Bike MS® is more than just a ride — it's also the anticipation and preparation for an incredible experience.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know from what to wear, what to eat and drink and how to train.
Bike Helmet
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
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.
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.
As you prepare for the Bike MS: New Bern Ride there are many opportunities to join other cyclists in your training journey. These recommended rides are hosted by local bike shops and other community organizations leading up to your Bike MS experience.
**Please note -Recommended training rides are not hosted by the National MS Society/Bike MS **
Tuesdays
5:45 PM – Brewery99, New Bern
6 PM - Raleigh Brewing Company (Neil Street) & TeamCBC
Join RBC and TeamCBC on Tuesday evenings at 6 PM starting in April for training rides to prepare you for Bike MS. There will be two groups, a B ride with a 15 – 16 mph pace and a C ride with a 12 – 14 mph pace. Routes will be 15 and 18 miles. Each group will have a leader and a sweeper. Stay for a beer with friends afterwards! For more information on TeamCBC, visit their website.
Saturdays
8 AM – Brewery99, New Bern
8:30 AM or 9 AM depending on the date - Triangle Training Ride
Join these training rides to work on maintenance and readiness, basic cycling skills, riding technique, paceline etiquette, increasing endurance and speed, and nutrition and hydration. This ride will provide one on one and group training designed to help you learn and grow your cycling skills!
NO DROP system and experienced ride leaders ensure an enjoyable experience while improving your skills and health.
For more information visit: triangletrainingride.com
Recommended Rides
For a full list of charity rides in the Greater Carolinas, visit this website provided by the North Carolina Bicycle Club.
April 12 – 13, 2025: Ride the Lowcountry benefiting Bike MS
This year's Ride the Lowcountry event will again be at the same spacious venue as last year: Awendaw Municipal Park, 7900 Doar Rd in Awendaw, SC. Choose from routes of 33, 43, 65 and 100 miles of beautiful Lowcountry marsh and woodlands, much of it in a national forest with its flat, quiet roads, for a relaxing, but challenging ride with your friends.
April 2025: Rites of Spring benefiting Bike MS
Rites of Spring is hosted by the Greensboro Velo Club to benefit Bike MS. This ride takes cyclists through beautiful northwest Guildford County with mileage options ranging from 12 to 59 miles. Salsarita’s will be providing lunch after you cross the finish line!
April 2025: Coastal Ride by Cycle North Carolina
The Cycle North Carolina Coastal Ride offers participants and their families a fun-filled 3-day weekend while both on and off the bike. Start your day by hopping on your bike and exploring one of the many fully supported routes this ride has to offer. Each day will feature a variety of routes ranging anywhere from 15 miles to 100 miles. The flat roads and minimal traffic counts will allow you to fully experience all of the sights and sounds of the Oriental area including an abundance of coastal wildlife and many historic sites that are deeply rooted to the local communities.
May 2025: Raven Rock Ramble
The Raven Rock Ramble is a ride that explores the four-county area (Wake, Harnett, Lee, and Chatham) around Raven Rock State Park. Distances: 100 miles, 86 miles, 100K (62 miles), 42 miles, and 50K (31 miles). See the Routes page for details.
May 2025: Triad Honor Ride
Join the 4th annual Honor Ride in Summerfield, NC, just north of Greensboro. The event will start and finish at the Village Beverage Co. and provide four distances – 23, 37, 50 and 65 miles. Stick around for a post-ride lunch, beer, live music and door prizes.
June 2025: Spring Fling to benefit Bike MS
Spring Fling organized by TeamCBC is pleased to announce the party to kick off the summer of riding and a chance to raise funds for Bike MS! This year all rides will start from Hugger Mugger, 229 Wicker St, Sanford. Cyclists can choose from three fully supported routes along Lee and Harnett counties' peaceful scenic roads: Full Metric (64 miles), Half Metric (35 miles), One-Third Metric (22 miles).
July 4, 2025: Firecracker Ride to benefit Bike MS
Firecracker Ride: Celebrate Independence Day on a bike with the Firecracker Ride! Routes start from Caroline Brewing Company (140 Thomas Mill Road, Holly Springs, NC 27540) and options include 100k, 60k and 30k. This ride benefits the National MS Society and cyclists registered for Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride can earn fundraising dollars by volunteering.
July 2025: 24 Hours of Booty
24 Hours of Booty isn’t a race or an endurance event. Riders and Walkers can set their own mileage goals and get on and off the police secured course as much as they would like throughout the 24 hours. Registration will be open soon and you’ll be able to secure your spot on the famous Booty Loop through the Myers Park neighborhood.
September 20-21, 2025: Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood, Official Bike MS event
At Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood, enjoy the scenic views of the Yadkin River Valley and Tanglewood Park with a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS. Soak in the landscape and beautiful views of the Piedmont Triad from your bike while riding along a two-day route that showcases the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Feel the extraordinary support and excitement throughout your journey as we come together to reach our goal—a world free of MS.
September 2025: Tip2Tip benefiting Bike MS
Tip2Tip was conceived in late spring 2021, the idea was brought to fruition by the Selma Cyclapaths and the Tackle Box Tavern. It is a joint effort to bring exposure to the Bogue Banks area (also a part of the Crystal Coast) and help raise funds for MS research. This is now a yearly cycling event based at The Circle in Atlantic Beach, anchored by the Tackle Box Tavern and The Bite at the Box, to support a worthy cause. The event is SAG supported by volunteers. SAG rest stops are at Indian Beach for the 25, 50 and 62 mile routes. Another SAG rest stop will be at the Speedway ~6mi east of Cape Carteret on Hwy 24 for the 62 mi route.
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.
Our bike shop partners are ready to help you maximize the Bike MS experience. They are a great resource on bikes, service, equipment and training advice. Visit one of them to make sure you and your bike are ready for Bike MS!
The Official Bike MS: Historic New Bern Bike Shops are major supporters and partners of the National MS Society, supporting our efforts to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and raise funds to support research, programs, services, and advocacy for those living with MS.
The Official Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride Bike Shop personnel are cycling enthusiasts with the experience and knowledge to help make your Bike MS experience safe and enjoyable. They provide the service, knowledge, and expertise to help you maintain your bike and other cycling equipment. Services may vary from store to store, so be sure to contact the store to inquire about their team support programs.
BIKE INSPECTIONS: July 19 – September 5
We encourage cyclists to visit our partner stores for a bike inspection prior to the ride. All participants receiving an inspection will be provided an official Bike Shop Inspection approval sticker. This ensures any mechanical issues you encounter ride weekend will be free of charge (parts and materials not included).
6300 Creedmoor Rd, Ste 138 Raleigh, NC 27612
Bell Lap Cycleworks is more than just a business; it's a passion project that Josh and Hugo have nurtured since their inception into the world of cycling. This journey began with a shared dream and a shared love for the cycling industry, which has grown stronger over the years. As a local small business, we take pride in the fact that our story is one of partnership, dedication, and a commitment to delivering the best personalized bicycle services right here in our community.
- 1791 W. Williams St. Apex, NC 27523
- 210 W. Franklin Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- 9000 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27617
- 5400 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd Durham, NC 27707
The Clean Machine has been locally owned and operated since 1972. Their mission is to ensure customers leave their stores happier than when they came in.
- Raleigh Ridgewood - 3512-A Wade Ave Raleigh, NC 27607
- 1241 Kildaire Farm Rd Cary, NC 27511
- 8111 Creedmoor Rd Raleigh, NC 27613
FAMILY-OWNED SINCE 1957
Since day one, Conte’s Bike Shop has been focused on providing the best customer experience possible with the best selection of products. Now, with 21 stores from Florida to Massachusetts, we are one of the nation’s largest independent bicycle stores. Whether you shop with us in-store or online, our friendly staff are here to assist you with all your cycling needs.
Flythe's Bike Shop | New Bern NC | Facebook
2411 Trent Road New Bern, NS 28562
At Flythe's, they believe the whole point of cycling is enjoying the ride. Established in 1977, Flythe's Bike Shop has proudly supplied quality bicycles and services to New Bern and the surrounding area for over 37 years.
- 243 South Elliott Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- 3020 Wake Forest Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
- 10911 Raven Ridge Rd # 107 Raleigh, NC 276124
- 1377 NW Maynard Road Cary, NC 27513
Since 1976, Trek is on a mission to make our world a better place to live and ride.
We build only products we love, provide incredible hospitality to our customers, and change the world by getting more people on bikes.
Other Safety Inspection Bike Partners:
- Durham Cycles - 756 9th St. Durham, NC 27705
- TLC for Bikes - 8480 Honeycutt Rd #126 Raleigh, NC 27615
- Cycle Logic - 1211 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27603
- Oak City Cycling - 707 N. Person St. Raleigh, NC 27604
