Travel Information
Transportation to White Oak Conference Center
A shuttle will be provided from Charlotte, NC to White Oak on Thursday evening. MS Challenge participants can park their cars free of charge for the weekend and take the shuttle to the Day Zero check-in. Shuttles are available from the finish line location so that you are able to end at your vehicle on Sunday. If you need a shuttle please contact Holly Powers at 704-752-6662 or holly.powers@ncp.nmss.org. Deadline: May 15, 2003, no exceptions. Donations accepted to cover the cost of this service. Recommended donation of $2 per person.
Please plan on arriving in Charlotte no later than 5:30 pm on Thursday, May 29, 2003.
Shuttle Departure Time: 6:00 pm
Parking in Charlotte:
CPCC parking lot across from Independence Blvd. (next to Memorial Stadium) Look for the bright orange arrows.
Address: intersection of 7th, Independence and Kings streets
From Columbia, SC
I-77
North to Exit 9
Merge on to I-277 (US-74 East)
Take Exit 2A, turn off onto ramp
Go Right on East Third Street
Turn Left on S. Kings Drive
Go straight to Stadium (on your Right)
Go right on Seventh Street an into parking lots on right.
From Greenville, SC
Take
I-85 to Rte. 16. The go right to I-277.
Take Brevard/Davidson/McDowell exit onto 11th Street
As 11th Street turns to the right it becomes McDowell
Follow to Seventh Street
Left on Seventh,
Stadium on your right.
All walkers need to check-in on Thursday, May 29 between 6:00-8:00 p.m. at our start location:
White Oak Conference Center
633 Mobley Hwy.
Winnsboro, SC 29180
803-635-4685
Directions to White Oak Conference Center
Columbia
(Two Ways) -
1. - I-77-Travel
North toward Charlotte. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20) and take a
left at top of ramp. Travel approximately 3 miles and come to
stop sign. Go straight approximately 5 additional miles. White
Oak Conference Center will be on your right.
2. - Highway 321 North -Take 321 By-pass around Winnsboro, travel north on 321 for approximately 8 miles until you see White Oak community sign. Turn right at this sign and travel 3/10 mile. First right will turn onto Mobley Hwy. White Oak Conference Center is 1/2 mile on left.
Rock
Hill/Charlotte -
I-77 South toward Columbia. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20)
and yield right onto SC 20. Travel approximately 3 miles and come
to stop sign. Go straight for approximately 5 additional miles.
White Oak Conference Center will be on your right.
Upstate
(Anderson/Greenville/Spartanburg) -
Take I-26 East toward Columbia. Get off at Newberry/Winnsboro
exit 74 (SC 34) and take a left at stop sign. Go approximately
35 miles to Winnsboro (US 321). Turn left onto 321 and travel
about 6 miles to White Oak. Turn right at sign and continue approximately
3/10 mile and turn right onto Mobley Hwy. White Oak Conference
Center is 1/2 mile on left.
Upstate
(Spartanburg/Union) -
Take Hwy 9 to Chester. Travel South on Hwy 321 from Chester toward
Winnsboro about 18 miles until you see the White Oak community
sign. Look for gray-rock church on your right. Turn left immediately
after you pass this church. Travel 3/10 mile and turn onto Mobley
Hwy. White Oak Conference Center is 1/2 mile on left.
Charleston
-
Travel I-26 toward Columbia. Turn North onto I-77 toward
Charlotte. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20) and take a left at top of
ramp. Travel approximately 3 miles to stop sign. Go straight for
approximately 5 additional miles. White Oak Conference Center
will be on your right.
Florence/Myrtle
Beach Area -
Travel toward Columbia on I-20. Take I-77 North toward
Charlotte. Take exit 46(SC 20) and take a left at top of ramp.
Travel approximately 3 miles and come to stop sign. Go Straight
for another 5 miles. White Oak Conference Center will be on your
right.
For those who drive to Winnsboro.
A shuttle is available back to the start location on Sunday after closing ceremonies at approximately 2:30 pm. Please note: We encourage all participants to have friends and family join them at the finish. You may prefer to recruit someone to bring you to White Oak rather than take a shuttle on Sunday back White Oak. If you need a shuttle please contact Holly Powers at 704-752-6662 or holly.powers@ncp.nmss.org no later than May 15, 2003. If you need this service, you must reserve a seat on the shuttle by May 15, 2003. No exceptions!
Please join us for a simple spaghetti dinner to prepare you for Fridays walk. Your friends and family are welcome to attend with you! Cost: $5 per person.
The dinner will be served from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the White Oak Conference Center cafeteria.
Check-in is Thursday, May 29, 2003. All participants must check-in at this time. Check in will be held from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm.
Check-in will be located at White Oak Conference Center at the Lobby of the Administration Building. When you check in, a volunteer will review your file. You may turn in pledges, pay your registration fee (if you have not previously), and sign your pledge card.
You will receive your walker number/ credential and luggage tags. Your walker number/credential goes around your neck. Your luggage tags have adhesive on the back and are placed on your luggage. These will help you locate and identify your belongings. Credentials must remain on for the duration of the event.
Check-In: May 29, 2003
Time: 6:00 pm 9:30 pm
You will receive three luggage tags imprinted with your walker number. Attach these tags securely to your luggage. We recommend one tag for your luggage, one tag for your bed roll and one for your air mattress.
· Limit three tags per walker.
You are responsible for loading your luggage on Saturday a.m. at White Oak and retrieving your luggage at Saluda Trail Middle School. You will then load your luggage on Sunday morning at Saluda Trail and pick up your luggage at the finish at the finish line.
If you have medication that needs to be cooled, you must bring your own cooler, (we will provide ice) and you will need to pack your medications daily and turn into to the luggage truck driver. All coolers should be marked with your walker number. You will receive this number at check-in.
Shuttles will be used to transport you to the Day 2 and Day 3 start locations.
Housing Assignment
Thursday and Friday, May 29 May 30, 2003
Housing Options:
1.) Group Living in Large Air-conditioned conference rooms (Free Option)
2.) Hotel room options- available options of a double room (2 people per room), no single rooms available. ($15 fee per person)
3.) Outdoor camping available. (No fee)
Roommate assignments are being made for those who have not indicated a preference. At check-in in the lobby of the Administration building all participants will receive their housing assignment and key. Group housing is available in the Classroom Building. Showers will be available at the Group House. Maps will be provided at check-in.
Housing is available at the school, in the commons area and classrooms. Or outdoor camping is available. Bring your air mattress. Air pumps will be available on site. Cots will be available first come first serve basis.
Mandatory safety meetings will be held on Thursday evening in the Classroom Building at White Oak Conference Center. Safety meetings will be held on the hour starting at 7:00 pm. The last safety meeting will be held at 9:00 pm.
Our first priority on the MS Challenge Walk is the safety of each participant. Bu, we cant make the event entirely safe for you. We need your help. We need safety to be your number one priority, too. As a walker, you must take responsibility for your safety, and for advocating safety for other participants. We cant make the event safe without your help.
An information area will be available at all start and overnight locations to answer questions, locate lost and found and purchase commissary items. There is also a message board where you can pick up or leave a message for another walker or volunteer.
A commissary will be available at the MS Challenge Walk to purchase items you may have forgotten. Dont forget to bring extra money in case you forgot something.
Opening Ceremonies will be at 7:00 a.m. on May 30, 2003. After the ceremony, you will line up for the First Step the launch of the MS Challenge Walk. The event begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony on May 30, 2003. Water bottles full and shoes tied!
We encourage you to have your friends and family watch and cheer you on from the viewing area.
During the MS Challenge Walk
Thanks to the dedication, sweat and labor of many volunteers, the MS Challenge Walk is a weekend of full support for all participants. We provide meals at the overnights, lunches on the route, water and snack stops, hot showers, nightly entertainment, route guides and markings, full transportation for your gear, medical support and transportation for walkers should unforeseen circumstances keep you from finishing your day.
We encourage friends and family members to send you off and cheer on Day 1 at the starting line, as well as to welcome you upon your return on Day 3 at the final finish line.
We ask that unless friends or family members are volunteering or crewing, they wait until Sundays finish line celebration to see you. There will be phones available at the overnight locations.
We have chosen roads and rest areas that are not heavily traveled. Adhering to this policy will keep our roads safe and lightly traveled. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Rest stops will be located approximately 3 miles apart with pit stops every 1.5 miles. Rest stops are stocked with water, sports drinks, fruit and snacks to keep you going on the days route. Portable toilets will be available at all stops. Rest stops are your chance to stop, stretch and socialize with other walkers.
For more information about training and nutrition check out the Training and Nutrition Guide at our website at www.nationalmssociety.org/ncp/event/event_detail.asp?e=6370
Support and Gear Wagons (SAG)
Support vehicles will be patrolling back and forth between rest stops to transport you ahead one rest stop for medical reasons or to give you a brief break from walking if you are tired. Injured walkers will receive prompt medical attention and transport.
Immediately report any medical emergencies to staff at the rest stops, in support vehicles, or at the overnights. Medical support personnel will be available at all timesat every start site, every rest stop and the overnight locations. In addition we have comprehensive information on local hospitals, emergency facilities, police, fire and other services along the route. As with any emergency, dial 9-1-1 if you have a phone available and first on the scene.
You are responsible for transporting any medication you need on the route. Basic supplies (i.e. over the counter pain relievers, band-aids, sunscreen) are available in the first aid kits at each rest stop. If you have a medical condition that requires special care please contact Holly Powers at 704-752-6662 or holly.powers@ncp.nmss.org.
Massage therapists are available throughout the weekend. Please bring money if you wish to have a massage. The typical charge is $1 per minute. (Most massages on the MS Challenge Walk are 20 minutes).
The MS Challenge Walk officially begins with Day One on Friday morning. All meals from the breakfast forward are included in the MS Challenge Walk package.
·Spaghetti Dinner at White Oak Conference Center. Cost $5 per person. Friends and family are invited.
·Breakfast at White Oak Conference Center.
·Lunch at a rest stop along the route. Rest stops every 3 miles. Pit stops every 1.5 miles.
·Dinner at White Oak Conference Center.
·Bedtime snack.
·Breakfast at White Oak Conference Center.
·Lunch at a rest stop along the route.
·Rest stops every 3 miles. Pit stops every 1.5 miles.
·Dinner at Saluda Trail Middle School.
·Breakfast at Saluda Trail Middle School
·Rest stops every 3 miles. Pit stops every 1.5 miles.
·Pre-finish Line Feast provided by Wendys.
·Beverages at the finish line.
Special thanks to Good Ole Days Restaurant at the Arboreteum in Charlotte for providing all meals at the lunch stops and breakfast and dinner at Saluda Trail Middle School.
All overnight facilities have hot showers, sinks, and toilet facilities.
Please limit your shower time to leave time for others. Bring your own towel (we suggest a quick dry/sports towel, available at any sporting goods or camping store), and make sure to dry your towel overnight so that it wont dampen your clothes or accumulate mildew. Clothes lines will be available. Shower facilities will not be available at the pre-finish or finish line in Charlotte at Independence Park.
Day 0 Activities
White Oak Conference Center
633 Mobley Highway
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Emergency Phone Number:
803-635-4685
Staffed from: 2 pm 9 pm.
White Oak Conference Center
633 Mobley Highway
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Emergency Phone Number:
803-635-4685
Staffed from: 6 am 7 pm
Saluda Trail Middle School in Rock Hill, SC.
Emergency phone number:
803-981-1800
Staffed from: 11 am 7 pm
Day 3 Finish Line
Independence Park, Charlotte, NC
Each evening we have a special program for Challenge walkers and crew. Friday evening we have a Pep Rally. Saturday evening we have a Candle Light Ceremony honoring those with multiple sclerosis.
Weather
Nothing dampens our spirits in the fight against MS. So, in the event of rain, the MS Challenge Walk marches on. We may delay a starting time, or ask you to pull to the side if torrential rain occurs. Please, use extra caution at all times when walking in wet weather. Avoid puddles! Be on guard for slippery surfaces. And, watch for and listen to event official instructions in the event of very bad weather.
The MS Challenge Walk course was designed to take advantage of excellent host communities, keep walkers away from high-traffic areas and give our participants a scenic tour of the SC countryside. The MS Challenge Walk is not a closed course. Please remember: unless friends or family are volunteering, please ask them not to ride the course or visit the rest stops.
Day 1: 20.9 Course open from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Day 2: 16.8 miles. Course open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Buses will depart for the start location beginning at 6:40 until 7:20)
Day 3: 12.2 miles. Course open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30. (Buses for the start location will depart promptly at 7:00 a.m.)
Victory March and Closing Ceremony
On the final day of the MS Challenge, we gather at a special staging area in Charlotte from which we march as a group to the Closing Ceremonies. If you are still on the route near the time of our Victory March, you will be picked up and transported to the staging area. Tell your friends, family, and sponsors to gather at the Finish Line at Independence Park to witness your arrival and cheer you on. The Victory March and Closing Ceremony are an incredibly moving experiences that you and your friends and family wont forget.
Independence Park
300 Hawthorne Lane
Charlotte, NC
Parking
available at lots next to Memorial Stadium across from Independence
Park as well as on the street and in lots surrounding Independence
Park on Seventh and Hawthorne.
What to Bring
Items indicated with an (*) are required.
· Shoes! Preferably two pairs of worn-in shoes you have been alternately training in.*
· Water bottles * (Two are required)
· Sunscreen *
· Towels *
· Sleeping Bag*
· Air mattress (pumps will be available at the overnight locations). You definitely will want an air mattress for Day 2 overnights. Cots will be available on a first come first serve basis.
· Shirts (Two MS Challenge T-shirts will be provided)
· Socks *
· Rain Poncho
· Wind-breaker jacket
· Shorts
· Long pants
· Underwear
· Sports bra
· Shower shoes
· Sleepwear
· Hat/Cap
· Sweatband
· Special prescription medications
· Anti-blister aids/blister kit
· Lip balm
· Insect repellent
· Sanitary protection
· Small plastic bags for toiletries
· Pillow
· Washcloth
· Toothpaste and toothbrush
· Identification and spending money
· Sunglasses
· Moisturizer
· Shampoo
· Soap
· Deodorant
· Camera and film
· Writing journal
· Pens
Itinerary
Day 0: Thursday, May 29, 2003
Location: White Oak Conference Center
6:00 pm Check-in begins
6:00 pm Loading for Bus from Charlotte to Winnsboro
6:00 pm - Spaghetti dinner service begins
6:15 pm Bus from Charlotte departs
7:00 pm - Safety Meetings begin
8:00 pm Check-in closes
8:30 pm- Spaghetti dinner service ends.
9:00 pm-Last Safety Meeting
Location Start: White Oak Conference Center
Location Finish: White Oak Conference Center
6:00 am Breakfast is available
7:00 am. - Opening Ceremonies
2:00 pm- Massage therapy open at White Oak Conference Center
5:00 pm Dinner Service begins
6:00 pm Route Closes
7:30 pm Dinner Service Ends
8:00 pm Evening Pep Rally
9:30 pm Lights Out
Location Start: White Oak Conference Center
5:45 am Breakfast available, luggage loading
6:30 am Buses depart for start location
7:00 am - Route opens for MS Challenge Walk Day 2
7:20 am Last bus departs for start location
7:30 am - All participants on the MS Challenge Walk route
1:00 pm - Massage therapy begins at Saluda Trail Middle School
5:00 pm Dinner Service begins
6:00 pm Route Closes
7:00 pm Dinner Service Ends
8:00 pm Candlelight Ceremony
9:30 pm Lights Out
6:00 am Breakfast available, luggage loading
7:00 am Shuttles depart for start location all walkers must be on a bus with their luggage loaded on the luggage truck
8:00 am Route opens for the MS Challenge Walk
12:30 noon All walkers into the Pre-finish Line
10:00 am 12:30 Pre-finish celebration meal is served.
12:45 pm. Victory March begins
1:15 p.m. Closing Ceremony