MS Bike Tour Info

Hello Everyone!

So, if you’ve checked your e-mail, you already know I’m hitting up everyone I know for support as I ride in the MS Bike Tour. For those not familiar with the event, here’s a brief rundown:

What multiple sclerosis is

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. AN estimated 50, 000 Canadians have MS. Prevalence rates range from one MS case per 500 population to one per 1,000 across the country. The MS Society estimates, based on current prevalence rates, that there are approximately 1,000 new cases of MS diagnosed each year. This means that three more people are diagnosed with MS every day in Canada.

MS attacks the protective myelin covering of the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and often destroying the myelin in patches and, at times, the verve fibres (axons) themselves. When this happens, the natural flow of nerve impulses is interrupted. The result may be vision problems, numbness, loss of balance, extreme fatigue, tremors, even paralysis.

The most common form of MS has well defined attacks (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remissions). This pattern of attacks and recovery can continue for months or years. The unpredictable attacks can cause additional symptoms and disability. As yet, the cause and cure are unknown, but drugs to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks are available for the most common form of MS. In addition, almost all MS symptoms can be helped by medications and therapy.

Multiple sclerosis is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 40 although it can occur at any age including in childhood. MS is more than twice as likely to occur in women as in men and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background. It is more common in countries that are further away from the equator, like Canada. Epidemiological studies have shown that Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates of MS in the world.

About the RONA MS Bike Tour

The RONA MS Bike Tour is a pledge-based fundraising even that provides Canadians with the opportunity to ride through scenic and often spectacular parts of the country. Over 10,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the 21 one- and two-day tours taking place across Canada between June and September.

The Bike Tour began in 1989 and is now one of the MS Society of Canada’s most important events. In 2007, it raised over $8.2 million, the proceeds of which have gone to fund research in the search for a cure and vital services for people currently living with MS.

Info about my participation

So, J and I had been talking about doing some longer bike rides this summer and he mentioned this event. I was rather worried about the distance but he said with a bit of training, I would have no problems with it. I did a test last weekend when I went to a youth rally in the far south. It was 25 km each way and although I was a bit tired, I wasn’t exhausted and my muscles weren’t sore the following day. This was after a 5 km bike ride in the morning so I was rather proud of my 55 km day. As well, I averaged 25km/hour on Charlotte (and yes, she's still a single gear).

Airdrie is a small community north of Calgary. The route starts there on Saturday morning (June 7) and we ride to Olds. You may be familiar with the name as they are known for their agricultural college. I will be camping at the campus and there is lots of support available on the way. They take care of food, beverages and transportation of camping gear. I also have the choice of a massage or yoga class once I reach Olds. We return on Sunday. Roundtrip is 180 km.

To participate in the ride, I need to raise a minimum of $275 before June 3. I’m hoping to achieve this through your support. I will also approach my work, and am currently looking for the best approach. If you have experience in this, any advice you have is most welcome. You can make donations online or if you don't feel comfortable giving credit card info over the internet, give me a call and I'll write your info on a pledge sheet or you can always mail a cheque. Tax receipts are issued for donations over $20.

I’ll keep you up to date with my progress on my blog. Look for the label MS Bike Tour. I’m excited and a bit nervous about the ride. I think it will be a wonderful time.

Have a fabulous day!