As a recommendation, we suggest your bike has a factory exhaust, or aftermarket mufflers that make a deep rumble. Drag pipes or an extremely loud exhaust are not allowed. Loud pipes may not be a problem on the highway but are very annoying in the middle of the countryside, especially for the bicycle riders (see more on 11 below).
Also, we suggest you ride a bike that have some extended luggage capacity, as you will need to carry a lot of things onboard during said rides: change of cloths and accommodation (for the two-days rides), foot pump, tube replacements, tools, first aid kit, HAM radio, …
Based on experience, it seems each year you will be adding something to your "tool kit" you missed having the last season, and want to have with you this time…
Therefore and ideally, you want to ride a big cruiser or a sport-tourer. The smallest bike of our group is a Kawasaki GPZ 500, so it can be done with smaller bikes, but we know his owner is always struggling to carry all his stuff…
We had a couple of riders who tried to join us with small dual-sport bikes, but couldn't carry everything they needed to accomplish their mission and had to give up…
That being said, the official requirements are:
- A valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement
- At least 25 years old on or before the start of the Texas MS 150
- At least 5,000 miles of riding experience in the past 2 calendar years
- Insurance for the motorcycle you ride in the Texas MS 150
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or similar course within the past 5 years. The certification can be a basic or experienced rider course
- A valid Amateur Radio Operator (HAM) license. This requirement is waived during your first season of participation
- A HAM radio that you can operate during the event. A handheld unit is a minimum; a mobile unit is preferred for its greater range. Reliable communication along the route are critical and cell phone coverage can be spotty at best. The success of the Texas MS 150 relies heavily on Amateur Radio communications for Central Operations (Net Control), SAGs, rest stops, ride management, Motorcycle Marshals, and others. We also use a phone app called TRACCAR to track location on the course
- At least two Texas MS 150 recommended training rides. Motorcycle Marshals ride in close proximity to cyclists and safety for bicycle riders and Motorcycle Marshals is a top priority. In February of each year, the MS Society publishes a list of training rides to help cyclist get in shape for the big ride in April. Training rides have proven to be excellent scale models of the big ride. Part of the first training is a one-hour classroom session that explains the roles of Motorcycle Marshals and the resources available to us on the ride
- A vehicle with only two wheels. Trikes, sidecars, and other variations with more than two wheels are not allowed
- Trailers are not allowed
- No loud pipes. Each cyclist in the Texas MS 150 must raise a minimum of $400 to participate, and many riders raises much more. Part of our mission is to help provide cyclist an enjoyable experience in safety. Most riders do not appreciate drag pipes during their ride, so we do our best to accommodate this
In addition, the MS Society adds the following requirements for each Motorcycle Marshal:
- A Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) drivers' license check
- Proof of insurance
- A DOT approved helmet during the event
- A Motorcycle Marshal vest (provided). It is your option not to wear a helmet to and from the event; if you do not wear a helmet, do not wear the Motorcycle Marshal vest
- You must ride solo
Still have questions? Do not hesitate to Contact Us!