About Delaware's MS Bike to the Bay Ride:
A Whale of a Ride
by Thom Remington

Just what is the MS 150?
The 150 is a whale of a big ride. It's big in scale, and it's not exactly a short jaunt around the block. The MS Society does a marvelous job of keeping chaos at bay, even though they're dealing with 1,500 cyclists, three or four hundred volunteers, and about six or seven different rest stops.

The ride starts on Saturday morning, October 4 in Smyrna and winds its for about 78 miles way over (mostly) back roads through Camden, Viola, Felton, Milford, Milton, Ellendale, and several other towns. At the southern end, the ride goes onto Delaware Route 1 for a few miles before ending in Dewey Beach. On Sunday, October 5, the ride follows almost exactly the same route back.

The terrain is generally flat, though you will encounter some gentle hills. You'll get a map, but you probably won't use it; the route is well marked with arrows on the roadway.

Mostly, the ride is fun, and completing it can really give you a huge sense of satisfaction.

Weather
As anyone who's done the ride will tell you, the quality of your experience is going to depend on the weather as much as anything. This year will be my 11th consecutive year doing the MS, and I've experienced weather that ranged from wonderful down to miserable. Ideally, it's dry and not windy. Sometimes it rains; we still ride. Sometimes it's windy; we still ride. Sometimes it's raining and windy; we still ride.

The key is to be prepared for the weather. Pay attention to the forecast. Bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast. Bring jackets and tights or long pants if it's supposed to be cold.

What to bring
Actually, this is a two-part topic. There's stuff you should have with you on your bike, and there's stuff you can pack and have the MS Society take to Dewey Beach for you.

What to bring with you
Helmet. Water--bring a water bottle or a CamelBak-type device; there's plenty to drink at the rest stops, but you'll need to have a drink between rest stops too. Pump, tools, and patch kit or spare tube. Yes, there's support. Yes, there are mechanics along. But if you're equipped to change your own flat tires (they do happen!), you'll spend a lot less time waiting by the side of the road. Clothing suited to the weather. Pay attention to the weather forecast. Some cash. The bike shops that provide mechanical support provide free labor, but they will charge you for any parts needed to get you going. The MS Society recommends that you bring at least $25 with you.

What to pack
Hint: If there's a threat of rain, put your stuff in a plastic bag inside your luggage. The MS Society does a great job with the luggage, but sometimes it'll be exposed to the weather.

Non-bike clothing to wear in Dewey Beach. A jacket or sweatshirt, depending on the weather. It can get pretty chilly at night. An alarm clock. Toiletries. (Hey, most of us do need a shower after riding 75 miles!)
A lock, especially if you're not sure where you're staying, or if you're not sure that the place you're staying will allow you to keep your bike in your room. Extra bike shoes if there's rain in the forecast and you don't want to ride back on Sunday with wet shoes.

Getting your luggage to Dewey Beach
The process is simple. On Saturday morning, at the starting location there will be a table set up with information. They'll have a board with a list of area motels and lots of pieces of colored yarn. Look for your motel name and tie a piece of the right color yarn on the handle of your bag. Take note of the truck number, which will be listed at the same place, and just take your bag out to the appropriate truck. Your bag will be at your hotel.

When you get back to the start on Sunday, your bag will be there, though it's always fun looking through all the bags to find yours!

The rest stops
The MS Society sets up rest stops about every 10-12 miles along the route. At the rest stops you'll find porta-potties, stuff to eat, and stuff to drink. You'll also find water so you can refill your water bottle. Different rest stops often have different kinds of food, which is why some folks refer to the ride as "Stuff your Face to the Bay," rather than the more official "Bike to the Bay."

Meals
Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast, served by smiling volunteers, are both provided for you as part of the ride. You don't need to buy any food; they'll provide lots of it, and it's pretty good too.

Lunch is provided for both days, as well as food in Smyrna when you get back.

The century option
For the past few years, the MS Society has added an optional 25-mile down-and-back loop at the end of the first day's ride for those who want to stretch it into a century ride on the first day. They'll probably offer this option this year. Stay tuned.

Registration
The MS Society provides two opportunities for you to register:

The Thursday evening before the ride, there will be a pre-registration at the Saturn dealership on Rte. 273, east of Newark, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The morning of the ride, you can register at the starting location.

Schedule
Registration usually opens at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.
The ride starts at 8. If you start earlier, rest stops and road support probably won't be available.  On Sunday morning, the ride starts at 7. Again, if you start earlier, rest stops and road support probably won't be available.

Check-in
The MS Society has a massive job making sure that everyone has a safe ride. Please check in when you arrive in Smyrna on Saturday morning, even if you pre-registered on Thursday evening. In addition, please check in when you arrive in Dewey Beach, again when you leave Dewey Beach on Sunday, and, finally, when you arrive back to the starting location.