Date & Location
September 9 - 10, 2023
Starting line:
Union Point Park
210 E Front St. New Bern NC
Time(s)
8AM start time
Routes
Routes from 30, 50, 75, and 100 miles. See Routes & Maps below for more details.
Requirements
Fundraising Minimum: $300
Age Minimum: 12
EARLY PACKET PICK UP: TBD!
EVENT WEEKEND LOCATION ADDRESSES:
New Bern Convention Center – New Bern Convention Center – 203 S Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Union Point Park – Union Point Park – 210 E Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 (timing to be determined)
- Cyclist Packet Pick-Up, New Bern Convention Center (Ballroom A)
- Volunteer Check-In, New Bern Convention Center (Admin Center)
- Camping Set-Up Open, Union Point Park (***must check in at campground tent – first, come, first serve)
- Bike Lock-Up Open, New Bern Convention Center (Upstairs)
- Bike MS Vendor Expo, New Bern Convention Center (Ballroom A, Heritage Hall)
- Bike Shop Expo, New Bern Convention Center (Parking Lot)
- *VIP Welcome Reception – 2022 Top 100 Club, Club K (anyone raising $1,000 before ride weekend), I Ride with MS, Passport Cyclists, Sponsors and Bike Shops
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 (timing to be determined)
- Bike Lock-Up Open, New Bern Convention Center (Upstairs)
- Cyclist Packet Pick-Up, New Bern Convention Center (Ballroom A)
- Breakfast, Union Point Park (Refueling Station)
- *Top 100 Breakfast, Union Point Park (VIP Tent)
- Team Photo Opportunity, Union Point Park (Gazebo)
- I Ride with MS Photo Time, Union Point Park (Gazebo)
- Bike Mechanics Available, New Bern Convention Center (Parking Lot)
- 7:45am – Welcome, Union Point Park (Start/Finish Line)
- 8:00am – Official Start, Union Point Park (Start/Finish Line) – 30, 50, 75, 100 milers
- 9:00am – All cyclists must be on route – NO EXCEPTIONS
- Lunch on Route, Rest Stop 4 at River Dunes Marina – 75 and 100 milers ONLY
- Lunch, Union Point Park (Refueling Station) – 30 and 50 milers
- Happy Hour, New Bern Convention Center
- Buffet Dinner, New Bern Convention Center
- Live Music, New Bern Convention Center
- *Top 100 Reception, New Bern Convention Center – Must have Top 100 lanyard
- All Routes Closed
- Bike MS Celebration and Program, New Bern Convention Center
- Live Jersey Competition, New Bern Convention Center
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (timing to be determined)
- Bike Lock-Up Open, New Bern Convention Center (Upstairs)
- Breakfast, Union Point Park (Refueling Station)
- Team Photo Opportunity, Union Point Park (Gazebo) – team captain must reserve time in advance
- Bike Mechanics Available, New Bern Convention Center (Parking Lot)
- 7:45am – Welcome, Union Point Park (Start/Finish Line)
- 8:00am – Official Start, Union Point Park (Start/Finish Line) – 30, 50, 75, 100 milers
- 9:00am – All cyclists must be on route – NO EXCEPTIONS
- Lunch on Route, Rest Stop 4 (Ernul Post Office) – 50, 75 and, 100 milers ONLY
- Buffet Lunch, Union Point Park (Refueling Station)
- All Routes closed. Bike MS 2023 is a wrap!
We have route options for every level of cyclist, ranging from 30 to 100 miles each day. This fully supported two-day ride includes rest stops, SAG vehicles, bike mechanics, police and medical support.
2022 routes can be found on the Ride with GPS event page here: Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride 2022 Route options.
2023 Ride with GPS files will be released closer to the event.
2023 Bike MS: Historic New Bern Facebook Event Page | 2023 Bike MS: Historic New Bern Pre-Ride Event Schedule | Bike MS Kickoff Parties | Cookies with Rookies | Fundraising Week #1 | Virtual Fundraising Open House | Team Captain Happy Hour | Fundraising Week #2 | Bike Shop Seminar | Know Before You Go | Street Banner Order
2023 Bike MS: Historic New Bern Facebook Event Page
Stay up-to-the-minute with conversation and event details by joining our Facebook Event here. Please mark yourself as "going" on the 2023 Bike MS: Historic New Bern Facebook event page. We will use this page for event updates, recognition, encouragement and more. What you can expect for pre-event fun:
What you can expect for pre-event fun:
- Kickoff parties
- Happy hours
- Team Captain meet ups
- First-Time Bike MS participant meet ups
- Bike shop partner rides
- And more!
2023 Bike MS: Historic New Bern Pre-Ride Event Schedule
Registration Launch Competition, February 1 – February 14
To start the 2023 Bike MS season off strong, join in on the Registration Launch Competition! The team that registers the most teammates who donate $25 or more will win.
Team Divisions:
- 25+ team members - Yardnique
- 10 – 24 team members - Team Pinkie
- 2 - 10 team members - Coop’s Troops
Prize:
- Team: $50 gift card for team supplies or party
- Team Captain: Goodr sunglasses (color of your choice)
Bike MS Kickoff Parties
Join Bike MS staff and fellow participants to kick off the 2023 season! Parties will include light food, a round of drinks, door prizes, and information about the 2023 ride. In some cases, we’ll partner with a local team or bike shop to offer a training ride.
Please RSVP by April 1st
RSVP Here
Date: Wednesday, April 5
- 5:45 PM - 20 - 25 mile training ride with Flythe’s Bike Shop (2411 Trent Road, New Bern, NC 28562)
- 7 PM - Kickoff Party at Freshwater Beer Co. (904 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28562)
Date: Thursday, April 6
Timing: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard (1930 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27608)
Bike MS Cookies with Rookies
Join Bike MS staff and a local bike shop to prepare for Bike MS! This social and educational event is geared towards participants riding in their first Bike MS ride or for the first time in the Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride. Our partnering bike shop will be available to chat ride safety and bike maintenance and Bike MS staff will be on site to answer any questions about event weekend and reaching that fundraising minimum and beyond!
Please RSVP by June 25th
Wednesday, June 28
Time: 4 PM - 6 PM (stop by anytime!)
The Cycle Surgeon (1256 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513)
Fundraising Week #1, Monday, July 3 – Sunday, July 8
Each fundraising week provides three opportunities to win, two for teams and one for individuals. Teams and individuals who raise the most funds online during the fundraising week will win prizes to enhance their Bike MS weekend experience while raising the critical funds to END MS FOREVER.
Team Divisions:
- 2 – 15 team members
- 15+ team members
Prize:
- Team: TBD
- Individual: TBD
Virtual Fundraising Open House
Join Bike MS for a Fundraising Open House with Bike MS top fundraisers and staff! Letter-writing, emails, social media, silent auctions, raffles, etc. there are SO many ways to go about a successful fundraising campaign. During the open house, we'll hear from Bike MS fundraisers who have come up with creative ways to raise the $300 + way more! Maybe you’ll walk away with some new ideas to elevate your impact.
This will be a casual and virtual conversation with fundraisers and MS Society staff. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Wednesday, July 12
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device: Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 270 439 362 549 | Passcode: SEoWKU | Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only) +1 315-234-6809,,672090883#
Phone Conference ID: 672 090 883#
Team Captain Happy Hour
Join Bike MS for a Team Captain Happy Hour to collaborate with fellow team captains, share tips and tricks and enjoy some good ol’ camaraderie with fellow leaders in our movement. 
RSVP details to come!
Tuesday, July 25
6 PM – 8 PM (stop by anytime!)
Location: TBD
Fundraising Week #2, Monday, July 31 – Sunday, August 6
Each fundraising week provides three opportunities to win, two for teams and one for individuals. Teams and individuals who raise the most funds online during the fundraising week will win prizes to enhance their Bike MS weekend experience while raising the critical funds to END MS FOREVER.
Team Divisions:
- 2 – 15 team members
- 15+ team members
Prize:
- Team: TBD
- Individual: TBD
Rookie Round Up & Bike Shop Seminar
Join fellow first-time Bike MS participants and team captains at a partnering bike shop to learn about group riding, bike maintenance and what to expect event weekend! Team captains are encouraged to bring friends who are interested in Bike MS and teammates who are participating for the first time.
RSVP details to come!
Week of July 31 – August 4
Timing: TBD
Location: TBD
Know Before You Go – Virtual Pre-Event Logistics Meeting
All Bike MS participants are invited to our ‘Know Before You Go’ logistics meeting to have all your event weekend questions answered. Bike MS staff and volunteers will review all aspects of the ride weekend including parking, start line/finish line expectations, route and rest stops, plus the extraordinary experience of the Day 1 and Day 2 finish lines.
Tuesday, August 8
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 295 290 359 499 | Passcode: 8MVhyL | Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only) +1 315-234-6809,,273859733#
Phone Conference ID: 273 859 733#
Wednesday, August 9
12 PM – 1 PM
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 224 208 566 563 | Passcode: n3RX2X | Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only) +1 315-234-6809,,82092677#
Phone Conference ID: 820 926 77#
Early Packet Pick Up
Grab your teammates and head to our Gold Level Sponsor, Raleigh Brewing Company, for a beer and pick up your rider packet and all of the swag you’ve earned!
More details on packet pick ups can be found here.
Wednesday, August 30
3 PM – 7 PM
Raleigh Brewing Company, Cary (2036 Renaissance Park Place, Cary, NC 27512)
Post-Ride Celebration & Awards Party
Save the date for our Post-Ride Celebration & Awards Parties in Raleigh and New Bern!
Week of December 4 – December 8
Street Banner Order
Looking for an easy way to fundraise? Know a local business who would like to be featured in downtown New Bern? Or a family wishing to honor a loved one? Purchasing a street banner may be the answer. This is a great way to reach your fundraising minimum or boost your fundraising to new levels.
Street banners will be displayed for one month on poles selected by the New Bern Department of Public Works in downtown New Bern and will be given to each purchaser after the event.
Mark your calendars for a Packet Pick Up!
Your Bike MS packet contains important items including your rider bib, event details and sponsor giveaways. In order to pick up your packet, you must meet the $300 fundraising minimum.
What’s in the rider packet? Your Bike MS packet contains many important items including your bib number, emergency number wristband, event details and sponsor giveaways.
How do I receive my packet? You must meet the fundraising minimum of $300.
Why the $300 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 $300 minimum fundraising requirement prior to picking up their packet.
Examples of how fundraising helps those living with MS:
$50 could provide round-trip transportation to a medical appointment
$100 could help purchase a walker or shower chair
$250 could fund a transport chair, accessible transportation to a medical appointment or a portable ramp
$500 could help fund a college scholarship for a high school senior who is living with MS or whose parent is living with MS
$1,000 could pay for a hospital bed, provide half the cost toward a standard chair lift, or rental assistance to two people living with MS
$43,000 could fund a research grant (average cost)
While participants are required to meet the fundraising requirement prior to picking up their packet, we encourage the fundraising to continue! Don't stop at just $300 set your goal high and keep raising funds after you experience the ride!
Can anyone else pick up my packet? Yes, another team member, team captain or family member may pick up your packet for you if all financial obligations have been met and all appropriate waivers are on file.
When do I receive my packet? Packets may be picked up at any of the early packet pick up locations listed below or before the start of the ride. All applicable waivers must be signed, and all financial obligations must be met before a rider may pick up a packet.
Can I turn in donations at packet pick up? Cyclists are encouraged to turn in any donations raised-to-date.
All donations to the National MS Society are tax-deductible. For non-credit-card donations, please submit your donations as personal/business check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to the National MS Society. Ensure accurate fundraising by writing the participant's name and "2022 Bike MS: Historic New Bern" in the memo line or other available field on the check/money order.
What else is available at packet pick up? Participant t-shirt, top fundraiser jersey ($1,000+), Club 100 gift, sponsor giveaways, cue sheets, route maps, weekend schedule, and staff will be present to answer questions
IMPORTANT: If you are moving money from one participant to another, please contact the Fundraising Support Center ahead of picking up your packet. FundraisingSupport@nmss.org or 855-372-1331
Early Packet Pick Up Options: TBD!
Ride Weekend Packet Pick Up Options:
Friday, September 9th
Timing: TBD
New Bern Riverfront Convention Center – Ballroom A
203 S Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560
Saturday, September 10th
6:30 AM – 8 AM
New Bern Riverfront Convention Center – Ballroom A
203 S Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560
Lodging & Transportation
Hotels for Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride are prioritized for those who are in the Top 100 Club and Club K based on prior year fundraising.
Key Dates for Top Fundraisers:
- Tuesday, February 21: Survey opens for top fundraisers to rank their top three hotel choices for event weekend
- Friday, March 17: Survey closes for top fundraisers
- Friday, March 24: Hotel confirmation numbers sent to top fundraisers by Bike MS staff members
- Monday, April 17: Top fundraisers must have credit card on file with the hotel otherwise the room is released back to Bike MS for re-assignment
Requirements:
- Top fundraisers (Top 100 Club + Club K) must be registered by Tuesday, February 21 to receive the survey link by email from Bike MS staff members
- Hotel rooms are prioritized by fundraising amount from the previous year
- Fundraisers MUST place credit card on file with hotel prior to the April 17 deadline
- Extra rooms will be released to the general public after the April 17 deadline
Hotel Options for Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride Weekend:
New Bern, NC
Courtyard by Marriott, New Bern
(.1 miles from start line)
218 E Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560
262-636-0022
$159++ room with no balcony
$179++ room with a balcony
DoubleTree by Hilton, New Bern
(.3 miles from start line)
100 Middle Street
New Bern, NC 28560
252-658-9000
$229++ room with no balcony
$249++ room with a balcony
$309++ suite
Bridge Pointe Hotel & Marina
(.6 miles from start line)
101 Howell Road
New Bern, NC 28562
252-636-3637
$145++ regular room
$175++ 1 room suite
$185++ 2 room suite
Hampton Inn, New Bern
(4 miles from start line)
200 Hotel Drive
New Bern, NC 28562
252-637-2111
$164++
SpringHill Suites by Marriott, New Bern
(4 miles from start line + 30 day out cancellation policy)
300 Hotel Drive
New Bern, NC 28562
252-637-0017
$164++
Candlewood Suites, New Bern
(4.7 miles miles from start line)
3465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
New Bern, NC 28562
252-638-8166
$185++
Comfort Suites, New Bern
(2.4 miles from start line)
1006 Old Cherry Point Road
New Bern, NC 28560
252-649-3579
$169++
Other Options in New Bern:
- AirBnBs
- Bed and Breakfasts
- New Bern KOA Camping
Camping
Camping at Union Point Park is available on a first come, first served basis. Camping reservations open at 3 PM on Friday, September 8th. When you arrive visit a volunteer at Union Point Park. Campers will be assigned a number on a small flag. Place this flag outside of your tent. This reserves your spot and also allows us to know how to find you in case of emergency.
Camping is also available at the New Bern KOA Holiday (1565 B Street New Bern, NC 28560).
Showers & Electricity:
Showers: A shower truck will be on site from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon for anyone wishing to rinse off. Please remember to bring your own toiletries and towels.
Electricity: There are electrical outlets throughout the park to use to charge devices.
Bike Lock-Up: A bike lock-up is provided from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning for cyclists riding in Bike MS: Historic New Bern. This is located on the second floor of the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. When dropping off your bike, your bike must have the required frame tag to verify with your bib number. This bike lock-up will be staffed with volunteers throughout the day and locked securely overnight. You do not need to bring your own lock to lock up your bike within the bike lock-up.
Allow extra time for parking as all participants will need to utilize on-street and other public parking option in the downtown area. New Bern has various public parking lots around the city. Visit this website for an interactive parking map.
Street parking is limited to 2 hours on Friday until 5 PM. On Saturday and Sunday there is no time limit or monitoring.
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…
Each route includes fully-stocked rest stops every 10 to 12 miles with some of the best snacks and volunteers around. Relax, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen and enjoy the volunteers. Bike mechanics and support and gear (SAG) vehicles will also be on the route to assist you.
After the ride, we will have plenty of food at the finish line.
Event Weekend Meals: TBD
SUPPORT ALONG THE ROUTE
> Route Markings We make every effort to ensure you won't get lost. The routes will be clearly marked with directional signs, including on straightaways, so you will know you're riding in the right direction.
> Route Closing: 6 PM Saturday, 5 PM Sunday
The Bike MS route will close at 6 PM on Saturday and 5 PM on Sunday. We will make every effort to work with you to complete the ride. All cyclists on the road after 6 PM on Saturday and 5 PM on Sunday must take a SAG to the finish line.
> SAG Vehicles Just can't push another pedal, or just need a ride to the next stop? These trucks & SUVs rove the route and rest stops. Call the number on your wristband and look for the first SAG to come your way. Give the thumbs-down signal if you want to be picked up. You and your bike will be transported.
NOTE: The trip into the finish line is not always direct. Be patient as we pick up other cyclists in need. If you only want a ride to the next rest stop, let the driver know. Always remember to thank your driver, who is volunteering his or her time for the weekend to support you.
> 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. Bicycle tagalongs, trailers and carriers are not allowed on the route.
> Mechanical Support Visit one of the bike shops listed on the Bike Shops page to receive your Bike MS inspection sticker which will ensure you and your bike are ready for Bike MS! Bike Safety Inspections are provided at NO COST. With this sticker, you are eligible for FREE labor (parts and materials are available for an extra charge) if you need any mechanical repairs during the event.
Get your bike inspected prior to ride weekend to identify major issues. Sponsoring Bike Shops will provide minor repairs on the road and on rest stops ride weekend. Check out the Bike Shops page to see our partners.
Mechanical Problems: If you encounter a mechanical problem while riding and need assistance, move completely off to the side of the road and call the number on your wristband for assistance.
Ride photos will be posted on our Bike MS Flickr page 2-3 weeks after the ride. We will share the link here when photos are ready!
We know it takes many people to pull this ride together. From the volunteers, to the donors who write the checks, to the family members who support cyclists’ training and fundraising, to those with MS who motivate and inspire… so many individuals working together toward a world free of MS. And what better way to celebrate a team’s accomplishment than to gather these individuals under one tent at the ride to toast a team’s victory! The Team Tent Village is one of the best parts of the Bike MS experience!
Renting vs BYOT (Bring your own tent):
Reservations will open on (coming soon!)
RENT: Teams have the option of renting through the Bike MS tent vendor. Pricing and vendor will be determined closer to the event.
BRING: Teams are welcomed to bring their own pop-up tent free of charge. Please make sure you have a way of securing the tent safely to the ground and bring your own tables and chairs. While there is no charge to bring your own, you will need to reserve a spot when reservations open for 2023.
Electricity & Food:
Electricity: There are outlets throughout Union Point Park in case you need to charge devices.
Food: There are charcoal grills throughout Union Point Park that teams can use to grill up food. You may also bring your own grill but please leave the area like you found it and clean up all trash afterwards.
Alcohol is NOT permitted at Union Point Park.
