Article Contributed on: 7/1/2009 4:24:07 PM
Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Westminster hosted the start and finish of the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado's Ride 2009 Presented by Sam's Club for the second year June 27 and 28.
More than 3,000 cyclists collectively logged over 450,000 miles as they traveled from FRCC to Colorado State University in Fort Collins and back during their quest to raise $3.2 million for the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society.
As they crossed the finish line cyclists were greeting by cheering family members, friends, volunteers and the Junior Denver Bronco's Cheerleaders. Shade, music, refreshments and the opportunity to have massages provided by the American Massage Therapy Associations Event Sports Massage Team rounded out the conclusion of this year's ride.
Of the 100 Bike MS rides held throughout the nation, Colorado ranks in the top five for most funds raised, which support Chapter programs and services for the 72,000 affected by MS in Colorado, as well as research that will one day lead to a world free of MS.
Amid a sea of jubilant cyclists who successfully completed the two-day, 150-mile ride, Chapter President Carrie Nolan said "I am confident we are well on our way to achieving the $3.2 million goal set this year. The commitment of participants and their families each year is exceptional and we are grateful for their continued support. These dedicated people are the reason that I'm also confident that we will continue to make progress to find better treatments and eventually a cure for this disabling disease," she emphasized.
Participants have until Sept. 30 to collect and turn in donations. This was the first year Marcia Morgan of the Comcast Cranks team participated in the ride.
"I rode in honor of my sister who has MS," Morgan said. "It was an excellent and well supported experience," she added.
Morgan's comments echoed many riders who complimented the Colorado Chapter on the ride itself, which is known among cyclists for being well-organized, well-supported and fun.
"Numerous rest stops and SAG vehicles are positioned along the course so novice to experienced riders can participate," said Kristin Gibbs, vice president of development, Colorado Chapter, National MS Society.
"We want to ensure that the thousands of participants who enthusiastically commit to supporting Bike MS each year have a safe and enjoyable ride," she added.
Contributions are welcome and can be made by visiting www.bikeMScolorado.org.