MS Bike at the Toronto International Bicycle Show

Visit us at the Toronto International Bicycle Show! Check out 150 exhibitors offering the latest and best selection of bicycles, accessories and more! The show runs from February 28-March 2 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. Stop by booth #649 to meet the MS Bike team and register fora chance to WIN a Norco Bike or fill out a ballot for a chance to win two free MS Bike registrations! Head to bicycleshowtoronto.com for more information.

Café Scientifique – Multiple Sclerosis: To B or not to B?

Listen in as specialists discuss new frontiers in MS research. Significant clinical benefit has been observed when immune cells called “B-lymphocytes” are eliminated in MS patients using immunotherapies. The team’s research goal is to unravel why this is the case. Join the ‘Café’ on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 from 7:30-9:30pm at 89 Chestnut Street, Toronto. RSVP by February 12 online or by email at angela.covert@mssociety.ca.

Looking forward to warmer weather, as much as we are?

2014 is well under way and since most of us are looking forward to the warmer weather, this is the perfect opportunity to register for the 2014 MS Bike! Our Participant Centre makes it easy – simply visit msbike.ca and click ‘Register’ to get started.

Select your province, followed by the location you would like to ride in. Next, you may register as an individual, join a team or create your own team. If this is your first time using the Participant Centre, you will be asked to create a new account. Once you’ve selected your registration type, you will be able to customize your profile in the Participant Centre and manage your goals and donations.

We can't wait to see you on the route!

Cold weather cycling tips

Cycling throughout the winter months can be both intimidating and challenging. You may encounter slippery roads, gusting winds and below freezing temperatures. Despite these challenges, winter cycling can be rewarding, fun and great training for the 2014 MS Bike! Before you head outside, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your ride.

Layer – Layering is a great way to stay both warm and dry when cycling in the winter. Your first layer of clothing should consist of moisture wicking materials that will keep your body dry. Your outer layer should be wind and water resistant and each layer beneath should be comfortable and easy to move around in.

Protect your face – Cycling at high speeds against gusting winds requires appropriate gear for your head. Consider wearing a hat under your helmet to keep your head and ears warm. Cycling glasses can also help prevent your eyes from watering when faced with heavy winds.

 

Winter appropriate shoes – Winter specific cycling shoes or boots that are well insulated and waterproof are more effective than regular cycling shoes designed to keep your feet cool in the summer.

 

Adjust your tire pressure – Reducing your tire pressure by 10 to 20 PSI provides you with better traction on wet and icy roads.

Keep hydrated – Staying hydrated throughout your ride is just as important in the hot summer months as it is in the winter. Remember to listen to your body, take short water breaks and head inside if the weather gets too extreme!

 

For more great winter cycling tips, visit http://bit.ly/1hh43zG via Shape Magazine.

Website and browser functionality

If you are using Internet Explorer 11 to view our Participant Centre, you may have recently encountered some issues. While this is being resolved, we kindly ask that you use another browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for better functionality. Thank you for your understanding!

Setting your 2014 MS Bike goals

As we mark the beginning of a new year, now is a great time to kick start your goals for the 2014 MS Bike. Whether you plan on joining as an individual walker or are part of a large team, setting goals can help you get the most out of your MS Bike experience. Goals give you something to focus on and get excited about! Your individual and/or team goals will vary, but here are some ideas to help get you started.

• Aim for a specific fundraising amount. Set a team or individual fundraising goal. Why not check out the fundraising prizes you can claim at each fundraising level for a little extra motivation? Or, if you’re a returning cyclist, try to surpass your fundraising goal from last year!

• Aim for a specific number of team members. If participating as part of a team, encourage each member to recruit one more friend by event day!

• Aim for a specific number of donors. Rather than focusing on a specific dollar amount, you might instead try to reach out to as many of your friends, family members and colleagues as possible.

• Kick start your fundraising! Host a fun and creative fundraising event like a garage sale, carwash, pancake breakfast or bake sale that all your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues will enjoy!

Once you’ve set a goal, make a plan for how you will accomplish it. Get all your team members involved by assigning certain responsibilities and setting monthly targets. Don’t forget to use your Participant Centre to help you stay organized, track your fundraising success and stay in touch with your donors!

For a little extra challenge add new goals as you complete the ones you originally set. The sky’s the limit if you work together with teammates, family, friends and colleagues!

Happy Holidays from the MS Bike Team!

With the holiday season upon us, we extend our sincere appreciation for your continued support and goodwill throughout 2013. On behalf of everyone on the MS Bike team, we wish you and your families the very best for a happy and safe holiday season and a joyful New Year!

We look forward to seeing you at events throughout 2014!