Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext.235 or michelle.davis@mssociety.ca
About the RONA MS Bike Tour
What is the date of the 2011 Ottawa to Kemptville RONA MS Bike Tour?
Where is the start/finish line for the Ottawa to Kemptville RONA MS Bike Tour?
What time does the RONA MS Bike Tour start?
Does the MS Society organize rides to the start/finish locations?
I am doing the 1-day tour, how do I get back to Ottawa from Kemptville?
How old do you have to be to participate?
If it rains, will the Tour be cancelled?
Where can I leave my car?
What do I do with my luggage?
How do I check-in at the RONA MS Bike Tour?
What happens if my bike breaks down?
What if I have trouble and/or can't finish?
What are the routes for the Tour?
Do I have to tell you what route I am riding?
I am signed up for the ride but find that I am unable to participate. What should I do?
Are there rest stops along the route?
Where can I get a map of the route?
What do I need to bring with me on the Tour?
I've lost my keys/book/sweater etc!
Where is First Aid?
Can my family join me in Kemptville?
Can a friend or family join me for dinner?
Fundraising and Prizing
What is the fundraising minimum?
What if I don't raise the minimum amount?
Can I mail in my pledges?
Where and when can pledges be handed in?
My fundraising efforts have earned me a prize! When will I receive it?
What do I get for raising $1000?
What do I get for raising $2000?
When will my donors receive their tax receipt?
TeamMS
What is TeamMS?
Online Fundraising System (OFS)
I'm having difficulty logging into my page, what should I do?
What if I can't remember my login and password?
I did not get my pledge form emailed to me with my event registration. What should I do?
I would like more pledge forms.
How long does it take for my online registration to be processed?
How do I use the MS Society of Canada's online fundraising system?
My donation went through twice. What should I do?
I'm not sure if my donation went through. What should I do?
How do I add money that I have collected to my online total?
Can I change the picture or video on my online account?
How do I create a team?
How do I join a team?
Can I change my online fundraising goal after I have registered?
What is the date of the 2011 Ottawa to Kemptville RONA MS Bike Tour?
The 2011 RONA MS Bike Tour Ottawa to Kemptville will take place on August 6-7, 2011
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Where is the start/finish for the RONA MS Bike Tour?
The start line on Saturday, August 6 is located at Carleton University with the finish line at Kemptville College. Sunday, August 8 is the reverse.
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What time does the RONA MS Bike Tour start?
Check-in at Carleton University starts at 7:00 am. The first cyclists will leave in groups of 50 starting at 8:00 am. For your own safety no one will be allowed to leave early. Please note – ALL cyclists MUST check-in at the check-in table once they get to Kemptville.
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Does the MS Society organize rides to the start/finish locations?
Participants need to find their own way to the start/finish locations. We will only transport the 1-Day Tour riders from Kemptville College back to Carleton University on Saturday evening.
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What time does the RONA MS Bike Tour start?
Check-in at Carleton University starts at 7:00 am. The first cyclists will leave in groups of 50 starting at 8:00 am. For your own safety no one will be allowed to leave early. Please note – ALL cyclists must check-in at the check-in/accommodations table once they get to Kemptville.
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I am doing the 1-Day tour, how do I get back to Ottawa from Kemptville?
We will have two bus times available to bring the participants back to Carleton University on Saturday evening. 1-Day participants will be contacted closer to tour date to schedule their bus return time. Bikes will be transported back in one of our cube vans. You can also choose to have someone pick you up or you can leave your car at Kemptville campus on Friday evening so that it is there for you to take home.
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How old do you have to be to participate?
Cyclists of all ages are welcome. Cyclists under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
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If it rains, will the Tour be cancelled?
The RONA MS Bike Tour continues rain or shine! The route will only be closed if there is a safety concern.
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Where can I leave my car?
Your vehicle can be parked at Carleton University in designated areas in lots #3 & #5. There is no charge to park your car in these lots and they can be parked overnight during the Tour weekend. Cyclist can also choose to park their car at Kemptville Campus on Friday evening. There is a lot of free parking on campus.
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What do I do with my luggage?
Bring your luggage to Carleton University and it will be transported for you to the finish line both days. Please have an ID tag on your luggage and carry any valuables or medications with you.
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How do I check-in at the RONA MS Bike Tour?
If you have already submitted your pledge money, or if all your pledges are online, you can proceed to the express check-in. You will submit your medical form and get your rider bib, T-shirt and Jersey and/or shorts (if qualified). You do not have to go through the main check-in line. Enjoy breakfast and get ready to ride.
If you DO have money to submit, you have to line up at check-in. Please note that ALL cyclists MUST check-in at the check-in table when they get to Kemptville Campus.
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What happens if my bike breaks down?
Bike mechanics will be along the route to help you out if needed. Don’t forget to take your bike in for a tune-up prior to the tour and remember to bring spare tubes for event weekend.
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What if I have trouble on the route and/or can’t finish?
Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles will be driving the route and will assist participants who have trouble or feel they can’t finish. To flag down a vehicle, stand to the side of the road and wave your helmet in the air to let them know you need assistance. If you are unable to finish, you will be transferred to the next checkpoint for pickup by the support bus. If you are at a checkpoint let one of the volunteers know so they can contact the bus for pickup.
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What are the routes for the Tour?
On day one you can chose the 65k or the 85k route. We also have an additional 35k loop that you can ride once you get to Kemptville. The Day 2route is 65k. You can find more information about the routes by clicking here.
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Do I have to tell you what route I am riding?
If you are choose to ride the extra loop, then yes. Participants wishing to ride the extra 35k loop must sign up once they reach Kemptville College. The deadline to start the 35k loop is 1:00 pm. If you change your mind prior to sign up or do not intend on cycling the extra loop, then no. You can change your mind on route if you get tired.
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I signed up for the ride but find that I am unable to participate what should I do?
If for any reason you are unable to participate in the RONA MS Bike Tour please contact Michelle at the MS Society as soon as possible at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca or 613-728-1583 ext 235. Michelle will withdraw you from the tour and if applicable release any reserved accommodations. Registration fees are non-refundable.
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Are there rest stops along the route?
Yes there are rest stops every 15-20 km along the route. Each rest stop is equipped with refreshments, a first aid kit and portable toilets.
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Where can I get a map of the route?
The draft route map is available here. The final map will be posted the week prior to the tour. Maps will also be available at the check-in tables on tour weekend.
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What do I need to bring with me to the tour?
All information on what to bring to the tour is included in the Cyclist Handbook which is located online at here. The Ottawa-Kemptville Gearing Up newsletter will also be sent to all participants two weeks prior to the tour. Gearing Up will also be available online here closer to tour date.
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I’ve lost my keys/book/sweater etc!
Lost and Found will be located at the Volunteer Check-in table at Carleton University and at Accommodation/Check-In at Kemptville College. This is also the meeting place for lost children/boyfriends/parents etc. After the Tour, lost and found items can be picked up at the Ottawa Chapter office at 1826 Woodward Drive.
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Where is First Aid?
The Canadian Ski Patrol will be looking after all first aid requirements during tour weekend. They will be on site in the gymnasium at Carleton University on Saturday morning. They will also be out on the route during the tour. First aid kits will be available at the volunteer check-in tables and at all checkpoints along the route. There will also be an emergency # in the package you receive at check-in in Kemptville if first aid is required on Saturday evening.
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Can my family join me in Kemptville?
Yes they can. Unfortunately we cannot offer accommodations for everyone. The Dorm rooms are reserved for cyclists. If you have family or friends joining you overnight please advise the MS Society as soon as possible. We have to let Kemptville College know how many people are on campus overnight for Fire & Safety regulations.
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Can a friend join me for dinner?
Yes they can. They can purchase a dinner bracelet for $15 in Kemptville at the Check-In table.
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Fundraising and Prizing
What is the fundraising minimum?
All cyclists must register and pay the registration fee to join our tour. All participants over 12 years old must raise a minimum of $250 in pledges to participate.
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What if I don’t raise the minimum amount?
The participant has three weeks after the event to raise pledges. Failure to comply could lead to tour disqualification in a subsequent year. All participants that do not meet the minimum will be contacted after the deadline.
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Can I mail in my pledges?
Yes, our mailing address is:
MS Society, Ottawa Chapter
1826 Woodward Dr.
Ottawa, ON K2C 0P7
Please do not send cash in the mail.
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Where and when can pledges be handed in?
We encourage you to submit your pledges to the MS Society Ottawa Chapter (see above address) before or after the event. You can also hand in your pledges at Carleton University on the morning of the Tour.
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My fundraising efforts have earned me a prize! When will I receive it?
The $1000 Club jerseys and $2000 Club cycling shorts will be available before the tour and on event weekend in limited quantities. Contact the office to reserve your size. All other prizes will be available 8 – 10 weeks after the tour. Emails will be sent to all participants to advise of the pick-up dates/times. If you do not have email you will receive a phone call. Be sure to request your prize on the Prize Selection Form. (Mailed to you two weeks prior to tour or on-line at here)
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What do I get for raising $1000?
All cyclists that raise $1000 or more will receive the 2010 $1000 Club Jersey and a choice of gift certificates. To view the prizing structure, please go here.
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What do I get for raising $2000?
All cyclists that raise $2000 or more will receive the 2010 $2000 club cycling shorts, $1000 club jersey and a choice of gift certificates. To view the prizing structure, please go here.
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When will my donors receive their tax receipt?
If the donor pledged online they will receive their tax receipt instantly by email. They may have to check their junk folders on some email systems. Otherwise, your donors should receive their tax receipt 4 to 6 months after the Tour.
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TeamMS
What is TeamMS?
TeamMS is a program where participants join together to fight MS. To qualify as a team the group must have a Team Captain and a minimum of 3 other participants. Team Captains receive a thank you gift for recruiting and organizing their team. For more information, please go here
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Online Fundraising System (OFS)
I’m having difficulty logging into my page, what should I do?
If you are having difficulty logging in, and know that you have a contact record with us, please contact us prior to creating a new record. This will ensure that you won’t receive additional unnecessary mail and alleviate the problem of duplicates in our system. Please call Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext. 235 or email at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca for assistance.
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What if I can’t remember my login and password?
If you have forgotten you login and password, please call Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext 235 or email at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca for assistance. Once we have provided you with this information, please keep it confidential.
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I did not get my pledge form emailed to me with my event registration or I would like more pledge forms?
You can log into your online account and download a copy of your personalized pledge sheet. Go to the Fundraising Tab and select the red bar – “download a pledge sheet”. You can then print as many copies as you require. If you are unable to print the form please contact Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext 235 or email at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca and ask to have some mailed to you.
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How long does it take for my online registration to be processed?
All online registrations are processed immediately. Once you have completed the registration process, you should receive a registration confirmation email immediately provided you have entered the correct email address during the registration.
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How do I use the MS Society of Canada’s online fundraising system?
Once you are logged into your own personal online fundraising page for any MS Society events, please take a few moments to navigate the different tabs and functions of the system. This will greatly assist you in creating your own page within your personal space. You can also refer to the document “OFS Guide” in the “I am registered” section of the bike tour at www.mssociety.ca/Ottawa. If you are unsure of some of these functions or have any questions, please contact Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext 235 or email at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca for assistance.
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My donation went through twice or I’m not sure if it went through, what do I do?
If you are experiencing difficulties in making an online donation, please check that you have filled all the necessary information first. If you continue to have difficulties, please contact us to make sure that your donation has not gone through before trying again. For assistance please call Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext 235 or email at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca.
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How do I add money that I have collected into the online system?
Log into your online account and select the fundraising tab. Half way down the page there is a line “Pledges collected but not yet handed in to the MS Society”. Input the total amount in the box beside this line. Your fundraising graph will then include this field in the total. NOTE – Please change this field back to 0.00 once you hand in your money. Otherwise your graph will show the donations twice.
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Can I change the picture or video on my online account?
Yes you can change the picture or video in your online account. This can be done under the Fundraising tab. Once there select the picture tab. Select the either update video or change picture button and follow the system instructions. For assistance refer to the document OFS Guide found here. If you are unsure of some of these functions or have any questions, please contact Michelle at 613-728-1583 ext 235 or email at michelle.davis@mssociety.ca for assistance.
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How can I create a team?
To create a team, select the “TeamMS” tab then select on “Create my Team”. Enter the appropriate information and select the Create my team button. When you have submitted the name, the online system will run a check to see if that particular team name already exists for that event location. If the team name already exists you will be prompted to enter a different team name. If the team name does not exist the system will complete the request and you will get the Team page.
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How do I join a team?
To join a team log into your online account and select the “TeamMS” tab. Select the “Join a Team” tab. Select from the drop down list the name of the team you wish to join. Only teams that have already been created for this particular event will be shown.
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Can I change my online fundraising goal after I have registered?
Yes. Select the “Fundraising” tab in your online account. Enter your goal in the line: “I am committed to raising $ in the fight against MS”
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