Volunteering
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Volunteer FAQs
All volunteers must register online at http://www.msbikeflorida.org/.
Dress Code
- Sneakers
- Volunteer T-Shirt (will be provided day of the event)
- Khaki shorts or Jeans
What to bring?
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
When should I arrive?
- Arrive 30 minutes before your shift begins.
Where do I park?
- Volunteer parking at the start-line will be posted.
- Volunteers at the Village at John Pennekamp State Park must park in offsite parking lot (Rowell’s Marina) shuttles will bring you to and from the Village.
- Motorcycle Escorts, Amateur Radio Operators, Nurse and SAG Vehicle Drivers will be contacted by their Team Coordinator with parking details.
- Rest Stop volunteers are encouraged to carpool and contact their Rest-stop Captain for parking details.
Where do I go when I arrive?
- Upon arrival report to the Volunteer Check-In booths at the Start-line and /or the Village at John Pennekamp State Park.
- Rest-Stop, SAG, Nurse and HAM Volunteers should follow their Team leads directions.
What if it rains?
- The Ride rolls on rain or shine. Please dress appropriately. If there is a chance of rain, bring a rain poncho and umbrella, as well as a change of shoes and socks.
Will I get to eat?
- Every volunteer will receive a meal wristband that entitles them to all their meals.
- Rest-stop, Motorcycle Escorts, Nurses, HAM and SAG volunteers will have boxed lunches delivered to them.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
HAM Radio Operators - Assigned throughout the route to report on emergencies and possible problems. Must have Amateur Operators License.
Rest Stops Volunteer - Assist with set up, tear down and man rider rest-stops throughout the Ride. There are nine rest-stops on the Ride's route each day. Rest stops provide riders with food, drinks, port-o-lets, medical support and a place to rest before continuing their journey to the Finish-Line.
Start/Finish Line Set-Up - Volunteers set up Start / Finish Line sites at the BankUnited Center at University of Miami and John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo with supplies and equipment, such as tables, tents, fencing, banners, and signs. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required.
Start/Finish Line Tear Down - Dismantle Start/Finish Line sites at John Pennekamp Park and the BankUnited Center at University of Miami, then load trucks with supplies. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required.
Food Service - Serve food throughout the Ride.
Cheering - Cheering riders across the Finish Lines at John Pennekamp Park and the BankUnited Center at University of Miami. Homemade signs encouraged.
Hydration Station - Stock and serve water, soda and beverages to participants.
Luggage Team - Assist with luggage loading, storage and retrieval at Start Line, Overnight and Finish Line locations. Moderate to heavy lifting is required.
Medical Team (Must be a licensed or certified healthcare professional) Provide medical assistance at all official sites and along the route.
Motorcycle Escorts - MUST ATTEND TRAINING MEETING! Motorcycle Escorts are volunteers who provide motorcycle escort support along the MS Bike route to troubleshoot problems and ensure the safety of the riders. Responsibilities may include starting the Ride on Days 1 and 2, monitoring the flow of riders, assisting with traffic control, communicating with Bike MS officials via the command center or net control, and handling minor incidents. Motorcycle Escorts must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license and proof of insurance covering the motorcycle to be ridden during the Ride. Just like the cyclists, all Motorcycle Escorts are required to wear helmets. Current policy does not allow sidecars or motorcycle trailers during Bike MS.
Overnight Set-Up - Set up John Pennekamp Park Overnight site with tables, tents, fencing, banners and signs. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required.
Parking/Traffic Team - Direct traffic and cyclists at all official sites.
SAG Drivers - MUST ATTEND TRAINING MEETING! Support and Gear (SAG) are volunteers that drive SUVs/vans/pickups. Their job is to move riders forward along the route who are unable to continue riding. SAG drivers are required to have a valid Florida Drivers License, proof of insurance, average visual acuity and lift up to 40 pounds. SAG drivers must have a second person / co-pilot to help load the vehicle and navigate, maximum of two volunteers per vehicle. SAG drivers must be able to work the entire day, preferably the entire weekend.
Supply Truck and Van Drivers / Restock - MUST ATTEND TRAINING MEETING! Drivers load and unload trucks and vans carrying supplies, ice and refrigerated items. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required. Drivers with commercial licenses preferred.
Massage Therapists - Licensed Massage Therapists and student volunteers with licensed supervision. Must supply own table. Shifts are available for Day 1 at John Pennekamp in Key Largo and Day 2 at the BankUnited Center at University of Miami.
Registration - Check in riders, handle paperwork and distribute t-shirts and other items.
The National MS Society provides Community Service hour for all those who request them. For more information please contact us at 954-731-4224 or email us at MS150bike@fls.nmss.org. |