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.
Before Your Workout
Make sure you’re well-hydrated and have a carbohydrate-rich snack about 30 or 40 mins before your ride.
How to Fuel Short Rides
Ride Duration: 1 hour or less
Primary Concern: Fluid replenishment and carbohydrate balance
What to Drink: Plain water or a low-carb, electrolyte hydration drink
What to Eat: It’s only possible to absorb about 60g of carbohydrates per hour, so one gel or energy bar is plenty.
Pro Tip: Fueling your workout, even if it’s only an hour long, sets you up for a solid workout and complete recovery.
How to Fuel Medium-Length Rides
Ride Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Primary Concern: Carbohydrate replenishment
What to Drink: 1 bottle/hour of water or light hydration drink
What to Eat: 30 to 60g of carbs per hour from food. Natural sources like dried fruits or dates are best, but energy bars and/or gels work, too.
Pro Tip: Start fueling within the first hour and stay consistent throughout.
How to Fuel Long Rides
Ride Duration: 3 hours or more
Primary Concern: Carbohydrate and electrolyte replenishment
What to Drink: 1 bottle/hour of water or light hydration drink
What to Eat: Generally, you should be taking in 30 to 60g of carbs per hour, in total. Eat more solids at the beginning of the ride, and switch to blocks, gels, or chews for the final part of the ride. If you’re drinking plain water, make sure some of your snacks have a bit of salt. Long rides can be hard on digestion, and everyone is different, so experiment and see what works for you.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have a decent breakfast on your long ride days, and start snacking within the first hour.
After Your Workout
What and when you eat after a workout determines not only how much you’ll get out of that workout, but how well you will recover for the next one. Right after your ride, have a small, high-carbohydrate snack. Then, within 2 hours, have a balanced meal with plenty of protein and some carbohydrates.
Remember to always stay hydrated!
Our bike shop partners are ready to help you maximize the Bike MS experience. They are a great resource on bikes, service, equipment and training advice. Visit one of them to make sure you and your bike are ready for Bike MS!
The Texas MS 150 Bike Store Sponsors are major supporters and partners of the National MS Society, supporting our efforts to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and raise funds to support research, programs, services, and advocacy for those living with MS.
The Texas MS 150 Bike Store Sponsor personnel are cycling enthusiasts with the experience and knowledge to help make your Texas MS 150 experience safe and enjoyable. The Texas MS 150 Bike Store Sponsors provide the service, knowledge, and expertise to help you maintain your bike and other cycling equipment.
In addition, the Texas MS 150 Bike Store Sponsors can provide a variety of support services to you and your team. Services may vary from store to store, so be sure to contact the store to inquire about their team support programs.
Bike Store Sponsors
Houston Area | Austin Area | Surrounding Area | Bike Safety Inspections
Houston Area
- 2049 S. Richey St., Pasadena, TX 77502 – 713-472-6651
- 603 East Main Street, League City, Texas 77575 – 281-332-6433
1910 Country Place Parkway Suite 158
Pearland, Texas 77584
832-GEAR-100 or 832-432-7100
- 24948 FM 1093 #220, Katy, TX 77494 – 832-437-7584
- Northwest: 17458 Northwest Fwy., Houston, TX 77040 – 713-466-1240
- Southwest: 9760 Fondern, Houston, TX 77096 – 713-777-5333
- 6100 Westheimer Rd. #126, Houston, TX 77057 – 713-783-8180
- 303 Memorial City #326, Houston, TX 77024 – 713-464-6363
- 1355 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX 77598 – 281-823-5154
- 5000 Katy Mills Cir. #505, Katy, TX 77494 – 281-994-5291
- 25415 I-45 Southbound, Spring, TX 77380 – 832-610-3930
- 629 S. Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77450 – 281-492-7433
- 25807 Northwest Fwy., Cypress, TX 77095 – 281-463-2200
- 2422 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058 – 281-480-9100
- 11105 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77077 – 281-558-2234
- 6935 Cypresswood Dr., Houston, TX 77379 – 281-320-0399
- 5339 Weslayan, Houston, TX 77005 – 713-529-9002
- 7506 FM 1960 East, Suite F, Humble, TX 77346 – 281-812-8423
- 1022 Wirt Rd. #326, Houston TX 77005 – 713-804-5158
- 13425 University Blvd., Suite #100, Sugar Land, TX 77479 – 281-201-2091
- 801 Durham Drive, Houston, TX 77007 – 713-863-0991
- 912 Saint Charles Ste. Bike, Houston, TX, 77003 – 281-826-BIKE
Promotional Partners
Authorized to perform Texas MS 150 bike safety inspections:
Bike Lane
17937 I-45 South #101, Shenandoah, TX 77385
(936) 321-0200
Blue Line Bicycle Laboratory
1504 Yale Street, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 802-1707
Fletcher Bike Studio
2404 Taft Street, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 487-9650
Pearland Bicycles
9330 Broadway Street, #422, Pearland, TX 77584
(281) 741-2115
Austin Area
- 2438 West Anderson Ln. #B1A, Austin, TX 78757 – 512-467-2782
- 517 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 – (512)-477-3472
- 10947 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759 – (512)-345-7460
- 9900 W. Parmer Ln., Austin, TX 78717 – (512)-637-6890
Trek Bicycle Bee Cave
12005 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78738 | (512) 634-8844
Surrounding Areas
- 1705 Valley View, College Station, TX 77840 – 979-696-9490
- 2307 Texas Avenue, College Station, TX 77840 – 979-383-2308
Bike Safety Inspections
Not only does your body need to be in the best shape for the Texas MS 150, but your bike should be finely tuned and road worthy as well. To ensure your bike is in the best shape, take your bike and cycling shoes to one of the Texas MS 150 Bike Store Sponsors for a FREE professional safety inspection.
- Bike Safety inspections are not mandatory, but strongly encouraged by the National MS Society to promote a safe Texas MS 150.
- Once your bike passes the safety inspection, you will receive a Texas MS 150 bike safety inspection sticker to display on the stem of your bike.
- With this sticker, you are eligible for FREE labor if you need any mechanical repairs during the Texas MS 150 (parts and materials are extra).
NO COST bike safety inspections: February 18, 2023, through April 20, 2023
$15 fee for bike safety inspections: April 21, 2023, through April 28, 2023
Completing the bike safety inspection provides you with the confidence to know that your bike is in the best shape for the event as well as contributing to the safety of all of your fellow cyclists on the road with you to College Station.
- View the 2023 Bicycle Safety Inspection form to learn what is included in the safety inspection.
- View the 2023 Bike Store Safety Inspection flyer
More miles mean more progress – see who’s leading the way toward a world free of MS with their training miles for Bike MS.
You can see your name on the leaderboard by logging your training miles. Enter your miles in the fundraising portal activity tab or download the Bike MS app to track your activity.
Ready2Roll Cycling 
Ready2Roll Cycling is an 11-week, fully-supported cycling training series that begins on January 28th and continues through April 22nd featuring rides just outside of the greater Houston area. Routes include short and long distances, rest stops that are stocked with snacks, SAG support, bike mechanics, ride marshals, and law enforcement at key intersections. All riders commit to volunteer for one ride creating a wonderful, cycling community. Enroll (register) now and join over 1,000 fellow cyclists to ride safer, get in better cycling shape for the Bike MS: Texas MS 150 or to achieve your personal cycling goals.
Visit Ready2RollCycling.com to enroll.
Spring 2023 Recommended Ride Calendar
The Recommended Rides are hosted by Local Non-Profit Organizations; fees vary per ride. The Recommended Rides are not organized or supported by the National MS Society.
Join one of the Recommended Rides to train for the Texas MS 150.
*Please note some of the Recommended Ride event websites may not be updated for 2023. Be sure to check the Recommended Ride event website for further details.
| Date | Recommended Ride | Recommended Ride Website* |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, February 26, 2023 | Tour de Houston | https://www.houstontx.gov/tourdehouston |
| Saturday, March 4, 2023 | Pedaling the Prairie (Waller) | http://www.pedalingtheprairie.org |
| Saturday, March 11, 2023 | Gator Ride | https://heartsandhandsofbaytown.com/gator-ride/ |
| Saturday, March 25, 2023 | Just Ride for a Just Cause (Simonton) | http://www.justrideforajustcause.org |
| Saturday, March 25, 2023 | Riverside Ride (Victoria) | www.riversideride.com |
| Saturday, April 1, 2023 | Zuhnë Education Expedition (Fort Bend) | https://bit.ly/FBISDEducationExpedition |
| Saturday, April 15, 2023 | Tour de Braz (Alvin) | http://www.tourdebraz.org |
| Sunday, April 16, 2023 | Gran Fondo Texas (Montgomery) | https://granfondotexas.org |
| Saturday, April 22, 2023 | Tour de RACHA | http://www.familytiesfrs.org/tour-de-racha-ride-against-child-abuse1.html |
| Sunday, April 23, 2023 | Bluebonnet Express (Waller) | www.BBX.bike |
