Bike MS is more than just a ride – it's also the anticipation and preparation for an incredible experience. Training is a journey in itself and is essential to a successful and enjoyable ride.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know from what to wear, what to eat and drink and how to train.
Bike Helmet
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Safety first! No gear is as important as a quality helmet. It’s worth both the time spent finding one that fits you properly and the money spent on a well-made helmet from a reputable manufacturer. |
Jersey
A ventilated, moisture wicking jersey with proper base layer keeps you cool on warm days and warm on cool days. And since most come with rear pockets, you will also have a place to store your phone and other necessities. |
Glasses
Tinted cycling glasses not only protect your eyes from the sun but also help keep rain, wind and bugs from obstructing your view of the road. |
Gloves
Padded cycling gloves protect your hands from road vibrations and soak up sweat allowing you to grip the handlebars securely. Also, since exposed extremities are the first to feel a chill on a long ride, cycling gloves can keep you riding more comfortably for longer. |
Padded Shorts or Bibs
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Whether you prefer bib shorts or a traditional style, padded shorts are a must. Think of it this way; the longer your ride, the happier you’ll be that you have them. Our official jersey sponsor, Primal, produced this video to show you the benefits of cycling apparel. You can learn more about their custom Bike MS kits here. |
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There are many ways to train for Bike MS. Let us show you a few options we know will help you reach the finish line. Bike MS works alongside VeloPro, an advanced AI technology that learns your goals, current fitness level and schedule to create a training plan that continuously adapts to where you are in your training. As you get stronger and faster, your plan will evolve to help you avoid plateaus and have adequate recovery time. Velopro provides training on their main page, so check out this amazing way to train. We also work with Zwift, an online training program, where you can ride along with other cyclists around the world. Check out more on our Training page. |
Before Your Workout
Make sure you’re well-hydrated and have a carbohydrate-rich snack about 30 or 40 mins before your ride.
How to Fuel Short Rides
Ride Duration: one hour or less
Primary Concern: Fluid replenishment and carbohydrate balance
What to Drink: Plain water or a low-carb, electrolyte hydration drink
What to Eat: It’s only possible to absorb about 60g of carbohydrates per hour, so one gel or energy bar is plenty.
Pro Tip: Fueling your workout, even if it’s only an hour long, sets you up for a solid workout and complete recovery.
How to Fuel Medium-Length Rides
Ride Duration: one to three hours
Primary Concern: Carbohydrate replenishment
What to Drink: one bottle/hour of water or light hydration drink
What to Eat: 30 to 60g of carbs per hour from food. Natural sources like dried fruits or dates are best, but energy bars and/or gels work, too.
Pro Tip: Start fueling within the first hour and stay consistent throughout.
How to Fuel Long Rides
Ride Duration: three hours or more
Primary Concern: Carbohydrate and electrolyte replenishment
What to Drink: one bottle/hour of water or light hydration drink
What to Eat: Generally, you should be taking in 30 to 60g of carbs per hour, in total. Eat more solids at the beginning of the ride, and switch to blocks, gels, or chews for the final part of the ride. If you’re drinking plain water, make sure some of your snacks have a bit of salt. Long rides can be hard on digestion, and everyone is different, so experiment and see what works for you.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have a decent breakfast on your long ride days and start snacking within the first hour.
After Your Workout
What and when you eat after a workout determine not only how much you’ll get out of that workout, but how well you will recover for the next one. Right after your ride, have a small, high-carbohydrate snack. Then, within two hours, have a balanced meal with plenty of protein and some carbohydrates.
Remember to always stay hydrated!
More miles mean more progress — see who’s leading the way toward a world free of MS with their training miles for Bike MS.
You can see your name on the leaderboard by logging your training miles. Enter your miles in the fundraising portal activity tab or download the DonorDrive app to track your activity (you can even earn mileage badges along the way!).
Top Individuals |
Top Teams |
The support we receive from local bike shops is crucial; bike mechanics will be located throughout the ride along with yearly support from shops in the area. Stay tuned for more information!
Bike Store Sponsors
Bike Safety Inspections | Houston area | Austin Area | Surrounding Area
Bike Safety Inspections
Not only does your body need to be in the best shape for the Texas MS 150, but your bike should be finely tuned and road worthy as well. To ensure your bike is in the best shape, take your bike and cycling shoes to one of the Texas MS 150 Bike Store Sponsors for a FREE professional safety inspection. The 2025 Bicycle Safety Inspection form will be ready soon to learn what is included in the safety inspection.
- Bike Safety inspections are not mandatory, but strongly encouraged by the National MS Society to promote a safe Texas MS 150.
- Once your bike passes the safety inspection, you will receive a Texas MS 150 bike safety inspection sticker to display on the stem of your bike.
- With this sticker, you are eligible for FREE labor if you need any mechanical repairs during the Texas MS 150 (parts and materials are extra).
FREE bike safety inspections are from Monday, March 10, 2025 - April 20, 2025. Starting April 21, inspections are $15.
Completing the bike safety inspection provides you with the confidence to know that your bike is in the best shape for the event as well as contributing to the safety of all of your fellow cyclists on the road with you to College Station.
Houston Area
Active Cycling Shop
5415 East 5th Street, Katy, TX 77493
346-387-6104
activecyclingkaty@gmail.com
2049 S. Richey St., Pasadena, TX 77502 – 713-472-6651
603 East Main Street, League City, TX 77575 – 281-332-6433
Gear Monkey Bike Repair
1910 Country Place Parkway Suite 158
Pearland, Texas 77584
832-GEAR-100 or 832-432-7100
Handlebar Cyclery
24948 FM 1093 #220, Katy, TX77494 – 832-437-7584
Houston Cycling Centres
Northwest: 17458 Northwest Fwy., Houston, TX 77040 – 713-466-1240
Southwest: 9760 Fondern, Houston, TX 77096 – 713-777-5333
Pearland Bicycles
2819 Cullen Pkwy, Ste 112, Pearland, TX 77584 – 281-741-2115
REI Houston-Willowbrook
17717 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77064
832-237-8833
st92@rei.com
REI Houston
7538 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas, 77063
(713) 353-2582
Sun & Ski Sports
6100 Westheimer Rd. #126, Houston, TX 77057 – 713-783-8180
303 Memorial City #326, Houston, TX 77024 – 713-464-6363
1355 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX 77598 – 281-823-5154
5000 Katy Mills Cir. #505, Katy, TX 77494 – 281-994-5291
25415 I-45 Southbound, Spring, TX 77380 – 832-610-3930
Trek
4311 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339 – 281- 812-8423
24555 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77494 – 281-492-7433
25807 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX 77429 – 281-463-2200
2422-B Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058 – 281-480-9100
12118 Westheimer, Houston, TX 7707 – 281-558-2234
6935 Cypresswood Drive, Houston, TX 77379 – 281-320-0399
5339 Weslayan, Houston, TX 77005 – 713-529-9002
1022 Wirt Rd. #326, Houston, TX 77055 – 713-380-45158
13425 University Blvd., Ste. 100, Sugarland, TX 77479 – 346-291-1214
4747 Research Forest Dr #145, The Woodlands, TX 77381 – 832-966-7404
Urban Bicycle Gallery
801 Durham Drive, Houston, TX 77007 – 713-863-0991
EaDo Bike Co - East Downtown
912 Saint Charles Ste. Bike, Houston, TX, 77003 – 281-826-BIKE
Sugar Cycles North
1727 W 34th St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77018 - (346) 537-3373
Sugar Cycles South
7260 Highway 6 Suite 400
Missouri city, TX 77459
(281) 261-2900
Austin Area
Sun & Ski Sports
2438 West Anderson Ln. #B1A, Austin, TX 78757 – 512-467-2782
Trek Bicycle
517 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 – (512)-477-3472
10947 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759 – (512)-345-7460
9900 W. Parmer Ln., Austin, TX 78717 – (512)-637-6890
Trek Bicycle Bee Cave
12005 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78717 | (512) 634-8844
Surrounding Area
Trek
2307 Texas Avenue, College Station, TX 77840 – 979-383-2308
1120 Lake Air Dr STE 200, Waco, TX 76710 – 254-651-6784
617 I-35, San Marcos, San Marcos, TX 78666 – 512-396-7433
The National MS Society does not sponsor or endorse any third-party activities or events. The information provided below is for informational purposes only. The National MS Society does not have control over the accuracy, reliability or safety of any information or actions provided by third parties. Participants are advised to exercise caution and conduct independent research before engaging in any activities. The National MS Society will not be responsible for any damages, losses, or consequences arising from such participation.
*Please note some of the event website may not be updated for 2024. Be sure to check their website for further details and updates.
Ready2Roll Cycling
Ready2Roll Cycling is a comprehensive, 11-week fully-supported cycling training series that helps to prepare riders to ride as well as most other cycling events. Enrollment is open to teams as well as individuals riders of all levels. It is the largest in the greater Houston area encompassing as many as 1,100 riders and is an ideal platform to help riders become better cyclists while improving their fitness level. A portion of the proceeds benefits the National MS Society. For more information about signing up and the full schedule of planned rides see here: Ready2RollCycling.com
Additional Training Ride Opportunities Schedule
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Pedal for Peace (Houston)
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Pedal Palacios (Palacios)
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Gator Ride (Baytown)
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Tour de Braz (Alvin)
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Riverside Ride (Victoria)
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Just Ride for a Just Cause (Simonton)
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Bluebonnet Express (Waller)
TBD / Waiting on Date
Tour de Houston
TBD / Waiting on Date
Tour de Racha (Waller)
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Gran Fondo Texas (Montgomery)
