First Time Riders

Bike MS Basics 

Who: You of course, plus your friends, family, co-workers, and hundreds of other cyclists and volunteers. You just need to be at least 12 years old to ride.

What: A two-day cycling bonanza with four route options, and lots of music, food, fun and festivities!

When: Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride is Sept. 6-7, 2014. The site opens on Friday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. for packet pick up and set up. 

Why: To raise funds to support the National MS Society and to move us closer to a cure for multiple sclerosis. Because you are looking for a fun, challenging and well supported ride that changes lives...of the riders and those for whom they ride.

Where: Bike MS Gateway Ride is based at the Central Missouri Events Center (formerly Boone County Fairgrounds). 5212 N. Oakland Gravel Rd. Columbia, MO 65202 (map). Each route will leave from and loop back to this location. For directions, click here.

Routes: Route options vary from 20, 40, 75, to 100 miles, so there's something for everyone. Plus you can ride one day or both days! Each route loops back, so you'll always end up back at the team tent village. Check out the route maps for yourself.

Start Times: The start times are staggered each day by distance and fundraising level. Participants riding the longer routes will start first, as early as 7 a.m. If you start after 8:45 a.m., you must ride the 20 mile route, and all riders must be on the road by 9:30 a.m. The route closes at 6 p.m. and all riders still on the road will be driven to the finish line. 

Registration & Fundraising: Each cyclist will pay a registration fee and is responsible for raising $250 to benefit the National MS Society. Visit our fundraising page for tips and tools to kickstart your campaign.The fundraising minimum of $250 must be received before a cyclist can pick-up his or her rider packet.

Packet Pickup: There are designated times and locations for packet pickups in the two weeks leading up to the event. The fundraising minimum of $250 must be received before a cyclist can pick-up his or her rider packet. However if you do not ride (if your packet is not picked up), the fundraising minimum is not required – but is appreciated.

Accomodations: This is a two-day event, so you will need to book a hotel room, campsite, or RV for the night. After all, you don't want to miss out on the party! 

Have a question you don't see here? For more details about the weekend, check out the Itinerary and the FAQ sections of our website.

What To Expect...

• We will provide you with four scenic and well supported route options. 
• We will provide you and your teammates with a fun and well-equipped Tent Village so you can relax and rally for the ride. 
• We will provide you with live music, beer garden, and a family-friendly party atmosphere at the finish line on Saturday. 
• We will provide you with well stocked rest stops along the route, so you're never without snacks for too long.
• We will provide you with free breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. And they will be delicious.
• With the support of our Bike Shop partners, we will keep your bike as pumped up as you are through the weekend (but please come prepared to make your own minor repairs).
• We, along with volunteers and family and friends, will be there to cheer you on as you cross the finish line! 

We will make this the ride of your life!