Dropping out of the MS150
 

I'm probably going to drop out of the MS150 after not being able to train because of my work schedule, suddenly not having the funds to pay for my training, and other personal things that have came up. Does anyone know how to go about (or who to contact) contacting the MS Society to let them know that I'm dropping out?

-Nate

What costs are involved in your "training"? Don't you just pedal like everyone else?

+1, I can't really imagine what. Over a long period of time, maybe new chains and tires, bottles of lube, new cables and housing, etc., but that is collectively less than $150 and doesn't happen more than every few months at the most.
If money's tight, all you really need for some type of a workout is two feet and any old shoes: just go for a run. It takes less time than biking, too.

Dr. Nate,

I can't imagine it taking more than just an email to the MS Society, but is your work schedule really that tight? Surely you can make it! Hope it works out for you and you decide to stick with it...

-TB
Pearland, TX

I want your slot!

Yes, his schedule is that tight, which I am sure is the main reason. He works ~80hrs a week... and is a full time student (one source of money issues).

As for money... I think he's mainly thinking of the charity type rides. We usually do lots of 30ish mile rides on our own, but the only "long" rides are usually organized.

Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't think the MS Society will let you "drop out". You can pay your minimum donation and not ride, but if you don't pay the minimum donation, I believe they prohibit you from riding in any future events. Your best bet is probably to do a "gray" transfer, where somebody else pays you the entry fee, then raises funds in your name to meet the minimum donation. They pick up your packet, sign their own name on the waiver, and ride with your number. You can call them and try to do it, but don't be surprised if they say no. They were pretty adamant about it during the signup period.

Yes, I want your gray transfer!

i may be able to assist with the packet portion of the gray transfer. kylejack check your PM.

Dr. Nate, report in! I want your gray transfer, please!

From what I remember, that is incorrect. Only if you pick up your packet as if you are riding and THEN don't turn in the minimum donation are you barred from future events. If you don't ever pick up your packet to begin with, then nor harm, no foul. At least that is what I remember from the past (had a friend who couldn't ride 2 years ago).

As far as transferring to another rider, that is strictly prohibited. Not to say it doesn't happen, but the only downside for Dr. Nate is if the person he sells/gives his number to doesn't raise the minimum $400, then he is held accountable (Dr. Nate's already paid $100 to register for the ride). And the contact info for each rider is attached to the number, which is why it should not be transferred. But as long as the new rider fills out the back of the rider number with their correct name and medical info, then I would think they would be better off in a crash. From what I understand, in a crash, unconscious situation, they read the back of the rider number first before researching who the number belongs to. But the odds of a cyclist crashing and being unconscious and needing to go off the rider number for medical info is very slim.

You're right, mac, there's a slim chance that you could crash and wind up unconscious. However, on day 1 of the MS last year, I witnessed a guy have a front tire blowout, go over the front end and hit his face on the pavement. He was out cold and seriously injured - had to be Lifeflighted out.

Anyone actually call the MS Society and get the official word on this?

Sorry you can't make it, Dr. Nate. Good luck on the gray transfer guys. I say if you want to ride and agree to raise the $$ in someone's place, you should be able to go.

It would be easier if the MS Society was willing to accept these kinds of changes, but I can see why they don't. If they allowed it easily, it would create a market for people to sign up, then sell their place to somebody else...essentially ride scalping. They may actually be willing to do a transfer but just don't want to publicize it, but the statements I heard just prior to the sign up were that they were pretty adamant about not letting people off the hook once they signed up.

I thought this kind of transfer was fairly common. There are 2 people on my team who had scheduling conflicts arise recently and could not attend the MS 150, so they gave their spots to others.

I think it might be slightly easier to facilitate through a team, but that is just a guess...

I've set a reminder for myself to call the MS Society and ask them about these options. I would hope they will allow someone to take my spot as it is extra revenue for them.

-Nate

They said that I cannot transfer my spot to another person and that as long as I don't claim a packet then I'm out.

-Nate

That sucks, Nate. Was looking forward to dragging your sorry butt halfway across the state. There'll be another year.

Teeleton

I had to do this last year because of a scheduling conflict and they told me that if you want to ride in another MS ride you need to raise your old minimum and new minimum. I haven't signed up for this year as of yet, but I was originally told the same thing as Dr. Nate. They are kind of hardcore about it though.

But if you pick up the packet and give it to another rider then what is the big deal? Have the person that buys the number from you donate to you.

It isn't like you are going bandit

Teeleton - You can still do that... just smaller segments at a time. :thumb: I'm sure we'll still ride... at least I hope so. Though I've shifted my priorities a little too.

That is assuming the other person will pay the $400 <or whatever min. pledge is these days> in your name. If they don't, you are black listed... and they have zero consequences.

I know there are honest people out there... but it's usually not stamped on their head. I guess they could FRONT the pledge money, and simply recoop their money with pledges form others.

Let me put it this way, I am willing to put $400 into dr. nate's hand to ride this year. I do not need any time to find sponsors, $400 is available right now.

Just curious. What's the minumum pledge / donation?

we had to pay a $100 "fee" to register and pledge a minimum of $400.