Why We Ride

To fight MS

Multiple sclerosis affects lives every moment of every year. At any time, someone with MS may suddenly be unable to stand up, hug their child or see a friend across the room.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the body's own defense (autoimmune) system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system).

The damaged myelin may form scar tissue (sclerosis). When part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber itself is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses to and from the brain are distorted or interrupted, causing the myriad of symptoms associated with MS.

To support the ones we love

Many of us ride for spouses and other close relatives or friends. Team captain, Ken Minor, started riding for his wife Karen shortly after she was diagnosed with MS eight years ago. Immediately, she started taking a weekly injection, Avonex, that significantly reduced the advance of the disease. The drug was developed by researchers using funds raised by the National MS Society through events like the bike ride.

One of our veteran riders rides for herself. Christin Harding sometimes has trouble with hills since balance problems make it difficult to stand up in the seat and fatigue in her legs makes walking up them even more difficult. When asked why she does it she says simply "because I still can".

Read stories about our team members and loved ones with MS.
Visit the MS website to Learn more about MS.