JOHNSON MS MOUNTAIN BIKE CYCLIST HANDBOOK

SEPTEMBER 9 & 10, 2017

WELCOME

ABOUT JOHNSON MS MOUNTAIN BIKE

The Johnson MS Mountain Bike is an annual fundraiser to support breakthrough multiple sclerosis research and a host of programs and services for Albertans living with MS. By registering for the 2017 tour and raising funds, you’re making a profound di�erence in the lives of more than 14,000 Albertans living with MS.

You probably have many questions about the 19th Annual event on September 9 & 10, 2017. The cyclist handbook provides information to help you have a successful cycling and fundraising experience this September, whether you are cycling as an individual, as part of a team or as a team captain.

As you embark on your two-day challenge, remember those who face the daily lifelong challenges of MS. Your participation and fundraising accomplishments are crucial factors on the road to a cure for MS. On behalf of the MS Society, Alberta & Northwest Territories Division and the thousands of Albertans living with MS, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,Your Johnson MS Mountain Bike Team

CONTENTS

Pre-Tour InformationAbout MS ............................................................................. page 2Fundraising - Need To Know .......................................... page 3Fundraising - Rewards ...................................................... page 4Fundraising - Tips & Tricks ............................................... page 5Recruitment ........................................................................ page 6Training Rides ...................................................................... page 7Package Pick Up ................................................................ page 8 Packing ................................................................................. page 9

Tour Weekend InformationTour Rules ......................................................................... page 10Route Map ......................................................................... page 11Route Support .................................................................. page 12Schedule & Accommodations ..................................... page 13Sponsor - Johnson Insurance ..................................... page 14

Post-Tour InformationAfter-Event - Need To Know ........................................ page 15Sponsors - Tour Sponsors ............................................. page 16

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Manager, Johnson MS Mountain Bike - Abbey Elzen-Koehliabbey.elzen@mssociety

Senior Coordinator, Johnson MS Mountain Bike - Nicole Gasiornicole.gasior@mssociety.ca

Coordinator, Events - Patricia Slipppatricia.slipp@mssociety.ca

Senior Coordinators, Corporate & Community Development -Emily Frey & Tyler Russell emily.frey@mssociety.ca & tyler.russell@mssociety.ca

Manager, Volunteer Resources - Liz Laurenceliz.laurence@mssociety.ca

Coordinator, Volunteer Resources - Jody Deckertjody.deckert@mssociety.ca

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ABOUT MS

Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world.

100,000 Canadians live with MS.

MS is the most common neurological disease a�ecting young adults in Canada.

World-leading MS research is being produced by MS experts across the country.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that a�ects not only individuals, but also families who come together to manage the realities of MS.

OUR MISSION: To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people a�ected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

Every year, Canadians come together in so many ways to fight MS. We are so grateful to all of you who work tirelessly to raise money to fund research that leads to a better quality of life for people living with MS. Whether you are a caregiver, donor, sponsor, volunteer, person a�ected by MS – thank you, so much, for fighting with us for a world free of MS!

This past year marked many exciting developments in MS research. With each breakthrough bringing us one step closer to understanding the underlying causes of MS, we can find new ways to improve the quality of life for people a�ected by MS. Through our funding programs we continue to display strong leadership in the fight to end MS by supporting innovative fundamental and clinical research in progressive MS, myelin repair and protection against nerve damage, symptom management and improving well-being and quality of life.

Our Impact Report explains in detail research objectives and goals that have been addressed through studies funded by the MS Society of Canada – because of you! Check out your impact here: http://bit.ly/2tHlxlm

To follow our progress and get the inside story on MS research, visit DrKarenLee.ca or follow @Dr_KarenLee on Twitter

& YOUR IMPACT

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FUNDRAISING

The Johnson MS Mountain Bike - Hintonis an annual fundraiser which supports ground-breaking multiple sclerosis research and a host of programs and services for people a�ected by MS.

By registering for the 2017 tour and raising funds, you are making a profound di�erence in the lives of more than 14,000 Albertans living with MS.

On a consolidated basis in Alberta and Northwest Territories (Division oce and all its Chapters), in 2017 the MS Society expects to raise 7.5 million in gross proceeds at a direct cost of 31%.

HOW TO TURN IN PLEDGE MONEY

1) After filling out your pledge sheets and collecting cash and cheques, visit us at our o¡ce. You can visit us any time prior to the tour or during package pick-up week.

Cheques can be made out to MS Bike. Please do not mail cash.

150, 9405 50 Street Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 2T4 *please use East Entrance o� 49th Street NW

2) You can also bring in your donations on the Saturday morning of the tour at our start line location - Hinton Friendship Centre.

965 Switzer Drive Hinton, Alberta T7V 1W1

3) Online. We encourage cyclists to have their donors give online as it is the quickest way to have your fundraising dollars accounted for. Donating online also provides donors with instant tax receipts sent out to them electronically.

NEED TO KNOW

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

b The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable and does not apply to the minimum fundraising requirement.

b This is a fundraising event and every cyclist must raise the $300 fundraising minimum to participate.

b There are no additional costs for food or road support during the tour weekend. *Bring your own food as we cannot guarantee accommodating all allergies.

b All cyclists MUST wear a non-expired regulation bicyle helmet.

b Please have a proper safety check and bike fit done prior to the tour. This will ensure you have a smooth ride!

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$30 000

$20 000

$15 000

$12 500

$10 000

$7500

$5000

$3500

$2000

$1000

$300

Invitation for participant to attend the Tour of Champions OR $2500 Gift Card

Invitation for participant to attend the Tour of Champions OR $1500 Gift Card

Invitation for participant to attend the Tour of Champions OR $1000 Gift Card

Invitation for participant to attend the Tour of Champions OR $900 Gift Card

$750 Gift Card

$550 Gift Card

$400 Gift Card

$250 Gift Card

$2000 Club Sugoi Cycling Shorts

$1000 Club Sugoi Cycling Jersey

Johnson MS Bike T-Shirt (Pre-shrunk. 100% cotton)

REWARDSFUNDRAISING

Become a member of the Mission First Club. Join a special group of people who put the mission of finding a cure for MS first. Donate your gift cards back to the MS Society and receive a tax receipt equal to the value of your gift cards. When you donate your gift card, the MS Society can dedicate more funds towards research and to providing vital supports and services to those a�ected by MS.

PLEASE NOTE: Rewards and gift cards are not automatically allocated and are not cumulative (with the exception of the 1000 & 2000 Club items). They are based on individual and not team totals.

You can make your gift card choice by contacting Nicole at nicole.gasior@mssociety.ca or 780.440.8762, when turning in pledges during Package Pick Up Week or during registration the morning of Day 1 of the tour.

All apparel items come in men’s sizes.

Choose from a Rona, Chapters or United Cycle gift card for your 2017 fundraising e�orts!

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b Start Early: Once you register, start your fundraising. The sooner you start asking, the more money you will raise, so start asking today!

b Set A Goal: When people see that you have set a goal they will want to help you achieve it. By setting a higher goal, donors will be more likely to give you larger pledges, helping you reach your fundraising goal easier.

b Pledge Yourself First: Make the first donation yours. It’s an easy way to show your passion for the cause and inspire family, friends, and colleagues to also make a generous donation.

b Ask Your Top Donors First: This will help set the standard of donations you receive. Consider timing when asking (i.e. ask for a donation on, or shortly after, pay day)

b Then Ask Everyone: Don’t be shy! Now that you’ve contacted your top donors, ask everyone. This is the number one tip given by our top fundraisers - and when we say everyone we mean everyone! Be prepared to tell donors about MS and how their donations are put to good use.

b Spread The Word: Let people know you are fundraising for the tour. Create a team poster or change the signature of your emails to mention your involvement.

b Social Media: Post a link to your personal fundraising page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. and ask your friends and family to donate.

b Get Creative: Whether it’s a silent auction, wine survivor, bonspiel, ra§e basket, 50/50 draw or an MS pasta dinner - a creative fundraiser can be a great way to raise a lot of money quickly.

Contact Tyler Russell at tyler.russell@mssociety.ca with any related questions.

b Join Or Form A Team: Need to stay motivated? Join our rookie team, Team United Cycle, or form your own team with co-workers, family and friends. There is power and fun in numbers.

b Make Your Charitable Donations Work Harder: For donations greater than $200 in a calendar year, Albertans receive a 50% charitable tax credit (one of the highest in Canada). New donors can also take advantage of the federal government’s First Time Donor’s Super Credit

b Thank Your Donors: Make sure to follow up and thank those who have helped you reach your fundraising goal. Send them a post-event update about your ride!

CUSTOMIZE YOUR PERSONAL FUNDRAISING PAGE

Login to your account at www.msbike.ca to create and update your personal information.

Make your page compelling by writing a personal message. Let sponsors know why you have chosen to ride, and that the Johnson MS Mountain Bike deserves their support!

Be sure to upload a great photo of you, your team, or who inspires you to ride!

From your participant centre you can send an email to your friends, family and donors.

If you require assistance with your online fundraising page or require access to your login ID and password, please contact:

Patricia at patricia.slipp@mssociety.ca, or by phone at 780-463-1190.

FUNDRAISING TIPS & TRICKS

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RECRUITMENT

CYCLING WITH A TEAM IS THE BEST WAY TO...

b Have more fun - It’s always more fun with family, friends and co-workers by your side!

b Strengthen your impact - Fundraising is easier with the support of your team! It’s proven that your fundraising increases when you are part of a team.

b Show your spirit - Order custom Jersey Lab team jerseys with your own colours and logos! (Contact nicole.gasior@mssociety.ca for more info) *$10 from each jersey is donated back to the MS Society!

b Increase your corporate visibility - It’s a great way to gain exposure for your company as well as grow camaraderie amongst your colleagues.

b Stay motivated - Keep your motivation and fundraising on track.

PARTICIPATE AS A TEAM

RECRUITMENT CHALLENGE Grow your team by recruiting 3 new members!

What if each member of your team inspired three more to join the cause? Growing your bike team is easier than you think! Invite your friends, family or your co-workers. Tell them you are riding to raise funds to end MS. Spread the word, the more the merrier!

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TRAINING RIDES

TRAINING FOR THE TOUR:

The key to a successful ride lies in consistent training and preparation. Here are five steps to get in gear for the 2017 Johnson MS Mountain Bike.

b Get Tuned and Fitted: Stop in at your local bike shop, like United Cycle, and let the experts verify that your bike is trail ready. We strongly recommend that you have your bike checked before the weekend of the tour.

b Track Your Kilometres: Access your improvement. Finding the distance of a particular training route with your car’s odometer is su¡cient for tracking training kilometers. Track start and stop times to judge overall speed.

b Start with Short Rides: The purpose of your rides is to build up cardio-vascular fitness - so don’t push it too hard! Take a week to build up your 15km distance goal.

b Double Up Your KM’s: Conquered the 15km a week goal? Why not strive for an endurane day of 30 kilometers once a week then? Remember to maintain your pace while always remembering “slow and steady wins the race.” The purpose here is to gain distance and confidence.

b Hill Training: Once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself with advanced hill and trail training. Warm up with a moderate ride, including a hill without exhausting yourself. After the uphill pedal, recover on a smooth downhill, and repeat again. Make sure you ride on trails to familiarize yourself with the terrain of the mountain tour. Terwillegar Park in Edmonton is an excellent place to complete trail training.

Join us every Tuesday leading up to the tour to get ready for the ride. Training rides meet at Terwillegar Park in Edmonton and depart around 6:30 pm.

RSVP to stewarth2@gmail.com for weekly updates and ride information.

TRAINING RIDE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 8th - Kick O� Ride!

Tuesday, August 15th

Tuesday, August 22nd

Tuesday, August 29th

Tuesday, September 5th

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PACKAGE PICK UP

MS SOCIETY OFFICE CYCLIST PACKAGE PICK UP(150, 9405 50 Street, Edmonton - use East entrance o� 49th street NW)

WHEN: Tuesday, September 5th - Thursday, September 7th

TIME: 9am to 6pm

The MS Society will not be handing out cyclist packages or accepting pledge money on Friday, September 9th. Pledge money can be dropped o� in Hinton the Saturday morning of the tour. Remaining cyclist packages may also be picked up at this time.

*Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You may not ride in someone else’s place.

IN YOUR PACKAGE

The following items are in your participant package and are key in ensuring a safe, smooth and enjoyable weekend experience.

b Helmet Tagb Bib Number (4 pins included)b Event Wristband b Bike Tagb Crossbar Tag (Twist Ties Included)b Bike Chipb Event T-Shirtb Complimentary Water Bottleb Event Jersey ($1000+ raised) & Shorts ($2000+ raised)

Cyclist packages will only be distributed to cyclists who have raised the minimum pledge of $300. You may also pick up packages for your teammates provided they have raised the minimum pledge amount.

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PACKING WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

MUST HAVESb Helmetb Rider numbers and wristbandb Padded bike shorts and jerseyb Cycling glassesb Driver’s licenseb Cash for food trucks and beer gardensb Water bottle and/or hydration packb Spare tube and small pumpb Multitoolb Tire Levers

WARM WEATHER

b Sunglasses, suncreen and lip balmb Light glovesb Thin light merino wool top base layer (may be worn under jersey)b Light merino wool socks

WET/COLD WEATHER

b Breathable light rain jacketb Warm glovesb Toque or bu�b Light wool or synthetic base layer (may be worn under jersey and rain jacket)b Leggingsb Warm, moisture-wicking socks (wool)b Helmet cover to keep rain outb Rain shoe coversb Rain ponchob Spare items packed away so they stay dry and clean

THE JOHNSON MS MOUNTAIN BIKE ROLLS ON RAIN OR SHINE - SO BE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHER AND PACK APPROPRIATELY.

Visit our friends at United Cycle for all your gear needs!

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TOUR RULES & ROUTE SAFETY

b This is NOT a competitive race; respect fellow cyclists and their level of cycling experience.

b Be alert while cycling. Although the ride is mainly on trails, the roads and highways are not closed and there will be tra�c on some areas of the route.

b Obey all tra�c signs and signals at all times. This includes stop signs, yield signs, tra�c lights, etc. You are considered a vehicle while riding.

b Always yield to pedestrians, potential wildlife and tra�c; give cars the right of way.

b Ride single file and give room to other cyclists.

b When the appropriate amount of space is available, ride on the right side to allow faster cyclists to safely pass on the left.

b Pass on the left. Announce yourself to other cyclists by saying “On Your Left”

b Give hand signals when stopping or turning, and move safely o¤ the trail when stopping to rest.

b Do not block checkpoint entrances. Move fully into the checkpoint area and safely out of the path of oncoming cyclists.

b Never leave the scene of an accident. Call 911 in the event of a serious emergency.

b All cyclists must obey law enforcement personnel, bike tour o�cials, and volunteers.

b Do not wear headphones. The use of cellphones, ipods, radios or similar audio devices while cycling are prohibited. As necessary, law enforcement personnel and bike tour o�cials can and will remove any cyclist who violates this crucial safety regulation.

b All cyclists must wear a current, non- expired, regulation bike helmet. THIS IS MANDATORY.

b Please respect the properties that we cycle through. They support the MS Society and our mission to end MS, and therefore support you too.

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ROUTE MAP

Checkpoints are supplied with water, sports drinks, fruit and trail mix. Lunch is served at designated “Lunch Stops.” Gluten free and vegetarian food options are available but limited - please keep this in mind as you pack your weekend essentials.

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Mechanical support is only o�ered at the checkpoints, as access to the trails are limited. First aid is o�ered along the trails, however, if you are able, please go to the nearest check-point. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

ROUTE SUPPORT

MECHANICAL SUPPORT

O¯cial Bike Shop Sponsor, United Cycle, will be on site and on route providing bike repair services.

Repairs, such as flat tire fixes, are complimentary. Please carry your own tubes.

United Cycle is here to support you during your ride, however we do encourage cyclists to ensure that their bikes are in good riding condition and tuned up before the tour.

& OTHER TOUR SERVICES

BIKE MARSHALS

Volunteer bike marshals are a special team of cyclists who o¤er assistance along the route and monitor cyclists’ safety. Please listen to bike marshals and heed their advice! Marshals can be identified by their safety vest.

SAG VEHICLES

SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles travel along the route between rest stops. If a cyclist is unable to complete the ride, or simply needs a break from cycling, a SAG vehicle can transport them to the next vehicle-accessible checkstop on both days of the tour. Please note: priority will be given to those in need of medical or mechanical attention.

MEDICAL SUPPORT & FIRST AID

Trained professional medical personnel will be available along the route, as well as at the start/finish lines each day of the tour. If you are in need of medical assistance, please check with our safety volunteers.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

Start Location: The Johnson MS Mountain Bike will start at the Hinton Centre (di�erent from the Hinton Recreational Centre) located on 965 Switzer Drive. The dinner and pro-gram as well as the finish line will also take place at this venue.

Hinton Centre Opens......................................8:00am - 9:00am(Pledge Drop-O� and Package Pick Up)Tour Starts......................................................................9:00am

Checkpoint Schedule

#1 Old Entrance...............................................9:30am - 11:30am#2 Community Pasture...............................10:00am - 12:30pm#3 Grip and Grind Challenge Route.............................11:00amLunch - Black Cat Ranch..............................10:30am - 2:00pm# 3 Soloman Valley.........................................11:30am - 3:30pm#4 Jarvis Lake..................................................12:30pm - 4:30pmFinish Line - Kelly’s Bath Tub..........................2:00pm - 5:00pmLock up bikes - Follow the signs..................2:00pm - 5:00pmShuttle Bus to Hinton Centre.........................2:30pm - 5:30pm(Bus will leave when full)

Saturday Evening

Celebration Dinner...........................................5:30pm - 6:30pmProgram.................................................................................7:00pmAfter-Party..........................................................7:30pm - 11:00pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

Cold Continental Breakfast.............................7:00am - 8:00am(At the Hinton Centre)Shuttle Bus to Kelly’s Bath Tub.........................................8:00amBikes Unlocked.....................................................................8:30amTour Starts......................................................................9:00am

Checkpoint Schedule

#1 Nordic Centre............................................9:30am - 12:00pm#2 Entrance Airport........................................10:30am - 1:00pm#3 Athabasca Ranch.......................................11:30am - 3:00pmFinish Line - BBQ Lunch.................................11:00am - onward(At the Hinton Centre, Guest Tickets $5)

TOUR SCHEDULE

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& ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTELS:

b Holiday Inn 1-800-865-3321b Tara Vista Inn 1-780-865-3391b Crestwood Hotel 1-800-661-7288b Pines Motel 1-780-865-2624b Hinton Lodge 1-780-817-5050b Quality Inn & Suites 1-780-865-5255b Lakeview Inn & Suites 1-877-355-3500b Days Inn 1-800-329-7466b Super 8 1-800-359-5672b Best Western 1-780-865-7777b Ramada Hinton 1-780-865-4755

* There are no shuttles from hotels to the Hinton Centre. Cyclists are responsible for their own transportation.

CAMPING: The campsite is located right beside the

Start/Finish line! The Hinton campground bookings can be made through Ron and

Jeanette Schwing at 1.780.817.2412.

TITLE SPONSOR JOHNSON INSURANCE

Johnson Insurance is proud to be the title sponsor of the Johnson MS Mountain Bike.

Save up to 35% on auto insurance!

For more than 130 years, we have been delivering high-quality home and auto insurance and group benefits to Canadians. Today, we are one of Canada’s leading providers of insurance products and benefits, such as:

b Great savings and discountsb 24/7 Claims Serviceb AIR MILES® reward miles

Call for your home or auto insurance quote today.

1•800•563•0677 | Johnson.ca

Home and auto insurance is available through Johnson Inc., a licensed insurance intermediary. Policies are primarily underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company (Unifund). Unifund and Johnson Inc. share common ownership. Combine and save options vary by product and province. Eligibility requirements, limitations and exclusions may apply. Auto insurance not available in BC, SK and MB. AIR MILES reward miles awarded on regular home and auto insurance policies underwritten by Unifund. At the time the premium is paid, on AIR MILES reward mile is awarded for each $20 in premium (including taxes). AIR MILES reward miles not available in SK and MB or QC. Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. used under license by LoyaltyOne Inc. and Johnson Inc. (for Unifund).

®

® ®

™

If it happens to you, it happens to us

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POST TOUR

PRIZE PICK UP

Remember, if you reach $3500+ you are eligible to receive a gift card reward (see page 4).

If you qualify, be sure to submit your prize selection during package pick up week or by emailing Nicole at nicole.gasior@mssociety.ca. Prizes will be distributed during prize pick up week in October 2017.

Stay tuned for details on where and when you can collect your 2017 rewards!

NEW! 2018 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

New this year, registration for the 2018 Johnson MS Mountain Bike - Hinton will be opening on September 9 & 10, 2017.

For a limited time, you will be able to register at an all-time low, event weekend only price for the 2018 Johnson MS Mountain Bike. The ride will be taking place September 8 & 9, 2018.

Keep a lookout at the finish line to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and secure your spot for next year!

NEED TO KNOW

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TOUR SPONSORS

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LET’S BE FRIENDS!

@msbikehinton

SHARE YOUR STORIES, PHOTOS, AND

TIPS AND BE SURE TO ASK QUESTIONS

AS WE CELEBRATE THE 2017 JOHNSON

MS MOUNTAIN BIKE - HINTON!

#msbikehinton #msbike