Ride Details

Bike MS New York City Facebook Group

Join the Bike MS New York City Facebook Group. Stay connected year-round with us and fellow cyclists.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Click here for a full list of all the important dates and deadlines.

Ride Day Schedule

We are in the process of planning this amazing event, details on ride day will be available later in the season.

Bag Regulations

For the safety of participants please adhere to all the bag restrictions as dictated by the NYPD, large bags that fit into the following specifications are not permitted at the event.   For the safety of our riders, large bags and closed baskets are not permitted at the event. Large bags that fit into the following specifications will not be permitted:

• Bags with shoulder straps (including backpacks, hydration packs, drawstring bags, and messenger bags)
• Panniers or bags that hang on the side of your bike
• Covered baskets
• Any bag over 420 cubic inches (6.9 liters)

Approved bags include saddle bags, frame bags, handlebar bags, fanny packs and uncovered baskets.

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.

Our 30-mile route is a one of kind experience that allows you to see Manhattan in a way you never have before. You will be traffic free around the outer edge of Manhattan on the East & West side highways including a traffic free ride through Battery Park Tunnel at the southern tip of Manhattan and experiences views of the George Washington Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and other New York City landmarks you can only see on this route. Cyclists must maintain a minimum speed of 10-12 mph throughout the route.

Our 50-mile route includes 19 miles of traffic free around Manhattan then a trip across the George Washington Bridge and provides a scenic ride through New Jersey returning over the George Washington Bridge. 

Start and Finish Line Location

We will be returning to Pier 76 at 408 12th Ave, New York, NY 10018 (between 35th and 36th streets). Pier 76 is conveniently located near Penn Station-NJ Train Transit, Amtrak, Long Island Railroad, Subway, PATH Trains (NJ) and Port Authority Bus terminal-NYC & NJ and cross town from Grand Central train station-Metro North (NY State), CT Railroad, and subway.  Pier 76 is accessible via the MTA from 7 train (15 min walk) and A/C/E trains (15 min walk) and from buses M12 and M34-SBS. Please refer to transportation websites for information on transporting your bike.

Route Maps

We are currently finalizing our 2024 route maps, but please take a moment to review our 2023 routes and maps which will be very similar:

2023 Route Maps:

• 30 Mile Route Map
• “Ride with GPS” for 30 Mile Route
• 50 Mile Route Map
• “Ride with GPS” for 50 Mile route
• 50 Mile Cue Sheet

How to download and use 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. Visit the website below for your route
6. Click “Open in App”

Rest Stops

A pit stop will be offered on the FDR approximately 10-12 miles into the course.  This stop will offer water and porto potties only and details on location will be released later in the season.

The Inwood Hill Rest Stop is located 19 miles into the course for both the 30- and 50-mile routes. All cyclists will be held at the rest stop for approximately 45 min as we change over the highway closures from the FDR to the West Side Highway. Instructions will be provided at this rest stop on how to access the 50-mile route later in the season.  Visit Ride Details – Food & Support for every offered at the rest stop.

Rest stops on our 50-mile route will be located every 10-12 miles along our 50-mile route in Fort Lee, Alpine and Englewood Cliffs, NJ.  Rest stops are fully stocked with a variety of snacks, drinks and water, bike repair, and everything you might keep you energized and ready to ride.

Route Markers

For the 30-mile route follow the NYPD directions and signage, and the crowd, as you ride a complete circle around Manhattan traffic free.

The 50-mile route will be marked on the New Jersey side with route markers and signage.

Check back later in the season for a full list of upcoming pre-ride events and activities!

Bike MS New York City Facebook Group

Join the Bike MS New York City Facebook Group. Stay connected year-round with us and fellow cyclists.

MS Awareness Week: March 10-16

MS Awareness Week is a great time to register, rally your team, recruit new members, begin fundraising, and most importantly, a great week to foster awareness and inspire others by sharing your personal story and reason for riding.

Fundraising Weeks: August & September

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. Visit Fundraising Weeks for dates and details.

Logistics Call: Virtual Meet Up: Wednesday October 16

Ride weekend is around the corner. Join us virtually at 7:00 pm via Microsoft Teams to get all the details needed to ensure you are ready to ride.

• Receive important information about the start and ride morning details
• Learn about our exciting finish line experience where will celebrate our 40^th year
• Gain a better understanding about what to expect along the route
• Get ride day ready with tips and tricks from seasoned experts
• Ensure you are a responsible cyclist

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 258 051 129 074
Passcode: RFG2tn

Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only)
+1 315-234-6809,,295345243#   United States, Syracuse
Phone Conference ID: 295 345 243#
Find a local number | Reset PIN

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.

Both a team and an individual participant can win big during this year’s fundraising weeks.

When:

• Fundraising Week #1: August 19-25
• Fundraising Week #2:  September 16-22

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 that week.

Team winners will be determined based on the following two divisions. That’s right, two teams can win during each fundraising week!

• Teams with 15 or more members at the start of the fundraising week
• Teams with 2-14 members at the start of the fundraising week

Prizes:

• Individual Prize: Will be announced soon
• Team Prize: Team Tent in VIP area at Pier 76 finish line stocked with goodies to celebrate with you team after the ride

How: Utilize the fundraising weeks to reach out to your donors, share why you ride and reach your goal

• Check your inbox for details leading up to and during those weeks
• Raise $1,000 and reach Top Fundraiser status and earn the 2024 New York City commemorative top fundraiser jersey and amazing ride day perks
• Download the DonorDrive App now on Google Play or Apple App Store and take advantage of exciting features — like mobile check deposit and QR code creation — will help you go the extra mile in your fundraising, as well as connect with your community
• 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 packet contains important items including your rider bib, bike plate, event details and sponsor giveaways. 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.

The contents of the Bike MS packet are very important, and no participant will be able to access the course without their rider bib, bike plate and emergency wristband ride morning. For safety reasons, please make sure only you wear the rider number assigned to you.

How to Obtain Your Rider Number Packet

Via the Mail: Mailing Deadline Friday September 27

To receive your packet in the mail you will need to reach the $250 fundraising minimum prior to September 27 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. If your waiver is incomplete or a minor waiver is required Bike MS staff will personally follow up with you.

All packets are mailed via the USPS. Please make any updates to your mailing address via the participant dashboard no later them September 27.

If you raise $1,000 or more by September 27 your 2024 Bike MS New York City Top Fundraiser Jersey and credential will be mailed to you.

A list of qualifying participants will be posted on Wednesday October 2.

Via Packet Pick-up: Friday October 25 and Saturday October 26

To pick up your packet at packet pick-up you will need to reach 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. If your waiver is incomplete or a minor waiver is required Bike MS staff will personally follow up with you.

Packet pick-up will be held at:
Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown West
461 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 (Corner of 10th Ave & 34th Street)

Packet pick-up hours:

• Friday October 25 from 11:30am-7pm
• Saturday October 26 from 11am-4pm

Someone else can pick up your packet on your behalf.  Please make sure they have written consent from you to show to staff to pick up your packet.  Team Captains or teammates can pick up on behalf of a team. Please make arrangements with your Bike MS staff partner for team pickups. We will only release packets for participants who have reached the $250 fundraising minimum and have a signed waiver on file.

Via Ride Morning: October 27

Due to the short release window caused by the highway closure packets are not available for pick up on ride morning Sunday October 27.

Turning in Cash and Check Donations

Visit the Donations Guide page to learn more about turning in donations and other frequently asked questions.

Prior to ride weekend:

Please do not mail any cash.  Please make a self-donation via the website for the total amount of cash.

Checks can be processed two ways prior to ride weekend:

1. Download the DonorDrive App now on Google Play or Apple App Store and take advantage of the mobile check deposit feature
2. Mail your check donations (made out to National MS Society) with a completed Donation Tracking Form to National MS Society, Attn: Bike MS: New York City 2024, PO Box 289, Canton, MA  02021.  Please write participant name, event, and year on the memo line of each check (e.g., "John Smith, Bike MS: New York City, 2024").

Ride Day:

Donation envelopes will be available at customer service prior to the ride or in the mission tent post ride.

Lodging

Bike MS New York City participants are responsible for booking their own overnight accommodation.

If you are looking for a hotel in New York City the closest areas to the event start and finish line are the Theater District, Times Square and Mid-Town West areas in Manhattan and offer a variety of price point options.  The start line is the West Side Highway between 35th and 36th street.  The event is in Manhattan, it can be challenging to get into Manhattan due to the early start time from the outer boroughs (Queens, Bronx, Staten Island and Brooklyn), Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York State so please consider your transportation plan if you choose to book lodging in one of these locations.

Transportation

The start finish line at Pier 76 is conveniently located near Penn Station-NJ Train Transit, Amtrak, Long Island Railroad, Subway, PATH Trains (NJ) and Port Authority Bus terminal-NYC & NJ and cross town from Grand Central train station-Metro North (NY State), CT Railroad, and subway.  Pier 76 is accessible via the MTA from 7 train (15 min walk) and A/C/E trains (15 min walk) and from buses M12 and M34-SBS. Please refer to transportation websites for information on transporting your bike.

We do recommend participants, volunteers, and spectators to use public transportation due to road closures.

Since Bike MS New York City is a one-day event we do not offer overnight bike storage, but secure bike parking is available for all participants on the completion of the ride to enjoy the finish line festival. 

Due to space limitations at Pier 76, we are unable to offer any onsite parking for our event. We do recommend participants, volunteers, and spectators to use public transportation due to road closures.

The start finish line at Pier 76 is conveniently located near Penn Station-NJ Train Transit, Amtrak, Long Island Railroad, Subway, PATH Trains (NJ) and Port Authority Bus terminal-NYC & NJ and cross town from Grand Central train station-Metro North (NY State), CT Railroad, and subway.  Pier 76 is accessible via the MTA from 7 train (15 min walk) and A/C/E trains (15 min walk) and from buses M12 and M34-SBS. Please refer to transportation websites for information on transporting your bike.

Food

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

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.

After you cross the finish line, we will have plenty of local food information handy.

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!

Bicycle Types Permitted

Except for a specific class of e-bike as described below, all participants in Bike MS events are only permitted to use “self-propelled” bicycles without motors. Rollerblades, pedicabs, rickshaws, party pedal golf carts, bar pedal carts, mini-bikes, off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes), electric unicycles, hoverboards or trailers will not be permitted on Bike MS rides, without express prior permission from the National MS Society’s Legal and Risk Management Department.

Only Class 1 Electric Bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed in the Bike MS: New York City event due to New York State e-bike regulations (city permitting) on our ride routes.

A Class 1 electric bike, otherwise known as a low-speed pedal-assisted bicycle is a bike equipped with a motor that aids only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches a top speed of 20 miles per hour.

Cyclists on e-bikes are asked to be extremely cautious when riding for their safety and the safety of the cyclists on regular bikes. In addition, riders should note that our Bike MS: New York City SAG vehicles are not equipped to handle multiple e-bike pickups.

All batteries and charging are the responsibility of the rider and Bike MS: New York City will not provide charging stations along the routes.

Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicles

Just can’t push another pedal? These school bus & truck duos follow at the end of the riders and stop at the rest stops. Cyclists are expected to maintain a minimum speed of 10-12 mph throughout the route.

Flip your bike upside down and look for the first SAG wagon to come your way. Give the thumbs-down signal if you want to be picked up. You and your bike will be transported.

The trip to the finish line is not always direct. Be patient as we pick up other cyclists in need. Once you board the SAG vehicle you will not be able to get off until they reach the finish line at Pier 76. 

Due to safety reasons Personal SAG Vehicles PROHIBITED from the routes.

We are unable to allow trailers, tagalongs or child carriers on the route per the National MS Society’s Youth Riders policy.

Bike Marshals

These cyclist 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 orange vests so you can’t miss them. 

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.

March 4: 2024 Registration Opens!

March 10-16:  MS Awareness Week

April 30: Registration Fee Increase from $20 to $35   

May 30:  World MS Day

June 25: Registration Fee Increase from $35 to $50

August 15: Registration Fee Increase from $50 to $60

August 19-25: Fundraising Week #1
Both teams and an individual participant can win during this fundraising week. See details in Fundraising Weeks. Plus, stay tuned for an email in your inbox with more details!

September 16-22: Fundraising Week #2
Both teams and an individual participant can win during this fundraising week. See details in Fundraising Weeks. Plus, stay tuned for an email in your inbox with more details!

September 27: Rider Number Mailing Deadline
To receive your rider number in the mail, we must have received your required waiver/safety pledge (if you registered online and over 18 you will have completed this as part of the online registration process) and you have reached the $250 fundraising minimum. See Ride Info & Requirements section for ride requirements. Visit the Get Your Rider Number (Packet Pick-Up) section for more details on how to receive your rider number packet.

September 27: Registration Fee Increase from $60 to $70

September 30-October 2: Rider Numbers Mailed (to those meeting the September 27 deadline). Visit the Get Your Rider Number (Packet Pick-Up) section for more details on how to receive your rider number packet.

October 25-26: Rider Number Pick Up
If you missed the rider number mailing deadline, there will be one opportunity to pick up your packet prior to ride weekend. Visit the Get Your Rider Number (Packet Pick-Up) section for more details on how to receive your rider number packet.  There is no packet pick up available on ride morning.

October 26 at 4:00pm ET: Online registration closes

October 27: Bike MS: New York City! 

November 26: Prize Deadline. Visit the Clubs & Incentives page for more details.

December 3: Giving Tuesday

December 26: Elite 150 Club Fundraising Rankings & Team Award Deadline You can still qualify for an Elite 150 ranking past the prize deadline (Nov. 26). This is also when Team Awards are finalized. Visit our Leaderboard page for real-time listings of the top teams and individuals for the Bike MS: New York City.

February 2025 TBD: Post Event Recognition Ceremony