Start Times | Travel Tips | Where to Go When Arriving | Cyclist Release Reminders & Protocol | Start Tips
Start Times & Directions
Rider number pick up begins: 5:30am
Rolling start & speeches: 6:30 - 8:00am
ALL CYCLISTS MUST BE ON THE ROAD BY 8AM
Cyclists arriving late will be bused to the first rest stop after checking in. No exceptions.
PATCO's Woodcrest Station
200 Tindale Dr.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Take I-295 to Exit 31. Exit 31/Essex Ave is the ONLY access point for participant parking and drop off. There is no access to parking or PATCO via Exit 32/Haddonfield-Berlin Rd. Woodcrest Road will be closed. Reference Travel Tips & Parking section below for more details.
Click here for directions to PATCO Woodcrest Station.
Start Times
- 5:30 am: Site Opens
- 6:30 – 6:45 am: Century cyclist Release
- If you missed this window, you are still permitted to get on the road before 8AM
- The Century breakoff is at 35.1 miles. No cyclists will be permitted to enter the Century Loop after 11:30 a.m. Please plan your departure time accordingly.
- 6:30 am: 75 Mile Cyclist Arrival / Access to the Start Area
- 6:30 - 8:00 am: Rolling start & speeches:
**Note the release begins to flow steadily at approximately 7:15 am (less wait time in the corral)
- 8:00 AM ALL CYCLISTS MUST BE ON THE ROAD
Cyclists arriving late will be bused to the first rest stop after checking in. No exceptions.
Century Cyclists
- The Century breakoff is at 35.1 miles
- No cyclists will be permitted to enter the Century Loop after 11:30 a.m. Visit the Route & Maps section for more details.
- You are encouraged to plan your arrival time accordingly to ensure being released in one of the initial waves
Similar to every year, we rely on the personal responsibility of each cyclist to ensure the safety of all.
- Know when to arrive – see below
- Be courteous and respectful of personal space and practice social distancing
- Utilize your bike to help maintain a safe distance from others
- Remain with the group you came with or are riding with
- Know where to go when you arrive – see below
- Come prepared and be ready to get on the road.
Arrive with full water bottles (City to Shore is a cup free event), luggage tag attached, and your numbers attached to your bike and the outermost layer of clothing
- If you are not comfortable with the crowd volume when you arrive, return to your car until more cyclists are released
Travel Tips & Parking
Driving to the PATCO Woodcrest Station
- Traffic & Road Closures: Allow extra travel time and expect delays on I-295 (Bikes are not permitted on I-295.). Woodcrest Road is Closed.
- Take I-295 to Exit 31
- Parking: Exit 31/Essex Ave is the ONLY access point for participant parking and drop off. There is no access to parking or PATCO via Exit 32/Haddonfield-Berlin Rd. Woodcrest Road will be closed. Reference additional parking details below.
- There will be NO alternative parking lot. All cyclists must park at PATCO’s Woodcrest Station.
- Entry into the PATCO lots will take time. We make every effort to park cars quickly. Please follow the signs, be patient with us and consider parking at an alternate station and taking PATCO to Woodcrest. YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL POLICE & STAFF DIRECTION.
- Click here for a map
- CAMPING IS PROHIBITED: No camping permitted on Friday night. No exceptions.
Taking the Train to the PATCO Woodcrest Station
If you are comfortable taking public transportation, participants are to take PATCO. Increased train ridership brings money back to the Society. PATCO offers service to 13 stations* – four in Center City and nine in South Jersey. One-way fare to Woodcrest is $3.00 from Philadelphia or $1.60 from New Jersey. For everything you need to know about taking PATCO to the start, visit ridepatco.org/BikeMS or call 215-922-4600 or 856-772-6900 at any time. Bikes are welcome.
To avoid traffic, consider parking at an alternative PATCO station and taking the train to the Ride.
*Stations with elevators: Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Collingswood, Westmont, Haddonfield, 15th & Locust, 9th & Locust, 8th & Market, Broadway, Ferry Ave.
Arriving at PATCO Woodcrest > Where to Go
Click here for a map detailing where luggage and the pedestrian walkways are located, the order in which lots will be parked, tent locations, and start chute area.
Designated Pedestrian Pathways
For your safety and the safety of others, only walk in designated areas. Please follow the signs and volunteer directions coming from your car or the PATCO station.
Luggage Drop Location & Procedure
Follow Delaware Port Authority Police Officer directive.
- If you have your rider number, you must drop your luggage before heading to the tent area. No exceptions.
- If you do not have your rider number, you will be permitted to visit the tent area with your luggage. You must always follow indicated pedestrian walkways. Luggage is permitted in the tent area, but will be limited and is discouraged.
- Remember to adhere your luggage tag found in your rider number packet.
- Ensure you have everything you need before dropping your bag. Once it is placed on the trailer it cannot be removed.
Visit the Lodging & Transportation section of this page for more details on luggage transportation.
Rookie Riders: First-year City to Shore participants, visit the Rookies area:
- Pick up your Rookie Rider sticker! Wear this sticker so veteran cyclists can ensure you feel welcome and connected.
- Reminder: Be sure to take part in all the Rookie Rider activities on Saturday and more!
Teams: Thanks for teaming up to create a world free of MS. Don’t forget to…
- Drop off your team jersey for the Team Jersey Contest at the Rookie Rider tent. Click here learn more about the Primal Wear Team Jersey Contest
- If your team of 25+ members is hosting a team tent, your Team Tent location will be posted soon, check back.
- Get your Team Photo taken! Free team photos are offered on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 5:30 am.
- Click here for more City to Shore Team Experience information.
Cyclist Release Reminders & Protocol
A staggered start will be implemented. It is important that all riders (veteran or novice) help us execute a successful start to the ride.
We understand that waiting to start the event can be frustrating. However, our top priority is to get all cyclists on the road safely while promoting social distancing. We work with local law enforcement to manage the number of cyclists being released at any given time during the start period. Police dictate the release.
We appreciate your patience and corporation. Please know where to go, follow instructions, social distance and treat other cyclists, volunteers, Bike MS staff, and the police with the respect they deserve.
Staggered Start Tips
- Remember, it's for your safety
- Be patient
- Follow ALL instructions given by Bike MS staff and volunteers, and be courteous to them
- Only enter the start chute via the staging area - this is the ONLY entrance to the route
- Use designated walk areas only - stay out of the start chute
- Be respectful of your fellow cyclists. Remember, you may be just arriving at PATCO, but your fellow Bike MS cyclists may be getting on the road.
- Ensure you are familiar with group riding etiquette
