National MS Society’s Bike MS is the Largest Fundraising Bike Series in the World
San Diego CA— Nearly 2,500 cyclists are attempting to raise $2.7 million and ride up to 150 miles in the annual Bike MS: Bay to Bay, presented locally by Monster Energy Company this October. The scenic route will depart from the Irvine Transportation Center on October 19, follow the coast south with an overnight stop in Carlsbad, and conclude at Crown Point Park on Mission Bay on October 20. Cyclists will have the opportunity to take in breathtaking views, miles of coastline and rolling terrain, while supporting the cause to make a difference in the lives of nearly 1 million people living with multiple sclerosis in the U.S.
This year, Southern Californians are inspired by a new study conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which shows more than twice as many people in the U.S. are living with multiple sclerosis than previously thought. Earlier studies estimated the prevalence of MS to be 400,000, but this new study shows that number is closer to 1 million in America alone. Each rider must raise a minimum of $400 to participate, with all funds going toward MS research and assisting the lives of those living with MS.
“Twice as many people need a cure and to know they have a community to support them,” said Sean Pantellere, Bike Director, National MS Society, “With each pedal stroke and fundraising dollar, our cyclists are bringing us closer to our ultimate finish line – a world free of MS.”
Bike MS: Bay to Bay, presented locally by Monster Energy Company, is one of more than 70 rides across the country hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year, more than 80,000 people are expected to participate in Bike MS nationwide, and the event has raised over $1.36 billion since its inception. Primal is the Premier National Sponsor of Bike MS and the official National Cycling Apparel Sponsor. Primal also sponsors “I Ride with MS,” a special program recognizing Bike MS cyclists living with the disease. Pop Sockets, Shower Pass and Left Hand Brewing are the National Sponsors of Bike MS. Local sponsors include Monster Energy Company, KTLA, La Casa Del Zorro, The Habit Burger Grill, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Visit Carlsbad, Wescom, ACE Relation Systems, FedEx, Wells Fargo, and BMW of Murrieta.
WHEN: October 19– October 20, 2019
Saturday, October 19; Irvine ride departs at 7 a.m. (50, 75, 100-mile routes), Carlsbad ride departs at 9 a.m. (25-mile route); both rides finish in Carlsbad at the Sheraton and Westin Resorts
Sunday, October 20; Ride departs Carlsbad at 7 a.m. (50-mile route), and finishes at Crown Point Park on Mission Bay
WHERE: Beginning at the Irvine Transportation Center (15215 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618), looping to Westin & Sheraton Carlsbad Resorts (5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, CA), and ending at Crown Point Park on Mission Bay
ROUTE OPTIONS: 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 miles
WHY BIKE MS: Bike MS brings people together as individuals and as teams to conquer a challenge and share an unforgettable experience with friends, family and coworkers—while raising money to make a difference in the lives of people affected by MS.
PARTICIPATION/ VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION: bikeMS.org, 855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.
To experience Bike MS, check out this video: https://youtu.be/9yzv6GOz8oA
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide.
For more information about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society go to nationalMSsociety.org or follow the National MS Society on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.