ of your account, they will not appear in your total ‘I have raised’ amount. Only donations marked ‘confirmed’ will be calculated in the amount you have raised. Rider numbers and prizes will only be given out based on cyclists confirmed donations. Note that ‘unconfirmed’ matching gift donations do count toward prizes and fundraising incentives; see information regarding matching gifts below.

What is the difference between a ‘confirmed’ and ‘unconfirmed’ donation?
Donations are marked ‘unconfirmed’ if the participant has entered them through My Account manually. Donations will be marked ‘confirmed’ once the Chapter has received them. Also, matching gifts submitted will be marked ‘unconfirmed’ until the Bike MS staff receives the money for the matching gift from the company. See information regarding matching gifts below.

Why is Chapter listed as a donor on my pledge report?
If we receive an offline contribution that does not include the donor's name and/or mailing address, it will be credited to your account under the name Tour de Vine Bike MS. To update this information, please email casey.kasko@nmss.org.

What happens to the donations if I can no longer participate in the event?
All registration fees and donations are non-returnable and non-transferable. Your donations allow the National MS Society to fund vital medical research and support local residents in the community living with MS, regardless of your participation in the event.

Can I obtain a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter and/or tax id number?
Please email casey.kasko@nmss.org to receive a copy of this letter.

Are donations tax deductible?
All donations are tax deductible in the same calendar year your donation was processed to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.

What if my donors need a receipt?
Sponsors who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Offline check or credit card contributions that are received and made out to the National MS Society for $100 or more will receive a thank you letter from us that can be used for tax purposes. In addition, your donors cashed check acts as a receipt.

Matching Gifts:

What is a matching gift?
A matching gift is a gift from a donor’s employer that matches the donor’s original gift. Most employers match dollar for dollar.

How do I know if my employer has a matching gifts program?
Search for your employer, ask your human resources staff, or visit your company’s intranet. Ask all your donors to do the same, and encourage them to take advantage of the program by completing the appropriate process designated by their company.

Where do I get a matching gift form?
Forms are available only from your employer, so talk to your human resources staff. Some companies have an online matching gifts program so you don’t have to fill out a paper form.

What do I do with the form when I’ve filled it out?
Refer to the instructions on the matching gift form, but usually the next step is to email, mail or fax it to us (please include your name): Email: casey.kasko@nmss.org Fax: 434-979-4475

Mail to:
National MS Society, Bike MS
4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301
Glen Allen, VA 23060

If I enter the donor’s gift and the matching gift through my Participant Center, do I enter them as one gift?
No, they are two separate gifts. Please enter only the employee’s gift and mail/email the matching gift form and we will enter the match.

How will I know when the matching gift has been paid?
Check the “Progress” section of your Participant Center. It usually takes months before we receive matching gifts; however, even though they are not yet paid, you will receive credit for matching gifts for prize purposes.

Will a pending matching gift count towards my fundraising minimum?
Yes, if you have submitted the required documentation and the gift shows as pending in your fundraising totals, it will count towards your fundraising minimum, as well as Thousandaire status and fundraising prizes and incentives.

I thought I submitted a matching gift, but do not see it showing in My Account.
Please contact us at 434-971-1073  or casey.kasko@nmss.org to follow up on your matching gift submission.

Why are my matching gift donations showing as unconfirmed donations?
Each company’s matching gift policy and practices differ, including when the matching gift check is sent to Bike MS. All matching gifts are entered as ‘unconfirmed’ when notification of the matching gift is received. Once the actual donations arrive/checks are mailed from the company, the particular matching gift will be marked as ‘confirmed.’ Although marked ‘unconfirmed,’ matching gifts will count toward your prizes and Thousandaire. Entry Example: GE Foundation, Matching (GE Foundation (Bob Smith Matching Gift))

How long does it take for Bike MS to receive the matching gift money and mark my matching gift donation confirmed?
This process and timeline varies for each company. Some companies cut checks quarterly and some yearly. It can sometimes take at least six months for Bike MS to receive monies from a particular company. Please check with your company regarding their process and practices.

General:

I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. If you have problems, please contact the Fundraising Support Center by phone 855-372-1331 or by email fundraisingsupport@nmss.org

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.

How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.

My Participant Center:

How do I log in to my Participant Center?
From any page of the MS Virginia – West Virginia or Bike MS website, click the Login button at the top of your screen. Enter your username and password, and then select Bike MS: Tour de Vine 2015 from the list of events.

What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online tool to use when asking your friends and family to join your team or to make a donation. You have a default personal page created for you, but you can personalize this page with your own story by logging in to your Participant Center.

How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to the Participant Center. On the bottom right side of the Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes. Tip: Once you reach your goal, go back in and raise it. You'll be surprised that people will continue to sponsor you, if they believe you are still trying to reach your goal.

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

How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.

How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

Contact:

If you would like more information about Bike MS: Tour de Vine, please contact:
Casey Kasko, Development Specialist- Bike MS
434-971-1073
Casey.Kasko@nmss.org 

If you would like more information about Bike MS: Country Roads Ride, please contact:
Karla McCarraher, Development Director- Bike MS
757-319-4253
karla.mccarraher@nmss.org