Sunday, April 21, 2013

Bike MS Ride the Vortex



May 17th-19th

Bike MS is the premier bike ride in Arizona and is part of the country’s largest national cycling series supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Hosted in the Verde Valley in central Arizona approximately two hours north of Phoenix, Bike MS is the largest two-day, fully catered cycling event in the state and is an annual fundraising event to support the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This event offers several route options that give you the chance to challenge yourself while riding through the beautiful Red Rock Mountains or enjoy a fun ride with your family and friends through the Verde Valley. Cyclists collect pledges from thousands of volunteers both in Arizona and nationwide, who consistently raise more than $500,000 annually. While you’re out riding with us, SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles continually travel the route between rest stops, medical support is provided, as well as expert bike maintenance and repair from supporting bicycle shops.

EVENT WEEKEND TIMELINE (**subject to change**)

Friday, May 17th
12:00pm Participant Camping Open
5:00pm-8:00pm Expo Open to all

Thinking about coming early? No problem! You can park your RV, pitch your tent, or sleep in the large circus sized tent provided by the National MS Society on Friday to get a jump start on Saturday morning. There is a secured area where you can lock your bike for security on Friday & Saturday night. If you are camping out Friday night, please bring a bike lock.








Saturday, May 18th, Cottonwood, AZ

Day-of Packet Pickup/check-in will begin at 5:30am. The ride starts at 7:00 a.m. on both days. Plan on arriving early! To save time at check-in, please plan on attending one of the packet pick-ups before the ride.
5:00am Showers available at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
5:30–7:00am Packet pick-up
5:30–7:30am Breakfast served at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
6:00–7:00am Team photos
6:30am Kick-off program
7:00am First wave of riders start
9:00am Lunch service begins on-route
11:00am Lunch Starts at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
4:00–10:00pm Festival, Beer Garden
12:00–8:00pm VIP Tent opens at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
1:00-8:00pm Expo Open to all
5:00–7:00pm Team photos
5:00pm Course closes
5:00–7:30pm Dinner served at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
6:30pm Program & Celebration Festival at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
10:00pm Showers close

After the ride on Day 1, hang out with other cyclists and celebrate each other's accomplishments in moving toward a world free of MS. The evening includes a catered dinner, live music, dancing, program, New Belgium beer and more!

Sunday, May 19th, Cottonwood, AZ
5:00am–4:00pm Showers available
5:30–7:30am Breakfast
7:00am First wave of riders depart
10:00am Lunch starts at Verde Valley Fairgrounds
3:00 pm Course closes

WHAT TO BRING (required)
Bib number, bike number
Photo identification
Helmet

WHAT TO BRING (recommended)
Water bottles and hydration packs
Cash or checks
Tire patch kit, spare tubes and tire pump
Sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen
Padded bike shorts and jersey
Cycling gloves and shoes
Medications
Rain poncho
Camera

Cell phones, MP3 players, and other digital devices WILL NOT be allowed on the route due to safety reasons.





ROUTE

Bike MS: Ride the Vortex - Sedona Verde Valley boasts one of the most scenic and beautiful routes in the country. This ride rolls through Arizona's Verde Valley from scenic Sedona to beautiful Cottonwood. Our cyclists are sure to enjoy this unique weekend of fun, fitness, new friendships and the personal satisfaction of completing a challenging 150-mile ride to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. On Day 1 of the ride, the route will take you through the heart of Sedona and its spectacular scenery. On Day 2, we'll venture through the rolling green hills of the Verde Valley and explore some of the finest wineries and vineyards Arizona has to offer. Click here to download the 2013 route maps(It may take a few moments to load)




HOTELS & CAMPING

Overnight Location: Verde Valley Fairgrounds, 350 S. 12th Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Camping
Camping will be available on site for those who wish to pop-up a tent or rest under a large sleeping tent provided by the National MS Society.

RV Parking/Camping
Those who wish to bring their RV's are welcome to do so, however there is a fee. RV campers will incur fees of $15 per day for spots with electric hook ups and $7 per day for dry camping. You may also fill up your RV's water reservoir on-site for just $5. There are also designated dumping areas that you may use as well before you leave. Email Ashley Havrilla at ashley.havrilla@nmss.org to reserve your spot, then contact the Verde Valley Fairgrounds at (928) 634-3290 to make payment arrangements.

Hotel Partners


Below is the list of our current hotel partners for the 2013 Bike MS Arizona ride. All room blocks are held for the nights of May 17 and 18 (Friday & Saturday). You must say that you are with Bike MS to receive the discounted rates.

Best Western Cottonwood:993 S. Main StCottonwood, AZ 86326928-634-5575Rate: King and Double Queen rooms available for $85.99, Deluxe rooms are available for $99.00*Mention late checkout at check in.

Quality Inn:301 Arizona 89ACottonwood, AZ 86326928-634-4207Rate: $89.75 to $95.95 for one person or two.*Request late checkout when you make your reservation.

The View Motel: 818 S Main StCottonwood, AZ 86326928-634-7581Rate: 1 bed, 1 person $62 plus taxMust make reservations at least 6 weeks in advance.*Request late checkout when you make your reservation

Motel 6 Cottonwood:1089 S State Route 260Cottonwood, AZ 86326928-634-3678No rooms reserved, but if reservation is made online two months prior to event, you will get the online discount through the hotel.*Request late checkout when you make your reservation.

Super 8 Cottonwood:800 S Main StCottonwood, AZ 86326928-639-1888Rate: $60+ tax for one bed, $70+ tax for two beds.*Must mention late checkout at check in

If you have any questions regarding our hotel partners please contact blaine.king@nmss.org.




PACKET PICKUP

Dates, times and locations are still TBD.

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