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Participant Handbook
Participant Handbook
The Johnson MS Mountain Bike is an annual fundraiser to support breakthrough multiple sclerosis research and a host of programs and services for Albertans living with MS. By registering for the 2018 tour and raising funds, you’re making a profound difference in the lives of more than 14,000 Albertans living with MS. You probably have many questions about the 20th Annual event on September 8 & 9, 2018. The cyclist handbook provides information to help you have a successful cycling and fundraising experience this September, whether you are cycling as an individual, as part of a team or as a team captain. As you embark on your two-day challenge, remember those who face the daily lifelong challenges of MS. Your participation and fundraising accomplishments are crucial factors on the road to a cure for MS. On behalf of the MS Society, Alberta & Northwest Territories Division and the thousands of Albertans living with MS, thank you for your support. Sincerely, Your Johnson MS Mountain Bike Team
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
About MS ................................................................................................................................................................................................. page 2 Fundraising ..................................................................................................................................................................................….. pages 3 – 5 Recruitment ……………………………...........................................................................................................................................................…. page 6 Training Rides .......................................................................................................................................................................................... page 7 Package Pick Up ...................................................................................................................................................................................…. page 8 Packing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... page 9 Tour Rules ..........................................................................................................................................................................................…. page 10 Route Support ........................................................................................................................................................................................ page 11 Route Map ............................................................................................................................................................................................. page 12 Tour Schedule & Accommodations …………………………..................................................................................................................……….. page 13 Sponsor Feature – Johnson Insurance ........................................................................................................................................………… page 14 Sponsor Feature- Tour Sponsors ....................................................................................................................................................…….. page 15
& YOUR IMPACT
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.
MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.
World-leading MS research is being produced by MS experts across the country.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects not only individuals, but also families who come together to manage the realities of
MS.
To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their
quality of life.
Every year, Canadians come together in so many ways to fight MS. We are so grateful to all of you who work tirelessly to raise money to fund research that leads to better quality of life for people living with MS. Whether you are a caregiver, donor, sponsor, volunteer, person affected by MS – thank you, so much, for fighting with us for a world free of MS! This past year marked many exciting developments in MS research. With each breakthrough bringing us one step closer to understanding the underlying causes of MS, we can find new ways to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS. Through our funding programs we continue to display strong leadership in the fight to end MS by supporting innovative fundamental and clinical research in progressive MS, myelin repair and protection against nerve damage, symptom management and improving well-being and quality of life. Our explains in detail research objectives and goals that have been addressed through studies funded by the MS Society of Canada – because of you! Check out your impact here:
To follow our progress and get the inside story on MS research, visit or follow @ on Twitter.
– NEED TO KNOW
The Johnson MS Mountain Bike – Hinton is an annual fundraiser which supports ground-breaking multiple sclerosis research and a host of programs and services for people affected by MS. By registering for the 2018 tour and raising funds, you are making a profound difference in the lives of more than 14,000 Albertans living with MS.
b The registration fee is non-refundable and does not apply to the minimum fundraising requirement.
b This is a fundraising event and every cyclist must raise the $300 fundraising minimum to participate.
b There are no additional costs for food or road support during the tour weekend.
b All cyclists MUST wear a non-expired regulation bicycle helmet.
b Please have a proper safety check and bike fit done prior to the tour. This will ensure you have a smooth ride!
After filling out your pledge sheets and collecting cash and cheques, visit us at our office located at 150, 9405 50 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 2T4 (please use East Entrance off 49th Street NW). You can visit us any time prior to the tour or during package pick-up week.
You can also bring in your donation the Saturday morning of the tour at our start line location – the Hinton Friendship Centre, located at 965 Switzer Drive, Hinton, Alberta, T7V 1W1.
We encourage cyclists to have their donors give online as it is the quickest way to have your fundraising dollars accounted
for. Donating online also provides donors with instant tax receipts sent out to them electronically.
– TIPS & TRICKS
b Once you register, start your fundraising. The sooner you start asking, the more money you will raise, so start
asking today!
b When people see that you have set a goal they will want to help you achieve it. By setting a higher goal, donors will
be more likely to give you larger pledges, helping you reach your fundraising goal easier.
b Make the first donation yours. It’s an easy way to show your passion for the cause and inspire family,
friends, and colleagues to also make a generous donation.
b This will help set the standard of donations you receive. Consider timing when asking (i.e. ask
for a donation on, or shortly after, pay day)
b Don’t be shy! Now that you’ve contacted your top donors, ask everyone. This is the number one tip
given by our top fundraisers - and when we say everyone we mean everyone! Be prepared to tell donors about MS and how their donations are put to good use.
b Let people know you are fundraising for the tour. Create a team poster or change the signature of your
emails to mention your involvement.
b Post a link to your personal fundraising page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. and ask your friends and
family to donate.
b Whether it’s a silent auction, wine survivor, bonspiel, raffle basket, 50/50 draw or an MS pasta dinner - a
creative fundraiser can be a great way to raise a lot of money quickly.
b Need to stay motivated? Join our rookie team, Team United Cycle, or form your own team with co-
workers, family and friends. There is power and fun in numbers.
b For donations greater than $200 in a calendar year, Albertans receive
a 50% charitable tax credit (one of the highest in Canada). New donors can also take advantage of the federal government’s First Time Donor’s Super Credit
b Make sure to follow up and thank those who have helped you reach your fundraising goal. Send them a post-event update about your ride!
Login to your account at to create and update your personal information. Make your page compelling by writing a personal message. Let sponsors know why you have chosen to ride, and that the Johnson MS Mountain Bike deserves their support! Be sure to upload a great photo of you, your team, or who inspires you to ride! From your participant centre you can send an email to your friends, family and donors.
– REWARDS
- Rewards are not automatically allocated and are not cumulative (with the exception of the $1000 & $2000 Club items).
- Rewards are based on individual and not team totals.
- You can make your gift card choice by contacting Amber at [email protected] or 780-409-8743, or when turning in pledges during Package Pick Up Week or during registration the morning of Day 1 of the tour.
- All apparel items come in men’s sizes.
- Gift cards are not cumulative.
- Choose from a Rona, Chapters, or United Sport & Cycle gift card for your 2018 fundraising efforts!
– PARTICIPATE AS A TEAM
What if each member of your team inspired three more to join the
cause? Growing your bike team is easier than you think! Invite your friends, family or your co-workers. Tell them you are riding to raise funds to end MS. Spread the word, the more the merrier!
b It’s always more fun with family, friends and co-workers by your side!
b Fundraising is easier with the support of your team! It’s proven that your fundraising increases when
you are part of a team.
b Order custom Jersey Lab team jerseys with your own colors and logos!
*$10 from each jersey is donated back to the MS Society!
b It’s a great way to gain exposure for your company as well as grow camaraderie amongst
your colleagues.
b Keep your motivation and fundraising on track.
Join us every Wednesday leading up to the tour to get ready for the ride. Training rides meet at Terwillegar Park in Edmonton and depart around 6:30 pm.
Wednesday, August 8th - Kick Off Ride Wednesday, August 15th Wednesday, August 22th Wednesday, August 29th Wednesday, September 5th
The key to a successful ride lies in consistent training and preparation. Here are five steps to get in gear for the 2018 Johnson MS Mountain Bike.
b Stop in at your local bike shop and let the experts verify that your bike is road savvy. We strongly
recommend that you have your bike checked before the weekend of the tour.
b : Access your improvement. Finding the distance of a particular training route with your car’s odometer is
sufficient for tracking training kilometers. Track start and stop times to judge overall speed.
b The purpose of your rides is to build up cardio-vascular fitness - so don’t push it too hard! Take
a week to build up your 15km distance goal.
b Conquered the 15km a week goal? Why not strive for 30km in a week then? Remember to
maintain your pace while always remembering “slow and steady wins the race.” The purpose here is to gain distance and confidence.
b Once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself with advanced hill and trail training. Warm up with a moderate
ride, including a hill without exhausting yourself. After the uphill pedal, recover on a smooth downhill, and repeat again. Make sure you ride on trails to familiarize yourself with the terrain of the mountain tour. Terwillegar Park in Edmonton is an excellent place to complete trail training.
Packages will only be distributed to cyclists who have raised the minimum pledge of . You may also pick up packages for your teammates provided they have raised the minimum pledge amount.
The following items are in your participant package and are key in ensuring a safe, smooth and enjoyable weekend experience.
b Helmet Tag
b Bib Number (4 pins included)
b Event Wristband
b Bike Tag
b Crossbar Tag (Twist Ties Included)
b Bike Chip
b Event T-Shirt
b Complimentary Water Bottle
b Event Jersey ($1000+ raised) & Shorts ($2000+ raised)
WHEN: Tuesday, September 4th – Thursday, September 6th TIME: 9am to 6pm WHERE: 150, 9405 50 Street, Edmonton - use East entrance off 49th street NW)
Pledge money can be dropped off in Hinton the Saturday morning of the tour. Remaining cyclist packages may also be picked up at this time.
– WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
b Helmet
b Rider numbers and wristband
b Padded bike shorts and jersey
b Cycling glasses
b Driver’s license
b Cash for beer gardens
b Water bottle and/or hydration pack
b Spare tube and small pump
b Multitool
b Tire Levers
Visit our friends at United Sport & Cycle for all your gear needs!
b Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
b Light gloves
b Thin light merino wool top base layer (may be worn under jersey)
b Light merino wool socks
b Breathable light rain jacket
b Warm gloves
b Toque or buff
b Light wool or synthetic base layer (may be worn under jersey and rain jacket)
b Leggings
b Warm, moisture-wicking socks (wool)
b Helmet cover to keep rain out
b Rain shoe covers
b Rain poncho
b Spare items packed away, so they stay dry and clean
& ROUTE SAFETY
b This is a competitive race; respect fellow cyclists and their level of cycling experience.
b Be alert while cycling. Although the ride is mainly on trails, the roads and highways are not closed and there will be some traffic
on some areas of the route.
b Obey all traffic signs and signals at all times. This includes stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, etc. You are considered a vehicle
while riding.
b Always yield to pedestrians, potential wildlife and traffic; give cars the right of way.
b Do not draft behind motor vehicles.
b Watch out for road hazards such as patches of loose gravel, drains or sand on the road.
b Keep clear of road-edge hazards, such as trash, low branches and parked vehicles.
b Ride single file and give room to other cyclists.
b Ride on the right side of the road in order to allow faster cyclists and vehicles to safely pass on the left.
b Pass on the left. Announce yourself to other cyclists by saying
b Give hand signals when stopping or turning and move safely off the pavement when stopping to rest.
b Do not block checkpoint entrances. Move fully into the checkpoint area and safely out of the path of oncoming
cyclists.
b Never leave the scene of an accident. Call 911 in the event of a serious emergency.
b All cyclists must obey law enforcement personnel, bike tour officials, and volunteers.
b Do not wear headphones. The use of cellphones, iPods, radios or similar audio devices while cycling is prohibited.
b All cyclists must wear a current, non-expired, regulation bike helmet. .
b Please respect the communities that we cycle through. They support the MS Society and our mission to end MS, and therefore,
support you too.
& OTHER TOUR SERVICES
Official Bike Shop Sponsor, United Sport & Cycle, will be on site and on route providing bike repair services. Repairs, such as flat tire fixes, are complimentary. . United Sport & Cycle is here to support you during your ride, however we do encourage cyclists to ensure that their bikes are in good riding condition and tuned up before the tour.
SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles travel along the route between rest stops. If a cyclist is unable to complete the ride, or simply needs a break from cycling, a SAG vehicle can transport them to the next check stop on both days of the tour. Please note: priority will be given to those in need of medical or mechanical attention.
b Move safely off the road and well out of the path of other cyclists
b Dismount and stand near your bike
b Remove your helmet and hold it in the air
b In the event of an emergency, call 911, and do not leave the scene
Volunteer bike marshals are a special team of cyclists who offer assistance along the route and monitor cyclists’ safety. Please listen to
bike marshals and heed their advice! Marshals can be identified by their tour bib/safety vest.
Trained professional medical personnel will be available along the route, as well as at the start/finish lines each day of the tour. If you are
in need of medical assistance, please check with our safety volunteers.
Checkpoints are supplied with water, sports drinks, fruit and various snacks. Lunch is served at designated “Lunch Stops.”
The Johnson MS Mountain Bike will start at the Hinton Centre (different from the Hinton Recreational Centre) located at 965 Switzer Drive. The dinner and program as well as the finish line will also take place at this venue. Hinton Centre Opens (Pledge Drop-Off and Package Pick Up) .............................................................................………..….…8:00am - 9:00am
#1 Old Entrance ..............................................................................................................................................................…...9:30am - 11:30am #2 Community Pasture ..............................................................................................................................................……...10:00am - 12:30pm #3 Grip and Grind Challenge Route ...............................................................................................................................….............…...11:00am Lunch - Black Cat Ranch ...............................................................................................................................................….…..10:30am - 2:00pm # 3 Soloman Valley ........................................................................................................................................................….….11:30am - 3:30pm #4 Jarvis Lake .................................................................................................................................................................…....12:30pm - 4:30pm Finish Line - Kelly’s Bath Tub .........................................................................................................................................…….…2:00pm - 5:00pm Lock up bikes - Follow the signs ..................................................................................................................................……….…2:00pm - 5:00pm Shuttle Bus to Hinton Centre (Bus will leave when full) ..........................................................................................……………..2:30pm - 5:30pm
Celebration Dinner ..........................................................................................................................................................……..5:30pm - 6:30pm Program ..............................................................................................................................................................................................….7:00pm After-Party .........................................................................................................................................................................….7:30pm - 11:00pm
Cold Continental Breakfast (At the Hinton Centre) ..................................................................................................…………….7:00am - 8:00am Shuttle Bus to Kelly’s Bath Tub .......................................................................................................................................................……..8:00am Bikes Unlocked .......................................................................................................................................................................................8:30am
#1 Nordic Centre ...........................................................................................................................................................……….9:30am - 12:00pm #2 Entrance Airport ........................................................................................................................................................……..10:30am - 1:00pm #3 Athabasca Ranch ......................................................................................................................................................……...11:30am - 3:00pm Finish Line - BBQ Lunch (At the Hinton Centre, Guest Tickets $5) ......................................................................…………………11:00am - onward
Cyclists are responsible for booking their own accommodations for the tour weekend. It is recommended that cyclist book their hotel rooms early, as rooms book up quickly.
b Holiday Inn 1-800-865-3321 | b Tara Vista Inn 1-780-865-3391 | b Crestwood Hotel 1-800-661-7288 | b Pines Motel 1-780-865-2624 b Hinton Lodge 1-780-817-5050 | b Quality Inn & Suites 1-780-865-5255 | b Lakeview Inn & Suites 1-877-355-3500 b Days Inn 1-800-329-7466 | b Super 8 1-800-359-5672 | b Best Western 1-780-865-7777 | b Ramada Hinton 1-780-865-4755
Remember, if you reach $3500+ you are eligible to receive a gift card reward.
Prizes will be distributed during prize pick up week in October 2018. Stay tuned for details on where and when you can collect your 2018 rewards!
(taking place on September 7 & 8, 2019)
For a limited time, you will be able to register at an all-time low, event weekend only price for the 2019 Johnson MS Mountain Bike. Keep a lookout at the finish line to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and secure your spot for next year!
Thanks to the incredible volunteers who lend their time and talents to the tour, we are able to bring you some amazing shots from the weekend’s events.
Our volunteers graciously provide their photography services and photographs free of charge. Be patient as they edit and
upload the hundreds of photos captured during the Johnson MS Mountain Bike.
– JOHNSON INSURANCE
– TOUR SPONSORS
