Cyclists pedal at the start of the 2009 Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Ride in Westport. The 2010 Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, takes place Sunday, June 13, at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport and will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter. There is a second ride on Sunday, June 6, at Griffin Center in Windsor
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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter is gearing up to host the 29th annual Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Sunday, June 13, starting and finishing at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Cyclists can select from 12-, 30- or 62-mile routes. The ride also features a kiddie route for children. For a third year participants can saddle up for one of two dates. A second Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Ride will take place Sunday, June 6, at Griffin Center in Windsor.
In 2009, the two rides combined to attract 1,145 cyclists and raise more than $560,000 for the Connecticut Chapter. This year, the chapter hopes to attract more than 1,300 cyclists and raise $575,000.
Fairfield resident Larry Greenhall was the top fundraiser at the Westport ride in 2009, raising $26,761. The Louis Dreyfus team, captained by the company’s North American region chief executive officer and Ridgefield resident Erik Anderson, was the top fundraising team in Westport last year with a total of $60,313.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Bike MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
Pre-registration for the ride is preferred. To register, visit www.ctfightsMS.org. Event day registration begins at the following times:
8:00 a.m. for the 62-mile route. Start time is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. for the 30-mile route. Start time is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. for the 12-mile route. Start time is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. for the kiddie ride. Start time is scheduled for noon
The registration fee is $25 before March 31 and $35 per cyclist after April 1, with a $125 fundraising minimum per rider. The Ticket To Ride program allows registered cyclists to offer free registration to three first-time participants. The $125 fundraising minimum still applies. The ride will take place rain or shine, and includes a finish-line barbecue.
Volunteers are needed for set-up, rest stop duties, photography and clean-up. For more information on the Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Bike Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, please tune to WTNH News Channel 8/My TV 9, 95.9 The Fox or WRCH Lite 100.5. To register or volunteer, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call 860-913-2550.
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