WINDSOR, Conn.—The 2015 Bike MS Praxair Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, will be held Sunday, June 7, in Windsor at Griffin Land’s Griffin Center Business Park. But, instead of simply acting as a venue for the event, Griffin Land employees are showing that they’re truly all in for Bike MS.

“Griffin Land has been involved with the Bike MS ride in Windsor since its inception, but we’ve taken steps as a company to enlist support from our employees to form Team Griffin, raise funds and even volunteer to ensure that the event goes off without a hitch,” said Tim Lescalleet, senior vice president at Griffin Land. “It’s truly a rewarding effort to see the entire company get behind this event and help the National MS Society better the lives of those living with MS.”

Bike MS is a physical challenge for cyclists of every level, but it’s so much more than just a ride. The camaraderie, passion and memories that come from sharing the experience with family, friends and teammates last a lifetime.

Lescalleet first took up cycling more than 25 years ago when he set out for the National MS Society’s North Shore Getaway Ride, a two-day, 150-mile bike tour that traveled through Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. His commitment to the National MS Society continued when he led the way for Griffin Land to support Bike MS as host sponsor.

“One of our corporate values is to be active participants in local charitable organizations in a meaningful way,” he said. “Hosting the Bike MS event certainly helps to achieve this goal, but there are also personal connections that we at Griffin Land have with those afflicted with MS, and this inspires us to be more engaged.” 

More than 6,500 Connecticut residents are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease. The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms can include 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.

“Team Griffin welcomes anyone to ride with us, and we often reach out to vendors, tenants and business partners to join our team or to make a donation when Bike MS season begins,” said Lescalleet, the team’s captain. “Our team size ranges from year to year, but I can expect anywhere from half a dozen to 15 riders. Most of our team members opt for a 10- or 25-mile route, but there are always a few who set out for 50 miles with me and a few ‘centurions’ over the years have braved the 100-mile route.”

Cyclists at the Windsor location will gather at the Griffin Center business park and ride across the colonial countryside of Northern Connecticut, opting to cycle 10, 25, 50 or even 100 miles as well as a 2-mile kids’ ride. Cyclists can take in the serenity of Suffield’s farmland and test their speed against a Boeing 787 as they ride by the Bradley International Airport runway.

For those who are not cyclists, multiple volunteer opportunities are also available.

“I became involved with the planning and coordination of Bike MS when I joined Griffin Land seven years ago,” said Nichole Parlapiano, executive and marketing coordinator at Griffin Land. “The local MS Society chapter’s events staff sought someone on our end to help coordinate the event and promote to businesses in the area. The first year I volunteered the day of the event, after helping to plan it. The next year I started riding. Today I’m a member of the Bike MS advisory committee, too, which includes the planning of all the logistical matters that ensure the event goes well.”

Finish line festivities will include a barbeque lunch, entertainment, local vendors offering product samples, free massage therapy and more.

“What is most rewarding for me is to see everything coming together the day of the ride after months of planning and effort,” continued Parlapiano. “We know everything is going well when we see the camaraderie come out not only among members of a team, but between different teams and volunteers as well.”

The registration fee for this year’s ride $35 with a minimum fundraising amount per registered rider of $125. Each participant will receive a performance tech Bike MS shirt as a thank you for their involvement. Walk-ons are welcome. Last year, Bike MS attracted more than 800 cyclists and raised $559,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter.

This year Griffin Land increased its financial sponsorship to the Platinum level, contributing $10,000. In addition, its riders have reached their goal of raising an additional $5,000 from various individual and corporate contributors, and the company will continue with its ground support for the day of the event; all this in addition to contributing the host site.

“Team Griffin today represents much more that what began years ago as a small group of cyclers.” said Lescalleet. “We’ve gone all-in for this event. Of course, we’re still excited to get out and ride!”

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 help to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.

Community partners include WTNH News 8 and WRCH Lite 100.5, which has supported and promoted the ride for almost 30 years.

“There aren’t many things that could make driving to the office early on a Sunday morning enjoyable,” said Lescalleet, who lives 75 miles away from the office park. “But I love pulling into our park on Bike MS day to see it transformed into a beautiful event and full of hundreds of cyclists – all coming out to support the fight against MS.”

For more information on the 2015 Bike MS Praxair Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus Commodities, or to donate to Team Griffin, visit www.bikeMSct.org.