It’s good to tell your donors why you are completing a ride with us.
This creates an emotional connection between yourself, the donors and the cause. You don’t need a perfect speech. You need an honest one.
The Framework
To tell your story well, we recommend using the P-T-A-I framework. This will help to ensure you include important information about yourself and what you’re doing, as well as why the donations will be so powerful.
Past:
Explain your connection to the cycling/MS community.
Trigger:
Describe the moment you decided to ride with us. For example, a friend or family member may have MS or have recently been diagnosed. Or that you’ve always wanted to complete the route and now is your opportunity.
Action:
Tell your audience what you’re doing. Let them know you’re taking on a physical and mental challenge! Long distance bike rides aren’t easy but you’re doing it for a great cause. Let them know how many miles you’ll be riding in how many days (e.g. I’m riding 1,852 miles down the pacific coast, over 28 riding days…”).
Impact:
Emphasise what donations achieve, such as supporting those living with MS, bringing the MS community together, and helping fund research to one day end MS.
Need some inspiration on what to say?
Here are some prompts to help you get talking!
- Who first inspired you to ride?
- What’s been the hardest part so far as you prepare for the ride and what helps you keep going?
- One thing about MS you wish more people knew? Or what you’ve learnt about MS since registering.
- What will $25 / $50 / $100 enable?
- Not sure? Here’s where your donations go:
- Fund MS research and therapy development at leading clinics like the Cleveland Clinic
- Support wellness and rehabilitation programs at MS centers nationwide
- Provide adaptive bikes, training, and mentorship for people with MS
- Fund community programs that reduce isolation and build connection
- Support direct grants and scholarships for those living with MS
- Not sure? Here’s where your donations go:
Write out your story
Here’s a written template you can use on your fundraising profile or social media.
Fill-in-the-blanks (copy-and-paste)
“I’m riding with Bike the US for MS because (past/your connection).
After (trigger), I wanted to (action).
Your donation helps (impact).”
Share this as a post on your social media using our template! Download here.
60 second video script explaining your why
If you want to record a video of yourself explaining your story, here’s a short timeline for the structure of the video.
- 0–10s: Name & ride & date
- 10–25s: Your “why” (1 sentence each for Past and Trigger)
- 25–40s: What support funds (Impact statement and concrete example)
- 40–55s: Clear ask & QR on screen
- 55–60s: “Thank you”
Remember to provide captions on videos so everyone can learn about your story in their own way!
Dos & Don’ts
Do:
- Write like you talk
- Use one photo with your face (add captions/alt text).
Don’t
- Over-explain medical details
- Share private info of others without consent (e.g. your connection with MS)
Next Steps…
Get writing your story! Make some notes using our framework above, and decide how you want to share this. Whether it’s written or through a video, you can share this on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Tag us @biketheusforms so we can see your posts! Make sure to link your fundraising profile in the caption or in your bio! Remember to update your fundraising page with the P-T-A-I framework so all your donors can learn about your story.
