Bike MS City to Shore Ride
Bicycling Magazine named the Bike MS City to Shore Ride the “Best Cycling Getaway in NJ.” The event has several routes participants can choose from and several start times as well. The event runs from October 3rd to the 4th. The event promises to be one of the best cycling experiences on the east coast. The event will draw more than 7,000 cyclist of all ages and abilities and benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The event has several route options riders can choose from. They can enjoy riding the flat terrain through quaint towns on the back roads of South Jersey. Ride through the blueberry fields of Hammonton and take in the serene beauty of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Finish the race by riding into historic Ocean City. The ride is fully supported complete with catered rest stops. Invite your family to meet you at the finish line.
Route Options:
- One-day, 25 mile
- One-day, 45 mile
- One-day, 80 mile
- One-day, 100 mile Century (80 miles with extra 20 mile loop)
- Two-day, 80 miles each day
- Two-day, 100 mile Century (100 miles Saturday, 80 miles Sunday)
When you are are registered rider for Bike MS you are promised themed rest stops every 15-20 miles. Each rest stop is stocked with fresh fruit, snacks and beverages. You get lunch both days, dinner Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Return transportation is provided to all Saturday one-day cyclists. They even have bike mechanics at the rest areas to help with any issues you may be having. Luggage transport is provided each day from the start to the finish line.
Bike MS was started by Will Munger and his 10 year old son. They did a ride from their home in from Duluth, Minnesota to Minneapolis. The ride was roughly 150 miles and it took the two novice riders two days, but it planted the seed for the bike MS challenge. In 1980, 200 cyclist participated in the first Bike MS, which was originally called the MS Bike Tour. The first event raised $33,000 for the Minnesota Chapter of the MS Society. When other chapters across the country got wind of the success they started hosting their own Bike MS.
Today there is at least one ride offered in every state. In 2011 more than 110,000 cyclists participated in 100 rides across the country raising more the $86 million dollars for MS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has adopted the rides as an official event to be held with every chapter. Since it started in 1980 it has raised more than $1 billion dollars for the cause.
The funds raised from the ride go to research and other services supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The goal of Bike MS is to pull the whole community together by getting support from local business, elected officials and residents and people living with MS. The events are all organized by a local chapter.