Bike Safety & Training Information
Bike Safety Guidelines
The safety of our cyclists is our number one priority for Bike MS rides. Therefore, we have compiled a list of Safety Guidelines to follow when training for and riding in Bike MS events.
Safety Guidelines for Bike MS
Group Riding Guidlines provided by the League of American Bicyclists
Youth Riders
Cyclists MUST be at least 12 years of age to participate
Cyclists ages 12 - 15 MUST adhere to the following stipulations: 1) Ride with a responsible adult who is over 21 years of age, 2) Attend a Cycling Safety Clinic hosted by the Blue Ridge Chapter with their responsible adult prior to the event, 3) Present a notarized waiver at the event before riding. Also, the ratio of youth rider to responsible adult is 1:1.
Cyclists ages 16 - 17 MUST adhere to the following stipulations: 1) Ride with a responsible adult who is over 21 years of age, 2) Present a notarized waiver at the event before riding. Also, the ratio of youth rider to responsible adult is 2:1.
All youth riders MUST stay with their responsible adult at all times. If either the minor or adult must be sagged, they must stay together.
If the responsible adult is NOT a parent, they must present a notarized Accompanying Adult Waiver at the event before the minor can ride with them (see Waivers below).
All cyclists must pay the registration fee and raise the pledge minimum regardless of age. Waivers
Adult Waiver (Ages 18+)
Minor Waiver (Ages 12-17)
Accompanying Adult Waiver (for those cyclists riding with a minor ages 12-17)
Cycling Safety Clinics
All cyclists 12 - 15 years of age and the responsible adult accompanying them on the ride are required to participate in one of the Cycling Safety Clinic Conference Calls listed below in order to participate in our event. However, anyone registered for our event is welcome to participate. For dial-in information, please contact the Blue Ridge Chapter at vab@nmss.org.
Monday, May 19th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday, May 20th, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Bicycle Response Team
The Bicycle Response Team is compiled of veteran Bike MS participants who care about the safety of our cyclists. The BRT ensure that safety, support and encouragement are available to all riders throughout the event days, especially new riders. If you are interested in becoming a part of this group or hearing more about the duties of the Bicycle Response Team, please email vab@nmss.org.
Training Ride Information
Below we've listed both event rides as well as weekly training rides being held by local clubs. These rides are all located in our chapter area and we've provided them so that you may use them as possible training rides for Bike MS. Please be aware that there may be cost involved in these rides and we recommend that you research these rides before registering for them.
Back for another year is Team ACAC's Tour de Vine Training Program! Held at the Downtown Charlottesville location, this program offers Beginner to Advanced training classes to help kick start your training schedule! All proceeds go directly to the MS society so sign up today because there are a limited number of bikes! CLICK HERE for more information!
Event Rides: Spring Up Wolf Creek Bike Ride - Saturday, May 23rd in Narrows, VA. Route length is 42 miles. Tour begins at the Ragsdale Football Field in Downtown Narrows. Registration cost is $15-$25. Please visit http://mysite.verizon.net/vzewk9z5/narrowslionsclub2/id11.html or email bobcathy3@verizon.net for more information.
Tour de Madison - Saturday, May 16th in Madison, VA. Route lengths include 16, 40 & 62 miles. Tour beings at 1223 North Main Street at the Fire Hall in Madison. Registration cost is $15-$25. Please visit http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrID=45873 to obtain a registration form or email nknighting@plowandhearth.com for more information.
Rich Rau Memorial Bike Tour & Pancake Breakfast - Saturday, May 16th in Berryville, VA. Route lengths include 15, 30 & 50 miles. Tour begins in Downtown Berryville. Registration cost is $25-$30. Please visit http://www.berryvilleva.gov/ or email planner@berryville.gov for more information.
Queen City Century Ride - Sunday, May 17th in Shenandoah Valley, south of Staunton, VA.
Presented by the Queens City Cycling Club. Registration at http://www.bikereg.com/
Club/Bike Shop Rides:
In an effort to help our cyclists prepare for the event, we will be advertising rides at our MS Bike Shops and Club rides in our area. For more information about the specific rides, please use the contact information listed with the ride.
Charlottesville Bike Club (Charlottesville, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
Bike Stop at Mountains Edge (Culpeper, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
Bikes Unlimited Bike Shop (Lynchburg, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
Winchester Wheelmen (Winchester, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
Shenandoah Valley Bike Club (Harrisonburg, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
East Coasters Cycling & Fitness (Roanoke, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
New River Valley Bicycle Assoc. (Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Radford, VA)
CLICK HERE to view their ride calendar for dates and locations of rides
If you know of any other rides in your area that aren't included on this list, please contact us at vab@nmss.org.
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