Ride Details

Friday, April 28: Packet Pick Up & Welcome Night

When: Friday, April 28 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Bad Martha Beer located at 270 Upper Main Street in Edgartown, MA 02539
Parking: Limited spots are available in front of the brewery. Additional parking is available directly behind the building in a large town lot with plenty of parking.

Food: A limited menu with pizza, charcuterie boards, and small bites
Drinks: Beer, hard seltzer, soda, non-alcoholic seltzer

Website: Bad Martha Beer

Let’s kickoff Ride the Vineyard early on Friday night at Bad Martha Beer brewery! Pick up your rider packet, t-shirt, and jersey ($1,000 to qualify!) and meet fellow cyclists and enjoy drinks, dinner, and appetizers.

One free drink is provided for Top Club and Passport riders, but all other drinks and food must be purchased.

Saturday, April 29: Ride Day!

Ride Requirement Reminders: Visit the Ride Info Requirements section of the Registration page for more details.

Saturday Start Line & Finish Line Location:
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
100 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Rd
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

7:30 a.m. Registration and Rider Packet Pick Up Opens

• Visit the Packet Pick Up section below for more details on obtaining your packet.
• Visit Food & Support section of this page for breakfast details

9:00 a.m. 60-mile route starts
10:00 a.m. 25-mile & 18-mile routes start

11:30 a.m. Finish Line lunch begins

• Visit Food & Support section below on this page for details

3:00 p.m. All routes close
3:30 p.m. Lunch Closes & Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard Complete!

FERRY: If you are traveling to the island on Saturday morning, please be mindful of the ferry schedule to ensure you arrive on time for your route’s scheduled start time. We cannot permit cyclists on the route after the outlined start times. If you are riding the 60-mile route, please take the 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. ferry. If you are riding the 25-mile or 18-mile route, please take a ferry no later than 8:15 a.m. Visit the Steamship Authority website for most accurate ferry times.

Weather

We ride rain or shine. Please be prepared for rain, cold weather or very sunny conditions. Weather can change overnight so prepare for every scenario. Stay tuned to our site and your inbox for up-to-date announcements regarding inclement weather.

Enjoy scenic views and ocean air as you cycle through one of America’s favorite vacation spots-Martha’s Vineyard Island!

Choose between three different route options. All routes will start and end together at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School where you can celebrate your accomplishments with fellow riders while enjoying a complimentary meal. 

Route Maps & Options

You’ll select your desired route option when you register for the ride. However, your choice can easily be modified prior to ride weekend in your Fundraising Center or on ride morning. Please ensure you arrive at the start line at the appropriate time for your route departure.

Ride With GPS routes are linked below. Please note that routes are subject to change until ride morning. Please follow all route markings while riding.

18-Mile Route Map  (Yellow arrows)

• 2 Rest Stops

25-Mile Route Map (Blue arrows)

• 2 Rest Stops

60-Mile Route Map (Orange arrows)

• 5 Rest Stops

Ride With GPS App

Get the Ride with GPS App - it's free!

1. Go to your App Store
2. Search for: Ride with GPS (Red cyclist on a black background)
3. Download the app (it’s Free!)
4. Go to your internet browser app - (Safari, Google Chrome, etc.)
5. Click on the route map links above for your route
6. Click “Send to Device”
7. Once you’re in the app, you can Download or Navigate to stream the route

Routes Open:

• 9:00 a.m. 60-mile route starts
• 10:00 a.m. 25-mile & 18-mile routes start

Routes Close: 3:00 p.m.

Route Support

We will make every effort to work with you to complete the ride. For safety reasons, all cyclists on the road after route closing will be provided transportation to the finish line from a designated Support and Gear Vehicle.

Visit the Food & Support section of this page for more details.

Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard Facebook Group

Stay up-to-the-minute with conversation and event details by joining our Ride the Vineyard Facebook Group here. We will use this page for event updates, recognition, encouragement, and to connect with fellow riders!

2023 Bike MS Season Kickoff Event

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.
411 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452
Tuesday, March 7, 2023: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join us Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. in Waltham, MA as we kick off the 2023 Bike MS season and celebrate the start of MS Awareness Month! Enjoy drinks and bites, enter to win raffle prizes, and meet fellow riders from Ride the Vineyard, Cape Cod Getaway, and Great Maine Getaway. 

Special guest speakers will join your Greater New England Bike MS staff to cover details about this year's rides, updates on the research and development efforts made possible by your support, and tips on how to find a training program or coach to help you crush your 2023 goals.

2023 Top Club members, be sure to stop by and grab your Top Club prize – an MS branded cooler!

Let us know you'll be joining us so we can save you a spot and we look forward to celebrating with you soon.

RSVP Here

Special thanks to our Bike MS 2023 Kick Off Sponsor:

Morgan Stanley

THE MCGOWAN GROUP
AT MORGAN STANLEY

Fundraising Weeks

Raise money and win prizes! Fundraising Weeks are an opportunity to kick your fundraising into high gear and compete for some great prizes. Both teams and individual riders can win BIG during this year’s Fundraising Weeks. Fundraising Weeks run Monday through Sunday and winners are based on the highest amount of online fundraising.

WHEN:

• Fundraising Week #1: Monday, February 20 – Sunday, February 26
• Fundraising Week #2: Monday, March 20 – Sunday, March 26

WHO:

The individual and the team who raise the most money online during the designated Fundraising Week dates will win big!

• Individual rider (team member or non-team member) 

• Team with 2-14 members (Team members must be registered by the Monday of Fundraising Week)
• Team with 15 or more members (Team members must be registered by the Monday of Fundraising Week)

WHAT:

As a reward for your amazing fundraising, we will award one individual and one team a prize! 

• Individual Prize: Steamship Authority roundtrip vehicle ferry pass ($200 value!)
• Team Prize: Team Tent or a Customized Team Party – we’ll work with you for a team dinner, celebration, or other customized party option to celebrate your team.

HOW:

Utilize the Fundraising Weeks to reach out to your donors, share why you ride, and reach your fundraising goals. Hit Top Fundraiser status and you’ll also earn the 2023 Ride the Vineyard commemorative top fundraiser jersey and more prizes!

Download the Bike MS App and take advantage of mobile check deposits. Utilize the Bike MS Fundraising Tool Kit and visit the Bike MS Fundraising Ideas page for more ways to help you reach your goal.

Plus, check your inbox during these weeks for more details!

Your Bike MS rider packet contains important items that must be worn on ride-day. In order to pick up your packet, you must meet the $250 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver on file. If you registered online, then you completed a waiver during the registration process.

Packet Pick Up Dates & Locations

• Friday, April 28 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Bad Martha Beer located at 270 Upper Main Street in Edgartown, MA 02539
• Saturday, April 29 7:30am-10:00am at the start line at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

What’s in my rider packet? Your Bike MS packet contains many important items including your bib number, bike and helmet tags, emergency number wristband, and safety pins.

How do I receive my packet? You must meet the $250 fundraising minimum.

Why the $250 fundraising minimum? The National MS Society makes a concerted effort to utilize each dollar raised to help people living with multiple sclerosis. To continue making an impact on the lives of those living with MS through our fundraising efforts, the National MS Society requires all registered participants to have met the $250 minimum fundraising requirement prior to picking up their packet.

How do I sign the waiver? When you register online, the waiver is part of the registration process. Minors and anyone registering the day of the event must complete a paper or electronic copy of the waiver.

Can someone pick up my packet for me? Yes. A team member, team captain, or family member can pick up your packet on your behalf – only if you’ve met the $250 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver.

T-shirt and Top Fundraiser Gear: Your Bike MS t-shirt can be picked up at the same time as your packet (earned based on the $250 fundraising minimum.)

If you’ve raised $1,000 or more, you can also pick up your Top Fundraiser jersey and credential at packet pick up!

Can I make a donation at packet pick up? Yes, you can make a donation at packet pick up.

Ferry Information

Visit the Steamship Authority website for schedules, fares, tickets, parking, boarding, and details regarding bikes and ‘bike bus.’

• Note: passenger tickets are only sold in person at the terminal. Additionally, please be mindful of the ferry schedule to ensure that you arrive on time for your route’s scheduled departure time. We cannot permit cyclists on the route after the designated start times. Visit the Event Schedule section of this page for start times.
   

Arriving in Vineyard Haven:  Transportation from the ferry terminal is not provided by the National MS Society. Ride your bike the three miles to the start line at Martha's Vineyard High School. Taxis and buses are available but have limited racks for bikes.

Bag Check Not Provided

Please do not leave items behind at the start/finish while riding. Bike MS cannot be responsible for personal belongings.  Please leave all personal items in your vehicle ride day or carry them with you

Hotel Recommendations

The below hotels are excited to welcome Ride the Vineyard participants to Martha’s Vineyard. Please call for current rates, availability, and to reserve. Please note that no room blocks are reserved.

Lambert’s Cove Inn & Resort 
Offering a 10% discount for Bike MS. Please call to reserve and mention National MS Society to receive the 10% discount.
508-422-8051

Mansion House Inn
Offering a 10% discount for Bike MS. Please call to reserve and mention National MS Society to receive the 10% discount.
508-693-2200

Nobnocket  Boutique Inn
Offering a 10% discount for Bike MS. Please call to reserve and mention National MS Society to receive the 10% discount.
508-696-0589

Hob Knob Boutique Hotel & Spa
Hob Knob is proud to have a Bike team called Hob Knob Haulers riding at Ride the Vineyard! Any team members who join their team will be given an incentive to book at the hotel. Call and ask for Diane Carr for more details.
508-627-9510

Free parking is available at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School near the start and finish line. Space is limited. Please look for the event parking signs when you arrive at the school. 

If you are taking the Ferry and not taking a vehicle over, you will park your car at one of the two Steamship Authority’s satellite lots and take the free shuttle to the ferry.

Additional Ferry information is on the Steamship Authority website.

Bike MS is an extraordinary ride no matter where you are! Whether you have a flat tire or need a snack to help get you across the finish line, we’ve got you covered!

Click the links below to jump to the relevant topic:
Meals & Food | Rest Stops | Route Markings | Medical | SAG | Mechanical Support | Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club

Meals & Food

Saturday Start Line

Food at the Saturday start line will be limited. Water, sports drinks, breakfast bars and bananas will be available. Limited coffee will also be available until supplies run out. Please arrive with a full stomach, full water bottles, and be ready to get on the road!

Rest Stops On The Route

At the rest stops, enjoy individually packaged sweet and salty snacks such as Goldfish, energy bars or gel, fruit, and more. Cyclists must bring their own water bottles - single serve plastics are NOT permitted on Martha’s Vineyard Island. See additional information regarding rest stop support listed below.

Saturday Finish Line

Lunch will be provided to all riders at the finish line. Please note that alcohol is not permitted at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

Rest Stops: First Class Support

Each route includes fully stocked rest stops every 10 to 15 miles with some of the best snacks and volunteers around! Protein bars, water, electrolytes, and fruit are available at every rest stop. Rest, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen, and socialize with volunteers while you enjoy beautiful Martha’s Vineyard.

Bike mechanics and support and gear (SAG) vehicles will also be on the route to assist you if needed.

• 18-Mile Route: 2 Rest Stops
• 25-Mile Route: 2 Rest Stops
• 60-Mile Route: 5 Rest Stops

Route Markings

We make every effort to ensure you won’t get lost. The route will be clearly marked with direction signs, including on straightaways, so you will know you're riding in the right direction. The colors of the arrows correspond to each route.

• 18-Mile Route: Yellow Arrows
• 25-Mile Route: Blue Arrows
• 60-Mile Route: Orange Arrows

Medical Support & Emergency Assistance

Emergency medical support travels the entire route in the event that a cyclist may be injured. Help us provide top-notch first aid by completing the back of your rider number. In addition, an emergency number will be printed on the wristband included in your rider number packet . Use this number during the ride if you spot an accident.

Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicles 

Just can’t push another pedal, or just need a ride to the next stop? These car & truck duos rove the route and rest stops. Make sure you are in a safe/visible location and wave down the first SAG vehicle to come your way or call the number on your wrist band.  

NOTE: The trip into the finish line is not always direct. Be patient as we pick up other cyclists in need. 

Personal SAG Vehicles PROHIBITED. Personal SAG vehicles are not permitted on the route. Please understand our need to cut down on vehicular traffic for your safety. 

No trailers, tagalongs or child carriers are allowed on the route per the Society’s Youth Riders policy. 

Bike Mechanical Support

Please be sure your bike is Bike MS ready before the ride. Get your bike inspected prior to ride weekend to identify any major issues and ensure your bike is in excellent riding condition. 

Sponsoring bike shops and bike mechanics will be located at the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority ferry terminal, the start line, at select rest stops, and on the routes to provide minor repairs.

Thank you to our sponsoring bike shops and bike volunteers:

Brickyard Bicycles
68 Holmes Hole Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
774-563-8211

Edgartown Bicycles
212 Upper Maine Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-9008

Wheel Happy Bicycle Shop
8 South Water Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-5928

Cycling Club of Martha’s Vineyard

Request to join their Facebook group to learn more.

Bike Rentals

Martha’s Bike
4 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Martha’s Bike is pleased to offer a discounted bike rental price of $25 per day for Bike MS. Call 833-362-7842 and ask for General Manager Adam Ford to reserve at the discounted price.

Police & Communities Who Welcome Us

Please be respectful of the communities that support and welcome Bike MS! Their hospitality makes this event possible. Every effort is made to keep you safe. Where possible, local law enforcement agencies have been recruited to help you travel safely through intersections and on shared roadways. Be courteous as they help you travel safely through their communities. Visit the Training & Prep page for more details on safe and courteous cycling behavior.

Supporting Partner: Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club

Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard is thankful to partner with Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club and be their official guest on Martha’s Vineyard island.