Cyclists ride for MS research

As she has for years, Bonnie Wolbert fired the shot starting the 14th annual Bike MS Cook Forest River Ride Sept. 16, 2017. Hundreds of sponsored riders took part in perfect bicycling weather to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The participants brought in more than $56,000 in 2017. The ride is set for Sept. 15 this year. (File photo)
From staff reports

There are 400 cyclists setting out to raise $100,000 toward a world free of multiple sclerosis by riding up to 60 miles on Saturday, Sept. 15, through Cook Forest State Park located at 113 River Road, Cooksburg.

Bike MS Cook Forest River Ride features 30- and 60-mile route options through scenic forest and along the beautiful Clarion River.

Participants, friends, family and fans will enjoy a fun and festive finish line celebration as well.

“Bike MS is an experience grounded in camaraderie that brings together cyclists of all levels for one reason to create a world free of MS,” said Anne Mageras, president, National MS Society, Pennsylvania Keystone chapter.

“Funds raised from this event support cutting-edge MS research as well as programs and services for people living with MS in this community.”

Bike MS Cook Forest River Ride is one of nearly 80 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.

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. The Pickle Juice Company is the national sponsor of Bike MS. Seneca Resources is the local presenting sponsor.

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 multiple sclerosis.

To register for this event, visit their website at bikeMS.org, contact them by phone at (855) 372-1331 or email them at fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.

To see what Bike MS is like, check out this video at youtu.be/9yzv6GOz8oA.

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.

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.

The society mobilizes people and resources so that everyone affected by multiple sclerosis can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

For more information about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society, go to nationalMSsociety.orgor call (800) 344-4867.