Aug 08, 2009
Bicycling Magazine Features Bike MS 2009
Anne Handley
Bicycling Magazine Spotlights Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass
Louisville couple represent The National MS Society,
Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter in Publication
Louisville, KY- It’s easy to spot “Team Dot” in their multi-colored, tie-dyed cycling jerseys as they ride throughout Kentuckiana, training for Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass. It’s not so easy to see the inspiration behind their preparation- Dot Patterson, the wife of team captain, Phil Patterson.
But now the world can see their devotion to each other and to the National MS Society, Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter in the September issue of Bicycling magazine.
The world's leading cycling magazine, Bicycling (www.bicycling.com), with a global circulation of 420,000, features the Pattersons on the “Finish Line”.
The Louisville couple, supporting each other at this year’s Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass, with Phil riding, and Dot, who lives with MS, cheering on the cyclists and volunteering at the event, caught the attention of the Bicycling magazine.
The photograph and accompanying short summary describes the Pattersons’ efforts over the past 11 years to grow their bike team and the amount they raise for the National MS Society, Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter at Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass.
Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass, Kentucky’s premier cycling event, is an annual fundraiser for the National MS Society, Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter. On the first weekend of June, cyclists ride between two of the country’s most renowned horse racing tracks, Churchill Downs in Louisville to Keeneland in Lexington.
“We’re honored that Bicycling Magazine selected Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass for this story and appreciate all the participants that make this national recognition possible, especially Phil and Dot Patterson,“ said Stacy Funk, President of the National MS Society, Kentucky- Southeast Indiana Chapter.
The 2009 Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass raised over $200,000 for the National MS Society, Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter. Team Dot Louisville, with 28 riders, was the top team, securing over $36,000 in donations.
Proceeds from the event support critical local and national MS research programs, and fund local programs and services for those who are impacted by the disease, including more than 4,600 people in Kentucky.
Phil and Dot Patterson state, “We hope this will encourage experienced and new riders to be a part of a cycling event that incorporates fitness, scenery, and fun, and helps those living with MS to keep moving by raising funds for our cause.”
While enjoying all of the beautiful scenery of their old Kentucky home, Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass participants ride through Jefferson, Bullitt, Shelby, Franklin, Woodford and Fayette counties. Individual and team cyclists pedal segments or the full 175 mile distance from Louisville to Lexington, in a fully supported and inspirational event. Their efforts, and those that contribute to their goals, help to create a world free of MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.
For more information about Bike MS: Bike the Bluegrass please contact the National MS Society, Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter by phone at 502-451-0014 or 1-800-873-6367, online at www.bikeMSky.org or by email at bikemsky@kyw.nmss.org.
###