Bike MS® is more than just a ride – it's also the anticipation and preparation for an incredible experience. Training is a journey in itself and is essential to a successful and enjoyable ride.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know from what to wear, what to eat and drink and how to train.
Bike Helmet
Safety first! No gear is as important as a quality helmet. It’s worth both the time spent finding one that fits you properly and the money spent on a well-made helmet from a reputable manufacturer.
Jersey
A ventilated, moisture wicking jersey with proper base layer keeps you cool on warm days and warm on cool days. And since most come with rear pockets, you will also have a place to store your phone and other necessities.
Glasses
Gloves
Padded Shorts or Bibs
Whether you prefer bib shorts or a traditional style, padded shorts are a must. Think of it this way; the longer your ride, the happier you’ll be that you have them.
Our official jersey sponsor, Primal, produced this video to show you the benefits of cycling apparel. You can learn more about their custom Bike MS kits here.
Check out the Bike MS training guide and Zwift training rides to get you ready for ride day.
How to Fuel Short Rides
Ride Duration: 1 hour or less
Primary Concern: Fluid replenishment
What to Drink: Plain water or a low-carb, electrolyte hydration drink
What to Eat: Most people start with enough stored energy for a 60-minute workout, but carry a banana just in case you’re out longer than expected or you start to fade.
Pro Tip: For optimal recovery, eat a full meal within an hour of finishing an intense workout.
How to Fuel Medium-Length Rides
Ride Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Primary Concern: Carbohydrate replenishment
What to Drink: 2 bottles low-carb, electrolyte hydration drinks, at least
What to Eat: 30 to 60g of carb per hour from food.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you’re hungry or thirsty to eat and drink. Take small nibbles and sips from the get-go.
How to Fuel Long Rides
Ride Duration: 3 hours or more
Primary Concern: Carbohydrate and electrolyte replenishment; food boredom or palette fatigue
What to Drink: 2 bottles low-carb, electrolyte hydration drinks, at least
What to Eat: 30 to 60g of carbs per hour, total. Digestion can get harder as rides get longer, so eat more solids at the beginning of the ride, and switch to blocks, chews, and other easily-digested foods during the final part of the ride. Just be sure to drink plenty of fluid to chase down gels, so you don’t get GI upset.
Pro Tip: Supplement bars and gels with carb-rich, low-protein, moderate-fat "real" foods. Don't worry about specific amounts of protein or fat; just eat what tastes good so you keep eating.
Our Bike MS Store Partners help us lay down the foundation for fun and safe rides each year! We hope you can find a store partner in your area to assist you with whatever you need to prepare for the ride ahead: gear, training rides, expert help and much more.
Beginning September 6th, you’ll be able to take your bike into any of the stores below for a free inspection to make sure you’re ready to roll! After each inspection, a 2021 Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River sticker will be placed on your bike.
Bike Safety Inspections are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged by the National MS Society to promote a safe ride. With the sticker you are eligible for free labor (parts and materials extra) if you need any mechanical repairs during ride weekend.
Please see below for a full listing of area bike store partners.
Out of Town Inspections:
You can still get your bike inspected by Bike MS Store Partners in some other parts of Texas.
Bicycle Heaven
1931 NW Military Hwy Ste 121
San Antonio TX 78213
Phone: 210.342.2453
Mobile: 210.884.6354
Bike Barn
7506 FM 1960 East
Atascocita, TX 77346
281-812-8423
https://www.bikebarn.com/
6935 Cypresswood Drive, Suite D
Spring, TX 77379
281-320-0399
https://www.bikebarn.com/
2422 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
281-480-9100
https://www.bikebarn.com/
2307 Texas Ave, Suite C
College Station, TX 77840
979-383-2308
https://www.bikebarn.com/
25807 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
281-213-3791
https://www.bikebarn.com/
24555 Katy Fwy
Katy, TX 77494
281-492-7433
https://www.bikebarn.com/
1022 Wirt Rd #326
Houston, TX 77055
713-804-5158
https://www.bikebarn.com/
11105 Westheimer Suite A
Houston, TX 77042
281-558-2234
https://www.bikebarn.com/
5339 Weslayan
Houston, TX 77005
713-529-9002
https://www.bikebarn.com/
Charles A James Bicycles
319 N Main Ave
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-7812
https://cajbicycleshopsa.weebly.com/
On the Go Bikes
Mobile Van - Call for an appointment
210-281-1101
Website: https://www.onthegobikes.com/
Pedal Guerrero
3700 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78201
210-341-1955
Website: https://www.pedalguerrero.com/
- Alamo Ranch Shopping Center
5519 W LOOP 1604N, STE 108
(210) 543-2453
Website: https://www.rideawaybicycles.com/ - Thousand Oaks Shopping Center
2951 Thousand Oaks #102
(210) 495-2453
Website: https://www.rideawaybicycles.com/ - Huebner Oaks Center
11075 West Interstate 10 #305
(210) 696-9925
Website: https://www.rideawaybicycles.com/
Bike World
- 5911 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-828-5558
Website: https://www.bikeworld.com/about/bike-world-alamo-heights-pg421.htm - 15675 San Pedro Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78232
210-892-0123
Website: https://www.bikeworld.com/about/bike-world-281-pg406.htm - 300 E. Grayson Street #101
San Antonio, TX 78215
210-222-1969
Website: https://www.bikeworld.com/about/bike-world-at-the-historic-pearl-pg408.htm - 835 SE Military Drive
San Antonio, TX 78214
210-451-8525
Website: https://www.bikeworld.com/about/bike-world-southside-pg422.htm
Britton’s Bike Shop
434 N Loop 1604 W #1109
San Antonio, TX 78232
http://www.brittonbikes.com/
Crossroads Bikes
14510 NW Military Hwy, Suite 108
San Antonio, TX 78231
210-492-7677
https://www.crossroadbikes.com/
Pedego Electric Bikes
4001 Broadway
San Antonio, TX. 78209
210-462-1151
https://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/san-antonio/
Sun & Ski
5811 Worth Pkwy #103
San Antonio, TX 78257
210-485-3352
https://www.sunandski.com/the-rim
West Anderson Plaza
2438 W Anderson Ln
Suite B1A
Austin, TX 78757-1146
512-467-2782
https://www.sunandski.com/locations
Memorial City Mall
303 Memorial City
Suite 326
Houston, TX 77024-2599
713-464-6363
https://www.sunandski.com/locations
Westheimer
6100 Westheimer Rd
Suite 126
Houston, TX 77057-4535
713-783-8180
https://www.sunandski.com/locations
Katy Mills Mall
5000 Katy Mills Cir
Suite #505
Katy, TX 77494-4411
281-994-5291
https://www.sunandski.com/locations
Baybrook Square
1355 W Bay Area Blvd
Webster, TX 77598-3833
281-823-5154
https://www.sunandski.com/locations
The Woodlands
25415 S I-45
Suite A
Spring, TX 77380
832-610-3930
https://www.sunandski.com/locations
Bike Mart
8820 John Hickman
Frisco, TX 75034
972-335-7600
https://www.bikemart.com/
9040 Falcon View Drive
McKinney, TX 75072
469-625-1700
https://www.bikemart.com/
1451 W. Campbell Rd.
Richardson, TX 75080
972-231-3993
https://www.bikemart.com/
9040 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218
214-321-0705
https://www.bikemart.com/