US – RRT Assists At Bike MS Event on July 11, 2015 in Columbus, OHIO

It was a dewy morning in July when a team of RRT volunteers arrived at the Glacier Ridge Elementary School to assist with the Multiple Sclerosis Event. Around 5am, the volunteers were split into teams, some of whom started setting up the start and finish line and others that began setting up each of the racing stations along the route.

Riders started the bike ride at 8:00am

The Bike MS Event took place in Dublin, Ohio near the capital, Columbus, to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis Research. For over 30 years, Bike MS has been striving for a world free of MS. They have raised over 1 billion dollars to help learn more about the disease and push for new treatments and programs to help people currently living with MS.

Riders along the route

 

At the start line, a mixture of bikes and colours all surged forward, eager to conquer the mission. Some biking for family, and some biking with, but all were having a lot of fun. Now you may think that the feeling of volunteering for others is inspiring, but watching a grown man take on a challenge like biking 50 miles with only his hands will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

The Craig Crankers Team riding for Craig Washka who biked the 50 miles with only his hands

The Bike MS offered three route options… 30, 50 and 95 miles. The rides were fully supported with rest stops every 15 – 20 miles, consisting of Gatorade, Water, Snacks, Restrooms, Bike Mechanics, Medical Volunteers and Support Vehicles. Lunch was provided for the participants biking the 95 mile route and Dinner was provided for all upon their return to Dublin, Ohio.

Enjoying the chance for a quick break

At the many rest stops, there was a lot of great food and refreshments served to the weary riders. Their satisfied faces made it all the more worthwhile.

RRT volunteers offering snow cones to the riders

As racers began arriving back at the finish line, they received a first place cheer, bells clanging and clapping wildly. The welcome seemed to be something that each racer very much appreciated.  One racer exclaimed excitedly that RRT “was doing an awesome thing”.  He stated that he had been to other races like this one, but the organization that RRT brought was incredible and “just what was needed”.

RRT Marshalls and Spectators

As the day wrapped up, there were many exhausted but smiling faces. Dedication and hard work was shown from everyone, racers and volunteers alike. At this event alone, the teams raised approximately $60k, an astounding donation towards MS research.  Thanks to events like this, MS can be more quickly diagnosed, enabling early and sustained therapy to help slow the disease activity.

Testimonial