Section 1 - Introductory Information and Agreements

Cyclist Information

Upon receipt and acceptance of your completed application, Bike the US for MS will send you an e-mail confirming your enrollment, as well as directions on how to access the 2010 cyclist information.

Minimum Fundraising Requirements: $3,000

Each participant MUST raise $3,000 by the start of the trip (see below). To ensure that all riders do not fall behind in fundraising efforts, we ask that each rider raise $1,500 by two months before their trip's start date. The majority of the raised funds are donated to the MS Cure Fund & research clinics around the country. Approximately $1000 will be used for program expenses.

What is this reasoning behind this policy?
Bike the US for MS has a responsibility to everyone involved in our program to direct as much money as possible to the organizations we support. To do so, all of our trips must be full and participants must fulfill their fundraising requirements. We hope that this policy doesn't intimidate you from participating, but we do hope that you will consider the requirements before you enroll in one of our trips. We'll provide you with fundraising ideas and strategies. It sounds like a lot but you can do it.

Expenses covered by the fundraising minimum:

Maps
Tubes
Tires
Patches
Team gear
Bike repair
Mechanics
Some team meals
Campsites / Hotels
Support vehicle & gas
Any other group expenses

Liability Waiver

In addition to the completion of this application, you will be required to download, print, sign and then fax or mail the Liability Waiver (pdf).

Fax: (617)375-9909
or mail to
22 Dickson Lane
Weston, MA 02493

Upon your acceptance in Bike the US for MS event you will be furnished with materials to help you fundraise. In the case of your withdrawal or failure to meet the fundraising requirements your fundraising balance will be considered a donation to Bike the US for MS and will not be refunded. Each rider must raise the fundraising minimum. There is no giving of fundraised money from one participant to another.

I have read, understand, and agree to the above requirements and expectations. I understand that if I do not raise the above stated minimum $3,000 by the start of the trip, I cannot participate in Bike the US for MS.

Your Photo and 400 Word Profile

When you enroll in Bike the US for MS, we will list your name on the Bike the US for MS website at http://www.biketheusforms.org/cyclists. We ask that you write a 400 word profile. We also require you to submit a photo of yourself for publication on the website. Upon acceptance you will be instructed to email your photo and bio to info@biketheusforms.org.

Upon acceptance, I do hereby give BIKE THE US FOR MS its assigns, licensees, and legal representatives the irrevocable right to use my name, picture, portrait, or photograph in all forms and media and in all manners, including composite, for advertising, for publication or any other lawful purposes, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written copy, which may be created in connection therewith.

Section 2 - Personal Information

My Information
Emergency Contact Information

Section 3 - Cyclist Pledge

check to agree	I understand that Bike the US for MS is going to be a challenge. I might want to complain, I might want to quit, but I must remember that many other riders before me have successfully completed this journey across the country, and I am just as tough as they were.
check to agree	I understand that Bike the US for MS does not have control over the weather. I pledge to be prepared to ride in all weather conditions, which include beautiful days, rainy days, very hot days, very cold days up mountains, and all the terrain in between. Bike the US for MS has no control over insects and wildlife.
check to agree	I pledge to make riding safely my top priority each and every day on the bike. I agree to wear a helmet at all times while training for and during a Bike the US for MS event. I understand that the only way to know how to ride my bike safely is to put in the training beforehand.
check to agree	I understand that Bike the US for MS has a commitment to its donors and supporters to be a good steward of the money it has collected. In this regard, I understand that the provided amenities will be simple in nature.
check to agree	I understand that this could be the most amazing summer of my life, but I must work hard to be physically and mentally prepared.
check to agree	If I truly want to get the most out of this opportunity, I pledge to be familiar with my bike and my equipment prior to arriving on the trip.
check to agree	I pledge I will ride at least 500 miles on the bike I plan to ride across the country, and complete at least one ride over 60 miles before arriving at orientation. I understand that failure to do this minimal amount of training puts me at greater risk for injury, which could seriously jeopardize the sweetness of my summer with Bike the US for MS.

Section 4 - General Questions

In order to get a better understanding of your motivations behind riding with Bike the US for MS this coming summer, please answer the following questions. If you have already completed a Bike the US for MS event, you do not need to submit these essay questions.

Describe your biking experience

Describe your camping experience

Why would you like to bike across the country?

What is your connection to MS if any?

Do you have a bike?

What charity / volunteer experience do you have?

What is your current profession / lifestyle?

Section 5 - Deposit

The cyclist deposit for Bike the US for MS is $100.
This deposit counts towards your $3000 fundraising minimum and can be paid out of pocket or with sponsorships. The deposit pays for your team gear, fundraising materials and let's us know you are serious about biking the US for MS. All raised funds will be considered a donation to Bike the US for MS if you decide to withdraw from the team roster after the deposit is paid.

Method of Payment

Through Google Checkout on website or check to:

Bike the US for MS
1302 Gladewood Dr.
Blacksburg, VA
24060

I understand that upon my application's acceptance I am required to provide a $100 deposit.