ABOUT THE RIDE

For answers to frequently asked questions, additional ride logistics, and general guidelines, visit the FAQ page.

Pre-Trip Preparation

PreTripPrep

TRAINING

You should have ridden at least 200 miles on the bike you plan to ride, including back to back 50 mile rides, at least one day over 60 miles, and being comfortable riding in all weather conditions including wet weather riding.

GEAR

Home away from home! The team will be hosted by a mix of churches and community centers so be prepared with a pillow, a warm sleeping bag, and an inflatable sleeping pad.

This is the Gear List that Bike the US for MS shares for all trips. Although a shorter route, you often need the same gear for 1 week vs 2 months.

TRAVEL PLANS

Arrange transport to the start and away from the finish of the adventure. Don't forget to plan for traveling with your bike!

Please plan to arrive at the SpringHill Suites in Pittsburgh-Southside Works in Pittsburgh, PA by 4:00 PM ET on Thursday, September 18 for a mandatory orientation with Bike the US for MS.

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Safety

Content courtesy of Bike the US for MS.

Some of the non-negotiables include wearing a helmet at all times while on your bike, having a mirror installed on your bike or helmet, have a rear flashing and front light on at all times, and you must stay on the designated route. We have few hard rules on the trips, and safety rules are not negotiable.

Used to riding by yourself? We keep our riding groups small and we do not ride in large pelotons, but it's worth brushing up on group riding skills before the adventure to safely benefit from riding with others in tough conditions!

You will be following the traffic free trail making it incredibly easy to navigate each day. The team will be there to guide you to and from the trail to the overnights. Got a smart bike computer or use a phone app like Strava or RidewithGPS? There are options to follow the route to give you comfort on you’re on the right track.

View tips on Group Riding

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Support

Content courtesy of Bike the US for MS.

You will be provided the resources, framework, and support to reach this goal. Your gear will be carried by support vehicles, your volunteer route leaders will be there to help you along the way, and help keep you and your bike rolling with minor repairs, water stops will be set up every 20-30 miles, nightly accommodations will be booked, but the pedaling is up to you!

To ensure smooth and safe communication on the road, all riders will be added to three dedicated WhatsApp groups, each serving a specific purpose:

Daily Information (One-Way)
- Used by route leaders to share critical information throughout the day.
- Includes rest stop locations, safety updates, construction alerts, and other key logistics.
- This is a one-way channel to ensure no important updates get lost.
Rider & Route Leader Chat (Private)
- Each rider will have a direct chat thread with the route leaders.
- This is the place to report any issues such as mechanical problems, injuries, or wrong turns.
- Route leaders will coordinate a response based on the situation.
Team Chat (Group)
- A casual space for riders to connect and communicate with one another during the day.
- No critical updates will be posted here, so nothing important gets missed.

These groups will be set up shortly before the ride begins, and you'll receive instructions on how to join. Riders should plan to have WhatsApp downloaded on their phones and bring a charging solution (e.g., battery pack) to stay connected throughout each day.

Support

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September 18 - 24, 2025

330 Miles

7,180 ft elevation

3 States

6 Days

Contact Us

For more information or questions about the ride, please email NEALS Associate Program Director, Beverly Smits.

Get in Touch