Cycling for Arlie and all of Canada

 

Kim Case’s sister, Arlie, experienced her first MS attack after her son’s first birthday in 1991, “It was many years before we knew what she had, but when she was diagnosed with progressive MS her condition quickly spiralled," Kim says. In 1997, Kim and her husband Bob saw a group of cyclists ride by their house in Grand Bend and were intrigued, “We discovered that there was a bike event in our area, in support of multiple sclerosis, and the rest is history!” Since her sister’s diagnosis, the MS Society has been their family’s charity of choice, “There is not much we can do for Arlie, but we can ride and raise funds for other newly diagnosed Canadians.” Bob, a long time top fundraiser, has been cycling in MS Bike - Grand Bend to London for 17 years, and Kim has been volunteering at the event for 16.

Bob raised an amazing $7,185 this year, which landed him an invitation to the annual Celebration of Champions dinner where he was honoured for his outstanding fundraising efforts. “We have a plumbing, electric, heating and AC family company which we reach out to our friends and clients through,” Kim says. “I attach a letter to each invoice which explains our story and our participation in the MS Bike, as well as a pledge sheet for donations. It has worked out quite well, I do most of the fundraising and Bob does the cycling.” Kim and Bob are looking forward to the 2015 MS Bike as Kim explains, “The MS Bike allows my husband and I to contribute as much as possible in the fight to end MS, and we will be a part of it every year that we are able.”

Bob’s team name really hits home for himself and his family, “Our team name is MS SUCKS!” He continues, “It’s been a tough go for Arlie and our family. Arlie has been in long term care in London for four years and my wife never knows when the phone will ring, letting her know Arlie is back in the hospital again, which is challenging for the whole family along with her brother Jerry.”

“For the past 17 years I have always looked forward to the end of July when I get to cycle in the MS Bike,” Bob says. “Crossing the finish line for the very first time is my ultimate memory! In second, is meeting up with other participants and feeling the shared excitement and pride of what we just accomplished.” Bob continues, “We all know that the ride is a bit of a challenge, but it is nothing compared to all who endure the reality of MS on a daily basis.”

#IWillEndMS Contest Rules & Guidelines!!

#IWillEndMS Contest

Contest Details:

On Tuesday November 4^th we will be asking you to:

“Tell us how MS personally has affected you and how you will, or how you have contributed to ending MS.”

How will you help end MS? Using the hashtag #IWillEndMS, share your story on our Facebook page for your chance to win a pair of Toronto Argonauts tickets!! Make sure you “like” our MS Bike Facebook page to qualify.

Share your story on our MS Bike Facebook page: at 10am to 4:00pm ET on Tuesday, November 4^th! You will have 5000 characters to share your story.

Prize: The winner of the #IWillEndMS contest will receive a pair of tickets to see the Toronto Argonauts vs. the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, November 7^th at 7:00pm.

How to pick up your prize: We will contact the winner with further details on how you can pick up your prize.

Contest rules:

1.       No purchase necessary to win.

2.       One entry per person. You must only enter with one Facebook account.

3.       You must include #IWillEndMS within the post

4.       The grand prize is not transferable and non-redeemable for cash. There will be no substitutions.

5.       You must “like” the MS Bike Facebook page to qualify. You can follow @MSBikeTour on Twitter for contest details.

6.       Contest entries must be submitted on Tuesday November 4^th between 10:00 am and 4pm ET.

7.       Winner selection: A panel of judges will review the shared stories and decide on a winner.

8.       The winner will be notified and provided details on how they can acquire their prize.

Toronto Argonauts vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats in support of MS!

On Saturday, October 25th, why not catch the Toronto Argonauts take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats help to end MS! Ticket prices have been reduced to $36 and with each ticket sold, $10 will be donated back to your local MS chapter.

Here are the details you need to know:

• Order tickets through Anthony Melillo at 416-341-2716 or amelillo@argonauts.ca. Please let him know you’d like the MS Society tickets (section 127), and tell him which MS chapter you’d like to support.

• The deadline for group tickets is October 10^th. Individual tickets can still be purchased up until October 24^th but after October 10^th the MS Society section (127) will be opened up to the public.

• Accessible seats are being sold at a further reduced price of $30 (donation included).  Attendees can reserve an adjoining seat for a family member or friend, and additional family/friends will sit in the back row of the section. Accessible seating is on a first come first serve basis so it is best to reserve ASAP to ensure a good seat!

 

Thank You!!

The MS Bike season has come to a close but we would like to thank all the sponsors, donors and participants one more time for their contributions and efforts in making the 2014 MSBike a great success!

TOMORROW is MS Bike – TORONTO!!

 

We hope you are just as excited as we are to hit the road and get our ride on at MS Bike - Toronto! Make sure to connect with us on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSBikeTours

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/msbiketour

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msbiketour)

 

Make sure to send us photos or tweets of you enjoying the festivities & while at rest stops!

 

Check out all the fun happening at MS Bike – Toronto:

 

8:30-9:30am Check-In at Centennial Park (Start/Finish will be outside of the Ski Chalet)

Hand in your pledge sheets, completed pledge submission forms, and pledges totaling at least $300

Pick up your event T-shirt (and jersey/shorts if you raised $1000/$2000)

9:30am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)

10am All cyclists must be on route

11am-3pm

• Scrambler

• BBQ

• Massage

• Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)

12-2pm 25 Club BBQ

 

Rest up & see you tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 2 DAYS UNTIL MS BIKE – TORONTO!!

Woohoo, there are only 2 DAYS until MS Bike – Toronto! Want to make check-in smoother? Don’t forget to bring your completed pledge sheets and pledge submission form with you! You can download and print a copy of each from your Participant Centre: bit.ly/1pjsxjn

 

The MS Bike team is looking forward to seeing you soon!

COUNTDOWN: MS Bike -Toronto is in 3 Days!



There are 3 DAYS until MS Bike – Toronto!! As the event gets closer, it’s time to ramp up your last minute fundraising. HOW?! Ask, ask, ask and ASK again! Ask at least one person for a BIG donation – the worst that can happen is that they pledge you a smaller amount!

 

Submit $300

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

 

Submit $1000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike jersey

•$75 gift card

 

Submit $2000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•$150 gift card

 

Submit $3000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•$300 gift card

 

Submit $5000

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•$500 gift card

•Plus! An invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner

 

Submit $10,000 + 

•Receive an official MS Bike participant t-shirt

•MS Bike cycling shorts

•MS Bike jersey

•An invitation to the Celebration of Champions dinner

•Plus! Choose to ride in the Tour of Champions and join the movement to end MS at Bike MS in Denver, Colorado or receive a $1000 gift card.

 

Reward Details

•Choose to receive a gift card from one of the following: Louis Garneau, MS Friendly Bike Shop*, Chapters/Indigo, Petro Canada or Cineplex Odeon.

•The MS Society reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Bonus prizes at the $1,000+ and $2,000+ levels are cumulative (not the gift cards).

•Please note that any pledges received after October 31, 2014 will be credited to your 2015 fundraising.

 

Wondering where to mail in your donations and pledges?

 If you are mailing in your donations and pledges, please send them to the secure address listed below. Be sure to specify on the front of the envelope which tour you are donating to. In order to ensure our records are accurate, please make sure the details for the cyclist and the donors are clearly identified and legible.

 

Example:

Attn: MS Bike Toronto

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

250 Dundas Street West, Suite 500

Toronto ON, M5T 2Z5

 

For security purposes, please do not send cash in the mail.

COUNTDOWN: TOMORROW is MS Bike – Niagara!

MS BIKE – NIAGARA IS TOMORROW!! We hope you are just as excited as we are! Make sure to meet the $300 minimum pledges and to not miss out on any of the fun. Here is what is going on for MS Bike –Niagara:

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE

Saturday, August 23

5-6pm Early Package Pick-Up (Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre)

6pm Awards celebration and pasta supper with cash bar (RSVP required; $10 per person)

Sunday, August 24

7-8am Check-In (Crystal Ridge Arena and Community Centre)

8am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)

8:45am All cyclists must be on route

10am-4pm

• Scrambler
• BBQ
• Massage
• Closing Ceremonies (rotating every 1.5 hours)

12-2pm 100 Club BBQ

COUNTDOWN: Only 2 DAYS until MS Bike – Niagara

 MS Bike – Niagara is only 2 days away  and that means you have to get prepped and packed!!

 

Here is a list of suggestions for you:

 

Riding Gear:

• Helmet (required)
• Spare tubes for your bike
• Water bottles
• Rain gear (we ride rain or shine)
• Comfortable cycling clothes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Registration Supplies:

• Completed pledge submission form with monies collected to date
• Pledge slips/sheets completely filled out
• Rider Bib - sent to you prior to your tour if you have submitted the $300 fundraising minimum one month prior.

Personal Items:

• ID (including your Health Card)
• Pocket money
• Any needed medications
• Sun and lip protection
• Change of clothes for evening ceremonies (if applicable)

 

COUNTDOWN: MS Bike – Niagara is only 3 days away!!

MS Bike – Niagara is right around the corner which means there has to be some QUESTIONS on your mind. Well, we got answers! Below are some frequently asked questions for you to take a glance at. If you have any further inquiries please don’t hesitate to contact msbikeniagara@mssociety.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if it rains?
We ride rain or shine! You may want to bring rain gear just in case.

Where do I leave my car?
There are plenty of parking spots located at the community centre and arena at start/finish. We
encourage car pooling wherever possible. Also, please do not leave valuables in your vehicle at any time.

How will I know where to cycle?
The route is signed with bright arrows to direct you. You will also receive a copy of the route map at the start line.

What happens if my bike breaks down?
We have Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles along the route and bike mechanics at select rest stops to help with basic repairs. We STRONGLY recommend you bring your own tubes and that you have your bike tuned up before the event.

Will there be water/snacks along the route?
Rest stops are located every 15km (or so) along the route that are stocked with port-a-potties, water and other drinks and snacks.

Can I listen to my IPod/MP3 player?
For the safety of you and the others on the tour, IPods and MP3 players will NOT be permitted on route.

What if I don’t reach the minimum pledge?
If you are unable to reach the $300 minimum pledge by event weekend—no problem! We will just need a post dated cheque or your credit card number to secure the balance, and then you have four weeks to continue to fundraise!

Are the roads closed to traffic?
No, the roads are all open to regular traffic, although we are on quiet roads for the majority of the ride.

Countdown: 4 DAYS until MS Bike – Niagara

There are  4 days remaining until MS Bike – Niagara and WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We want you to get SOCIAL. Keep us in the loop and let us know how you are preparing, or what you are getting most excited for!! This year, we will be having a Tint social media wall stationed at the start/finish line so get ready to tweet, tag and post and see your comments on the big screen!

Get SOCIAL with #MSBIKE:

TWITTER - Send us a tweet or a photo of you training, or at a rest stop to @MSBikeTour. We will be retweeting all this week and at the event. Let’s get #msbike trending!!

FACEBOOK - Post photos on our wall of you rocking your MS Bike jersey or having fun on Sunday. Make sure to mention @MSBikeTour when you post on Facebook for last minute pledges from friends and family!

INSTAGRAM – Keep in touch with MS Bike on Instagram! Check out our account @MSBikeTour as the MS Bike team shares their preparation for this weekend. Send a double tap our way, and we will send you one back when you tag us!

TINT social media wall - In order to appear on our Tint social media wall make sure to tag us or include the hashtag #msbike on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. The wall was a MAJOR HIT at MS Bike – Grand Bend to London and helped our staff engage with the close to 2000 MS Bike participants through Twitter.

Our MS Bike Instagram followers doubled over the course of the two day tour and more than 200 photos were tagged with the hashtag #msbike! We are looking forward to bring the Tint social media wall to MS Bike – Niagara participants and to get you excited about connecting with us and seeing your posts on the big screen!!

Screenshot of one of our socially savvy MS Bike participant @stimm99 ‘s tweet

The more social you are, the better chance you will appear on the Tint social media wall! See you in 4 days riders!

COUNTDOWN: 5 DAYS until MS Bike – Niagara!

The COUNTDOWN to MS Bike – Niagara begins!!  There are 5 days until MS Bike - Niagara. On Saturday, August 23 you are invited to join us at the Niagara awards celebration and pasta dinner to enjoy delicious food and good company!

We want to take this opportunity to honor your MS Bike success and bring your team together before the ride. It is also a great chance to meet fellow participants!

RSVP as soon as possible and help us celebrate your success on Saturday August 23th at 6pm.  Check in early from 4:30-6:00 pm then head on over to the Lions Hall right next door for a fun social evening!

Tickets are $10/person. Purchase them here.
For more info or to RSVP please contact: msbikeniagara@mssociety.ca or 1-877-937-7772 ext. 26

Don’t let the cycling stop - Bike routes in Grand Bend & London

 

Just because MS Bike – Grand Bend to London is over, doesn’t mean the cycling has to stop. Here are some routes around Grand Bend and London to enjoy this summer:

Grand Bend

 

Grand Bend Rotary Nature Trail

• Type: Road
• Distance: 9 km trail extending from Pinery Provincial Park to Grand Bend alongside highway 21.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its beautiful meadow of wildflowers.

Riverside Trail

• Type: Road
• Distance: 1 km trail passing from dry upland oak/pine forests onto the Ausable River floodplain.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its ancient trees and sun-drenched meadows with unique butterflies, songbirds and reptiles

 

Pinery Park Cedar Trail

• Type: Off road
• Distance: 2.3 km trail overlooking the Old Ausable Channel with a 1 km extension that provides access to the shore of Lake Huron.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its lovely extension to the beach.

 

Savanna Biking Trail

• Type: Off road
• Distance: 14 km trail that travels through wooded landscape from the Park Store to the traffic circle.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its picturesque bicycle trail that will allow you to explore all Pinery has to offer.

 

 

London

 

Fanshawe Lake Trail

• Type: Road
• Distance: 20 km loop trail traveling around Fanshawe Reservoir.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its spectacular views, mixture of wildlife and variety of terrain.

Westminister Ponds Trails

• Type: Off road
• Distance: 10.5 km trail that is a mix of gently rolling and short steep hills.
• You’ll love this trail for: Its many ponds and rich variety of natural habitats in a relatively undisturbed state.

For more information on these biking trails and others visit http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/southwestern-ontario/

Congratulations 2014 MS Bike – Grand Bend participants!

On behalf on the MS Bike team we would like to pass along a big high five and congratulations to all the cyclists who pedaled and pushed this weekend from Grand Bend to London.

Your hard work both on and off the bike resulted in a total of $1.35 million being raised to help end MS!

Thank you participants, volunteers and donors! See you next year!

MS Bike – GRAND BEND to LONDON is TODAY!

GOOD LUCK MS Bike – Grand Bend to London riders! THANK YOU to every new and returning cyclist who are joining the fight to end MS! We wish you a safe and exciting ride. Enjoy the festivities!

Share your best moments of the day with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

MS Bike - Grand Bend to London is TOMORROW!

Woohoo! Are you getting as excited as we are that MS Bike - Grand Bend to London is tomorrow?! Here are some of the details of the event – be sure not to miss anything!

Friday, July 25
6-8pm Early Package Pick-Up (Grand Bend Motorplex)

Saturday, July 26
6-8am Check-In (Grand Bend Motorplex)
7:30am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)
10am All cyclists must be on route (Western University)
11am-5pm Massage Therapy – Ontario Hall
12-5pm  Scrambler – Essex Hall
1-6pm Beer Garden – London Hall
5-7pm VIP Lounge for Team Captains and $1000+ Club Members
4-7pm Dinner
8-9:30pm Evening ceremonies

Sunday, July 27
6-8am Breakfast (Western University)
7-9am Check-Out
7:30am First group of cyclists leave (NO EARLY DEPARTURES)
9:00am All cyclists must be on route
11am-2pm 100 Club BBQ
11 am – end BBQ for all

COUNTDOWN: 2 DAYS until MS Bike – Grand Bend to London

MS Bike—Grand Bend to London is just around the corner! With 2 days left we’d like to provide everyone with some need-to-know information for the tour:

• Early check-in is Friday at 6:00-8:00 pm, and check-in is Saturday at 6:00 - 8:00am at the Grand Bend Motorplex.
• For the safety of you and your fellow riders, iPods and MP3 players will NOT be permitted on either route.
• Rest stops will be located every 15km (or so) along the route. There you will have access port-a-potties, water, beverages and snacks.
• Don’t forget you need to raise a minimum of $300 to ride. Set your goal high & help us end MS!

We have 3 designated cheering sections along the route for your friends and family:

Saturday:
Lobo General Store, 6376 Egremont Rd, Lobo – at the corner of Egremont Rd & Nairn Road.

Hyde Park Feed & Country Store, 1830 Gainsborough Road, Hyde Park - 5km away from the finish line!

Sunday:
Tenex Communications, 175 Main Street, Ailsa Craig - approximately halfway.

COUNTDOWN 3 DAYS: Get SOCIAL at MS Bike – Grand Bend to London

There are 3 DAYS left until MS Bike – Grand Bend to London and we want to hear from you – while you are preparing, at a rest stop and relaxing! There will be live social media walls posted around the venue so be sure to tweet, tag or post something and see it on the big screen!

We want #MSBike to TREND!! Hop onto TWITTER as we will be posting highlights of the weekend. Re-tweet us or send us a pic of you at an MS Bike rest stop! Use the hash tags: #MSBike, #MSBikeGrandBendtoLondon, #endMS

NEW – Our INSTAGRAM @MSBikeTour is up and running! Check out the MS Bike team behind the scenes as they prepare for MS Bike. We will be posting pictures from the event so be sure to give us a double tap! Tag us in your photos and we may double tap you back!

Post your photo’s to FACEBOOK or share with us what some of your favourite moments at MS Bike – Grand Bend to London were!

Keep an eye out for a 2014 MS Bike – Grand Bend to London album up of our FLICKR site! Like your favourites and they may appear on Facebook!

COUNTDOWN: 4 days until MS Bike – Grand Bend to London

We only have 4 days remaining until MS Bike – Grand Bend to London! 4 days means lots of time to fundraise and meet your individual and team pledge goals. Work extra hard to be part of our 100 Club – These are our 100 top fundraisers from last year’s tour. See if you can spot one - they will be wearing yellow bibs with their corresponding ranking as their bib number. Join us in congratulating them in their outstanding efforts and hard work!

Good luck fundraising this week! Remember that every effort counts so make sure to do your best and push yourself to meet your pledge goals!

COUNTDOWN: 5 Days – Grand Bend to London

With our largest tour MS Bike – Grand Bend to London only 5 days away, we want to take a look back at last year’s event.

Over 1800 cyclists participated in 2013 and raised an amazing $1.35 million in support of those living with MS! Let’s see if we can top those numbers this year!

The MS Bike – Grand Bend to London riders are a spirited bunch so we know 2014 will definitely be a success.

Check-in locations:
MS Society Office
20-1100 Dearness Dr.
London, On

• Monday, July 21 10 am - 4 pm
• Tuesday, July 22 10 am - 4 pm
• Wednesday, July 23 10 am - 8 pm

Grand Bend Motorplex

70291 Grand Bend Line,

Grand Bend, ON

• Friday, July 25 6 pm - 8 pm
• Saturday, July 26 6 am - 8 am

We’ve got 5 days of counting down to do and we hope you’ll help us. Let us know what you’re most excited for at this year’s event!

Are you putting the FUN in FUNDRAISING? Host a Mow-a-thon!

Want to get your family involved this weekend to help meet your MS Bike pledge goal? Why not host a Mow-a-thon?! Ask your neighbors if you can mow their lawn for $50. Remind them that it will be going to a good cause! This warm weather and rain is making the grass grow, so we’re sure your neighbours would love a break from cutting their lawn!

Please keep these lawn mower safety tips in mind:

• Before starting, walk around the lawn and thoroughly inspect the area
• Remove stones, sticks, toys and other debris that could be tripped over or picked up by the blade
• Cautiously inspect the lawn mower – look for damaged or missing parts and make adjustments or repairs before you begin
• Plan your mowing pattern! Avoid sidewalks, bystanders or any obstacles
• Wear closed-toed shoes
•  Do not hold on to the lawn mower if you fall
• Never pull the mower back towards you while moving
• Make sure you are well balanced

Good luck! Be sure to send us a picture of you hard at work on Facebook or Twitter!

Safety tip source: Cud Cadet

 

Celebration of Champions dinner

Here is some extra motivation as we near our next MS Bike events! Participants who raise over $5000 and teams captains of teams who raise over $25,000 are invited to the Celebration of Champions dinner that will take place in the Fall. Meet participants from other MS Society events from  across Ontario and enjoy an inspiring evening that you will not forget.

Need some ideas on how to increase your pledges? Check out our FUNdraising tips!
• Host a Mow-a-thon
• Host a theme dinner

MS Bike - Grand Bend to London volunteers needed!

Be a part of a rewarding experience and VOLUNTEER at MS Bike – Grand Bend to London! It is an opportunity to support a great cause, meet new people, learn new skills and broaden personal experiences. Your help is greatly appreciated and we promise that the cyclists’ energy is contagious!

We are looking for volunteers during these times at the Grand Bend Motorplex:

• Friday, July 25 5:00-8:30pm
• Saturday, July 26 5:30-10:00am

If you’re interested or want to know more please contact us at: msbikegrandbend@mssociety.ca

Be a part of the 2015 Tour of Champions!!

This year, add some extra motivation to your MS Bike fundraising efforts and raise over $10,000! Join a special group of top fundraisers from across the country in Denver, Colorado for the 2015 Tour of Champions. This is a chance to experience another tour in North America!

We are looking forward to our 2014 Tour of Champions which has 18 Canadian participants travelling down to Sandiago, California in October.

Check out this video made by a top MS Bike Fundraiser of the 2013 Tour of Champions in South Florida!

For more information on the Tour of Champions, please contact Lori Anne McNulty at
lorianne.mcnulty@mssociety.ca.

Congratulations MS Bike – Prince Edward County cyclists!

Our first MS Bike event is complete with no shortage of hard work and dedication. A HUGE thank you goes out to the MS Bike – Prince Edward County cyclists who rode 75 kilometers this past weekend to help end MS. Your fundraising efforts and MS spirit helped to raise $135,000!!

On behalf of the MS Bike team, thank you to all participants, supporters & volunteers!

Good luck TODAY to the Prince Edward County riders!

And they’re off! Good luck today to the group of riders in Prince Edward County who are cycling to make a difference in the lives of those affected by MS and help end MS! Enjoy the scenic ride and make sure to share photos and experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter (@MSBikeTour).
Ride safe and have fun!

Countdown: MS Bike –Prince Edward County is 1 DAY AWAY

1 DAY AWAY – We are excited to see you all tomorrow morning! Let us know what you are doing today to get pumped up!

Riders, don’t forget to bring your completed pledge sheets and pledge submission form with you tomorrow! To check-in, you’ll need to completely fill in your pledge sheets and pledge submission form, including the dollar amount you are submitting on event day, your prize choice (if applicable) and the waiver. You can download and print a copy of each from your Participant Centre.

See you tomorrow, rest up!

Countdown: 2 days left untill MS Bike - Prince Edward County, are you prepared?

We are 2 DAYS away from MS Bike - Prince Edward County! Are you looking forward to the beautiful scenery of Prince Edward County this weekend?

Make sure you are prepared for Sunday!
Download the 2014 Cyclist Handbook - It explains the check in process, what to bring the day of the ride and all the details you need to know to make the ride amazing!

Countdown: 3 days left to FUNDRAISE for MS Bike - Prince Edward County

There are only 3 DAYS left until the first MS Bike event of the season! As MS Bike - Prince Edward County approaches, be sure to meet your individual or team fundraising goal!

With three days left you could raise $1000 and receive an MS Bike 1000 club jersey, $75 gift card and an event t-shirt. But don’t stop there, why not get all the gear! When you raise $2000+, you’ll not only receive the 1000 club jersey, but the 2000 club cycling shorts to match! Check out the fundraising rewards and give it your all this week!

Countdown: 4 days until MS Bike – Prince Edward County!!

MS Bike - Prince Edward County is almost here! We would like to remind all riders (and bikes) to come prepared the morning of July 6th to ensure a safe and wonderful ride!

For your safety, please remember the following:

• Get your bike tuned-up/inspected before the tour 
• Always wear a helmet 
• MP3 players are not permitted on the route
• Announce “on your left” while passing other cyclists
• Ride in rows of no more than two, so not to crowd the route 
• The route is not closed to traffic. Please watch out for vehicles and obey the rules of the road at all times

Reminder: For those of you riding, don’t forget the minimum $300 pledge to participate. 

 

Wendy - Focused on Fundraising

This will be Wendy’s fifth year riding in the MS Bike with her team, I ride cause I can. She says her team’s name has a double meaning, “the first is because I CAN ride, as there are days that riding is easier than walking, and the second is that we CAN make a difference in ending MS.” For Wendy, cycling equals freedom. “Being diagnosed with MS has changed my life in so many ways and I’m worried that one day I won’t be able to get on my bike, let alone get out of bed,” she says “I push myself now more than ever and I don’t take my mobility for granted.”  

“Before my diagnosis I never set goals, I only had dreams,” she continues. “Now, I still have dreams but I turn them into goals as I am more aware of how quickly life passes us by.” Her main goal is fundraising as much as possible for her MS Bike campaign. “My fundraising consists of an assortment of activities that I organize with my teammates, which includes a bottle drive, draws for gift certificates from local businesses, a silent auction and a bar night where local bands come and play. Fundraising possibilities are truly endless!”

Having such a supportive group of friends who will help her reach her fundraising goal is “one of the best things a person with MS can have,” Wendy says. “I am blessed to have such a strong support system, cheering and celebrating with me every peddle of the way.”

For more great fundraising tips, visit msbike.ca

Put the FUN in Fundraising!

The best way to earn some extra pledges for MS Bike is to make it fun for everyone! Here is a FUNdrasing tip you can try out:

Host a THEME DINNER for 10 or more people. Have your guests donate $50 each and spend no more than $20 per person for food and supplies. By the end of the night you’ll have made $300 or more!

 

Theme Dinner ideas:

• Pick a style or culture of food to serve and have your decorations correspond (ex. Greek, Indian, Mexican)
• Correspond with holidays – the first day of summer and Canada Day are approaching!
• Got a favourite book, or movie? Why not theme a dinner after it?! If the characters in the book/movie eat a certain meal, recreate it! Take the location it features and have the menu correspond. For example, if Moulin Rouge was your favourite movie, create a French menu, serve champagne, and ask people to wear blue, white and red.
• Pick an Era – have your guests embrace the 1960’s and use tie-dye, flowers and music to set the mood. Your guests might want to wear their old bell bottom jeans!

UPDATE - Ben Dalton in Winnipeg

Ben Dalton, the dedicated cyclist who began his ride across Canada in Victoria, BC to raise awareness for MS, arrived in Winnipeg ! Despite wicked winds, Dalton made it to Winnipeg on Friday June 6th where he did an interview with CBC to share his journey with others.

Dalton’s inspiration to ride comes from the death of his brother-in-law who had MS and passed away 2 years ago.

Unfortunately he was unable to attend the funeral, and in the back of his mind always planned to do something to commemorate him. Months leading up to the ride, Dalton connected with people who had MS and experienced a real empathy and passion to help them.

His cross Canada ride originally focused on awareness, but as Dalton continues his journey he is encouraging people to donate online in honour of his ride. He receives a jolt of encouragement when he hears that he is having an effect.

Please honour Ben Dalton’s ride across Canada and give him an extra boost of inspiration by donating today. Be sure to mention his name in the donation form as we will be providing Dalton with updates on the funds raised.

We wish Dalton a safe ride. Thank you for your support and spirit.

We want to know where your Jersey’s been!

Bring your MS Bike jersey on an adventure! Join MS Bike participants, Beth Button and Jeff Munroe and show us where your MS Bike jersey has been.

Submit your photo for a chance to WIN 2 FREE registrations for 2015!  

Submissions are due Friday, May 30 and a winner will be selected June 2.

Please email all photo submissions to carrie.gibson@mssociety.ca

Ben Dalton’s across Canada cycle

Ben in Victoria

It’s wonderful to envision a journey across Canada, exploring its vast beauty from sea to sea – but now imagine doing it on a bike!

Ben Dalton, a dedicated and caring cyclist, is travelling across Canada this summer to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. He began his ride in Victoria, British Colombia and does not have a set route or timeline and will take the ride at his own pace. This will be his 4th time riding across Canada!

Ben will be sharing his journey through his twitter account @BENBIKEDALTON. Follow him to support his message and commitment.

Let Ben’s story inspire the cyclist and traveler inside you!

From the MS Bike team, we thank Ben for his support and wish him a safe journey across the country! Good luck!

Over 70 members strong and 10 years long!

Co-captains Marion and Sharen are no strangers to the MS Bike. Team Doug and Marion’s MS Erasers formed 10 years ago and has been growing in number ever since! The team currently has an extraordinary 78 members, and they are hoping to reach 100+ in time for the tour. When asked how they grew their team so large, the enthusiastic Team Captains say it is a matter of friends asking friends and the momentum carries on from there, “We invite someone once and they usually get hooked! It’s kind of addictive team members invite a friend and that friend invites a friend and so on. There are so many smaller groups/families within our team, but once we are at the ride, we all join together and have a blast.”

Marion and Sharen also believe that a contributing factor to their ever-growing team is in large part due to the emphasis they place on having a good time and enjoying the whole experience of the event, “We have lots of fun and great laughs. We aren’t competitive or have eligibility criteria other than raising the fundraising minimum, but as a team we end up raising more! We are also very welcoming of new participants, and have a few team members with MS who add an extra level of motivation for us."

The team has another great recruitment tool as Marion and her husband own Doug and Marion’s Bike Sales and Repairs, a cycling shop based out of Strathroy. “We have members from the Strathroy, London, Waterloo Region, Guelph, Fergus, Woodstock, Barrie and Hamilton area. Doug and Marion’s is great for recruiting new members as they are always promoting the ride in their store. They are so dedicated to giving to the community in everything they do they promote the MS Bike to every customer that comes in,” says Sharen.

For more tips and information on participating as a team, check out the Team Tools page on msbike.ca

Mandarin MS Walk this weekend!

Good Luck to everyone participating in the Mandarin MS Walk this weekend!

Top five bike trails in Toronto

Here are five great trails in Toronto as noted by BlogTO that that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life…even if it’s only for a few short hours. Difficulty levels vary, so choose the trail that fits you best.  http://bit.ly/QpYF4G

Best health Magazine Canada: Jennifer’s story

 

 

Best Health magazine published a wonderful series of fitness and fundraising stories. Among these is Jennifer’s story, about her 150km MS Bike ride over two days in B.C.. Read her story:

http://bit.ly/1fqTl7w

Charitytuesday: Team up and use the Team Toolkit!

Go for it! Start an MS Bike team and take full advantage of the team tools available at www.msbike.ca/ontario/teamtools to put you on the road to fundraising success. To make things a little easier for you there’s a Team Captain’s Manual, Team Goal Thermometer, Recruitment poster and more. Team members say they have more fun and raise more funds together!

Cycling to end MS for over 25 years!

"With quiet rural roads, beautiful vistas, few hills - but challenging enough to know you made an effort - MS Bike - Prince Edward County is the tour for you!” says Mac. “The area has a number of fine wineries and restaurants, which is why making a weekend out of your cycling experience is something very common for participants of this tour.”

Mac is a long-time volunteer, supporter and participant of the MS Bike. “I have been involved in MS Bike - Prince Edward County since its inception. This will be the 3rd year for the tour, but my involvement with the MS Bike spans over 25 years!” he explains. Mac has been a Tour Leader for the majority of the years he has been involved in the tour. This rewarding position involves riding the route alongside participants and other Tour Leaders, making sure everyone’s ride goes smoothly and arriving back at the finish line with participants on the last leg of their journey.

When asked why he continues to volunteer his time as a Tour Leader, Mac responds, “Being a Tour Leader is simply a great way to give back to an organization whose values line up with mine. It's not about racing or prizes. It is altruism and sharing in helping to find an end to MS. The joy of accomplishment when a participant who may have never done this type of event crosses the finish is a reward for me.” To become a Tour Leader, please email msbike@mssociety.ca.