You know that feeling when you're standing on the PATCO parking lot pavement in Cherry Hill at 6:00 AM? It’s cold. Your breath is visible in the crisp Jersey air. There’s this low hum of thousands of freehubs clicking and the smell of cheap coffee and expensive chain lube. That’s the start of the Bike MS City to Shore 2025 season, and honestly, if you haven’t done it yet, you’re missing out on the most emotional century ride in the country.
It’s not just a bike ride.
People call it "City to Shore," but it’s really a massive moving community. You’ve got the serious roadies in their $10,000 carbon fiber rigs tucked into aero positions, and then right next to them is a guy on a rusty mountain bike wearing gym shorts. They’re both heading to Ocean City for the same reason. It’s about the orange bandanas. Those "I Ride with MS" banners on the back of jerseys? Those are the heartbeat of this event.
The Logistics of Bike MS City to Shore 2025
Let's get the boring but essential stuff out of the way first. The 2025 ride is sticking to its classic roots, typically falling on the last weekend of September. If you’re looking to register, you’re looking at several route options: the classic 75 or 80-mile Saturday trek, the full 100-mile century, or the shorter loops starting from Hammonton.
Registration usually opens early in the year. Pro tip: do not wait until August. The fundraising minimum—usually around $300—is totally doable, but you want time to actually talk to people about why you’re doing it. The National MS Society uses these funds for everything from groundbreaking research into myelin repair to local programs that help people with Multiple Sclerosis get ramps for their homes.
The route is flat. Like, incredibly flat. We are talking about the New Jersey Pine Barrens here. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's easy. The wind is the "hill" of South Jersey. If the wind is coming off the Atlantic, those last 20 miles across the bridge into Ocean City feel like you're pedaling through wet concrete.
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Why the Route Matters
You start in the suburbs of Philly, weave through the blueberry capitals of the world, and eventually hit the salt air. Hammonton is a big milestone. It's usually the lunch stop. You’ll see volunteers handing out pickles (eat them, the salt saves your legs) and PB&Js like they’re going out of style.
The scenery changes from strip malls to dense pines. The smell changes too. You go from car exhaust to that specific, earthy scent of the Pines, and eventually, the brine of the marshland.
Dealing With the "Wall" and the Wind
Every cyclist hits a wall. In the Bike MS City to Shore 2025 ride, it usually happens around mile 60. You've been in the saddle for hours. Your neck hurts. You're tired of Gatorade. This is where the team aspect kicks in. If you're riding solo, find a paceline. South Jersey winds are notorious. If you can tuck in behind a group of riders from Team Ukee or the Primal team, do it. Just make sure you take your turn at the front if you’ve got the legs for it.
Drafting isn't just for pros. It's survival.
One thing people get wrong? They think they can just "wing" a 75-mile ride. Don't be that person. Even though it's flat, the repetitive motion of pedaling for five or six hours without a single descent to coast on can wreck your knees. Start your training in May. Get your "butt time" in. Your sit bones will thank you when you’re crossing the finish line on the Ocean City boardwalk.
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The Impact of Your Miles
Multiple Sclerosis is a weird, unpredictable disease. It affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. Some people have "invisible" symptoms like extreme fatigue or vision issues. Others use wheelchairs.
When you ride Bike MS City to Shore 2025, you'll see "Champion" riders. These are people living with MS who are out there on the road with you. Maybe they're on a recumbent bike or a trike. Seeing a person with a "Living with MS" jersey grinding up the bridge into Ocean City is all the motivation you'll ever need to stop complaining about your sore quads.
The money goes toward real stuff. We're talking about FDA-approved treatments that didn't exist twenty years ago. The National MS Society is one of the largest non-profit funders of MS research globally. Your sore legs are literally funding the cure.
What to Pack (And What to Leave at Home)
People overpack. You don't need a massive saddlebag.
- Two water bottles. One with electrolytes, one with plain water.
- A spare tube and a CO2 inflator. Yes, there are SAG (Support and Gear) wagons, but waiting an hour for a van because you have a simple flat is a vibe killer.
- Chamois cream. Seriously. Use more than you think you need.
- Sunscreen. The Jersey sun reflects off the pavement and the marsh water. You will bake.
Leave the heavy locks at home. The bike compounds at the overnight stops are secure. Leave the massive speakers at home too—nobody wants to hear your "pump up" playlist for four hours straight; people are there for the camaraderie and the sounds of the road.
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The Finish Line Feeling
Crossing the finish line in Ocean City is a core memory. The crowds are deep. People are screaming, ringing cowbells, and holding up signs for their loved ones. You get your medal, you get your food, and usually, there’s a beer garden.
But it’s more than the party. It’s the realization that 7,000 people just moved across a state to fight a disease. It’s the sense of collective purpose.
Preparing for the Big Day
If you're serious about the Bike MS City to Shore 2025, start your fundraising early. Send personal emails. Don't just post a link on social media. Tell people why you're riding. Maybe it's for your aunt, a coworker, or just because you want to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Logistically, plan your transport back. If you aren't staying overnight in Ocean City, the shuttle buses back to the start are a godsend, but they require a bit of patience. Your bike gets loaded onto a semi-truck (wrapped in moving blankets) and meets you back at the start.
Actionable Steps for Your Ride
- Register by March. This gets you the best rates and the most time to hit your fundraising goals.
- Join a team. Riding with a group makes the training miles go by faster and the fundraising much easier. Teams like "The Fat Pandas" or corporate teams often have their own jerseys and support tents.
- Train for the wind, not the hills. Find some open, flat roads where you can practice pedaling consistently for 2-3 hours without stopping.
- Check your gear. Get a professional tune-up in early September. Nothing ruins a 100-mile ride like a skipped gear or a rubbing brake.
- Focus on nutrition. Practice eating while riding during your training. Your stomach needs to learn how to handle calories while your legs are working.
The road to the shore is long, but it’s paved with a lot of hope and a lot of very tired, very happy cyclists. See you on the boardwalk.