Over 1,800 cyclists expected to raise nearly $1 million dollars in massive “Bike to the Bay” ride

Dover, DE – Bike MS: Bike to the Bay presented by NRG Indian River Generating Station is set for September 21 and 22, 2013. 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, who come to enjoy the personal accomplishment and camaraderie of the ride, and who strive to support Delawareans with multiple sclerosis. The ride covers much of Kent and Sussex counties, with a choice of six route options – 17, 45, 75, 100, 150, & 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.

About Bike MS: Bike to the Bay

A choice of rides – Bike MS: Bike to the Bay actually comprises of six rides. The 17-mile ride which begins in Milton, Delaware, the 45-mile ride which begins at Lake Forest High School in Felton, and the 75 and 100 mile rides which begin at the Terry Campus of Delaware Technical & Community College in Dover. The ever-popular 150-mile ride also begins at Del Tech on Saturday, September 21st and cyclists retrace the route back to Dover on Sunday, September 22nd. Avid cyclists have the option to tackle the 175 mile route as well.

Support on the road – More than 200 compassionate and enthusiastic MS Society volunteers work tirelessly over the two-day weekend to maintain a safe and enjoyable route for all the cyclists. These volunteers also set up and man rest stops every 8 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. In other words, the MS Society tries to anticipate and meet the cyclists’ every need.

Fee discounts are available to early registrants! Registration Fee Schedule:
$40 thru 7/31/13
$45 thru 8/31/13
$50 thru 9/15/13
$55 after 9/15/13

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How to Register – 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. Looking to start a team? Now is the best time to start a team with discounted registration fees and plenty of time to fundraise! 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 great prizes! Register online at www.biketothebay.org or call (302) 655-5610.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with the disease. 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 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 400,000 people in the U.S. and over 2.1 million worldwide.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2012 alone, through our national office and 50-state network of chapters, we devoted $164 million to programs and services that improved the lives of more than one million people. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $40 million to support more than 325 new and ongoing research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS now. Join the movement at nationalMSsociety.org. In Delaware, call (302) 655-5610. Or visit www.MSdelaware.org.