Stretch, stretch, stretch!

Believe it or not, stretching can actually make you a faster rider! By keeping muscles loose and limber with stretching, you’ll be creating healthier and more efficient riding muscles. So that moment when you may need to lift off of the saddle to accelerate will be a breeze come the MS Bike events.

Keep in mind stretching doesn’t just include a couple of deep-knee bends and or a set of jumping jacks. It is important to understand the right stretching techniques. Though stretching it easy, if done incorrectly, you could risk doing more harm than good. A step in the right direction is to start stretching regularly. The routine will improve flexibility and decrease resistance while pedaling.

For more information, check out Active.com’s article on stretching. It’s jam packed with tips for when to stretch, how to avoid injury and what to do while you stretch. http://bit.ly/14lwGVk

Tips for a comfortable ride

Biking 30km – 160km can seem impossible to complete if you’re not comfortable during your ride. That being said, there are a few things you can do to ensure you have a great cycling experience this summer.

1) Make sure your bike fits your frame

To find the right frame size for your body, straddle the bike and stand flat-footed. On a road bike, there should be one to two inches of clearance between the top of your legs and the top tube. On a mountain bike, the clearance should be at least two inches. Also, your handlebars should be one inch lower than your seat top.

2) Pick the right seat

If you’ve ever ridden on a bike that has an uncomfortable seat, then you know all too well how important the right bike seat can be. When selecting a seat, consider one with gel-filled saddles or sheepskin pads; both can help ease pressure and friction.

Another important aspect of perfect seat is the location of the seat. Try positioning the saddle so that your knee is only slightly bent at the bottom of each rotation. If you notice your knee bending too much, adjust the seat as it may be too low. Likewise, if the knee locks when extended or you have to reach for the pedal, the seat is too high.

3) Dress for comfort

If you cycle a lot, consider wearing a pair of sleek cycling shorts. They have less fabric to wrinkle or bunch up, so there’s less chance of skin irritation. For extra protection, choose seamless cycling shorts and special lining or padding to wick away perspiration. If you want to pedal more powerfully and efficiently, wear special cycling shoes with a cleat fitted to the sole.

4) Change positions

The key to a comfortable ride is to vary your hand and body position frequently. Avoid riding with your hands on the curved part of the handlebars for a long time. This may cramp your hands, shoulders and neck. Keep your arms relaxed and don’t lock your elbows. This will help you absorb bumps better.

Stay tuned for more cycling tips as we get closer to the 2013 MS Bike!

Come join us at MS Summer Camp!

 

“[the best thing about camp was] that it enables the teens to get together and share their experiences with their disease, so that they see they are not alone!” – Parent of a camper

The 7^th annual MS Summer Camp program is fast approaching. This summer, from August 17-24, children and teens with MS will have an opportunity to meet for a week long adventure full of fun and new friends!

This year’s camp will be hosted at a stunning new location – Easter Seals Camp Horizon near Calgary, Alberta. Nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, children will quickly feel at ease and get a break from the stress associated with MS. But you haven’t heard the best part yet, the camp is FREE to attend thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, the Slaight Family Foundation and Fondation Bergeron-Jetté!

For more information and to download a camp application, visit mssociety.ca/camp.

Happy Father’s day weekend!

Father’s day is the perfect time to let dad know you care. Break out of the usual tie and tool gift trap and give Dad the gift that really does keep on giving; new bike gear! Bike accessories are a great gift idea for any cycling enthusiast. Visit your local MS friendly bike shop to find the perfect cycling tool for your dad. Click here  for a list of MS friendly bike shops near you.

And of course, if your dad hasn’t registered for MS Bike yet, why not treat him by signing him up to ride along with you!

Happy Father’s Day and thanks for gearing up! www.msbike.ca

Join the 2014 Tour of Champions!

MS Bike top fundraisers at the 2013 Tour of Champions in South Florida, April 20-21

Looking for an opportunity to experience firsthand the worldwide movement to end MS? Raise over $10,000 at MS Bike in 2013 and join top fundraisers from across the country at the Tour of Champions in beautiful San Diego, California!

For more information about the 2014 Tour of Champions and how you can be a part of this unique event, download the 2013 Cyclist Handbook - http://bit.ly/13CwzFO

16th Annual RBC Golf Tournament to end MS

On Friday June 7, the MS Society of Canada and RBC Procurement celebrated 16 years together at the annual RBC Golf Tournament to end MS. Graciously hosted at Angus Glen Golf Course and Mandarin Golf and Country Club in Markham, the tournament was a fun filled day with great networking opportunities and a challenging game on the greens.

This year’s tournament raised an astounding $500,000 for peadiatric MS research, which brings the 16 year total to more than $6.3 million!

Participants and sponsors play a critical role in advancing the MS Society of Canada's fight to end MS. Without your support, this milestone would not have been possible.

 

 

To view more photos from the tournament visit the MS Society Ontario events Flickr page.