On May 1, thousands of bicyclists from all over Texas will converge in College Station as part of the Texas MS 150, a part of Bike MS, the fundraising cycling series of the National MS Society that raises more dollars than any other cycling event for any cause. This is the first time in its 37-year history that the Texas MS 150 bike ride will begin at multiple locations and end at Kyle Field on the Texas A&M University campus on the same day. Each route varies between 70 and 100 miles and will begin at Rhodes Stadium in Katy, Waller ISD Stadium in Waller, Ren Fest in Todd Mission, and at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. “I know how great Aggies are about rallying around a great cause,” says Andrew Davis, volunteer engagement specialist for the MS Society. “The town has really rolled out the maroon carpet for us. We’re contracted to finish at Kyle Field for the next two years, but we hope it’ll be for the next 30 years and become another great Aggie tradition.”
“The MS 150 will be the first in-person event that the MS Society puts on in 2021 nationwide,” Davis says. “We are really excited to be the pioneers into this transition back to in-person gatherings under these unique circumstances.”
Participant safety is the organizers’ No. 1 priority. This is easier to accomplish at a cycling event where rates of speed and the rules of the road keep participants safely distanced from one another, according to the website. Event participants will be asked to follow precautionary measures. A virtual ride is also an option for this year's event.
In addition to participating in the ride, cyclists must raise $400. That money goes to funding research and programs to support those who are living with MS. Event organizers want to make sure this fundraiser is an enjoyable experience for riders as well as volunteers in hopes they’ll come back next year bringing others with them. “Having volunteers allows us to put more money back into research, providing resources to those living with multiple sclerosis,” Davis says.
Contributors can donate to an individual rider or group’s fund, or commit to raise $400 by being a virtual rider. “Even if you can’t ride, donate, or volunteer, if the cause resonates with you, don’t hesitate to share the word,” says Davis. “Whether it’s your time, platform, or funds, anyway you’re willing to support, we’d be more than grateful.” He adds, ““Once you experience it, it’s hard to forget it — you want to be more involved.”
Multiple sclerosis is a disease with no known cure that attacks the central nervous system and affects about 1 million people in the United States, according to the National MS Society’s website. Since 1946, the organization has been instrumental in taking on the challenge of trying to find a cure for the disease through raising awareness and helping to fund research — leading to more breakthroughs than for any other neurological disease.
“In the early 2000s, there were only three to four viable treatments; now that number is in the double digits. The cure might be found in our lifetime,” Davis says. “You can see the progress we’ve already made, the light at the end of the tunnel, and we want to get there as soon as possible.” For more information on the MS 150, including route maps and volunteer sign ups, visit bikemstexas150.org.
