Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride 2009

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter is gearing up to host the Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride 2009, Presented by Mohegan Sun Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27.

The ride will begin and end at Hammonasset State Park in Madison and participants can opt to complete a 25-, 50- or 75-mile route each day. The different routes wind through southeastern Connecticut’s shoreline and countryside. Finish line activities include a beach party at the state park.

“Less experienced riders should have no problem with the Hammonasset route,” said Jessica Tedford, development coordinator for the Connecticut Chapter and one of the event coordinators for Bike MS. “The course is very flat, with few hills, so we expect many people to come out. Bike MS is a great way for people to experience a very beautiful part of Connecticut, while supporting a worthy cause.”

On the night of Saturday, Sept. 26, cyclists will stay overnight at Camp Hazen in Chester, where they will enjoy meals, games and other evening programs. Camp Hazen is surrounded by a lake with well-maintained cabins for cyclists.

For a third year, the Connecticut Chapter has brought back its popular “Ticket to Ride” program in which each paid registrant is eligible to bring three new riders for free. The $80 registration fee will be waived for each new ride. Participants in the program will still be required to meet the $300 fundraising minimum.

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more sever cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride 2009, Presented by Mohegan Sun, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis. Over the past 14 years, more than 2,000 cyclists have pedaled more than 200,000 miles to raise roughly $1 million.

The registration fee is $80. All meals and the overnight stay are included. The ride will take place rain or shine and volunteers are needed for set-up, rest stop duties, clean-up and to take photos. To register or volunteer, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call 860-913-2550.