Ride Details

Prior to Ride Weekend

Visit the Ride Info &  Requirements section of the Registration page to ensure you are ready to ride.

Visit the Packet Pick Up section of this page for details regarding rider number packets.

Saturday, October 7

Bike to the Bay 2023 will be hosted as a one-day ride.

Saturday Morning Starts:

Visit the Routes & Maps section of this page for start location details.

If you received your packet in the mail prior to ride weekend, there is no need to check in, you are set to get on the road. Visit the Packet Pick Up section of this page for details regarding rider number packets.

**UPDATED August 16, 2023**

• 75 & 100 Mile Route Option
  • 6:00 am: Check in Opens - pick up your rider packet, grab a bite to eat, & get ready to ride!
  • 7:00 am: Kick Off & Route Opens
  • 7:30 am: All cyclists must be on route. No one will be permitted on route after 7:30 am. No exceptions. Cyclists arriving late will be bused to the first rest stop.
• 50 Mile Route Option
  • 9:00 am: Check in Opens - pick up your rider packet, grab a bite to eat, & get ready to ride!
  • 9:00 am – 9:30 am: Rolling start
  • 9:30 am: All cyclists must be on route.
• 20 Mile Route Option
  • 11:00 am: Check in & Route Open - pick up your rider packet, grab a bite to eat, & get ready to ride!
  • 11:15 am: All cyclists must be on route.

Lunch is provided along route for all 75, 100 and 50-mile cyclists.

Century Route Closing: The century route loop entrance will close promptly at 1:30 p.m. at mile 58.2. No cyclists will be permitted onto the century route after this time. Please plan your ride accordingly and ensure you depart in the initial release.

5:00 pm: Route Closes (all routes) - We will make every effort to work with you to complete the ride.

11:00 am – 6:00 pm: Finish Line Festivities – Celebrate the end of a great day at the Seashore State Park finish line. Engage with your team and fellow riders while enjoying a complimentary meal. Pick up your ride t-shirt, visit the Left Hand Brewing Beer garden* and enjoy the festivities! Visit the Routes & Maps section of this page for more details.

*Participants 21+ years or older may purchase beer for $5 via credit card, Venmo, PayPal or ApplePay.  Top Fundraisers will enjoy a complimentary beer and Top 25 Club members can receive two.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Post Event Pedal Party – Staying overnight at the beach Saturday night? You are invited to join us at Rehoboth Ale House for an informal gathering, cash bar and opportunity to keep the Bike to the Bay fun going after the finish line closes.  Complete this quick RSVP form to let us know you plan to attend!

2:30 pm & 5:30pm: Scheduled Bus Back to Start  & Hotel Drop - Visit the Lodging & Transportation section of this page for details

Visit the Routes & Maps section of this page for:

• Start location details
• Route Maps (I-Ride with GPS)

Visit the Meals & Support section of this page for more details on what is being served and support along the way.

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Thanks to our generous Bike MS: Bike to the Bay local presenting sponsors, Discover Bank and Experian, who share our commitment to creating a world free of MS.

Route Info & Options

Cycle the flat farmlands and rural towns of lower Delaware along routes ranging from 20 to 100 miles with a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS. End your journey rolling past beautiful beaches and finishing on the bay to cheers and a band that will keep the party going.

**UPDATED August 16, 2023**

New for 2023:

• Bike Path Elimination: We heard your feedback and are excited to share that approval was received to use paved roads outside of Rehoboth Beach rather than the gravel trail.
• The Century Route returns! The 100-mile route will once again be offered for those looking for the added challenge.
• Enhanced One-Day & Finish Line Experience: We look forward creating a Saturday finish line experience that capitalizes on all Delaware has to offer, plus keeps the party going. Visit the Event Schedule section of this page for more details.

All routes finish at Seashore State Park in Delaware Seashore State Park in Rehoboth Beach, D.E. on Saturday.

• Saturday 20 mile Ride with GPS
  Sussex Consortium start with one rest stop.
  17344 Sweet Briar Rd, Lewes, DE 19968
• Saturday 50 mile Ride with GPS
  Lake Forest High School start with four rest stops, including lunch.
  5407 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943
• Saturday 75 mile Ride with GPS
  Delaware Technical Community College Dover Campus start with five rest stops, including lunch
  100 Campus Dr, Dover, DE 19904
  **follow directional signs and police direction
• Saturday 100 mile – new route coming soon!
  Delaware Technical Community College Dover Campus start with five rest stops, including lunch
  100 Campus Dr, Dover, DE 19904
  **follow directional signs and police direction

Visit the Event Schedule and Food & Support sections of this page for more details.

Century Route Closing: 1:30 p.m.

The century route loop entrance will close promptly at 1:30 p.m. at mile 58.2. No cyclists will be permitted onto the century route after this time. Please plan your ride accordingly and ensure you depart in the initial release.

Route Closing: 5 p.m.

The Bike MS route will close at 5 p.m. each day. We will make every effort to work with you to complete the ride. All cyclists on the road after 5 p.m. must take the bus in to the finish line.

Route Support

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

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.

Fundraising Weeks: July & August

Bike MS Fundraising Week is proudly sponsored by Point B, an organization who shares our commitment to creating a world free of MS. Elevate your fundraising and win prizes along the way.

Both a team and an individual participant can win big during this year’s fundraising weeks. 
When:

• Fundraising Week #1: July 31 – August 6​
  • Individual Winner(s) – it’s a tie!: Ed Sammler, Team G & John Epstein, Delaware Cycology
  • 2-14 Member Team Winner: Team G
  • 15+ Member Team Winner: Delaware Cycology​
• Fundraising Week #2: August 28 – September 3
  • ​Individual Winner(s): Jennifer Archie, Team Archie
  • 2-14 Member Team Winner: Team Archie, Team Captain Jennifer Archie
  • 15+ Member Team Winner: Team Left Hand, Team Captain Chris Lennert

Who: Winners for each fundraising week will include both the individual (team member or non-team member) and the team(s) with most money raised online (total dollars) during this time.

Team winners will be determined based on the following two divisions. Meaning two teams can win during each fundraising week!

• Teams with 15+ members at the start of the fundraising week
• Teams with 2-14 members at the start of the fundraising week

What: The Team Competition winners will win an upgrade Team Tent at the Finish Line stocked with upgraded snacks and beverages. The individual competition winners will receive an Ultimate Delaware Seashore Experience pack which includes a hotel room, Top Fundraiser Perks at the finish line (or a guest pass for a friend), gift cards to Delaware Beach Favorites (a $50 value) and a Welcome Beach Bag with Beach & Bike MS gear.

How: Utilize the fundraising weeks to reach out to your donors, share why you ride and reach your goal.

• Check your Inbox during these weeks for more details
• Hit Top Fundraiser status and earn the commemorative 2023 Bike to the Bay top fundraiser jersey and much more
• Download the new Bike MS App now on Google Play or Apple App Store 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

‘Know Before You Go’ Virtual Meet Up: September

• Bike MS: Bike to the Bay is right around the corner and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make your ride day fantastic!  Join us virtually on Wednesday, September 20^th at 6:30 PM for a Bike MS: Bike to the Bay event logistics call. Learn about various aspects of this year’s ride, including:
  • Event schedule
  • What to expect along the way: Routes, Rest Stops, Support and more
  • Ride Safety
  • Finish Line Experience
  • And more!
  • Click here to join the meeting on September 20^th at 6:30 PM!

Your Bike MS packet contains important items including your rider bib and emergency wristband. Click here to find out what's in a rider number packet.

To receive your packet, you must meet the $300 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver/safety pledge* on file.

*All participants 18+ years, who registered online, completed the waiver/safety pledge at the time you registered.

**Bike MS staff will personally follow up with anyone who needs to submit a waiver/safety pledge.

 No cyclists will be permitted on the route without a rider number.

Reference the Registration page for ride requirements.

How to Obtain Your Rider Number Packet

In the Mail > Mailing Deadline: September 3

Skip the lines and avoid the morning crowds and bustle!  Reach your $300 fundraising minimum by September 3 to receive your rider number in the mail in September.

• ADDITIONAL ACTION REQUIRED: Update and verify your mailing address before September 3 via your Fundraising Center. 

UPDATED 9.5.23: View a list of all qualifying participants here. Packets are scheduled to be sent this week.

• A second and final mailing is also scheduled to go out the week of September 18.

This is the only opportunity to receive your rider packet in the mail prior to ride morning.

Additionally, congratulations to the 35 participants who have individually raised at least $1,000 to become a Top Fundraiser. Click here for a list of qualifying participants who will also have their 2023 Top Fundraiser jersey mailed to them as well.

• A second and final mailing is also scheduled to go out the week of September 18. Plus, jerseys can be picked up ride weekend to those that qualify. Click here to learn more.

Ride Morning: October 7

If you do not receive your number prior to the ride, you may pick it up at your start location that morning.  

Importance of Rider Number

All cyclists are assigned a rider number to ensure Bike MS knows who you are ride weekend in the event of an emergency and for logistical purposes (i.e. transporting luggage or bike)

For your safety and the safety of others, DO NOT provide your assigned rider number (bib) to a fellow participant for use ride weekend.

Each and every cyclist riding in Bike MS: Bike to the Bay must be individually registered with contact information and a waiver/safety pledge on file.

Turning in Donations

Money turn-in envelopes will be available at all start locations ride morning.

Visit the Donations Guide page to learn more about turning in donations and other frequently asked questions.

Download the Bike MS Mobile app on your Android or iOS device and click on Enter Donations to upload a check. Plus, unlock your 2021 Bike MS Experience.

Reminder: You only need to raise $300 to get your number but aim higher.

• Raise at least $500 and earn the opportunity to receive cool Bike MS gear.
• Raise $1,000 by the day of the ride to earn your 2023 commemorative Bike to the Bay Top Fundraiser jersey and other great perks!

Click here to learn more fundraising clubs and incentives.

Visit the Fundraising Ideas and Fundraising Toolkit pages to help you reach your goals!

Transportation – Along the Route

Your extraordinary Bike MS experience includes fantastic support. While you ride, you should only be concerned about two things: riding safely and having fun! We take care of all the rest. Visit the Food & Support section of this page more details on SAG Wagons and other ride weekend support.

Transportation from Seashore State Park

Back to Start Locations: Return transportation to all start locations is provided free for cyclists, luggage, and bicycles on Saturday at 2:30 pm and 5:30pm.

Bus to Hotels: For participants planning to enjoy the post event party or planning to stay over Saturday night, transportation to a central drop-off location in/near Dewey Beach (location coming soon) will be provided free to cyclists, luggage and bicycles on at 2:30 pm and 5:30pm. For transportation outside of those scheduled times, check-in with the staff at the transportation area when you arrive at the Seashore finish line.

No transportation will be provided on Sunday.

No overnight bike parking will be provided on Saturday.

 

Transportation – Luggage Concierge

Planning to stay the night at the beach after your ride on Saturday? We are happy to transport your luggage to the Seashore Finish Line on Saturday.

Saturday at DelTech (75 & 100-Mile Start): Place luggage on the luggage truck located behind rider number pick up.

Saturday at 20-Mile & 50-Mile Starts: Give luggage to Bike MS staff located at the rider number pick up & check in area at each start.

Remember to put your luggage tag on your bag, which can be found in your rider number packet.

 

*Note luggage will not be dropped at individual hotels this year

Hotel Recommendations

If you are planning to stay overnight Saturday, here are some local hotels recommendations:

Dover, Delaware:

• Comfort Suites
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Holiday In Express & Suites
• Sleep Inn & Suites

 

Dewey Beach:

• Atlantic Oceanside
• Sea Esta I
• Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
• Surf Shanty Hotel

 

Rehoboth Beach:

• Atlantic Sands
• Beach Boutique
• Best Western Gold Leaf Hotel
• The Breakers Hotel
• Crosswinds Motel
• The Dunes Rehoboth Beach
• Econo Lodge
• Henlopen Hotel
• Holiday Inn Express
• Rodeway Inn & Suites

Click here to view the map of Del Tech.

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… 

Food & Beverage

**UPDATED August 16, 2023**

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

Refuel along the way at the rest stops. enjoy individually packaged sweet and salty snacks such as chips, breakfast bars, CLIF bars, bananas more. As always, the Odd Fellows will be hosting the ‘scrapple’ stop and ‘Margaritaville’ will be serving up virgin margaritas.  At the Lulu Ross stop, 100, 75, & 50-mile cyclists can enjoy Capriotti’s for lunch.

At the Saturday finish line, before heading back to Dewey, Rehoboth or Lewes for all your beach favorites, grab a quick bite to eat and relax with a cold beer at the Left Hand Brewing Beer Garden.

Beef Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Chicken sandwiches, Salads provided by Bareburger will be provided for all participants.

Participants 21+ years or older may purchase beer for $5 via credit card, Venmo, PayPal or ApplePay.

• 2023 Top Fundraisers will receive a free drink ticket and 2023 Top 25 Club members will have the option to receive two free drink tickets.

Rest Stops: First Class Support

We’ll host rest stops approximately every 12 miles featuring:

• Fun festivities and smiling faces 
• Food, food, food! Including drinks, snacks, and lunch
• First aid stations 
• Mechanical support

*Please note: only authorized Bike MS vehicles and cyclists are permitted access to the rest stops ride weekend. All other vehicular traffic is prohibited.

Route Markings 

We make every effort to ensure you won’t get lost. The route will be clearly marked with orange ‘MS’ directional markings on the pavement, including on straightaways, so you will know you're riding in the right direction.

Mileage (1,2,3…) Signs: are placed at every mile along the route north and south. Utilize these markers if/when calling in for medical or mechanical experience.

Plus, you can also follow along using the Ride with GPS app and provided cue sheets.

Medical Support & Emergency Assistance

In case of a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1.  If you need assistance along the route, utilize the number printed on the wristband you’ll receive with your rider number packet.

Help us provide top-notch first aid by completing the back of your rider number bib with your emergency contact information. 

Bike Mechanical Support

Details coming soon!

Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicles 

Just can’t push another pedal, or just need a ride to the next stop? Our SAG wagons rove the route and rest stops to transport you and your bike.

If you need a pickup, flip your bike upside down and give a ‘thumbs-down’ signal as the SAG vehicle approaches.

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

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.