Weekend information and packing essentials

Event schedule

Packing list and luggage
Each rider is allowed two packed bags. This includes any camping items, tents, coolers, etc. Luggage items have a weight limit of 35 pounds (we have the right to refuse any bags over 35 pounds). If you have trouble carrying it, lighten the load. Think of the volunteers who are already loading and unloading more than 6,000 bags.

Please label your items with the luggage tags you receive at check-in. Your rider number is printed on them.

Check-in materials

• The majority of participants will not need to bring anything to check-in.
• Signed waivers: Most riders will have completed an online waiver or paper waiver prior to the event. Anyone who has not yet completed a waiver will do so at check-in. Riders under 18 years of age must also complete an additional minor waiver and have it notarized. Click here for the underage rider policy.
• Any collected donations or matching gift forms that haven’t been submitted yet.
• You will not be able to participate without confirmed donations totaling your required minimum of $300. Be prepared with cash, check or credit card to pay your remaining balance at check-in.

Cycling gear

Personal items

Camping/Sleeping gear (if desired)

Luggage

• You receive two luggage tags with your rider number at check-in. Be sure to affix them to your luggage before boarding the bus.
• You load your luggage underneath the buses at Century College on Friday. When you arrive at Proctor, you can take it directly to your desired campsite or shuttle bus to the hotels in the area.
• Volunteers are available to assist you in loading your luggage onto the trucks Saturday and Sunday morning. These trucks transport all luggage to Grand Casino Hinckley Saturday and Century College Sunday.
• Find your luggage by looking in the rows that correspond to your rider number.

Weather
Bike MS events go on rain or shine. Society staff announces the most up-to-date weather conditions each evening of an overnight event. Official weather reports are provided by Televent DTN. Please seek shelter immediately if you encounter severe weather while riding.

Meals
All riders receive breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is provided at rest stops on the route. Meals are served at the overnight site Saturday at Grand Casino Hinckley and at the finish line at Century College in White Bear Lake Sunday.

The Proctor varsity hockey team hosts an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and salad bar for $10 from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday at the high school. The National MS Society provides breakfast in Proctor from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria.

Transporting your bike

• If you're taking the bus from Century College in White Bear Lake to Proctor Friday afternoon, your bike will be transported to the destination on trucks. For riders who live near Proctor and are taking the returning bus Sunday afternoon, your bikes will also be transported in a separate truck.
• All bike numbers should be on your bike prior to loading onto a truck. Please remember the semi truck number (1, 2, 3, etc.) to make locating your bike in Proctor as easy as possible.
• We use care while loading bicycles, but feel free to wrap your bike for extra protection. Pipe insulation works well. Also, remove any items that may fall off your bike during transport (mirrors, water bottles, etc.). All bikes will be unloaded from the trucks and placed in the bike corral for easy identification in the morning.
• When unpacking your bike, dispose of your wrapping in the appropriate garbage boxes.

Showers
Showers are available in the locker rooms at both Proctor High School and Hinckley High School and at Grand Casino Hinckley.

Information/first aid
Information volunteers are located in a tent near the security building on the grounds of Grand Casino to answer any questions. First aid personnel also will be available at each rest stop throughout the day and at the security building throughout the night for any medical needs you may have.

Team tent village
Many teams take this evening to celebrate with one another in Tent Village, a collection of banquet style tents located near the campgrounds. Some go as far as bringing their own massage therapists, catered dinners and musical entertainment. Be sure to wander through the village and take in all the Tent Village has to offer. Interested in landing your own team tent? Teams of four members or more that raise $25,000 earn their own personal tent or you may rent one through the National MS Society’s vendor. For questions, contact Pete at 612-335-7986 or pete.bonk@nmss.org.