Bike to the Bay Sept. 21 and 22 looks to million-dollar weekend
Bike MS: Bike to the Bay presented by NRG Indian River Generating Station is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Bike to the Bay is the largest and longest-running bike ride in Delaware. The goal is to raise MS awareness and $1 million to support national multiple sclerosis research as well as programs and services needed by more than 1,550 Delawareans with MS.
Bike to the Bay attracts more than 1,800 bicyclists. The ride covers much of Kent and Sussex counties, with a choice of six route options of 17, 45, 75, 100, 150 and 175 miles, and finishes at the towers at Delaware Seashore State Park, just south of Dewey Beach.
“There is an opportunity for every member of the community to join us for our 30th anniversary ride. We offer route options for all skill levels, and if you don’t ride a bike, you can register as a virtual cyclist. Plus we are always looking for volunteers. It’s a great day to give back to an important cause, and celebrate the accomplishments we’ve made in MS care and research,” said Linda Risk, development director at the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Delaware Chapter.
More than 200 MS Society volunteers work over the two-day weekend to maintain a safe and enjoyable route for all the cyclists. These volunteers also set up and run rest stops every eight to 12 miles along the route. Each rest stop is well stocked with beverages, fruit and high-energy snacks. Professional bike mechanics and support-and-gear wagons constantly patrol the route for cyclists in need. If necessary, the cyclist and his or her gear are transported to the end of the ride. Overnight accommodations in local hotels are also available.
Fee discounts are available to early registrants: $40 through July 31, $45 through Aug. 31, $50 through Sept. 15 and $55 after Sept. 15.
In addition to the registration fee, cyclists must meet a minimum pledge of $300. To help the cyclists meet their pledges, the MS Society provides plenty of support and incentive - especially to teams of four or more cyclists. Team captains can download a captain’s kit with important recruiting and fundraising tips and are eligible for team photos, top-quality event apparel and many more prizes. Register at www.biketothebay.org or call 302-655-5610.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society, call 302-655-5610 or visit www.MSdelaware.org.
