Ride Details

Friday, May 3: Packet Pick Up & Welcome Night

When: Friday, May 3 from 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Where: Bad Martha’s Farmer’s Brewery
Address: 270 Upper Main St #5932, Edgartown, MA 02539

Let’s kickoff Ride the Vineyard early on Friday night! Pick up your rider packet, t-shirt, and jersey ($1,000 to qualify!) and meet fellow cyclists and enjoy drinks, dinner, and appetizers. Visit the Packet Pick Up section of the Ride Details page for more details.

One free drink is provided for Top Club and Passport riders, but all other drinks and food must be purchased.

Saturday, May 4: Ride Day!

Ride Requirement Reminders: Visit the Ride Info Requirements section of the Registration page for more details.

Saturday Start Line & Finish Line Location:
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
100 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Rd
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

7:30 a.m. Registration and Rider Packet Pick Up Opens

• Visit the Packet Pick Up section below for more details on obtaining your packet.
• Visit Food & Support section of this page for breakfast details.

9:00 a.m. 60-mile route starts
10:00 a.m. 26-mile & 18-mile routes start
11:30 a.m. Finish Line lunch begins

• Visit Food & Support section below on this page for details

3:00 p.m. All routes close
3:30 p.m. Lunch Closes & Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard Complete!

FERRY: If you are traveling to the island on Saturday morning, please be mindful of the ferry schedule to ensure you arrive on time for your route’s scheduled start time. We cannot allow cyclists on the route after the outlined start times. If you are riding the 60-mile route, please take the 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. ferry. If you are riding the 26-mile or 18-mile route, please take a ferry no later than 8:15 a.m. Visit the Steamship Authority website for most accurate ferry times.

 

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.

Enjoy scenic views and ocean air as you cycle through one of America’s favorite vacation spots - Martha’s Vineyard Island!

Choose between three different route options. All routes start and end together at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School where you can celebrate your accomplishments with fellow riders while enjoying a complimentary lunch. 

New this year: We’re excited to provide updated and refreshed routes! All three routes go in the reverse direction from last year to provide a new ride experience.

Route Times

• 9:00 a.m. 60-mile route starts
• 10:00 a.m. 26-mile & 18-mile routes start
• 3:30 p.m. All routes close

Route Maps

You’ll select your desired route when you register for the ride. However, your choice can easily be modified prior to ride weekend in your Fundraising Center or on ride morning. Please ensure you arrive at the start line at the appropriate time for your route departure.

Ride With GPS route maps are linked below. Routes are subject to change until ride morning and the precise route lengths may vary by a few miles.

18-Mile Route Map (Yellow arrows)

• Route starts at 10:00 am
• 1 Rest Stops

26-Mile Route Map (Blue arrows)

• Route starts at 10:00 am
• 1 Rest Stops

60-Mile Route Map  (Orange arrows)

• Route starts at 9:00 am
  • Due to safety support and logistics, anyone arriving late will be required to wait until 10:00am and ride the 26 or 18-mile route instead.
• 4 Rest Stops

Route Support

We will make every effort to work with you to complete the ride. For safety reasons, all cyclists on the road after route closing will be provided transportation to the finish line from a designated Support and Gear Vehicle.

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

Ride With GPS App

Get the Ride with GPS App - it's free!

1. Go to your App Store
2. Search for: Ride with GPS (Red cyclist on a black background)
3. Download the app (it’s Free!)
4. Go to your internet browser app - (Safari, Google Chrome, etc.)
5. Click on the route map links above for your route
6. Click “Send to Device”
7. Once you’re in the app, you can Download or Navigate to stream the route

Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard Facebook Group

Stay up-to-the-minute with conversation and event details by joining the Ride the Vineyard Facebook Group. We will use this page for event updates, recognition, encouragement, and to connect with fellow riders! Join here.

Promotional Materials

Bike MS promotional materials (posters, brochures, etc.) are a great resource to recruit fellow cycling buddies, co-workers, friends, family and teammates to join you at Ride the Vineyard…plus help us spread the word about Bike MS.

2024 materials will be available in spring 2024. In the meantime, contact Shannon.Kiniry@nmss.org to request a ‘save the date’ flyer.

2024 Bike MS Season Kickoff Event

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.
411 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452
Tuesday, March 12, 2023: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join us Tuesday, March 12, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. in Waltham, MA as we kick off the 2024 Bike MS season and celebrate the start of MS Awareness Month! Enjoy drinks and bites, enter to win raffle prizes, and meet fellow riders from Cape Cod Getaway, Ride the Vineyard, and Great Maine Getaway. 

Special guest speakers will join your Greater New England Bike MS staff to cover details about this year's rides, updates on the research and development efforts made possible by your support, and tips on how to find a training program or coach to help you crush your 2024 goals.

Please RSVP here so we can save you a spot. We look forward to celebrating with you soon.

Pre-Ride Packet Pick Up & Logistics Meeting

Visit the Packet Pick-Up section of this page for details.

 

Fundraising Weeks

Raise money and win prizes! Fundraising Weeks are an opportunity to kick your fundraising into high gear and compete for some great prizes. Both teams and individual riders can win BIG during this year’s Fundraising Weeks. Fundraising Weeks run Monday through Sunday and winners are based on the highest amount of online fundraising.

WHEN:

• Fundraising Week #1: Monday, February 26 – Sunday, March 3
• Fundraising Week #2: Monday, March 25 – Sunday, March 31

WHO:

The individual and the team who raise the most money online during the designated Fundraising Week dates will win big!

• Individual rider (team member or non-team member) 

• Team with 2-14 members (Team members must be registered by the Monday of Fundraising Week)
• Team with 15 or more members (Team members must be registered by the Monday of Fundraising Week)

WHAT:

As a reward for your amazing fundraising, we will award one individual and one team a prize!

HOW:

Utilize the Fundraising Weeks to reach out to your donors, share why you ride, and reach your fundraising goals. Hit Top Fundraiser status and you’ll also earn the 2024 Ride the Vineyard commemorative top fundraiser jersey and more prizes!

Download the Bike MS App 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.

Plus, check your inbox during these weeks for more details!

Fundraising Weeks

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.

Raise money and win prizes! Fundraising Weeks are an opportunity to kick your fundraising into high gear and compete for some great prizes. Both teams and individual riders can win BIG during this year’s Fundraising Weeks. Fundraising Weeks run Monday through Sunday and winners are based on the highest amount of online fundraising.

WHEN:

• Fundraising Week #1: Monday, February 26 – Sunday, March 3
• Fundraising Week #2: Monday, March 25 – Sunday, March 31

WHO:

The individual and the team who raise the most money online during the designated Fundraising Week dates will win big!

• Individual rider (team member or non-team member) 
• Team with 2-14 members (Team members must be registered by the Monday of Fundraising Week)
• Team with 15 or more members (Team members must be registered by the Monday of Fundraising Week)

WHAT:

As a reward for your amazing fundraising, we will award one individual and two team prizes based on the Team Categories noted above.

• Individual Prize: Steamship Authority roundtrip vehicle ferry pass ($200 value!)
• Team Prize: Team Tent at the Start/Finish Line OR Customized Team Party – we’ll work with you for a team dinner, celebration, or other customized party option to celebrate your team.

HOW:

Utilize the Fundraising Weeks to reach out to your donors, share why you ride, and reach your fundraising goals. Hit Top Fundraiser status and you’ll also earn the 2024 Ride the Vineyard commemorative top fundraiser jersey and more prizes!

Download the new Bike MS App 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.

Plus, check your inbox during these weeks for more details!

 

Your Bike MS rider packet contains important items that must be worn on ride-day. 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, then you completed a waiver during the registration process.

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

See Ride Info & Requirements section for ride requirements.

Packet Pick Up Dates & Locations

Friday, May 3 5:00pm – 7:30pm on Martha’s Vineyard at Bad Martha’s Farmer’s Brewery, 270 Upper Main St #5932, Edgartown, MA.

Saturday, May 4 7:30am-10:00am at the start line at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

What’s in my rider packet? Your Bike MS packet contains many important items including your bib number, bike and helmet tags, emergency number wristband, and safety pins.

How do I receive my packet? At one of the above noted times and locations. You must meet the $250 fundraising minimum.

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.

Can I make a donation at packet pick up? Yes, you can make a donation at packet pick up.

How do I sign the waiver? When you register online, the waiver is part of the registration process. Minors and anyone registering the day of the event must complete a paper or electronic copy of the waiver.

Can someone pick up my packet for me? Yes. A team member, team captain, or family member can pick up your packet on your behalf – only if you’ve met the $250 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver.

I am not able to attend and ride; can I give my packet to someone else?

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. 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: Ride the Vineyard must be individually registered with contact information and a waiver/safety pledge on file.

T-shirt and Top Fundraiser Gear: Your Bike MS t-shirt can be picked up at the same time as your packet (earned based on the $250 fundraising minimum.)

If you’ve raised $1,000 or more, you can also pick up your Top Fundraiser jersey and credential at packet pick up!

Ferry Information

Ferry tickets are not included and must be purchased individually as needed. Visit the Steamship Authority website for schedules, fares, tickets, parking, boarding, and details regarding bikes and bike bus.

• Passenger tickets are only sold in person at the terminal. Additionally, please be mindful of the ferry schedule to ensure that you arrive on time for your route’s scheduled departure time. We cannot permit cyclists on the route after the designated start times. Visit the Event Schedule section of this page for start times.
• Arriving in Vineyard Haven: Transportation to and from the ferry terminal is not provided by the National MS Society. It’s approximately three miles from the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal to the start line at Martha's Vineyard High School. Taxis and buses are available but have limited racks for bikes.

Bag Check

The National MS Society is not responsible for any personal belongings lost or stolen. There will be a tent provided next to registration for bag check, however it will not always be monitored. It is recommended to keep valuable belongings in the car or with your person

Hotel Recommendations

The below hotels are excited to welcome Ride the Vineyard participants to Martha’s Vineyard. Check back throughout the season as we confirm additional locations.

Please call for current rates, availability, and to reserve. Please note that no room blocks are reserved.

Mansion House Inn
Offering a 10% discount for Bike MS. Please call to reserve and mention National MS Society to receive the 10% discount.
508-693-2200

Nobnocket Boutique Inn
Offering a 10% discount for Bike MS. Please call to reserve and mention National MS Society to receive the 10% discount.
508-696-0589

Hob Knob Hotel
Offering a 15% discount for Bike MS. Please call to reserve and mention National MS Society to receive the 15% discount.
508-627-9510

Free parking is available at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School near the start and finish line. Space is limited. Please look for the event parking signs when you arrive at the school. 

If you are taking the ferry and not taking a vehicle over, you will park your car at one of the two Steamship Authority’s satellite lots and take the free shuttle to the ferry.

Additional Ferry information is on the Steamship Authority website.

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!

Click the links below to jump to the relevant topic:
Meals & Food | Rest Stops | Route Markings | Medical | SAG | Mechanical Support

Meals & Food

Saturday Start Line

Food at the Saturday start line will be limited. Water, sports drinks, breakfast bars and bananas will be available. Coffee from the Black Dog Tavern will also be available until supplies run out. Please arrive with a full stomach, full water bottles, and be ready to get on the road!

Rest Stops on the Route

At the rest stops, enjoy individually packaged sweet and salty snacks. Cyclists must bring their own water bottles - single serve plastics are NOT permitted on Martha’s Vineyard Island. See additional information regarding rest stop support listed below.

• Rest Stop 1: Edgartown School
  • Water, Sqwincher electrolytes, Pickle Pops, bananas, Untapped Gels, Fig Bars, pretzels, mini beef & pork sticks (gluten free), protein bars (gluten free)
• Rest Stop 2: Grange Hall
  • Water, Sqwincher electrolytes, bananas, Untapped Gels, peanut butter & jelly bars, trail mix, mini beef & pork sticks (gluten free)
• Rest Stops 3 & 4: Chilmark Elementary School
  • Water, Sqwincher electrolytes, Pickle Pops, bananas, Untapped Gels, Fig Bars, pretzels, Rice Krispie Treats, protein bars (gluten free) 

Saturday Finish Line Lunch

Lunch is provided to all riders at the finish line. Please note that alcohol is not permitted at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Lunch includes a choice of sandwich, chips, and a cookie:

• Turkey and cheese sandwich with lettuce, red onion, and herbed aioli
• Roast beef and cheese sandwich with lettuce, red onion, and herbed aioli
• Ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, red onion, and herbed aioli
• Vegetarian sandwich with lettuce, red onion, radishes, carrots, cucumber, and herbed cream cheese
• Vegan/Gluten free wrap with lettuce, red onion, radishes, carrots, cucumber, and hummus

Friends and family (non-riders) can purchase lunch for $18 per person.

Rest Stops: First Class Support

Each route includes fully stocked rest stops every 10 to 15 miles with some of the best snacks and volunteers around! Protein bars, water, electrolytes, and fruit are available at every rest stop. Rest, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen, and socialize with volunteers while you enjoy beautiful Martha’s Vineyard.

Bike mechanics and support and gear (SAG) vehicles will also be on the route to assist you if needed.

New this year: Vote for your favorite rest stop! Volunteers are decorating and creating fun and festive rest stops, plus a fun finish line! Vote for your favorite rest stop once your back at the finish line!

• 18-Mile Route: 1 Rest Stops
• 26-Mile Route: 1 Rest Stops
• 60-Mile Route: 4 Rest Stops

Route Markings

We make every effort to ensure you won’t get lost. The route will be clearly marked with direction signs, including on straightaways, so you will know you're riding in the right direction. The colors of the arrows correspond to each route.

• 18-Mile Route: Yellow Arrows
• 26-Mile Route: Blue Arrows
• 60-Mile Route: Orange Arrows

Medical Support & Emergency Assistance

Emergency medical support travels the entire route in the event that a cyclist may be injured. Help us provide top-notch first aid by completing the back of your rider number. In addition, an emergency number will be printed on the wristband included in your rider number packet. Use this number during the ride if you spot an accident.

Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicles 

Just can’t push another pedal or need help with a flat tire? Designated passenger vans, trucks, and vehicles with orange flags are on the route and at rest stops to make sure you cross the finish line. Make sure you are in a safe and 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. SAG vehicles are equipped with bike racks, basic bike repair kits, and water.

The trip to the finish line is not always direct. Please be patient as other cyclists are assisted as well. 

Personal SAG Vehicles are 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.

Bike Mechanical Support

Please be sure your bike is Bike MS ready before the ride. Get your bike inspected prior to ride weekend to identify any major issues and ensure your bike is in excellent riding condition. 

Sponsoring bike shops and bike mechanics will be located at the start line and on the route at select rest stops to provide minor repairs. If you know of a great bike mechanic willing to help, let us know!

E-bikes are allowed, but we are unable to provide any mechanical support or charging stations.

Thank you to our sponsoring bike shops and bike volunteers:

Martha's Bike

4 Lagoon Pond Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Brickyard Bicycles
68 Holmes Hole Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
774-563-8211

Wheel Happy Bicycle Shop
8 South Water Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-5928

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. Visit the Training & Prep page for more details on safe and courteous cycling behavior.

Thank you for riding to create a world free of MS! Let’s finish strong to reach our fundraising goals and earn some great prizes along the way!

Photos

Pictures taken by volunteer photographers will be added to the National MS Society Flickr page after ride weekend. Until then, check out the pictures from last year’s ride: Ride the Vineyard 2023 Pictures.

Prizes and Dates

There’s still time to earn prizes and perks after ride weekend!

PRIZE DEADLINE: June 3

All donations received by Monday, June 3 will qualify for Ride the Vineyard prizes!

• Unlock a selection of Bike MS prizes when you reach $500 and up. Check out the options here: Prizes
  • You’ll receive an email 7 weeks after ride-weekend with your fundraising certificate to redeem your prize.
• Earn the coveted 2024 Top Fundraiser Jersey when you reach $1,000!
  • If you reach $1,000 after ride weekend, we’ll mail you the jersey.​

FUNDRAISING & RANKING DEADLINE: July 5

All donations received by Friday, July 5 will qualify for your individual total fundraising ranking and your team total fundraising.

• Top 25 Club: Be in the top 25 of fundraisers and you’ll earn Top 25 Club status for 2025 with free registration for next year’s Ride the Vineyard, a gold bib with your name and ranking, plus many other perks!
• Passport Program: Aim high to reach $5,000 and you’ll qualify for the Passport Program to ride at any Bike MS events across the country for free!
• Top Teams: All teams who collectively raise $15,000 or more will be eligible for a team tent at next year’s ride!
• Top Fundraisers: Reach $1,000 or higher and you’ll receive discounted registration for next year’s ride!

Post-Ride Fundraising Tips

Turn in additional donations and submit matching gifts:

• Make an online donation through your Participant Center.
• Submit checks through the Bike MS App or mail to Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard 2024, 465 Waverly Oaks Road, Suite 202, Waltham, MA 02452.
• Visit the Donations Guide page for more information and to search for an Employer’s Matching Gift Program.

Share, Share, Share!

• Share your Ride the Vineyard photos and maximize social media.
• Share your fundraising goal and status. Don’t forget you can raise your fundraising goal on your personal Fundraising Page! Remind people that there is still time to donate and make an impact.
• Share your appreciation! Let your donors know what you’ve achieved and accomplished – they helped you get there!
• Share your impact. Together, we’ve achieved more breakthroughs for MS than the world has seen for any other neurological disease. And we’re not done yet!

Check out the Fundraising Toolkit and other great Fundraising Ideas!