Colchester, CONN. – The 2011 Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride is postponed until Sunday, Sept. 11, due to Hurricane Irene. The event will still be at Priam Vineyards in Colchester.
This year the ride will move from a two-day ride to a single-day event and will also feature new shoreline routes. Cyclists have a choice of completing a 25-, 50-, or 75-mile route. The route winds through the scenic eastern Connecticut countryside and then ventures down towards the shoreline in Old Lyme. The new route will pass through the towns of Colchester, Amston, Hebron, Lebanon, Bozrah, East Lyme, Oakdale, Old Lyme, East Haddam, Moodus and Hadlyme.
Participants will enjoy a finish line barbeque while overlooking the 24 acres of grapes in production at Priam Vineyards and a spectacular 35-mile view of the countryside. The finish-line party will also include live music, massage therapy and an exclusive wine tasting open to all riders.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride. In its history, more than 2,000 cyclists have pedaled more than 200,000 miles to raise roughly $1 million to support local chapter programs and services as well as scientific research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. This year, the ride hopes to raise $125,000.
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.
Registration for this year’s ride is $45 and the minimum fundraising amount per registered rider is $150. Cyclists will be able to register up to three people who have never participated before for free as part of the chapter’s Ticket To Ride program. Participants must be at least 12-years old to ride.
Community partners include WTNH News 8, KISS 95.7, and WCTY 97.7.
For more information on the Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride, or to register, please contact Patrick Byrne at 860-913-2550, ext. 52527, or email patrick.byrne@nmss.org. For more information on multiple sclerosis, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org
8/25/11