| 09/27/2001 | Cycle to Fight Multiple Sclerosis at MS 150Thousands of cyclists participating in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's MS 150 City to Shore Bike Tour will fight MS and show their patriotic spirit, Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30 at the 21st annual event. With more than 5,500 cyclists expected and at least 1000 volunteers, National MS Society officials expect numerous displays of support for our country on cyclists' clothing, helmets and on bicycles. "We know of many teams who changed their T-shirt designs at the last minute and now feature large American flags. Thirty military personnel from Maguire Air Force Base will be riding in patriotic gear and, at our rest stop in Atco, NJ, we have American flag decals for cyclists to place on the front of their helmets," says Judith G. Cohen, president of the Society's local Greater Delaware Valley Chapter.
The largest overnight tour on the East Coast, the MS 150 City to Shore Bike Tour, presented by Subaru of America and Commerce Bank, will depart the PATCO Woodcrest Hi-Speedline Station (Exit 31 off Route 295) in Cherry Hill between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. In addition to patriotic teams, participants range from an MS researcher who's traded his lab coat for cycling gear, to kids on tandems and those with MS themselves. The 150-mile round-trip event will be held rain or shine. For information call 800-548-4611 or check www.ms150biketour.org.
All cyclists must raise a minimum of $200 in pledges to participate, with most raising much more to help the 8,400 local residents with MS and their families. "This is a vitally important event that supports our research programs and services," says Judith G. Cohen, chapter president. "For us, it is extremely gratifying to know that despite the dark times we are currently experiencing, Americans from every walk of life are still asking how can I help -- not just in New York City and Washington DC, but in all areas of community."
"Our country has proven repeatedly that it is big enough, strong enough and generous enough to support more than one important cause at a time. We hope all who ride to help us meet our mission: to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis, know that this too is an unpredictable and devastating battle," Cohen continues.
More than 1000 volunteers will cheer cyclists on their way and assist at rest stops while cyclists pedal 75 miles to the Ocean City Civic Center, 6th and the Boardwalk, and an overnight stay at the shore. After a Saturday evening awards ceremony and dinner, cyclists leave Ocean City on Sunday morning to return to the PATCO Woodcrest Hi-Speedline Station, where they arrive between Noon and 4 p.m. for a finish line celebration.
Along the way, cyclists in the MS 150 City to Shore Bike Tour will enjoy a fully catered tour with well-stocked rest and lunch stops, sag wagon assistance, transportation for luggage, medical and bike support and more.
This year, cyclists can again choose from three route options: the traditional 150-mile, two-day route; the 175-mile two-day challenge route; and the 42-mile one-day option.
MS is a life-long disease of the central nervous system that strikes more than 200 Americans every week. It causes unpredictable symptoms ranging from weakness to total paralysis that come and go without any warning or pattern.
The National MS Society supports more MS research than any other non-profit agency in the world, for a total of $290 million since its inception in 1946. In addition, the Society provides services and programs for those with MS and their families, to ease daily living with the disease. For information about MS, please call 800-548-4611 or visit the website at www.nationalmssociety.org.www.nationalmssociety.org
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