Pedal your way back through the groovy years of the `70s at the MS 150 Magical Mystery Bike Tour Sept. 8-9 sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Bicyclists from the Triangle to the coast will enjoy the beautiful scenery of historic New Bern and the Pamlico Sound area while helping to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
Cyclists will ride 150 miles over two days to physically challenge themselves while raising money to support programs and services provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eastern North Carolina Chapter.
The chapter serves more than 2,600 people in Eastern North Carolina living with MS, their families and healthcare professionals. In addition, a portion of the funds support national research into the cause and cure of MS.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that is usually discovered in the prime of life years (20-40).
Symptoms may be mild such as blurry vision and numbness in the limbs or severe such as paralysis or blindness. There is no cure for MS, but research has produced four drug treatments to slow progression of the disease.
Cyclists of all levels are encouraged to take the challenge to ride in this community effort to end the devastating effects of MS.
The weekend will start at Union Point Park as cyclists pedal 75 miles in a loop west towards Kinston and back to New Bern. For a further challenge, cyclists can choose a 100-mile route offered Saturday only. On Sunday, the tour continues another 75 miles along the Pamlico Sound. Cyclists also have the option to ride Sunday only.
Volunteer-manned rest stops will be set up every 10-15 miles to provide sports drinks, water and snacks. Other volunteers will monitor the route to assist cyclists in need.
Registration for both days is $35 and $20 for Sunday-only before Aug. 25. Cyclists also are required to raise a minimum of $150 in pledges to support MS research and local programs.
If you cannot participate as a rider, consider volunteering at rest stops, the finish line, registration, vehicle support, communication support, route marking or medic stations.
For details call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at (919) 834-0678 or 1-800-FIGHT MS (ex. 1). Or visit our Web site at www.encms.org.
