Ride Details

**Details below reflect 2023 schedule. Check back later in the season for final 2024 details.

All activities take place at University of New England (UNE) located at 11 Hills Beach Road in Biddeford, ME 04005.

Friday, August 2

4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Pick up your packet before ride morning! Registration, Rider Packet Pick Up, and UNE Housing check in are all open. Reach Top Fundraiser status by this time and pick up your commemorative Great Maine Getaway Top Fundraiser jersey and credentials too!

• Visit the Rider Requirements page and Packet Pick Up section below for more details on obtaining your packet.

Saturday, August 3: Ride Day 1

Saturday Start Line & Finish Line Location:
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005

5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. Breakfast & coffee at UNE dining hall
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Registration and Rider Packet Pick Up
7:20 a.m. Line up at start line for Opening Ceremony
7:30 a.m. All routes start
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. UNE Housing check-in
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch (at UNE & on route at lunch rest stop)
Lunch:

• 25-mile route: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at UNE (no lunch on route)
• 62 and 100-mile routes: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at designated lunch rest stop (no lunch at UNE)

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Healthy Snack Break at UNE
4:00 p.m. All routes close
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Cash Bar at festival area
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Lobster bake at festival area
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Evening Presentation & Candlelight Ceremony

Visit following sections of this page for more details:

• Food & Support
• Routes & Maps
• Packet Pick Up
• Lodging & Transportation

Sunday, August 4: Ride Day 2

Saturday Start Line & Finish Line Location:
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005

5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. Breakfast & coffee at UNE dining hall
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Registration and Rider Packet Pick Up (for Sunday-only cyclists)
7:20 a.m. Line up at start line for Opening Ceremony
7:30 a.m. All routes start
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Lunch at UNE only (no lunch on routes)
3:00 p.m. All routes close
5:45 p.m. UNE Dorms Close. All participants must be checked-out and returned the dorm room keys.

Visit following sections of this page for more details:

• Food & Support
• Routes & Maps
• Packet Pick Up
• Lodging & Transportation

Weather

We ride rain or shine. Please be prepared for rain, high temperatures, or other weather 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.

**Details below reflect 2023 route. Check back later in the season for final 2024 details and maps.

We are excited to offer a two-day ride with a variety of route options! Day One routes take cyclists along the beautiful coast of Maine for fresh ocean air and ocean views. Day Two routes head inland for charming Maine countryside views!

Choose between one-day or two-days of riding. Day 1, choose between 25-miles, 62-miles, or 100-miles. On Day 2, select between 25 miles or 50 miles.

Route Times

Saturday:

• All routes start at 7:30 a.m.
• All routes close at 4:00 p.m.

Sunday:

• All routes start at 7:30 a.m.
• All routes close at 3:00 p.m.

Route Maps & UNE Map

Ride With GPS routes from 2023 are linked below. Please note that routes will be updated for 2024 and are subject to change until ride morning.

You’ll select your desired route option 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.

Saturday Routes:

• 25-mile route map​
  • Coastal route with beautiful ocean views and one rest stop.
  • Red route arrows 
• 62-mile route map  
  • A metric-century route with some hills along the coast and through beautiful pine trees. Four rest stops. Lunch provided on the route at the third stop, Carl’s Water Systems rest stop.
  • Orange route arrows 
• 100-mile route map
  • A full century route along the coast, through beautiful pines trees, and with some hills. Six rest stops. Lunch provided on the route at Rest Stop #3: Bethel Christian Church rest stop.
  • Blue route arrows
  • All cyclists must depart Rest Stop #3: Bethel Christian Church rest stop by 11:00am.

Sunday Routes:

• 25-mile route map​
  • A pine-tree lined route with one rest stop.
  • Pink route arrows 
• 50-mile route map​
  • A beautiful route through Maine countryside with pine trees and rolling hills.
  • Green route arrows 

University of New England:

• UNE Campus Map

Route Support

We will make every effort to work with you to complete the ride. For safety reasons, all cyclists on the road after the 4:00 p.m. 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!) and download the route maps:

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

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 Great Maine Getaway…plus help us spread the word about Bike MS.

Materials for this year’s ride 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

Maine Participants – stay tuned for more details on events taking place in Maine throughout the season!

Massachusetts Participants are invited to 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.

Let us know you'll be joining us so we can save you a spot and we look forward to celebrating with you soon.

RSVP

Friday Packet Pick Up (August 2)

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

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.

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

WHEN:

• Fundraising Week #1: Monday, May 27 – Sunday, June 2
• Fundraising Week #2: Monday, June 24 – Sunday, June 30

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.

• 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:
Stay tuned – prize details coming soon!

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 Great Maine Getaway commemorative top fundraiser jersey and more prizes!

• 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.

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. To pick up your packet, you must meet the $300 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver on file. If you registered online, then you completed a waiver during the registration process.

Packet Pick Up Dates & Locations

**Timing below reflects the 2023 schedule. Check back later in the season for the final 2024 timeline.

• Friday, August 2 – 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at University of New England
• Saturday, August 3 – 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. at University of New England
• Sunday, August 4 – 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. at University of New England

Packet Pick Up Details

What’s in my rider packet? Your Bike MS packet contains many important items that must be worn at all times on the route including your rider bib number, bike and helmet tags, emergency number wristband, and safety pins. Wrist bands for riders who are 21 years and older are also included.

How do I receive my packet? You must meet the $300 fundraising minimum. Click here for ride requirements.

Why the $300 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 $300 minimum fundraising requirement prior to picking up their packet.

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 $300 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver.

I am not able to attend and ride; can I give my packet to someone else? No. 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: Great Maine Getaway 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 $300 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!

Overnight Housing at University of New England

Buy Housing Tickets

Housing is NOT included during your Great Maine Getaway registration and must be purchased separately.

Overnight housing accommodations are available Friday night and Saturday night on-site at the University of New England.

To purchase housing, you must be a registered participant of Bike MS: Great Maine Getaway 2024. If you have not yet registered, please visit the Bike MS: Great Maine Getaway registration page to sign up.

If you need to make changes to your existing housing reservation, please contact Fundraising Support at 855-372-1331 by July 15.

For those Volunteering at the event both Saturday and Sunday, we will provide you with free lodging at the University of New England (UNE) on Saturday night only. No lodging will be provided on Friday or Sunday evenings. Lodging includes a dorm Room: twin-sized bed in a shared room with one roommate (FYI: there are two beds per room). Suite style room with two rooms and four people total. All rooms are air conditioned and have a small kitchenette area. You must supply your own bedding, towels, and toiletries. Register via the link below and use code volunteerms2024. Housing Deadline: Monday, July 15.

Buy Housing Tickets

Housing Deadlines

Monday, July 15: Housing registration deadline

The deadline to purchase housing is Monday, July 15. After this date, any remaining dorm rooms will be available on a limited first come, first serve basis, and is not guaranteed. Specific dorm and roommate requests cannot be accommodated.

After this date, linens cannot be purchased.

No refunds are available and no changes can be made to dorm room assignments and roommate assignments.

Friday, August 2: Limited on-site housing registration

Housing availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed after July 15. If remaining dorm rooms are still available ride weekend, housing can be purchased on-site at the Registration & Packet Pick Up area. Specific dorm and roommate requests cannot be accommodated. Linens are NOT available for purchase.

• Friday, August 2 Housing Check-in: 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 3 Housing Check-in: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• For unforeseen late housing check-in, please call Net Control at 617-600-8703. 

Sunday, August 4, 5:45 p.m.: UNE dorm rooms close and keys returned

All UNE dorm rooms close on Sunday at 5:45 p.m. All dorm room keys and key cards must be returned to the “Return Key” drop box inside the dorm by 5:45 p.m. Multiple return drop boxes are located on the ground-level floor near the exit.

Any participant who does not return their key card will be charged a fee by UNE.

Housing Details

Suite-style dorm rooms are available on-campus at University of New England on Friday and Saturday night. All suites are air conditioned, have a shared bathroom, and have a shared common area with a refrigerator and microwave. Two dorm room options are available. The price is per night and linens are not included in the dorm room price. Linens can be purchased for an additional cost.

• Tier 1 Room at East Hall: $69 per person/per night
  • Full-sized bed in an individual room. Suite-style dorm with four rooms that sleeps four people total. All rooms are air conditioned.
  • You may list up to three suitemate requests. These individuals must be registered and must purchase their own housing by the July 15 deadline.
• Tier 2 Room at Champlain Hall: $60 per person/per night  
  • Twin-sized bed in a shared room with one roommate. Suite-style dorm with two rooms and four people total. All rooms are air conditioned.
  • You may request one roommate and two preferred suitemates. All roommate requests must be registered riders who have purchased their housing by the July 15 deadline.
• Linens: $36
  • Linen package includes a pillow, sheet set, blanket, and bath towels. Linens cannot be purchased after July 15.

What to Pack for the Dorms

The UNE dorm rooms are empty except for furniture and toilet paper. If you did not purchase a linens package by July 15, you will need to provide all linens:

• Bed sheets and blankets
  • Full-size for Tier 1 East Hall
  • Twin-size for Tier 2 Champlain Hall
• Pillow
• Bath towels
• Toiletries, including hand soap

Other recommended items include a long phone charging cable, extra bed padding if you prefer a softer mattress, hair dryer, and other personal items to help you sleep well such as a fan or white noise machine.

All suites are air conditioned and have a small common area and kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave. We recommend bringing any preferred foods, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks that will help fuel you all weekend.

Bag Check Not Provided

Please do not leave items behind at the start/finish line while riding. Bike MS cannot be responsible for personal belongings. Please leave all personal items in your UNE dorm room, vehicle, or carry them with you.

Local Hotels 

Below are local hotels near University of New England. No room blocks are reserved for Great Maine Getaway and availability is not guaranteed. Rates and minimum stay requirements are set by individual establishments and are subject to change.

Holiday Inn Express Biddeford
45 Barra Road in Biddeford, ME 
207-294-6464
Average room rate: $339-$379 per night plus tax
5 miles from UNE 

Americas Best Value Inn Biddeford Portland
2 Pomerleau Street in Biddeford, ME 
207-284-2440
6 miles from UNE 

Ramada by Wyndham Saco/Old Orchard Beach Area
353 North Street in Saco, ME  
207-286-9600 
Average room rate: $398 per night plus tax
6 miles from UNE 

Comfort Inn & Suites Scarborough-Portland
329 US-1 in Scarborough, ME
207-618-5069 
13 miles from UNE

Free parking is available at University of New England. Please obey all campus parking and traffic signs.

Reserved parking is available for 2024 Top 20 Club and Passport riders. 

Stay tuned for a list of recommended parking lots and UNE Campus Map. 

**Details below reflect 2023. Check back later in the season for final 2024 details.

Bike MS is an extraordinary ride no matter where you are! If 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 | Bike Rentals

Meals & Food

Saturday & Sunday at the Start Line

Breakfast and coffee are available in the UNE Dining Hall from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. (no cleats, please.)

Please arrive at the start line with a full stomach, full water bottles, and be ready to get on the road! Only water and sports drinks are provided at the start line – no food is available.

Rest Stops on the Route

At the rest stops, enjoy individually packaged sweet and salty snacks such as Goldfish, energy bars or gel, fruit, and more. Cyclists must bring their own water bottles. 

Lunch on Saturday and Sunday

Saturday lunch is dependent on your route:

• 25-mile route:
  • Lunch is provided 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the University of New England finish line and Festival Area. Lunch is sandwiches with gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options.

• 62 and 100-mile routes:
  • Lunch is provided on route 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the designated lunch rest stop. Lunch is sandwiches with gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options.
  • 62-mile route: Lunch at Rest Stop #4: Carl’s Water Systems (the third stop on this route)
  • 100-mile route: Lunch at Rest Stop #3: Bethel Christian Church 
• A Healthy Break Snack is provided 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the University of New England finish line and Festival Area for riders who need an extra snack between lunch and dinner.
  • Snacks include fruit skewers with yogurt dip, vegetable crudites with ranch dip, and assorted granola bars.

Sunday lunch:

• Lunch for all riders is provided 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the University of New England finish line and Festival Area. Lunch is American barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, and sides. No lunch is provided on the routes.

Dinner and Cash Bar on Saturday

On Saturday evening, please join us for dinner and drinks while you rest and socialize with fellow riders. Don’t miss out on the Maine lobster bake!

• Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Free for all registered riders. Options include lobster, chicken, vegan pasta, and side dishes. The Saturday Evening Program will be during dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • If you would like lobster for dinner, you must request this in advance. Confirm your selection by logging into your Fundraising Center, select "Edit Registration Questions", and select your Saturday dinner meal choice.
  • Families and friends can purchase dinner as supplies last. Purchase and pick up the dinner guest wristband at the table next to the dinner tent.

• Cash Bar: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • For riders who are 21 years and older, beer and wine will be available for purchase.
  • 2024 Top Club members, Passport Riders, and 2024 Top Fundraisers who have raised $1,000 or more will receive a free drink. Pick up your drink ticket at the table next to the dining tent.

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 Maine.

First aid, bike mechanics, and support and gear (SAG) vehicles will also be on the route and at rest stops to assist you if needed.

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 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.

Saturday, Day 1:

• 25-mile route: Red arrows
• 62-mile route: Orange arrows
• 100-mile route: Blue arrows 

Sunday, Day 2:

• 25-mile route: Pink arrows
• 50-mile route: Green 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 on the route if you spot an accident or need assistance.

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. 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. SAG vehicles are equipped with bike racks, basic bike repair kits, and water.

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. 

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.

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

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.

Thank you to our sponsoring bike shops and bike volunteers:

• Coastal Maine Kayak & Bike
• The Rusty Crank

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.