Aug 04, 2009
Bike MS Seacoast Escape - August 8
National MS Society,
Central New England Chapter
1361 Elm St., Suite 106
Manchester, NH 03101
TEL +1 603 623 3502
www.MSnewengland.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve.Sookikian@mam.nmss.org
+1 800 344 4867
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/4/2009
AUGUST 8TH MS BIKE RIDE ESCAPES TO NEW HAMPSHIRE SEACOAST
Start and finish at Stratham Hill Park
PORTSMOUTH -- With newly designed 40K and 100K routes that explore the coastal beauty of the Granite State and the peaceful scenery of less-travelled country roads, the August 8th New Hampshire Seacoast Escape MS Bike Ride offers riders of all levels a fun and rewarding ride while raising money to help people who are affected by multiple sclerosis. Organized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central New England Chapter, the Seacoast Escape starts and finishes at Stratham Hill Park on Route 33 in Stratham, N.H. The route is supported with well-stocked rest stops, outstanding safety teams, skilled bike mechanics from local shops, and an army of enthusiastic volunteers; plus a delicious barbeque waits for riders at the finish. The registration fee is $35, and each rider agrees to raise a minimum of $250 to help reach a total fundraising goal of $100,000. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. All routes start at 9 a.m. And, the ride closes at 3 p.m. Riders may register as individuals or teams at www.bikeMSnh.org, where they can take advantage of online fundraising tools to become a V.I.P. (Very Important Pedaler) and receive prizes. Late registrations are accepted in-person Saturday morning at check-in, or Friday night, August 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during a reception hosted by Red Hook Brewery at 35 Corporate Drive, Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth. The New Hampshire Seacoast Escape MS Bike Ride is sponsored by Tulley Automotive, Landry’s Bicycles, Goodale’s Bike Shop, Buchika’s Ski and Sport, Bicycle Bob’s, Papa Wheelies, FUZE beverages, Cape Cod Potato Chips, Poland Spring, RoadID, Data Associates, Starbucks, Panera, and Lollipop Tree. Donations for riders can be made online, at www.MSnewengland.org; click ‘Donate to a Participant’ and enter a name. Questions about the ride should be directed to Ride Manager Heidi Roy, heidi.roy@mam.nmss.org, 1-603-623-3502.
Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between brain and body and can stop people from moving forward in their lives. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, but teenagers and even young children can have the disease. More than twice as many women as men have MS, which affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.
The National MS Society helps each person address the challenges of living with MS. The Central New England Chapter spends about $4 million annually to serve more than 14,000 individuals and their families who are affected by MS in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Among the wide range of MS education, support, advocacy, and services are care coordination (Home LINKS), respite care, financial assistance, professional education, and community-based outreach; plus effective lobbying at the state and federal level to change public policies that directly affect people with disabilities from MS and other causes. Another $3 million funds national research and programs; however, there is more than $20 million in ongoing Society-funded MS research projects at local medical, academic, and scientific institutions.
Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.MSnewengland.org, or 1-800-344-4867.
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