Dec 03, 2008
5,000 CYCLISTS RODE TOWARDS A WORLD FREE OF MS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Meghan Finn
212-453-3209
mfinn@msnyc.org
New York, NY - There was not a car or cab in sight as 5,000 bikers hit the road during the 24th annual Bike MS New York City Traffic Free on October 5, 2008. Hosted by the New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the event – one of the largest one-day charity bike events in the country – raised $3 million.
Participants, including many living with MS, joined the movement and cycled with a single purpose: a world free of MS. Bike MS raises critical funds for MS research and hundreds of programs and services offered by the chapter for the nearly 7,000 New York City residents living with MS, their friends and families.
The event kicked-off with an energy filled start line ceremony that featured New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janet Sadik-Khan who welcomed cyclists before leading the ride as grand marshal. Cyclists warmed up with stretches led by Crunch Fitness and were inspired by the many guest speakers, including a participant living with MS.
“For the first time in this event’s history, we had to close registration early due to the overwhelming response. We are extremely grateful to the bike participants, volunteers and sponsors who dedicated an incredible amount of time, materials and energy to make this year’s Bike MS NYC Traffic Free a huge success. We couldn’t do this event without these amazing people who are committed to the movement toward a world free of MS,” said Ruth Brenner, president of the New York City Chapter.
Cyclists had a choice of three routes – 30, 60 or 100 miles – and Bike MS NYC Traffic Free began at Pier 94, where participants started a 30-mile ride along open New York City streets. Cyclists on the 60-mile route completed the 30-mile course before traveling through a traffic-free tube of the Lincoln Tunnel and returned to the city via the George Washington Bridge. Skilled riders opted for “The Century,” a 100-mile ride that was an extension of the 60-mile route and went into Rockland County, NY.
This year, a number of changes were made in order to make the event one of the most successful in chapter history. The ride was limited to 5,000 participants to ensure an exciting and safe ride for all cyclists. The finish line celebration was bigger and better than ever, featuring music, free massages, refreshments, giveaways, a sponsor expo and more!
“Bike MS NYC Traffic Free is one of our most popular events, it combines the excitement of a cycling event with the gratification of knowing you’ve made a difference in the lives of the thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis,” said Barbara Evans, vice president of development and corporate sponsorship for the NYC Chapter of the National MS Society. “We always want to remain the premier cycling event, so we’re constantly striving to make the rider, volunteer and sponsor experience the best it can be. We think our participants were extremely pleased with this year’s event.”
Members of the Goldman Sachs team were on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange the day after Bike MS to ring The Closing Bell as part of a fundraising competition. The Goldman team raised the most funds for Bike MS this year and, to date, has raised nearly $163,000.
Thanks to some of the 2008 Bike MS NYC Traffic Free Sponsors
ABC 7, American Express, Barclays Capital, Bianchi, Credit Suisse, Crunch Fitness, Ellsworth, Financial Times, Fresh Direct, FUZE, GP Sports & Nutrition, Jamaica Hospital, Metro Sports New York, New York Post, NYSE Euronext, Oz Moving, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Pure Protein, Q104.3 and Swedish Institute.
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