Ride Details

Attn: Route Update

Due to routing challenges, we will be hosting a 24, 50 and 65 mile route. The 75 and 100 mile route options will not be available. Safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure everyone connected to Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge has a positive experience. 

Please review the updated route information here and new schedule of events below.

Thanks for all you do to help move our mission forward. Your efforts fund critical services for people living with MS and research to move us closer to a cure.  For additional questions or assistance, please contact us at 855-372-1331 or FundraisingSupport@nmss.org. 

We look forward to riding and celebrating with you tomorrow at the inaugural Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge!

Friday, April 19​ 

Location: Courtyard by Marriott, 8305 Tourist Center Dr, Sarasota

• 4:00pm – 7:00pm Packet Pick-Up ​
• 6:00pm – 8:00pm VIP Reception (Club K + Top 50 Club)

Saturday, April 20​ 

Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34202

• 6:00am – 7:30am Bike storage open 
• 6:00am – 7:30am Registration open, breakfast available 
• 7:15am Welcome/announcements begin at Start/Finish Line sponsored by First Watch. Ribbon cutting. 
• 7:30am Official Start Time for 50 and 65 miles
• 8:30am Official Start Time for 24 miles 
• 9:00am - 5:00pm Bike storage open 
• 9:30am - 5:00pm "Bike-A-Neers Bay" Team Village sponsored by Raymond James and vendor expo open 
• 9:30am - 1:00pm Lunch on route for 50M and 65M Routes (Osprey Junction Trailhead)
• 9:30am - 4:00pm Finish line lunch 
• 10:00am Beer garden opens
• 10:00am - 4:00pm Live music on main street
• 11:00am VIP "Admiral's Quarters" area sponsored by Edrington open (onboard Rosario Pirate Ship)
• 4:00pm Awards at mainstage 
• 5:00pm Route closes 
• 5:30pm Beer service ends

Thank you to our three incredible presenting sponsors for their support of Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge:

• First Watch Restaurants is proud to support our local Bike MS ride, supporting more than one million people living with multiple sclerosis across the US.
• Thank you Raymond James, for your generous support of our mission of a world free of MS. Look for their team on the route!
• Accredo by Evernorth is pleased to provide support for people living with MS and their families through sponsorship and their team riding to fund a cure!

   

Event Weekend Contests

Gather the team and your volunteers we have some fun contests during the ride weekend for you to take part in!

Best Rest Stop

Volunteers, decorate your rest stop for a chance to win!

Remember the theme this year is "Pirates".

Best Team Tent

Teams, decorate your team tent to make it sparkle, and catch the judge's attention. The more extravagant the better!

 

Participant stories

In the meantime, watch these stories about two of our local participants and find out why Bike MS is so important to them.

Susie Wyss

Diagnosed in 2012, Susie Wyss - a former fitness instructor - shares her story of overcoming and returning from the effects of MS.

Watch the video

Bradley Romp

This is Bradley Romp. Diagnosed in 2006 , he continues to beat the odds while encouraging and inspiring others to join the movement towards finding a cure.

Watch the video

2023 Video recap

Find out more about this amazing Bike MS ride by watching our recap video courtesy of HADJI Studios from the 2023 ride below.

 

From Lakewood Ranch to the sun-drenched Sarasota Keys, get ready to pedal through a mesmerizing journey that spans beautiful bridges, ocean front vistas, and a famous trail.

Routes

*Due to routing challenges, we will be hosting a 24, 50 and 65 mile route.

Below are route options for the 65, 50 and 24 mile route. Routes subject to change. Download the week of Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge for the most up to date versions.

View routes

65 Mile Route

Those looking to ride the 65M option will have the opportunity to ride an additional loop along the Legacy Trail and through Casey Key after reaching the lunch stop/rest stop (Osprey Junction Trailhead) the second time. No Ride with GPS cues or maps will be posted for this route; however, volunteers will be providing direction and added signage will be placed accordingly.

50 Mile Route Map

24 Mile Route Map

Route Markings

We make every effort to ensure you won’t get lost.

Directional Signs: The route will be clearly marked with directional signs at all turns and along straightaways. Directional signs include posted paper arrows and painted markings on the pavement.

• 24 Mile = Yellow
• 50 & 65 Mile = Green

Visit the Food & Support section of this page for additional details on what you can expect along the route.

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

Facebook Event Page

Stay up-to-the-minute with conversation and event details by joining our Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge Facebook Event. Be sure to mark yourself as "going" on the 2024 event page. We will use this page for event updates, recognition, training & fundraising tips, and more!

View

Bike Inspections

March 1 – April 19th

All cyclists registered for Bike MS are encouraged to receive a free bike inspection to receive mechanical support ride weekend. Click here for more details and a list of supporting bike shops.

View Bike shops

Event Logistics Clinic 

Date: April 2nd 2024

Time: 12pm - 1pm 

Join us via Microsoft Teams to review important Bike MS logistics for lodging, packet pick-up details, route options, route support, and more!

Click here to join the meeting button

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 some prizes along the way.

Fundraising Weeks

Both team(s) and an individual participant can win BIG during this year’s fundraising weeks.

• Who: Winners for each fundraising week will include both an individual (team member or non-team member) and the team(s) with most money raised online (total dollars) during this time.
• Team Categories: Large team (15+ riders) and small team (2-14 riders)

Team Week #1: February 12th - 18th 2024

Team Grand Prize large & small team:

• A beautifully decorated Gasparilla Pirate Ship to be used as your team area.
• Second Prize: Your own 10 x 10 team tent in team village. 

Individual Prize:

• One night stay at one of our hotels for ride weekend. 

Team Week #2: Monday, March 11th - Sunday, March 17th

Team Prize (large and small team category):

• Your very own 10 x10 team tent!

Individual Prize:

• One night stay at a local hotel during the ride weekend.

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 $250 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver on file. If you registered online, you've already completed a waiver during the registration process. Please note: Riders under 18 will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Packet Pick-Up

Though you must meet the $250 fundraising minimum to pick up your packet, aim higher to win awesome prizes and join the ranks of top fundraisers. Click the links to learn more about our Top Fundraising and Clubs & Incentive.

Packet Pick-Up FAQ

What’s in the Rider Packet?

Your Bike MS packet contains many important items including your bib number, bike bib number, helmet tag, wristband, event details and sponsor giveaways.

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.

Who can pick up a packet?

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, you've already completed a waiver during the registration process. Please note: Riders under 18 will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Another team member, team captain or family member may pick up your packet for you, as long as you've reached your fundraising minimum and have already turned in a signed waiver.

Can I Turn in Donations at Packet Pick-Up?

Yes, we will accept cash, checks, and credit card donations at all packet pick-ups. To ensure accurate fundraising, please write the participant's name and "2024 Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge" in the memo line or other available field on checks/money orders.

What Else is Available at Packet Pick-Up?

Participant t-shirt, sponsor giveaways, route maps, weekend schedule, and staff will be present to answer questions!

Top Fundraiser items will also be available like the Club K jersey for participants raising $1,000+ and Club 50 members will receive a branded item as part of the Top 50 fundraisers in 2023.

Packet Pick-Up Schedule

Packets may be picked up at any of the early packet pick-up locations listed below or one hour before the start of the ride.

At our early packet pick-up events, qualified participants may also pick up a top fundraiser jersey and/or Top 50 Club gift.

Thursday, April 11

Venue: The Bike Room
Address: 2808 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
4 pm - 6 pm

Friday, April 19

Venue: Courtyard by Marriot Sarasota
Address: 8305 Tourist Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34201
4 pm - 7 pm

Ride Weekend

Saturday, April 20th – morning of Bike MS!
6 am - 7:30 am
Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Turning in Donations

Visit the Donations Guide page to learn more about turning in donations and other frequently asked questions. Download the DonorDrive mobile app to use the mobile deposit feature and upload check donations. Donation envelopes will be available at all packet pick-ups prior to Bike MS, as well as both start locations ride morning.

Hotel Information

We are happy to provide the following hotels for riders of Bike MS: Suncoast Challenge and have negotiated special room rates for the ride weekend.

Please make lodging arrangements EARLY to avoid disappointment. All riders are responsible for arranging their own accommodations during the bike weekend.

If your chosen first hotel is fully booked, please move on to the next hotel on the list.

ALL BIKE MS ROOM BLOCKS AT THE HOTELS BELOW ARE NOW FULL.

Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch Area
8305 Tourist Center Drive University Park, FL 34201

Book now

• Check-in time is 4:00pm
• Check-out time is 12:00pm
• Cancellation Policy:
• Should the individual guest, cancel or modify individual reservations after the 48-hour cancellation policy, one night's room and tax will apply
• Cutoff Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

 

Home2 Suites

Home2 Suites by Hilton Sarasota I-75 Bee Ridge
6410 Mauna Loa Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

Book Now

• Cancellations :Should the individual guest, cancel or modify individual reservations after the 24-hour cancellation policy, one night's room and tax will apply
• Cutoff Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

 

EVEN Hotel

Sarasota Lakewood Ranch 
6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: 941-782-4400
Fax: 941-782-4401

Book Now

• Enter Check-in Date & Check-out Date and then click “Search”
• Complete the booking process
• Duration: April 18-21, 2024.
• Complimentary buffet breakfast
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary 24-hour fitness center, business center and guest coin laundry
• Complimentary self-parking
• Restaurant and bar on site open daily
• 72-hour cancellation policy
• A valid credit card is required at the time of booking
• Check in: 3PM
• Check out: 11AM

Hampton Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch
8565 Cooper Creek Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34201
Phone: (941)-355-8619

Book Now

• Check-in time is 3:00pm
• Check-out time is 11:00am
• Individual Cancellation Policy: Should the individual guest, cancel or modify this individual reservations after the 48 hour cancellation policy, one night's room and tax per reserved room will apply.

For Google Maps purposes please use the address:

8141 Lakewood Main St
Bradenton, FL 34202

After arriving, please use the map below to park in the parking lot to the west of the main street. This is the easiest parking lot to use to get to the bike corral (bike park) after arriving.

Food

Whether you have a flat tire or need a snack to help get you across the finish line, we’ve got you covered… 

Start Line
Breakfast items will be provided courtesy of IHop. Water, sports drinks, clementines and bananas will be available.

Rest Stops On The Route
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 time with the volunteers along with support and gear (SAG) vehicles along the route to assist you.

Lunch Along Route: 50 and 65 Mile Routes
Lunch will be provided along route for the 50 and 65 mile routes at Osprey Junction Trailhead, courtesy of Firehouse Subs.

Finish Line
Enjoy PDQ after crossing the finish line, in addition to plenty of other local bites!

Bike Shops

The support from local bike shops is crucial; bike mechanics will be located throughout the ride along with yearly support from shops in the area.  For more Bike Shop information check out your Training and Prep page!

Medical Support & Emergency Assistance

Dial 911 in case of a medical emergency.

Contact the number on your wristband (included in your rider number packet) during the ride if you need assistance or spot an accident.

Help us provide top-notch first aid by completing the back of your rider number.

Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicles

Just can’t push another pedal, or need help with a flat tire? Designated vehicles with are on the route and at rest stops. Make sure you are in a safe/visible location, flip your bike upside down, and call the number on your wrist band or wave down the first SAG vehicle to come your way.

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. 

Other Route Support

Motorcycle Marshals

These motorcycle volunteers can be found at "trouble" intersections and along the route. They monitor and guide cyclist traffic but are not permitted to stop vehicular traffic. When you see a road marshal volunteer, ride with caution. They’ll be wearing yellow/orange vests so you can’t miss them. 

Route/Ride Marshals

Cycling with you, this group can help if you need assistance. They’ll be wearing yellow/orange vests so you can’t miss them. 

Police & Communities Who Welcome Us

Cycling with you, this group can help if you need assistance.

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. 

Staff

Bike MS staff and key volunteers will be monitoring the route.