Gearing Up: News and Tips about Cycling in the MS Bike Tours in Ontario

Register for the MS Bike Tour TODAY for a chance to win!

2012-01-31T14:13:00.000-05:00

Haven’t had the chance to register for an MS Bike Tour? Register TODAY (January 31) and automatically receive a $5 Tim Hortons gift card. Whether you’re interested in a bit of recreation or a challenging ride this summer, take part in one of our six MS Bike Tours in Ontario to help end MS!

Visit msbiketours.ca to register today and enjoy a coffee and a snack, on us!

2012 MS Bike Tours Dates

July 8 Prince Edward County

July 28-29             Grand Bend to London
August 11-12       Ottawa
Aug 18-19            Acton to Waterloo
August 26           Niagara
September 9       Toronto

Note: This offer does not apply to MS Bike Tour – Ottawa.

Top Memories from the 2011 MS Bike Tour

2012-01-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

As we begin planning for this year’s MS Bike Tour, let’s take a minute to remember some of the highlights from the past Tour season. Here are our Top Memories from the 2011 MS Bike Tour:

Biggest Tent Village to date. In Grand Bend, we had our biggest tent village ever. It was great to see our returning teams grow in size and welcome many new teams. It will be a challenge for all MS Bike Tours to top last year’s numbers in Grand Bend, but let’s see who takes the top spot in 2012!

New BBQ for Top Fundraisers. The 100 Club Barbecue was a new initiative at the 2011 MS Bike Tour. The BBQ was added as an upgrade to the VIP areas for our amazing top fundraisers, who are recognized by their special yellow rider bibs. The BBQ included an exclusive menu of pulled pork or BBQ Chicken and a selection of salads.

Tasty lunch in Niagara. Participants still remember the delicious corn brought by RONA, the MS Bike Tour’s long-time, now former title sponsor. The MS Society of Canada would like to recognize and thank RONA Inc. for more than a decade of committed sponsorship of the MS Bike Tour.

New stops along the Acton to Waterloo route. Cyclists in the Acton to Waterloo Tour enjoyed two gorgeous new stops along their way. In the Brian Carrigan Century Loop, riders took a serene break at the Starkey Hill Conservation Area, a spot that is popular among hikers and birdwatchers. And on Day 2, took in the sites at the Warren Greenhouses during their lunch break in Kitchener.

Extreme Weather. Many of the Tours in 2011 were hit with crazy weather. In Grand Bend to London, riders experienced a hot, sticky heat wave. Cyclists in the Acton to Waterloo and Niagara Tour all powered through torrential downpours. But Toronto riders were left unscathed, ending off the season with fabulous summer weather!

Enhanced online fundraising system piloted in Toronto. It was great to see the enhanced online fundraising system be put to use for the first time in Toronto in 2011. The system is now being used for all MS Bike Tours, making it even easier to register, create your personal fundraising page and get started on your fundraising. New features allow you to upload personal email lists, post a photo or video, monitor and share your fundraising progress, track offline pledges and much more. Visit msbiketours.ca to check it out today!

Thanks again to everyone who made the 2011 MS Bike Tour such a success! We look forward to seeing you and many new faces in 2012! Register today!

Did we forget something? Have another great memory to share? Leave us a wall post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter! We’d love to hear about your favourite memory from the 2011 MS Bike Tour.

NEW MS Bike Tour - Prince Edward County

2011-12-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

We are thrilled to announce that there is a new addition to the 2012 MS Bike Tour. Gear up for the first annual Prince Edward County Tour in Picton, Ontario and ride the picturesque trail across Prince Edward County on July 8, 2012. We look forward to kicking off the 2012 MS Bike Tour with this new addition!

Enhanced Online Fundraising System for MS Bike Tour

2011-12-08T09:50:00.003-05:00

Check out the enhanced online fundraising system at http://www.msbiketours.ca! Now making it even easier to be a part of the 2012 MS Bike Tour in Ontario, you are just clicks away from registering, creating your personal page and getting a head start on fundraising. New features include the ability to create your own personal fundraising page, post a photo or video, monitor and share your fundraising progress and much more. Get geared up for the 2012 MS Bike Tour and for the three Canadians diagnosed with MS every day. Together, we will end MS.

Choose to ride at any of the six Tour locations:

Prince Edward County: July 8 NEW!

Grand Bend to London: July 28 - 29

Ottawa: August 11-12

Acton to Waterloo: August 18 – 19

Niagara: August 26

Toronto: September 9

Cycling Shoes Suggestions

2011-11-24T12:15:00.001-05:00

Any shoes can be worn while cycling, although there are many specially designed shoes that can provide advantages for cyclists looking to achieve a more efficient energy transfer while pedaling. Traditional cycling involves the use of flat pedals, but more consistently we see many cyclists with their feet locked to their bike, whooshing by. This is possible due to “clipless” pedal systems, which is usually considered by advanced cyclists as it allows a more efficient and less tiring ride. And for this type of system specialty cycling shoes are required.

Cycling shoes differ from basic athletic shoes as they feature stiffer soles in order to protect your feet from surrounding objects, while supporting the full length of the foot to reduce fatigue and cramping. These shoes are matched with a corresponding pedal in order to keep feet secured to the bicycle, offering improved control and decreased energy loss while pedaling.

For more information on shoes that may be the best for you, visit http://bit.ly/sxVHAD

Helmet Help

2011-11-16T13:40:00.000-05:00

Helmets have greatly evolved over the years; they have become ultra-lightweight and are now sporting added ventilation and more sleek designs. Helmets come in three styles to correspond with the kind of cycling you prefer, though any helmet can be worn interchangeably as the most important feature of a helmet is to protect your head from injury.

Road Bike Helmets: Lightweight, plenty of ventilation, and sleek aero dynamic design.

Mountain Bike Helmets: Provide added features for protection from trailside obstacles, offering more protection at the back of the head and a visor.

Sport Helmets: Worn by both road and mountain bikers as well as inline skaters.

Like a shoe, helmets come in various sizes and should fit you properly to ensure safety. The fit of your helmet is crucial in the protection of your head. To find an appropriate fit, measure the circumference of your head with a flexible measuring tape or ribbon. Most helmet packaging will provide the measurements of the helmet, because what you are looking for is a snug fit.

Visit http://bit.ly/1AzUPQ to watch a video about finding the right helmet fit.

The Inline Skater

2011-11-11T09:27:00.001-05:00

The 55 kilometer ride can be difficult for some people. Everyone faces the challenge in their own way. Some train extensively for the weeks and months leading up to the ride, while others practice how to keep hydrated and pack an array of protein shakes and power drinks for the tour. While some believe finishing is the goal, others know that attempting the bike tour is success in itself. Alain Quintard is always up for the challenge, but his experience is a little different…he participates in the bike tour on inline skates.

Alain first bladed his way to the finish line in 2004, when the RONA MS Bike Tours was still the RONA MS Bike and Inline Skating Tour. An avid skater, he jumped on the opportunity to participate as it allowed for a longer skating time with well-stocked check points. What initially began as a hobby became a mission for personal reasons.

“I had a chat with our friend’s daughter who is affected by MS,” Alain said. “She was telling me a little bit more about some of the challenges. So I’m not ready to stop, not when I know some people are struggling like that.” This year, Alain, a local Toronto resident, participated in his eighth MS Bike Tour. In total, he has raised approximately $40,000 for multiple sclerosis.

Cycling Tips to Keep You Safe

2011-11-02T11:17:00.000-04:00

Cycling is a multifaceted sport. There are many obstacles that affect a cyclist’s ability to ride - vehicles and pedestrians; weather conditions and; unpredictable terrain. Here are a number of tips you can use in preparation for an event!

Breaking - When approaching a quick stop, make sure you firmly press the breaks and move your bottom to the very back of the bike seat. This decreases the chances of flipping over the handlebars.

Downhill – Refrain from holding your breaks for extended periods of time. This can cause the tires to overheat and lead to a blowout. Instead, periodically tap your breaks lightly.

Uphill – Shift gears to keep a normal tempo. You can also conserve energy by staying in your seat.

Night/Poor visibility – Always wear bright colored and reflective clothing. You should also use a headlight and other bike light accessories to increase your presence on the road.

Pedaling – Avoid pedaling in high gears for long periods of time, as this can escalate pressure on your knees and can lead to injury. Switching to lower gears allows for faster revolutions and adds more to your exercise without straining your knees. The best pace for most cyclists is 60 to 80 rpm.

For more cycling tips visit: http://bit.ly/vsAqX0

The Best Bike for you

2011-10-27T10:06:00.000-04:00

Purchasing a bike can be a large commitment that requires a lot of thought. Buying a bike for the first time can be overwhelming, so here are a couple of pointers to steer you in the right direction.

First, you need to decide whether you will be using the bike for off-road or on-road cycling, or both.

Road bikes: Are designed for riding on paved streets, they allow you to travel fast and are used to travel long distances.

Mountain bikes: Feature wide tires designed to handle rugged terrain. Mountain bikes tend to be less expensive and offer a more comfortable riding position than road bikes.

Hybrid bikes: Blends the features of both road and mountain bikes together into a bike that is tough, comfortable and fast, and is ideal for cycling on streets and bike paths.

Helpful hint- When riding, protect your knees from injury by positioning your seat correctly and by pedaling at a pace you are comfortable with.

Maintaining your Chain

2011-10-12T10:10:00.000-04:00

Just like a car, your bike needs regular maintenance to promote proper functionality. Your bikes chain keeps everything moving just like our heart beat keeps our body moving. The chain is also the part of your bike that takes the majority of wear and tear. This is why it is important to keep your chain in pristine condition and clean your chain regularly. The dirt that gets caught in your chain can cause your chain to wear, affect the flexibility of individual chain links and interfere with changing gears.

Cleaning your bike is simple, before you ride, make sure to look at your chain and rotate your pedal slowly backwards, keeping an eye out for dirt buildup, rust and tight links. To get rid of any buildup, brush out links with a tooth brush and re-lubricate your chain to decrease the buildup of dirt and maintain the chains durability. Lastly, wipe off any extra lubricant and off you go!

We want to hear from you! Visit RONA MS Bike Tours on Facebook to take our poll!

Bicycle of the Future

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000-04:00

The future of cycling is here! Cyclists will be able to control their bicycle’s gear shifts with their minds! Made from carbon fiber, the bike designed by Parlee, has a sleek looking frame, but the real magic is changing the gears with brain waves. Here’s how it works: The cyclist has to train and practice with an iPhone app, moving a cube on its screen, until the neural technology associates a thought with the neurotransmission. Once the link is made, all the cyclist has to do is use their training to think in the proper manner and the bike’s gears will shift accordingly. To facilitate the process, the rider would also wear a special helmet, outfitted with proper censors to control the bike. The iPhone attaches to the handlebars to make it possible to change the gears. Here is some more information about the Bicycle of the Future and be certain to check out this video that explains all about it; http://on.mash.to/nwJFep

Helmets off to the 2011 Tour of Champions!

2011-09-29T09:55:00.001-04:00

Our helmets go off to the eleven Tour of Champion cyclists who are riding in the Jack Daniel’s “Bike to Jack and Back” Bike MS in Tennessee this weekend. The 2011 Tour of Champions is a group of RONA MS Bike Tour top fundraisers from across the country who have raised an astonishing $10,000 dollars or more in 2010, and chosen this as their fundraising prize.

This dedicated group of fundraisers, including Scott Davis and Barry Travnicek from Ontario will unite in Franklin, Tennessee where they will ride October 1-2 to their final destination – Lynchburg, Tennessee. We wish all the cyclists a safe and exuberant journey! Thank you for helping us in the fight to end MS.

The 2012 Tour of Champions, Cape Cod Getaway will take place June 23-24, 2012 from Boston to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Become a top fundraiser and join this illustrious group of cyclists. For more information please contact Lori Anne McNulty at Lorianne.McNulty@mssociety.ca.

Boom in Customized Bikes

2011-09-28T10:03:00.001-04:00

There has been an increase in the popularity of bicycling for both recreation and sport which has made customized bikes attractive to serious and occasional riders. Although these bikes may make your wallet a little lighter, many find great advantages to owning a customized bike. Customized bikes are created to fit the form of your body and riding style which lengthens the life of your bike, causing less wear and tear. Some find that mass produced bikes can be uncomfortable and less functional compared to a bike that fits their needs and anatomy.

Customized bikes also allow for freedom of expression. The aesthetics can be quite creative; you can set your bike apart from the crowd by adding creative design and colors of your choice to match your style!

It is now much easier to find custom bike manufacturers as their demand grows. Many custom manufactures make it easy for their customers to design the bike of their dreams by offering websites that provide them with countless options. If you have a custom bike share a picture of it with us on Facebook!

The RONA MS Bike Tour 2011 has reached the Finish Line in Ontario

2011-09-20T16:24:00.000-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tours – 2011 in Ontario, made its last stop at the Toronto tour on September 11th, and we are excited to report that more than 3900 participants raised over 2.55 million during this summer’s five bike tours. The results are outstanding and it would not have been possible without the hard work and support from our organizers, volunteers and participants who help in the fight to end MS.

All five tours - Grand Bend to London; Ottawa to Kemptville; Acton to Waterloo; Niagara and; Toronto, brought participants of all ages and skill levels together for one common goal - to end MS. We want to thank everyone involved for making this year’s bike tour a memorable one. We look forward to seeing you in 2012!

Photo from the Grand Bend to London Tour 2011

Want a recap? Check out this video link from our Grand Bend to London tour!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZLWY8nwXA8

A beautiful ending with the RONA MS Bike Tour - Toronto

2011-09-12T14:59:00.001-04:00

We couldn’t have asked for better weather to help wrap up the RONA MS BIKE Tour - 2011. This past Sunday was the last stop of the bike tour in Ontario where participants, volunteers and supporters were in high spirits, making the ride a memorable one. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to all those who joined us this Sunday. Your support is always appreciated and your help truly makes a difference in the movement to end MS.

RONA MS Bike Tour- Toronto this Sunday!

2011-09-09T15:25:00.002-04:00

Gear up and come cheer on your friends and family at the RONA MS Bike Tour - Toronto this Sunday, September 11, 2011 for the last stop of the Ontario tour!

The event kicks off at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, at 9:30 a.m. and participants will travel along scenic trails before ending back at the park. We are so proud of all of our participants, supporters and volunteers as they help us move closer to ending MS. See you all there!

Happy Labour Day Weekend!

2011-09-02T11:21:00.002-04:00

Labour Day weekend has been celebrated on the first Monday in September since the 1880s. What started as a parade in support of the Toronto Typographical Union's strike for a 58-hour work-week has over the years become an opportunity to take a late summer trip to a country cottage or to enjoy the company of family at a picnic, fair or festival. Unfortunately it is also the unofficial end to the Canadian summer, so we encourage you to get out there and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.

We here at the MS Society of Canada want to wish everyone an amazing, safe and fun long weekend!

Niagara was a Great Success!

2011-08-23T09:33:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the RONA MS Bike Tour – Niagara. There were over 600 cyclists who cycled through the beautiful Niagara region, and helped raise over $400,000 dollars! Cyclists arrived early on Sunday in great spirits and excited to get on the road! The weather held up as long as it could, and even though there was a little rain near the end of the ride, everyone had a great time and finished strong! We would like to thank all the participants, the enthusiastic staff, and the hard working volunteers, whom we couldn’t have done it without!

Gear up for our next event, the RONA MS Bike Tour - Toronto on September 11 where we hope to see the same amount of enthusiasm we have seen during this summer’s previous tours in our fight to end MS!

A&W Cruisin' for a Cause

2011-08-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

Thursday August, 25 will mark the third annual A&W Cruisin’ for a Cause Day! One dollar from each Teen Burger sold, will be donated to support the MS Society of Canada’s mission to help end multiple sclerosis.

If you RSVP to the event on Facebook, A&W will donate an additional 50 cents. Additionally, they will also donate another 50 cents if you tweet using #CruisinForACause on Twitter.

New to this year’s event is the option of donating five dollars to the MS Society by texting MS to 45678 from your mobile phone!

So please show your support by participating in Cruisin’ for a Cause in any or all of the easy ways listed above! Find the closest A&W location near you!

Niagara is this Sunday!

2011-08-19T10:51:00.000-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tour 2011 - Niagara is this Sunday! We can’t wait to get out there and enjoy this great event with all the cyclists and volunteers involved! We would like to wish everyone participating in the tour a safe and fun ride!

Check out the pre-event newsletter; http://bit.ly/ou01WF where you will find all the information you need to get ready.

Or the website, if you need any last minute information; http://bit.ly/pZpiiE

Best of luck to all participants, supporters, and volunteers!

Acton to Waterloo was a Big Success!

2011-08-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the RONA MS Bike Tour – Acton to Waterloo. There were over 467 cyclists who rode from Acton to Waterloo and back again, and helped raise $300,000 dollars! On Saturday, participants set off from Prospect Park, Acton and rode to the University of Waterloo. After an evening of festivities including a beer garden, dinner, and ceremonies, they rode back to Acton on Sunday, cycling a total of 150 km over the weekend. We would like to thank all the participants, the enthusiastic staff, and the hard working volunteers, whom we couldn’t have done it without!

Gear up for our next event, the RONA MS Bike Tour - Niagara on August 21 where we hope to see the same amount of enthusiasm in our fight to end MS.

Acton to Waterloo 2011

2011-08-12T10:00:00.001-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tour 2010 - Acton to Waterloo is tomorrow! We would like to wish everyone participating on Saturday, August 13th, and Sunday, August 14th, a safe, enjoyable ride.

Check out the pre-event newsletter; http://bit.ly/pre-event

Or the website site for any last minute questions; http://bit.ly/nQAtOc

Best of luck to all participants, supporters, and volunteers!

Bicycle Blogs

2011-07-27T16:19:00.000-04:00

Gearingup.ca is your one stop shop for information related to the RONA MS Bike Tours and we also try to cover topics relevant to the cycling community in Ontario. There are numerous other bike blogs out there, each with their own niche in the biking community. We would know, we’re always reading them! Here are a few that deserve a mention:

Bicycle Design. This is the perfect blog for those interested in the newest and coolest trends in bicycles. All types of bicycles are written about on this blog, from high-end road bikes, to mountain bikes, and even unique and just plain weird designs. http://bicycledesign.net/

Commute By Bike. If you commute to and from work on a bike, then this site is for you. The writers are very convincing, encouraging those who don’t commute to really think about it. You’ll find all the tips, news, reviews, and safety advice a bike commuter would ever need. Their bike and product review is one of the most extensive we have ever seen! http://www.commutebybike.com/

Biking Toronto. If you live in Toronto, or are visiting, and want information about cycling in the city, then this is the site for you. It is the city’s largest and most popular bike blog, and focuses not only on biking being a competitive or recreational activity, but also a mode of transportation. http://bikingtoronto.com/

Take the Lane. Bill Bean is a biking advocate who writes about what he knows, “…if the gas-burning dinosaurs start to crowd you, it’s your road and you paid for it. Take the lane for yourself!” Bike related news and personal stories from all over Ontario can be found on this blog. http://therecord.blogs.com/take_the_lane/

Enjoy and don’t forget to check back here for the latest on the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours!

Grand Bend to London a Huge Success!

2011-07-25T15:45:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the kick-off to our RONA MS Bike Tour season. There were over 1,850 cyclists who rode from Grand Bend to London, setting a new participant record for the event and raised a staggering $1.125 million dollars! Through the humidity and heat, the cyclists rode their hearts out and made us all extremely proud of them. We would like to thank all the participants, volunteers, whom we couldn’t have done it without, and the staff on a successful weekend!

Gear up for our next event, the RONA MS Bike Tour - Acton to Waterloo on August 13-14. We hope to see the same amount of enthusiasm and heart as we saw in Grand Bend to London in our fight to end MS.

Predict The Weather!

2011-07-20T09:16:00.000-04:00

Weather; it can make your day or ruin it. You can talk about it with people you’ve never met before or with someone you’ve known for years. What would we do if we didn’t have the weather to talk about? One of the most important aspects of having a successful and fun RONA MS Bike Tour is knowing how to equip yourself for the weather on the day of the ride. Why would you want to leave something so important up to the people on TV who seem to be wrong more than they’re right? That’s why we want to give you a leg up on Mother Nature and share with you some ways of predicting the weather, methods that have been used for thousands of years!

Wind (do not attempt while riding your bike). Easterly winds can indicate an approaching storm, westerly winds the opposite. Strong winds indicate high pressure changes which can also be a sign of an incoming storm.

‘Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning'. Red sky at night means dry air is heading towards you, red sky in the morning indicates there is a low pressure system carrying moisture on its way.

Trees. Pine cones remain closed if the humidity is high, which tends to precede heavy rain. If the pine cones are closed, that indicates dry air. Oak and maple tree leaves curl in high humidity.

The grass. Before you head to the starting line check the grass. If it’s dry, that can indicate that clouds or strong breezes are on the way, which can mean rain is also on the way. If the grass has dew on it, chances are it won’t rain that day. source (http://bit.ly/bENEjO)

Remember to check the weather before you take part in the RONA MS Bike Tour so you know how to prepare yourself for the ride. Use some of the tips above as an added feature to the weather reports you find online or on the news channel. As the great Bob Dylan always said “you don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows.”

On the Road: An Info Night

2011-07-18T10:16:00.001-04:00

Do you think it’s possible to change a bike tube in 30 seconds? Come out to On the Road: An Info Night on July 20, to find out. Paul, the owner of Van de Velo bike shop, will explain everything you need to know to keep you and your bike on the road during the RONA MS Bike Tour. This fun and informative session will start at 6:30pm at Van de Velo (2828 Kingsway Drive, Oakville).

Bring your team as well as family and friends to learn about correct bike repair, proper nutrition, and see a fantastic demonstration on how to change your bike tube like a pro! Cyclists who are signed up for the RONA MS Bike Tour, with proof of registration, will receive 10% off all purchases at the shop this night!

Haven't signed up to ride yet? Register today for one of five RONA MS Bike Tours in Ontario!

Take Off That Hat!

2011-07-12T15:57:00.001-04:00

This is the year that the RONA MS Bike Tour from Grand Bend to London could be the largest in all of Canada! And if it is, Lori Anne McNulty can finally take off the cowboy hat that she’s been wearing at every bike tour since 2006. But wait! You haven’t heard the story of Lori Anne and her Western headwear? Let me tell you!

The RONA MS Bike Tour from Leduc to Camrose had 1,906 riders on June 11 and 12 and the Grand Bend to London tour is nearing 1,800 and growing. Register your friends! Register your neighbors! Grow your team so Lori Anne will take off that hat!

The RONA MS Bike Tour from Leduc to Camrose in Alberta, the largest bike tour in Canada, used to double and triple the number of participants that the Grand Bend to London tour registered. That is until 2005 when our tour gave the Albertan tour a run for their money. These two mega-tours have been competing ever since!

It was around this time that the hat made its first appearance.

In 2006, Lori Anne McNulty, the Senior Manager and National Advisor at the MS Society, put on a cowboy hat, a symbolic reference to the Albertan cowboys that were beating our tour (which also conveniently shaded her eyes). The promise? The year that the Grand Bend to London tour surpassed the Leduc to Camrose tour, she would take off that hat!

The Grand Bend to London tour has continued to trail the Leduc to Camrose tour, but each year it gets closer and closer and in 2009, it was only 75 participants away from surpassing the Albertan tour!

Could this be the year?

Let’s KNOCKOUT MS!

2011-07-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

Knockout MS is a boxing fundraiser where all proceeds, ticket sales and sponsorships, will be donated to the MS Society of Canada. Funds raised at the event will be put towards the fundraising efforts of the Waterloo Regional Police’s 10-member bike team, who will be participating in the RONA MS Bike Tour in Niagara on August 21. All participating boxers are officers from the Peel Region, Greater Toronto Area, and Waterloo, and are registered with Boxing Ontario. The event takes place on Friday, July 22 at the Waterloo Regional Police Association and Recreation Centre at 1128 Rife Road in Cambridge. Come watch some exciting boxing matches, support a great cause, and together we can KNOCKOUT MS!

For more information about purchasing tickets, event details, and for profiles of the boxers, head over to the KnockoutMS official website; http://www.knockoutms.ca/

Reel and Deal!

2011-07-04T10:05:00.003-04:00

The fourth annual Reel and Deal event to benefit the MS Society takes place this Thursday, July 7, in Port Perry. Pro fisherman, generous sponsors, and guests get together to raise money to end MS. It will be an action packed day of fun for the whole family! There will be fishing, great food, poker, and all for a great cause! Last year’s event raised $65,000 to support MS Research and Client Services in the Markham/Stouffvile, York North, and York South Chapters.

Date: Thursday, July 7, 2011

Location: Lake Scugog, Goreski’s Landing

225 Platten Boulevard, Port Perry

Registration: 7:00 am to 8:00 am

Start & End Times: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm

You can get in the spirit by watching highlights from the previous Reel and Deal events through the MS Society of Canada YouTube Channel.

To take part in this year's event, please contact Freya Potter, Senior Coordinator, Fundraising and Volunteer Management at 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3157 or freya.potter@mssociety.ca.

Canada Day!

2011-06-30T10:04:00.000-04:00

July 1^st marks Canada’s 144^th birthday. This is a day where we as Canadians celebrate how fortunate we are to be able to live in such an amazing country. Canada Day is also a time of reflection where we celebrate the history, the growth, and the accomplishments of our country. The MS Society would like to wish all our members, volunteers, sponsors and partners a happy Canada Day! On this day we would also ask you to take a moment with us and think about the thousands of Canadian families living with multiple sclerosis and to help us give thanks to all of our supporters for their help and contributions in the fight to end MS.

This holiday, don’t be bashful and reserved; make sure to wear your red and white proudly and join Canadians across the country as we celebrate this important day! Have a great weekend!

Registration Fees Increase July 1st

2011-06-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

There is just under one month left before the start of the first RONA MS Bike Tour of 2011 in Ontario!

Registration fees will increase on July 1, so if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to sign up. There are only 4 days left!

You can register as an individual or as a team. Let your family members, friends, and co-workers know about this amazing event – riders of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. You only need 4 people to register as a team! For more information about the RONA MS Bike Tours, click here. See you there!

Fundraising Tips!

2011-06-23T08:57:00.000-04:00

With the RONA MS Bike Tours quickly approaching it is time to start focusing on meeting your fundraising goal! Participants are required to raise a minimum of $250, but with our help and your determination, that goal will be reached and surpassed in no time! Here are some helpful ideas.

Organize a weekly 50/50 draw in your office where half the winnings go to the lucky ticket holder and the other half go towards your fundraising goals.

What about hosting a delicious BBQ? Ask for a small entrance fee and possibly a salad or snack so that you can keep costs down but still raise money. Remember, you’re trying to earn extra cash with an event like this, so don’t be afraid to charge a premium price for the meal!

Now that the sun is out and weather is warm, why not host a car wash? Send an e-mail out to your friends with the details and let them know that all proceeds will be going towards your fundraising efforts.

Impress your friends by hosting a ‘Wine Tasting’ night. Buy a few bottles of nice wine and prepare some homemade hors d’oeuvres. Ask for a small fee for hosting the night. Or, if you’re not a fan of wine, have a ‘Beer Tasting’ night with some Ontario craft beers.

Selling some of your unwanted belongings on eBay is a quick and easy way to earn money towards your fundraising goal. One person’s garbage is another person’s treasure.

Organize a trivia night down at your local saloon. Ask guests to pay an entrance fee at the door and then supply them with tricky questions and some finger foods. Make sure to clear it with the owner of the establishment first.

There are endless possibilities when trying to meet your fundraising goal; these are just a few ideas to get you thinking. Also, your friends and family are great think tanks when trying to decide the best way to fundraise, so don’t hesitate to ask around!

Trek4MS

2011-06-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

Jordan Kozina has just embarked on an unbelievable crosscountry journey with the goal of raising awareness for multiple sclerosis across Canada while fundraising for MS research and to assist those affected by the disease. Jordan is planning to bike from Tofino BC, to Cape Spear NFLD over 3 months and started his ride on June 12^th. Along the way he is going to connect with 29 local Chapters of the MS Society and hopes to make this the most successful “Third Party” fundraising and awareness campaign for MS yet.

Jordan’s fundraising goal is $100,000 and he believes that together we can blow this mark out of the water. If you would like to learn more about Jordan’s incredible journey click here. If you want to donate to his campaign, click here.

We would like to thank Jordan for his dedication and determination and wish him the best of luck on his journey. Go Jordan!

Enjoy Ontario's Bike Trails

2011-06-20T09:39:00.004-04:00

Summer is a glorious time to explore our beautiful Ontario Bike Trails! There are wonderful local gems and towns dotting the thousands of kilometres of trails that run through the province. Whether you bike along the rivers, around lakes, through the forests, or into the towns, there is a perfect trail for any type of rider! This is a great opportunity to get into the spirit for the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours!

If you can’t decide what kind of ride you want to take or where you’d like to go, we have chosen a couple that we know you will enjoy!

The Collingwood Loop Trail: 6 km

The Collingwood Loop is a fantastic ride that highlights the historic and gorgeous town of Collingwood as well as the mystic Georgian Bay. The surface is asphalt and soil so it doesn’t ride like a difficult trail which makes it perfect for the whole family! There are nearby stores and two sets of summer only washrooms along the way.

The Greater Napanee Waterfront Trail: 22.4km – 91.9km

The Greater Napanee Waterfront Trail is for the more serious rider, but it is a wonderfully scenic ride. The trail goes through the town of Napanee which is situated on the beautiful Napanee River and continues south to pass the Bay of Quinte and Hay Bay, renowned for its Wall-eye fishing! The trail is asphalt and has picnic areas and washrooms along route.

Get out there and enjoy the nice weather while it lasts. Head to the Ontario Trails Council website to find the perfect route for you. Remember to wear a helmet, pack some water, stay safe and have fun!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2011-06-16T10:50:00.000-04:00

Still looking for gift ideas for your cycling enthusiast dad? Why not get him something that will help him better prepare for his upcoming RONA MS Bike Tour. It is important when participating in the RONA MS Bike Tour to be prepared for all types of weather conditions! Here are a few father’s day gift ideas so that dad will be ready on the day of the ride, no matter what Mother Nature throws at him.

Bike Tune Up. A great way to get your dad’s bike ready for his tour is to get a free inspection at one of the MS Bike Shops which are available to all RONA MS Bike Tour participants. Click here to find a shop near you.

Sunscreen. If the weather on the RONA MS Bike Tours is as nice as we hope it’s going to be, then your dad is going to need sunscreen. A sport brand will do well because it won’t wash off with sweat. Don’t forget to guard those lips from the harmful sun rays; lip conditioner with SPF is also a great idea.

Water Bottle and Cage. One of the most important things to remember when taking part in outdoor activities is to stay hydrated, even in cool weather. With a bottle and cage your father will be able to access a refreshing drink anytime during the Tour. Water re-fill stations will be located at rest stops along the route.

Bike Computer. This is the perfect gift for the more serious touring father. A cycling-specific GPS sits on the handlebars, tracks distance, speed, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and decent. While the RONA MS Bike Tours are for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels, this is a great tool for training and to track your ride.

Bicycle rain cape. A rain cape can help your dad become waterproof in seconds if it rains. It is ventilated for comfort and has reflective strips for safer night riding.

And of course, if your father hasn’t registered for the RONA MS Bike Tour yet, why not treat him by signing him up! Register before July 1 to take advantage of the early-bird rate.

Pub Night!

2011-06-14T08:41:00.001-04:00

We are excited to let you know about another RONA MS Bike Tour Pub Night! This time it will be held on June 14 (tonight!) in beautiful London Ontario at Milestones Grill and Bar. The event starts at 6pm and there will be free appetizers! Bring your friends and family and connect with other team captains and members. There will also be MS staff there to answer any of your questions or queries. Not only are the Pub Nights a blast, but you can learn more about the RONA MS Bike Tours and possibly pick up a trick or two that might help your team perform better this summer!

Here are directions to the Milestones Grill and Bar in London; http://www.milestonesrestaurants.com/location_map.php?id=33

If you haven’t already, click here to register for an upcoming RONA MS Bike Tour and get ready for a great ride!

See you there!

14th Annual RBC/MS Gold Tournament a Success!

2011-06-13T10:21:00.002-04:00

Friday’s Multiple Sclerosis Charity Golf tournament hosted by RBC Procurement was a huge success! We would like to offer a sincere thank you to all the participating golfers and to Mother Nature for offering up sunny weather!

The tournament took place at two different courses in Markham - the Angus Glen Golf Club and Mandarin Golf and Country Club. 432 golfers raised over $400,000 for the MS Society. Proceeds from the tournament will help fund vital research devoted to the study of multiple sclerosis in children. Much of this research is led by Dr. Brenda Banwell, Director of the Paediatric MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Thank you to all participating golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for your support. Photos from the event will be posted shortly, stay tuned!

Sign Up as a Team!

2011-06-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

There are many reasons why people prefer to take part in a RONA MS Bike Tour as a member of a team. Participating as part of a team keeps riders motivated and feeling supported during the Tour. And let’s not forget how much fun it is to ride alongside friends and family, or how enriching it can be to connect with colleagues outside of the work environment.

There is the satisfaction of collecting pledges with someone in particular in mind or just for the cause in general, team members always affirm that being part of a collective is one of the best fundraising motivators. It’s easy to register as a team; you only need a total of 4 riders!

Also as a team, you can work towards being one of Canada’s top 100 RONA MS Bike Tour fundraising teams for 2011!

If you haven’t registered as a team yet, and want to find out more, contact us and we’ll provide all the information you’ll need.

St. Louis Pub Night!

2011-06-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

If you’re going to be in the Toronto area tomorrow night, then join us at St. Louis Bar and Grill for a night of fun with MS Society staff and other team captains and team members! Even if you’re not in the area, come anyway for the free appetizers and the opportunity to connect with other participants of the RONA MS Bike Tours!!

It’ll be a night of shared experiences and a chance for you and your team to learn some great tips and tricks to help take you to the next level in 2011! Bring along your family and friends and show them what the RONA MS Bike Tours are all about and how to get involved!

Click here for directions. Please RSVP if you plan to come – we hope to see you there!

Cyclepath Oakville Training Ride!

2011-06-02T08:48:00.000-04:00

The best way to get in shape for the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours is to actually dust off your bike and do a bike training ride! Practice makes perfect! Join us for the Cyclepath Oakville training ride at 9am on Sunday June 5, as we get back into the swing of things with a 30-40K bike ride.

A great idea is to bring a friend or family member along and prove to them that if they can do the 30-40k Cyclepath Oakville training ride, then participating in a RONA MS Bike Tour will be no problem!

Click here for details and directions.

See you there!

First Pub Night!

2011-05-30T14:30:00.002-04:00

Kick-off your RONA MS Bike Tour by joining the MS Society staff members at Moxie's Classic Grill in Windsor. Come by tomorrow, May 31, at 6 pm and connect with other participants while munching on free appetizers as the excitement builds for this year's ride!

All of our pre-tour events are great for recruiting your family and friends to the bike tours – bring them along to learn about the RONA MS Bike Tours or use one of the pre-tour events for a Team Kick Off.

Click here for directions; http://bit.ly/m1i8dT

Here are the other upcoming Pub Nights:

· June 7, 6pm, Paddy Flaherty’s

· June 14, 6pm, Milestones Grill and Bar

Bike Month!

2011-05-29T08:20:00.003-04:00

Now until June 21^st is ‘Bike Month’ in the city of Toronto! Toronto's Festival for Cycling Culture showcases the importance of promoting and encouraging more bicycle commuting for everyone. So, pump up those tires, dust off those helmets and pedal through the city streets to your heart's content. It is also a great way to help get in shape for the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours!

There are close to 150 events in the GTA that will happen over the course of ‘Bike Month’, including various activities that the whole family can enjoy! Here are some of the events we’re looking forward to:

May 30, Bike to Work Day
June 2, Breakfast for Bikers
June 11, Toronto Island Tour of Trees
June 26, Family Bicycle Parade

Visit the City of Toronto website for a full list

of events and details.

Enjoy ‘Bike Month’, and we’ll see you at the RONA MS Bike Tours! If you haven’t registered yet, find the perfect tour for you at msbiketours.ca or, click here to register.

Dairy Queen Promotion!

2011-05-26T14:36:00.000-04:00

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Get a cool summer treat when you register this week for a RONA MS Bike Tour! This Thursday, and Friday, register for the Grand Bend to London, Acton to Waterloo, or the Niagara Tour and our friends at Dairy Queen will reward you with a $5 gift card for one of their participating restaurants.

To take advantage of this offer, register by calling

1-800-268-7582 and request your $5 gift card. You can also visit us online and select the Dairy Queen promotion code when you register.

Please note that free registrations do not qualify for the promotion.

Can’t wait to see you out there!

Today Is World MS Day!

2011-05-25T08:34:00.001-04:00

Here in Canada, we have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. Approximately 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians are currently living with MS, with 1-3 new cases diagnosed every day. Worldwide, over 2,000,000 people in the world have MS. The aims of world MS day are to raise awareness and mobilize a global movement!

World MS Day was launched on May 27, 2009 with over 200 events in 67 countries. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about MS and to strengthen the network of people living with MS across the world.

The theme this year is “Work and MS” with a focus on the role that employers can play in enabling people with MS to stay working.

You can learn more about World MS Day at the MS Society of Canada’s website: endMS.com and http://www.worldmsday.org

To show your support of World MS Day go to our ‘Social Media Tools’ site to change your Facebook status and picture to a MS Badge or Logo, or Tweet that you are ‘celebrating MS Awareness Month, recognizing MS Awareness Month, promoting MS Awareness Month, or is participating in MS Awareness Month.’ Or, think of your own Tweet to help promote World MS Day!

Happy Victoria Day Long Weekend!

2011-05-20T09:46:00.002-04:00

The MS Society would like to wish you a safe and happy Victoria Day Long Weekend! Victoria Day holiday is celebrated on the last Monday on or before May 24, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. It also unofficially marks the beginning of the Canadian summer!

Here is a list of fundraising activities for the Victoria Day Long Weekend

· Open the cottage, or go to a friend's cottage and watch them open it. Instead of throwing out unwanted possessions, put on a garage sale to raise funds for the MS Society, one person’s garbage is another person’s treasure!

· Go on a fishing trip, or let your spouse go and enjoy the peace and quiet at home. Challenge friends to a fishing derby and ask friends or family to sponsor your efforts in seeing who can reel in the biggest catch!

· Stay at home, dust off the gardening gloves and offer your neighbours yard work for a donation to your fundraising cause.

· Put on a BBQ for your family and friends. Instead of asking them to contribute food and

drink, ask for a donation to your MS fundraising efforts.

· Put on a fireworks show for your street on Victoria Day. Ask for donations instead of contributions. Remember to stay safe!

· Or just take the extra day off to relax and enjoy your free time, long weekends don’t come around that often.

Photo by: Evans Photography

The MS Society would like to thank you for your continued support and are excited to enjoy a very warm and sunny summer with you!

West Side Cycle Ride Cancelled

2011-05-19T16:39:00.002-04:00

The West Side Cycle bike training ride on May 22 has been cancelled due to weather.

Please refer back here soon for updates on a new date.

Or check out their website: http://westsidecycleinc.com/

Everybody loves Summer Camp!

2011-05-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

It’s the defining growing up experience when kids can be themselves, make friends, have fun, and where so much is learned!

This summer the MS Society of Canada is proud to offer two unique and exciting camp programs for youth and teens affected by multiple sclerosis.

Activities for the MS Summer Camp for children and youth age 8-15 will include:

Sports
Nature studies
Performing arts
Canoeing
Swimming
Overnight canoe trips to near-by Provincial Park on the Big Rideau Lake
And much more!

Activities for the MS Leadership Camp for campers aged 16-21 will include:

Leadership development
Learning self-sufficiency and self-confidence
Traditional camp activities (swimming, canoeing, etc…)
Two-day overnight canoe trip where they will develop skills in leading a group, grow in character and learn much more about the value in community and helping others
And much more!

The camp is FREE to attend. All costs associated with the camp (including travel) are covered thanks to a fifth year of generous funding from the RBC Foundation and Fondation Bergeron-Jetté.

For more information and a camp application please visit: mssociety.ca/camp

Contact Abidah Lalani, Camp Coordinator, abidah.lalani@mssociety.ca or 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3135.

Help your car, help end MS

2011-05-12T12:21:00.000-04:00

Spring has arrived and it's the perfect time to perform some well-needed vehicle maintenance.

Visit your local participating Mr. Lube location on Saturday, May 14 and $5 from every oil change will be donated to the MS Society of Canada as part of their Founder’s Day Campaign.

Click here to find a Mr. Lube location near you

“We are pleased to be partnering with the MS Society of Canada for the third year through our annual Founder’s Day Campaign as we recognize the founder of Mr. Lube Canada, Mr. Cliff Giese and his commitment to this important charity,” says Paul Healey, president and CEO of Mr. Lube Canada. “Since 2007, we have raised over $55,000 to support finding a cure for MS".

About Mr. Lube Canada

Mr. Lube Canada is Canada’s leading quick lube provider in the automotive routine maintenance category with 99 locations across Canada. Founded in 1976, Mr. Lube Canada has served over 33 million customers in its 33 year history. Headquartered in Delta, BC, the company also has a regional office in Mississauga, Ontario to support its national franchise network. Since 2002, Mr. Lube Canada and the Mr. Lube Foundation have donated over $3 million dollars to national and local charities across the country.

MS Outdoor Spin Class

2011-05-04T17:14:00.000-04:00

Looking for a great way to finally kick the winter blues while getting in shape for the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours?!

What better way to do that then to join our Yonge-Dundas Square Group Spin Class!

On Friday May 13, bring your family, friends and co-workers to help us raise awareness for the RONA MS Bike Tours and multiple sclerosis by participating in an early morning spin class at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Bring your trainer* and bike for a chance to win some great prizes and help us attract the attention of Toronto media.

* Need help locating a trainer?, Ask your local bike shop if you can borrow one or rent one – they are also a great investment to help you train for the RONA MS Bike Tours.

FREE Parking will be available in the Yonge and Dundas Green P lot for everyone who RSVPs!

Please RSVP to Candice Stevens by May 10

Candice.stevens@mssociety.ca

Friday May 13, 2011

6:30 am – Registration begins

7:00 am – Spin class begins

8:30 am – Breakfast

8:45 am – Closing ceremonies and prizes

Can’t cycle? Feel free to come out and cheer on the participants!

Want to share your recent biking adventure? Leave us a ‘wall’ post on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Your adventure may be featured in our next blog post!

May is MS Awareness Month

2011-05-04T14:20:00.001-04:00

May has been MS Awareness month in Canada since 1975! Over the past 36 years, thousands have helped raise awareness as well as financial support for MS research and services, and this year will be no different. You can continue to show your support by participating in the events that the MS Society has planned for the month of May. On May 5 to 7, don’t forget to buy your mother or loved one a carnation from one of our volunteers! Also help raise awareness this month by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter. Together we will end MS.

This month, do your part to raise the profile of those touched by MS by doing any of the following activities:

From May 5 to 7 make sure to participate in the MS Carnation Campaign! Volunteers will be selling carnations across Canada just in time for Mother’s Day.
Donate your Facebook status to promote MS Awareness Month.
Participate in World MS Day’s global petition on employment and MS.
Print and post this year’s MS awareness posters.
Read and repost important May Awareness Month press releases from the MS Society of Canada.
Launch a “Dress for MS Day” in your office by wearing “MS” red and making a donation to the MS Society of Canada.
Join the MS research teleconference taking place May 11 at 6:30PM ET.
Get an oil change at Mr. Lube on May 14. For every oil change done that day, $5 will be donated the MS Society of Canada.
On May 25, acknowledge World MS Day by hosting a Global Dinner Party.

Make sure to get involved! Visit mssociety.ca for more details on what’s happening in your area and how to help out!

Maintenance Tip: Spring Maintenance Video

2011-04-29T09:50:00.001-04:00

You packed your bike away in the basement or garage last fall, hunkered down for another long Canadian winter and have not looked at your bike since. With the spring sunshine giving you the itch to gear up, make sure that you give your bike a little TLC before you get back on the road.

In the video below Canadian Cycling Magazine’s gear editor Gus Alexadropoulos shares a few tips on getting ready for the upcoming riding season.

Not handy when it comes to bike maintenance? Don’t worry! MS Friendly Bike Shops offer free inspections to all participants of the RONA MS Bike Tour.

Click here to sign up for a RONA MS Bike Tour! 5 Weekends, 5 Tours, 1 Cure for MS.

MS Carnation Campaign – Use the Power of the Flower!

2011-04-27T09:08:00.003-04:00

From May 5 to May 7 2011, thousands of dedicated volunteers in more than 280 communities across Canada will be in bloom just prior to Mother's Day as the 35th annual MS Carnation Campaign will use the “power of the flower” to help end MS.

Carnations will be on sale outside supermarkets, banks, LCBOs, Beer Stores, and in shopping malls, and all money raised will go to support the activities of your local MS Society Chapter.

Why Mother's Day?

Held in conjunction with MS Awareness Month, the MS Carnation Campaign has raised more than $45 million since its inception in 1976. The campaign’s timing just before Mother’s Day is particularly appropriate since multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in women three times as often as men. Many people living with MS are mothers, and this unpredictable, often disabling disease affects entire families.

Help raise awareness about multiple sclerosis by purchasing a carnation and together we will end MS.

For questions regarding the MS Carnation Campaign, and information about how you can get involved, please contact:

Freya Potter

416-922-6600, ext. 3157

Freya.potter@mssociety.ca

To learn more about MS research, please click here.

To learn more about the support and services the MS Society can help provide, please click here.

Team Profile: Meet Team The Plan!

2011-04-21T09:20:00.000-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tour is a unique way to get together outside the office for Team The Plan, made up of employees and clients from Investors Group Financial Services in Whitby.

“As in many offices, we work with a lot of people but may not know each other except to say hello in passing,” says team captain Luke Scott. “This is an opportunity to do something together, to share a common goal, and to get to know each other outside the workplace environment.”

“By also inviting clients to join us, we develop those relationships and add a whole new dimension to them,” he adds. “Ultimately we’re connected to each other in a different way.”

While part of the incentive behind the team was to build relationships, Luke says that helping to end MS is as important as the networking. “We’re committed to giving back to the community and supporting causes we’re passionate about.”

After riding for the first time in 2010, the team hopes to double its size this year. “Taking part in the tour definitely solidifies our colleague and client connections, and that benefit carries forward into our everyday work,” Luke says. “And since we’re supporting a very worthwhile cause, we’re winning on both sides.”

Want to share your experience? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Your story could be featured in our next blog post!

Distribute RONA MS Bike Tour brochures and boost your fundraising total!

2011-04-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

Image: Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Looking for a way to increase your fundraising dollars? Distribute RONA MS Bike Tour brochures in your community and you’ll receive $2 towards your personal fundraising for every location you visit*. It’s a great way to spread the word about cycling to end MS and fundraise at the same time!

For more information and to sign up, please contact Erin Clifford at erin.clifford@mssociety.ca.

*A minimum 7-hour time commitment is required.

Fundraising Tip: Pledge Yourself!

2011-04-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we posted a fundraising tip about how to raise $1000 without breaking a sweat. In the blog, we outlined eight simple steps that would help take you from $0 to $1000 in no time. Do you remember what the first step was?

You guessed it. Pledge yourself! But what you probably didn’t know is how important that first step really is to your overall fundraising success.

Recent studies show that participants who pledge themselves turn in 2.5 times as much money as those that simply ask others and 5 times as much as those that simply show up and write a cheque.

Why?

Well, quite frankly it’s called putting your money where your mouth is. It’s a lot easier to get friends and family members to pledge you in the RONA MS Bike Tours, if you can say that you have personally donated to your efforts.

After all, if you truly believe in a cause you have to be willing to take the first step.

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Fundraising Tip: Everybody Loves Bake Sales!

2011-04-07T09:06:00.000-04:00

It’s true. Everybody loves bake sales! Just ask the staff here at the MS Society of Canada. Mike Augustine, one of our MS Ambassadors, organized a bake sale for us last week and you should’ve seen the line-up!

Mike is fundraising for the MS Climb to Mount Everest and hopes to raise over $66,000 to help end MS. Although the bake sale isn’t his only fundraising strategy, it was a simple way for Mike to raise some money and tell people about his goal.

So what does Mike’s bake sale have to do with the RONA MS Bike Tours?

Well, it’s a great idea that you could use to help bolster your own fundraising efforts! Here are five simple steps you can follow to get your bake sale organized today:

Send an email to your coworkers. Announce the date of your upcoming bake sale and encourage your coworkers to bring change on that day to help support your participation in the RONA MS Bike Tours.

Choose a recipe. Or a few recipes! Cookies, brownies and cupcakes are all fan favourites.

Pick up any needed ingredients. For the most part, you’ll probably already have a lot of the ingredients. However, take a look at each recipe and grab any missing ingredients at your nearest grocery store.

Follow the instructions. As long as you carefully follow the recipe instructions, baking is as easy as pie!

Set up at your desk or in the office kitchen. Bring your delicious baked goods with you to work on the day of your bake sale. Set up shop at either your desk or in the office kitchen and email your coworkers reminding them about the bake sale.

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Maintenance Tip: 5 Solutions to Vexing Problems!

2011-03-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

These tips originally appeared in the article A Quick-Fix Guide on Bicycling.com.

The weather is slowly turning nice and it’s about time you hit the road for your first training ride of the season. But are you have some issues getting your bike ready? Here are five solutions to help you repair common maintenance problems:

Every time you fix a puncture, the new tube goes flat.
If the holes in the tube are on the bottom, the rim strip may be out of position, allowing the tube to get cut by the spokes. If they're on the top, there may be some small sharp object stuck in the tire. Find it by running your fingers lightly around the inside of the tire, then remove it.

Frequent pinch flats.
Put more air in your tires.

A remounted tire won’t sit right on the rim.
Let the air out, wiggle the bad spot around, reinflate to about 30 psi, and roll the bad spot into place with your hands. By pushing the tire in toward the middle of the rim you will be able to see if any of the tube is poking out. When the tube is fully inside the tire, inflate as normal.

A patch won’t stick to the glue on the tube.
Apply more glue and let it dry completely--about five minutes. (Don't blow on the glue to try to make it dry faster--this can leave moisture from your breath on it, which hinders adhesion.) When you apply the patch, avoid touching its sticky side with your fingers.

Creaking sound from the wheels.
A spoke may have loosened. If tension is uniform, the sound might be caused by a slight motion of the spokes against each other where they cross. Lightly lube this junction, wiping off the excess.

Not handy when it comes to bike maintenance? Don’t worry! MS Friendly Bike Shops offer free inspections to all participants of the RONA MS Bike Tour.

Team Profile: Meet Doug & Marion’s MS Erasers!

2011-03-22T08:30:00.001-04:00

When Sharen Robinson picked up a RONA MS Bike Tours brochure more than 20 years ago, she had no idea she would eventually be heading up a team of119 spirited cyclists.

Doug & Marion’s MS Erasers is made up of friends and family and, as Sharen puts it, “friends of family members and family members of friends”. Inspired by the team’s enthusiasm and attitude that cycling ability is less important than enjoying the tour, new members soon bring in other first-time riders.

Sharen has seen her share of changes in this family-oriented team. “People go through life changes, get married, have children,” she says. "Someone may miss a year because of other commitments, but we always have new people coming in as well.”

Much of the team’s success is also due to Doug and Marion Smith from Doug and Marion’s Bike Sales & Repairs in Strathroy, which promotes the tours, raises pledges, and helps recruit team members from the cycling community.

Sharen says that her next goal is to get 150 team members, and then perhaps 200. But her ultimate goal is even larger. “Every one of us is raising funds for a disease that we want to see eliminated. We ride for those who can’t.”

Want to share your experience? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Your story could be featured in our next blog post!

Fundraising Tip: Raise $1000 Without Breaking a Sweat!

2011-03-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

If you’ve never fundraised before then getting started can seem a little challenging. However, you may be surprised at how easy it is to reach the $250 fundraising minimum and exceed your fundraising goals in no time.

Pledge yourself $50 $50

Ask 5 family members for $20 $150

Ask 5 friends for $20 $250

Look at that! You’ve just met your pledge minimum. Keep up the hard work.

Ask 10 coworkers for $20 $450

Ask 10 neighbours for $20 $650

Ask two local businesses for $50 $750

Host a summer BBQ and ask for pledges $950

Keep a spare change jar at work $1000

Congratulations! You’ve just earned yourself a $1000 Club jersey. Now keep going! The fundraising possibilities are endless.

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Maintenance Tip: The Under-Appreciated Headset

2011-03-10T08:59:00.000-05:00

This article was written by Amanda Beattie and originally published on November 1, 2010 at CycleMagazine.ca. Photo by James Ramsay.

Though you can barely see them, headsets are arguably the most important part of your bicycle. If the components of the headset are poorly installed, it will quickly wear out, compromising both steering and bike handling. Vibrations from poor road conditions and from braking may cause your headset to loosen, so be sure to check the adjustment of your headset at the same time you check the bike’s tire pressure.

Alex Bowling, head mechanic at Neworld Cycle in Burlington, Ontario, said checking the adjustment of your headset is quick and simple to do. “Pulling the front brake tightly, rock the bicycle back and forth. If you feel a loose or knocking movement from the bars/stem/fork, then the headset needs to be tightened. Lift the front end of the bike off the ground and gently push the handlebars to either side. If they stop turning before making contact with the frame, then the headset is too tight.”

Older, threaded headsets require greater finesse and a pair of large wrenches to adjust properly, where most modern bikes use a threadless headset system, which require nothing more than three possible Allan keys for adjustment: 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm. Within threadless headset systems there are three different types; integrated, internal and traditional. Integrated and internal headsets are lighter and cheaper to produce and are quickly becoming an industry standard. The potential problem with this type, however, is that if they aren’t manufactured true, they will always feel loose or have chatter. Even the best bike mechanic can’t fix a poorly manufactured internal headset. The best way to make sure you don’t get a bike with an incorrectly aligned internal headset is to test ride before you buy. A good headset should take you around the corners, not require you to steer through them.

Finally, in a traditional threadless headset, cups are pressed into the frame using a bearing cup press. This tool ensures that alignment of the headset in the fork is true in the frame. Without proper headset bearing alignment, steering and handling become unreliable.

“To adjust a threadless headset, simply loosen the stem’s pinch-bolts, located near the headset, then gently tighten the top-cap bolt. This bolt - as it threads into a nut in the fork - snugs the stem, frame and headset components together. Once the stem bolt has been set, re-tighten the stem’s pinch-bolts. Check again to ensure that the headset has been adjusted correctly by again pulling the front break and rocking it back and forth. If you find that the headset simply will not tighten sufficiently, you may need additional spacers or the components have been installed incorrectly. In either case, take the bike to your local shop mechanic to diagnose” says Bowling.

A good quality headset can last the life of your bike, if not longer. But be aware that if you ride your bike on a trainer, sweat will drip onto and in your headset, corroding the bearings and various components. So, be sure to wipe down your bike after every session on the trainer, particularly the handle-bars, headset and stem.

Not handy when it comes to bike maintenance? Don’t worry! MS Friendly Bike Shops offer free inspections to all participants of the RONA MS Bike Tour.

Fundraising Tip: Keep it Simple!

2011-03-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

Last week we looked at creative ideas to help you maximize your fundraising efforts. This week our tip is to utilize the KISS principle to obtain extra pledges: Keeping it Simple and Straightforward!

Here are five examples of simple, yet effective techniques to incorporate into your overall fundraising strategy:

Update Your Voicemail Message. Update the message on your cell phone or answering machine to mention that you are fundraising for the RONA MS Bike Tours.

Email Signature Line. Change the signature line of your outgoing e-mails to mention your involvement.

Tag Along. Why not bring out a potential donor with you to a Tour Workshop or Pub Night. A casual get together is a great time to explain you’re the importance of their support.

Bulletins. Contact your place of worship, community center or other places where the community gathers and ask that they put an announcement of your involvement in their weekly bulletin.

Garage Sale. The staple in spring cleaning fundraising events. Ask your friends and family to donate any items that you could sell to maximize your total.

Lastly, start fundraising early. Implement these tips as soon as possible and you’ll find that you can dramatically increase your overall fundraising totals, enabling you to get much more out of your Tour!

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Team Profile: Meet Staying Alive Fitness!

2011-02-23T09:47:00.001-05:00

A partnership between a fitness club and the RONA MS Bike Tours seemed like the perfect fit to Ray Vander Kooij, a longtime member of Staying Alive Fitness in Acton, Ontario.

Staying Alive had pledged Ray, Senior Pastor at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, in his fundraising efforts for the past two years. For 2010, he approached the club about the possibility of a greater partnership. With the support and enthusiasm of club manager Leanne, the gym used its member email list to promote the RONA MS Bike Tours, provided cycling jerseys to team members, and held special extended spinning classes to help cyclists prepare for the ride.

The Staying Alive Fitness team, which raised an incredible $10,391 in 2010, is now made up of a mixture of church and gym members. Awarded the title of Best New Team in 2010, they were also recognized for recruiting the most event volunteers.

"The support of Staying Alive Fitness has been a great way to connect people in the community together for a very worthwhile cause," says Ray. "It’s developed into a true partnership to end MS."

Want to share your experience? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Your story could be featured in our next blog post!

Maintenance Tip: Tires and Air Pressure Basics

2011-02-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

This article was written by Amanda Beattie and originally published on January 27, 2011 at CyclingMagazine.ca. Photo by Derek Frankowski.

They’re one of the most important pieces of your bike: your tires. When they work as they’re supposed to, they can make your ride feel like a dream. But when they fail, tires can become a nightmare.

Back to basics

There are three basic types of tires. The most common is the clincher, a tire that uses an inner tube and has a Kevlar or wire bead that hooks into the rim when inflated. The second type of tire is a tubular. Used on road and cyclocross bikes, these tires are literally glued to the tubular-specific rim and then inflated. Finally, there are tubeless tires which are most commonly found on mountain bikes, but are gaining popularity on the road. These are tires that run without a tube or glue, instead, working in tandem with the purpose-built rims to create a seal. Tubeless tires also are coated with a sealant to decrease chances of punctures.

Weigh(t) your options

All three come with pros and cons. Clinchers are the most commonly used because of their simplicity and low cost. The downside is more rotational weight and the likelihood of pinch flats.

Tubulars shave weight by not requiring a tube, tire bead or lip on the rim. They have better traction since the tire and rim are completely sealed and therefore more efficient as you never have the tire slipping on the rim while braking or accelerating. On the downside, unless you have a team car behind you, you’ll have to carry an entire spare tire with you at all times rather than a lightweight inner tube. Chances are, a flat while riding a tubular means walking home or calling for a ride.

Tubeless tires have the ability to be run with very low tire pressures, allowing for excellent traction and very low risk of pinch flats. The downside to a tubeless tires is setup. It takes time to ensure that tires are properly seated and the necessary sealant can be messy to work with. But tubeless tires can also take an inner tube. So if you do flat in the woods or on the back roads, it’s relatively simple to get up and running.

Feeling the pressure

The most important piece of day to day maintenance on your bike is tire pressure. Nearly every manufacturer prints a recommended tire pressure range on the sidewall of the tire for easy reference. Generally, on every high pressure clincher, tubeless or tubular tire, you want to check your air pressure every other day depending on how often you ride. On a low pressure clincher tire, such as what you have on your mountain bike, you can usually get away with checking a little less often - once a week is a good place to start.

On the road, a higher pressure is a benefit as the firmer the tire, the less rolling resistance you get. On rough terrain, higher pressure can actually be a detriment as you bounce over obstacles rather than rolling, but running tires too low can greatly increase your risk of getting a flat.

If you’re riding just for pleasure, stick to a clincher tire. For ease of use and affordability, they can’t be beat. If you’re racing, look at what your priorities are. Do you want reliability or performance? How technical are you? What is your budget? If in doubt, ask your local bike shop. They’ll be familiar with where you’re riding and can make recommendations based on the type of riding you do.

Not handy when it comes to bike maintenance? Don’t worry! MS Friendly Bike Shops offer free inspections to all participants of the RONA MS Bike Tour.

Fundraising Tip: Be Creative!

2011-02-10T08:39:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we encouraged you to get your fundraising started early. Have you?

Excellent, that’s exactly what we like to hear. You’re probably on your way to becoming a Top Fundraiser already!

But just in case a couple of you haven’t started or need a little extra help, here are a five more tips to help you meet your fundraising goal:

Be excited and positive about your involvement. Create an online fundraising page with pictures and your updated training progress.

Follow-up with the people you ask. With our Online Fundraising System you can easily send out a reminder email to donors who have not yet pledged.

Take advantage of company matching programs. Talk to your boss or HR department to find out if your company has a matching program and remind your donors to do this too. It could double your fundraising total!

Be creative with your fundraising. You could have a draw at work for donations of over $20 or invite people to a fundraising dinner at your home. Contact the MS Society office if you need more ideas or help with your own.

Let your donors know where their money is going and that they are making a difference. Three people in Canada are diagnosed with MS every day. Funds raised from the Tours go toward supporting research and client services. Visit mssociety.ca/en/research for the latest research news.

Procrastination may seem like the easiest next step. But trust us, participants who start fundraising early raise more money overall and get more out of the tours!

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Maintenance Tip: Show Your Bike Some TLC

2011-02-01T08:10:00.001-05:00

This article was written by Amanda Beattie and originally published on November 17, 2010 at CyclingMagazine.ca. Photo by David McLain.

There is nothing worse than getting a random beautiful day at the end of the winter that feels like spring, but your bike is in too rough of shape to ride. At that moment you realize you should have taken some time to show it some TLC. Instead, you end up kicking yourself as you clean your bike while all your buddies go out for a spin.

Keep in mind that the winter is the slow season at a bike shop. If your bike needs an overhaul, now is the perfect time to bring it in. If you’re riding full suspension and your shock or fork needs work, most shops will have to send them back to the manufacturer for cleaning and to install new seals in order to maintain your warranty. During the spring, that wait can be upwards of a couple months, but in the winter, your bike should be ready in a few weeks.

If you prefer to do the maintenance yourself, now is a good time to pull the bike apart for a solid scrub down. Pull off your chain and cassette and give them a good soak. Remember, replace your chain on a regular basis to extend the life of your cassette.

Check your brake pads for wear because running them down to the nubs could damage your rims or your rotors. Pull off your cranks and bottom bracket and give them a thorough inspection. If you’re noticing wear, now is a good time to reorder the part you really want, not the one you settle for because it’s in stock. Pull out all of your cables and housing. Check for any corrosion on the cables. If you see any, replace them now before they start to get sticky. When you reinstall, make sure everything is dry. Even a bit of moisture could cause rust to form within the housing, making the entire bike feel gummed up.

Put a drop of lube on the cable right where it enters the housing. As you engage the brakes and gears, the lube will work its way through the housing and coat the cables for a bit of added protection against moisture.

Finally, give the whole bike a nice wipe down and polish. It’s a good opportunity to check for cracks in the frame. If you find any, winter is the best time to shop for a bike since the stores are fairly quiet and the new inventory is coming in for the spring season. If not, now your bike is beautiful and shiny and ready for you to sit and look at on those cold winter days. Plus, now it’s waiting for a clear day that’s perfect for a ride. Just check your air pressure and go.

Not handy when it comes to bike maintenance? Don’t worry! MS Friendly Bike Shops offer free inspections to all participants of the RONA MS Bike Tour.

Rider Profile: Meet Jefferson Mappin!

2011-01-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

It was a goal to get in better shape that first motivated Jefferson Mappin to join the RONA MS Bike Tour in 2010. "My trainer suggested that working towards an event like the tour would keep me on track," he says. "Without a specific goal, there's always an excuse to skip your training ride."

As he fundraised and connected with old friends, he was surprised that many people he knew were personal affected by MS. “It made the cycling so much more meaningful,” he recalls. “My goal has now expanded to include raising money to help end this disease which has impacted so many people’s lives.”

Jefferson’s hard work paid off. He substantially increased his fitness level and proudly completed the tour from Grand Bend to London. Beyond the physical accomplishment, he raised an incredible $10,155 in pledges and earned the title of “Rookie of the Year” for highest fundraising total of a first-time rider.

Jefferson has already started training for 2011, increasing his personal challenge by registering for three RONA MS Bike Tours. “I love the camaraderie of the rides, with everyone working together to raise funds to help find a cure,” he says. “I am happy to do my bit.”

Want to share your experience? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Your story could be featured in our next blog post!

Reminder: Book Your Accommodations Early!

2011-01-20T08:45:00.000-05:00

What do rugby players have to do with booking accommodations for the RONA MS Bike Tours?

Surprisingly, quite a bit—at least for the Grand Bend to London tour.

Southwest Rugby recently announced that the inaugural Grand Bend International Rugby Tournament will be held from July 22-24, 2011.

Does that date sound familiar? That’s right! It just so happens to be the same weekend as the RONA MS Bike Tour – Grand Bend to London.

We look forward to sharing the booming metropolis of Grand Bend with this new and exciting rugby tournament! However, if you plan to drive down early and stay in town Friday evening, we do recommend that you book your accommodations early.

With over 48 rugby teams expected to take part, hotel and motel rooms are going to go fast.

Fundraising Tip: Get Started Today!

2011-01-18T08:15:00.000-05:00

So you’ve registered a team for the RONA MS Bike Tours, now what?

That’s an excellent question.

There are a number of things you can do to get ready for the tour. But most importantly, it’s time to start fundraising! Contrary to popular belief, it’s a lot easier than you might think. And if you start now you’ll be on your way to becoming a Top Fundraiser!

Here are a five simple ways you can get your fundraising started today:

Set a fundraising Goal. Set your goal high, you may be surprised at how much you can raise just by asking and being motivated.

Don’t be afraid to ask. Create a donor list of people that you think would be interested in supporting you and go from there—the worst that can happen is they say no.

Use the Online Fundraising System. Send a personalized email asking friends, families and employees to donate and track your progress.

Send a letter. Copy, paste and personalize this sample letter and then send it to family, friends, local businesses and other places where you’d like to make a more formal request for donations.

Update your social networks. Use online communities like Facebook and Twitter to promote the RONA MS Bike Tours, raise pledges and keep your social networks up-to-date on your progress.

Procrastation may seem like the easiest next step. But trust us, participants who start fundraising early raise more money overall and get more out of the tours!

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Reminder: Only 2 Days Left to Recruit and Win!

2011-01-13T09:00:00.002-05:00

TeamMS Registration & Goal Setting Week kicked off this past Monday with an exciting recruitment incentive.

Register a full team of four by January 15, 2011 and be entered to win an MS Friendly Bike Shop Gift Pack valued at over $200!

Act fast, register online at msbiketours.ca or email Andrea Davidson Mulvihill. With only 2 days left to recruit and win, you don't want to miss out on this great prize!

Don’t forget to also set a fundraising goal to challenge your team and benchmark your success! After all, the real reward is getting geared up to end MS.

Looking for team to join? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Teams are always looking to recruit new members.

Recruiting Tip: Help Make Resolutions a Reality!

2011-01-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

Did any of your friends or family make New Year’s resolutions last week?

If so, odds suggest that at least a couple of them set goals to get in better shape during 2011. Regretfully, studies also show that less than 1 in 10 people successfully achieve their resolutions each year.

Why?

Well, most often it’s because people make resolutions without having a plan or the support in place to help them succeed. But that doesn’t have to be the case for your friends and family this year. Help make their resolutions a reality by recruiting them to join your team for the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours!

It’s what we call a win-win situation. They get in shape by training for a great event. You get some help raising money for a great cause.

Sounds like a great resolution to us.

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Reminder: TeamMS Registration Week Starts on Monday!

2011-01-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars and clear your schedules because Team MS Registration & Goal Setting Week starts on Monday!

The new RONA MS Bike Tour season is finally here and we have a little incentive to help you get geared up and ready to recruit this week.

Register a team of four or more by January 15, 2011 and be entered to win an MS Friendly Bike Shop Gift Pack valued at over $200! Register online at msbiketours.ca or email Andrea Davidson Mulvihill.

Just don’t forget to also set a fundraising goal to challenge your team and benchmark your success! Cycling on a team keeps you motivated, energized and provides a network of support and celebration.

Looking for a team to join? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! Teams are always looking to recruit new members.

Top 10 Memories from the 2010 Tours

2011-01-04T09:00:00.006-05:00

As we ring in a new year, we wanted to take this opportunity to quickly highlight some of the best moments from the past tour season.

So without further ado, here are your Top 10 Memories from the 2010 Tours:

The RONA saw-cutting start. To celebrate 10 years as a National Sponsor, RONA teams participated in a unique saw cutting ceremony. Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting to start each tour, RONA representatives sawed their way through a 2 x 4 piece of wood to send off our cyclists in style!

Expanded TeamMS Village. We saw a large increase in the number of team tents and tables in the TeamMS Village this year, and overall it was a great place to be!

Move to Acton. Prospect Park in Acton was introduced as a new start location with an improved, more scenic route that allowed cyclists to choose between a 150 km or 200 km route. The location change also came with a special perk for the Top 100 Fundraisers from 2009—onsite parking!

New scenic lunch spot in Toronto. Right by the water, this new spot gave participants a great location to relax and enjoy their lunch. We even shared the area with a miniature sail boat racing group!

Rock Band in the Eramosa tent. In Niagara, Eramosa and Eramosa Junior riders brought in an amazing 20 x 20 tent, where they set up Rock Band and invited people to play. It was a big hit!

Great team photographer. We had the privilege of having professional photographer Scott Martyn volunteer his services to take team photos for the Acton to Waterloo, Niagara and Toronto tours. He was absolutely wonderful and all the participants loved the photos!

New indoor lunch location at Grand Bend. A new indoor lunch location was used this past year at Grand Bend to London! This allowed for entertainment and the opportunity to sit down at tables and chairs out of the elements on the Saturday of the tour.

Grand Bend to London hits $1,000,000. The Grand Bend to London tour finally broke the $1 million milestone on event weekend – and eventually surpassed $1.2 million!

Grand Bend to London 20th Anniversary. Another exciting milestone for Grand Bend to London this past year was the celebration of its 20th Anniversary! Lori Anne McNulty and Barry Travnicek took the stage during the Saturday evening ceremony to thank everyone for making this phenomenal achievement possible over the years.

Over 3,700 riders cycled over 85,000 km to help end MS. This past year saw a record number of participants raise over $2.55 million! The 2010 tours were truly a huge success and we look forward to another great year ahead.

Have another great memory to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! We’d love to hear about your favourite memory from the RONA MS Bike Tours 2010!

Training Tip: Ride Inside this Winter!

2010-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Like it or not, winter has arrived. Snow is falling, traffic is crawling and the temperature continues to plummet.

It’s not exactly the most wonderful time of the year for cyclists.

However, you don’t have to let frightful weather get in the way of your training. Although outdoor cycling has come to an end for another year, there are many indoor cycling alternatives that can keep you riding until spring!

Here are a couple indoor training options we recommend to help you and your fitness survive the harsh, cold winter ahead:

Find a Spin Class

Joining a spin class at one of your local gyms is a great way to keep motivated and fit during the offseason. Try to find a fitness center that employs experienced cyclists to guarantee a biomechanically correct and cycling-specific workout.

Unfortunately, these instructors can be hard to come by since many indoor cycling classes focus on short bursts of high-intensity in order to spark the interest of non-cycling patrons.

These workouts will do little to maintain your endurance and could potentially lead to injury if you’re not careful. As a general rule of thumb, don’t do something on a spin bike that you wouldn’t do outside on a real bike.

Purchase an Indoor Bike Trainer

Assuming you already own a bike, you may want to consider purchasing an indoor bike trainer. Bike trainers are easy to use and take up very little room. You just attach your back wheel and go!

This is a great option if you’re self-motivated and familiar with proper cycling form. If that doesn’t sound like you, we suggest you reconsider joining a spinning class with an experienced instructor to help you get the most out of your indoor training sessions.

Not a problem for you? Great! But don’t run out and buy your new bike trainer just yet. There are a number of different styles to choose from, and we recommend you do some research to find the one that will best meet your needs.

Whether you choose to join a spin class or purchase an indoor bike trainer, the important thing is that you maintain your fitness over the winter months. Don’t let all that hard work you did over the spring and summer go to waste. Find the option that best fits you and let the offseason training begin!

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter! You never know, your tip might even be included in our next blog post!

Reminder: Only 4 Days Left to Register and Save!

2010-12-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

The RONA MS Bike Tour online registration for 2011 kicked off last month with our exciting 25-25-25 promotion. Register now at msbiketours.ca for any two-day tour at a special rate of 25 dollars!

If you're interested in a one-day tour, there's a deal for you as well. Take advantage of our 10-10-10 promotion today and secure your spot for just 10 dollars!

Act fast, registration fees increase on December 21, 2010. With only 4 days left for both promotions, you don't want to miss out on these great rates!

Two-day tours include Grand Bend to London and Acton to Waterloo. One-day tours include Niagara and Toronto. All riders must raise $250 to participate in each RONA MS Bike Tour.

Fundraising Tip: Embrace the Holidays!

2010-12-14T09:12:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is a time to bring friends and family together. It’s also a great time to tell the people you love why you’re participating in the RONA MS Bike Tours and to recruit members to join your team!

Register now for a RONA MS Bike Tour and then at holiday parties ask your friends, co-workers and family members to join your team. Show them how to register at msbiketours.ca and challenge them to each recruit one more person over the holidays!

Already have a team? The holidays are also a great time to begin fundraising since most people are already in the spirit of giving. Why not suggest people pledge you online or give a donation instead of a gift this holiday?

Ask friends, co-workers, and family members to help you end MS by pledging the money they would have spent on a gift towards your team and the RONA MS Bike Tour. This is a simple way to start your fundraising and continue to spread the word on why you’re riding.

Have another great tip to share? Leave us a ‘wall post’ on Facebook or a ‘tweet’ on Twitter!

Readers' Choice Awards - Vote RONA MS Bike Tours "Best Cycling Event"

2010-11-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

Although the cooler weather is starting to arrive, we’ve always got our minds on cycling in the warm weather. We’re busy planning for the RONA MS Bike Tours 2011 but we’re thinking back fondly to the fun we had this past summer. Please show your support and how much you enjoyed riding towards an end for MS by voting the RONA MS Bike Tours as Canada’s ‘Best Cycling Event’ in Get Out There magazine’s 2010 Reader’s Choice Awards! The RCA’s recognize the people, places and events that make active living in Canada so wonderful.

There are only 17 days left to vote and it is so simple. Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K5PYPW7 and enter RONA MS BIKE TOURS under Best Cycling Event.

Need some more reasons to vote?
• Over 10,000 cyclists raised over $10 million in 2010 – amazing!
• Funds raised support much-needed world-leading multiple sclerosis research and services
• The tours take cyclists through some of the most scenic and spectacular parts of Canada
• Check out these personal stories of those touched by MS and find out why they ride.

Vote and then tell us more about why you think the RONA MS Bike tours are number 1 at http://www.facebook.com/MSBikeTours & http://twitter.com/MSBikeTours

PS – Registration for the RONA MS Bike Tours 2011 is open! Sign up now so you can build your team and start your fundraising.

A Thank-You Letter

2010-09-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

Paulette and Laurent Thibault have been riding in the RONA MS Bike Tour for 16 years! This year, they participated in the Acton to Waterloo Tour. They sent us a thank you message dedicated to their supporters, describing their experience at the Tour.

A great big thank you ! With your support, our 16th MS Bike Ride raised $3,800 for the MS Society. The total raised by the RONA MS Bike Tour- Acton to Waterloo this year is over $300,000.
Saturday was hot & humid and the trick was to stay hydrated. Sunday morning was cloudy & cool. It was perfect for riding. The photo above was taken at the finish line with Mike Augustine. He is a terrific young man afflicted with MS and he comes out every year to thank everyone for raising money to fight MS. He is a great inspiration to all of us who are healthy enough to ride.
This year, Laurent rode by himself because Paulette seriously injured her right leg on a cycle trip in Europe this past July, which required surgery. As a result, she was not able to ride, but as you can see from the photo, she came out to the finish line to cheer on the arriving cyclists.
We really appreciate your generous donations to this important cause. Over the years, all of us have contributed close to $45,000 for MS Research and to help those affected by with this debilitating disease . We are making a difference !
Paulette & Laurent Thibault

Congratulations, Toronto!

2010-09-14T14:07:00.001-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tour 2010 season has officially come to an end in Ontario! Sunday, over 430 cyclists gathered at Centennial Park and pedaled through the streets of Toronto as part of the last RONA MS Bike Tour of the year in Ontario.

Thanks to the energy, creativity and team spirit of the Toronto Tour participants, the fundraising total for the RONA MS Bike Tours in Ontario is now an amazing $220,000

Check back soon for links to photos from the Acton to Waterloo, Niagara and Toronto Tours, and feel free to leave a message below or on our Facebook page about your experience at the RONA MS Bike Tours 2010.

Gearing up for Toronto

2010-09-09T12:56:00.000-04:00

There are only 4 days left until we wrap up the RONA MS Bike Tour season in Ontario! This Sunday, September 12th, an expected 500 riders will cycle through the neighborhood streets of Toronto, down the Humber Trail, and then ride back to Centennial Park for a barbeque lunch. Whether you’re riding, volunteering, or cheering on fellow supporters, ensure you familiarize yourself with the weekend’s pre-event newsletter so you can arrive prepared and rested on Tour day. The newsletter includes an itinerary, tips on what to bring, and frequently asked questions

• Toronto Tour Itinerary

• Toronto Tour Route Map Note: This route map is tentative. Official route maps will be distributed on event day.

Have a safe, fun weekend and thank you for joining the movement to end MS!

Thank you to our Bike Shop Sponsors

2010-09-07T12:05:00.000-04:00

With only one RONA MS Bike Tour 2010 to go in Ontario, we’d like to thank our generous MS-Friendly Bike Shop sponsors. They helped us spread the word about the event, and kept our bikes in top shape this Bike Tour season with free bike inspections for all registered participants.

Special thanks to our gracious Platinum and Gold Bike Shop sponsors for their support and enthusiasm along the Bike Tour routes!

Platinum Sponsors

Ancaster Cycle
Cyclepath Oakville
Gears Bike and Ski Shops Ltd.
Spoke ‘O’ Motion
Bike Zone Mississauga
D’Ornella’s Bikes
Cyclepath Mississauga
Bikefit Inc.

Gold Sponsors

Mountainview Cycle
Van de Velo
Steve’s Place
Spokes N’ Slopes

To inquire about becoming an MS Friendly Bike Shop sponsor for next year’s RONA MS Bike Tours, please contact Heather McEachern at heather.mceachern@mssociety.ca.

There’s Still Time to Submit Pledges

2010-09-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to everyone who has participated in one of the RONA MS Bike Tours 2010! You’ve raised over $2.2 million so far in Ontario, with one more Bike Tour to go.

Whether you cycled from Acton to Waterloo, along the Niagara River, or you are getting ready for the Toronto Tour, remember you can still submit pledges up to four weeks after your Tour date. Friends, family and coworkers can continue to donate through your personal online fundraising page. To submit cash and cheques, follow the directions on your fundraising envelope.

Best of luck to those of you gearing up for the Toronto Tour on September 12th!

Life is a Learning Curve

2010-08-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

We checked in with Mike Augustine, long-time ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and a friendly face at many MS Society events.

As the RONA MS Bike Tour 2010 gets underway, and the 2011 MS WALK is beginning its initial planning stages, I am reminded of the parallels between these events, and the journey everyone must make while living with multiple sclerosis.

Like everything else, it is about planning for the future, while understanding that the road ahead is never predictable. It is about sometimes getting tired, sometimes getting lost, and sometimes even falling, but never losing sight of the fact that those times are only just a small part of the whole journey.

I’ve not posted an update for some time, primarily because my MS is getting worse. As I have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, that means that whatever I lose, I lose for good. I now find myself at the beginning of a new phase in my life.

I had planned to climb to Mt. Everest Base Camp this October to raise much needed funds to help those like me who live with this disease. I eventually came to realize that I needed to focus on making myself better before I could do the same for others. Therefore, my trip has been postponed until next October. Am I daunted? Oh, yes. But as I said, this is just another step on the path towards becoming the person I want to be - whom I’m truly meant to be... I just need to keep my focus and let my feet take care of themselves.

If I take it one step at a time, there’s no telling how far I’ll go, or what I will accomplish when I reach my destination. Even by myself, I can still achieve truly amazing things, but together, you and I can accomplish miracles.

Together - we can finally end MS!

Mike Augustine

Get Your Teen Burger Tomorrow

2010-08-25T14:04:00.000-04:00

Don’t forget tomorrow, August 26th, is the second annual A&W Cruisin’ for a Cause Day. Buy a Teen Burger at participating A&W locations, and A&W will donate $1 from each sale to support multiple sclerosis research and client services through the MS Society of Canada. As a bonus, A&W will also donate 50 cents from every RSVP on the official Facebook event page, up to $20,000.

Grab a friend and enjoy a tasty Teen Burger tomorrow as you support the movement to end MS!

Thank you Niagara!

2010-08-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to all cyclists who rode in the RONA MS Bike Tour- Niagara yesterday! Despite a rainy morning, 630 eager cyclists gathered at the start line at King Bridge’s Park, Niagara Falls, including many enthusiastic teams! As the day cleared, participants cycled from the Park, and followed either a 40 km or 75 km route along the banks of the Niagara River, before returning to the Park for a barbeque lunch.

Thank you to the dedicated participants, volunteers, sponsors and donors. The Niagara Tour raised over $420,000 for multiple sclerosis research, support and services.

Check back soon for links to photos from the event, and feel free to leave a comment below or on our Facebook page to share your thoughts on the Bike Tour.

Gearing Up for the Niagara Tour

2010-08-19T12:27:00.000-04:00

Only 3 days left until over 650 cyclists set off to participate in the RONA MS Bike Tour 2010- Niagara!

Do you have questions about checking in at the Tour, what to bring, what to do if it rains or if you need help along the route? Check out the Event Newsletter for answers to these questions and more, so you’ll be ready to join the movement to end MS On August 22nd!

• Niagara Pre- Event Newsletter

• Niagara Route Map

Note: this route map is tentative. Official route maps will be distributed on event day.

Best of luck to all cyclists, volunteers and supporters!

Congratulations Acton to Waterloo Participants!

2010-08-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, almost 500 cyclists geared up to ride from Acton to Waterloo in the RONA MS Bike Tour 2010. On Saturday, participants set off from a new location this year—Prospect Park, Acton— and rode to the University of Waterloo. After an evening of ceremonies and an outdoor movie, they rode back to Acton on Sunday, cycling a total of 150 km over the weekend.

The dedicated individuals and teams who cycled in the Tour on Saturday and Sunday raised over $300,000 for multiple sclerosis research and client services.

We’d like to congratulate all participants on their amazing achievement, and thank all donors, volunteers, and sponsors who joined us in the movement to end MS. The RONA MS Bike Tour 2010- Acton to Waterloo was a big success!

Acton to Waterloo 2010

2010-08-12T09:17:00.000-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tour 2010- Acton to Waterloo is only 2 days away! We would like to wish everyone participating on Saturday, August 14th, and Sunday, August 15th, a safe, enjoyable ride.

Make the most of your day by arriving rested and prepared. Refer to the event newsletter below for a checklist of what to bring, a detailed event schedule, parking information and frequently asked questions. You can also review the route elevation chart and route map.

• Acton to Waterloo Event Newsletter

• Acton to Waterloo Route Map
Note: This route map is tentative. Official route maps will be distributed on event day.

• Acton to Waterloo Elevation Chart

Best of luck to all participants, supporters and volunteers!

Fundraising Tip: Get your Co-workers Behind You

2010-08-10T11:25:00.001-04:00

Looking to expand your donor network beyond friends and family? Consider getting your co-workers involved in your fundraising. There are many ways to get your workplace excited about joining the movement to end MS. Read below for some great ideas.

Team “No Borders”, led by captain Kathy Cosman, is within reach of their $5,000 fundraising goal before they ride in the RONA MS Bike Tour- Toronto on September 12th. They’ve raised almost $3,000 so far—largely from the support of their co-workers. Assistant captain Ray says he’s turned his bi-weekly office bingo games into fundraising events, with 50% of earnings going towards his fundraising total. Kathy also runs bingo games at work, and plans to hold a bake sale and organize casual-dress days. In order to successfully run these events, Kathy and Ray worked with their HR department and senior management. With their support, they were able to spread the word about being involved with the RONA MS Bike Tours, and make it easy for their coworkers to contribute.

Have other great ideas? Share them with us on our Facebook page!

A&W Cruisin' for a Cause Day

2010-08-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

Thursday August 26th marks the second annual A&W Cruisin’ for a Cause Day, where $1 from the sale of every Teen Burger is donated to support the mission of the MS Society of Canada.

As an added bonus, A&W will also donate 50 cents for every Facebook RSVP we receive on the official A&W Cruisin’ for a Cause Day event page , up to $20,000!

RSVP today by clicking on I’m Attending, and help us move one step closer to ending MS.

Boost Your Fundraising!

2010-08-05T12:21:00.000-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tours 2010 are underway, and here is a great opportunity to give your fundraising a boost. Check out Read to End MS, a chance to enjoy your favorite magazines while adding to your fundraising total.

Subscribe today to a Rogers publication of your choice, including Maclean’s, Flare, Chatelaine, Canadian Business, Today’s Parent and more, and 50% of the subscription price will go towards your pledge total for the RONA MS Bike Tours. You can invite family and friends to subscribe, and 50% of their subscription price will also go towards your fundraising goal.

This is a limited time offer, available until October 1st, 2010. To learn more, visit www.mssociety.ca/magazines.

New! Acton to Waterloo Tour Elevation Chart

2010-08-03T13:25:00.000-04:00

Attention cyclists in the RONA MS Bike Tour- Acton to Waterloo! As you gear up to cycle from Prospect Park, Acton, along a brand new route to the University of Waterloo, sneak a peek at the terrain by checking out the official elevation chart, available online.

The new route, which spans a total of 150 km, will take cyclists through breathtaking scenery while allowing for fewer hills than last year’s Brampton to Waterloo Tour.

Stay tuned for the official event newsletter, and happy training!

Photos from the Grand Bend to London Tour are Now Available

2010-07-29T15:19:00.000-04:00

Congratulations once again to everyone who cycled, cheered, and volunteered at this past weekend’s RONA MS Bike Tour- Grand Bend to London. Photos from the event are now available online on Flickr. If you have photos from the event, we’d love to see them! Share your pictures our Facebook page.

Check back soon for information on the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tour- Acton to Waterloo.

Profile of a 2010 MS Champion

2010-07-29T11:36:00.000-04:00

Carrie Dokis is the Education Director with the North Bay & District Unit of the MS Society. This past weekend, she rode in the RONA MS Bike Tour - Grand Bend to London - as an MS Champion, a cyclist who lives with MS. Carrie shares some of her thoughts on her unique experience, and why she rides in the RONA MS Bike Tours.

Tell us a bit about your experience with multiple sclerosis?

I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in May 2008. After my second daughter was born, I experienced various symptoms off and on for two and a half years before my diagnosis. Thankfully, my symptoms were quite mild, and I have suffered no lasting effects from them. Being essentially symptom-free, I don’t seem to fit many people’s stereotype of someone with MS.

How did you first get involved with the RONA MS Bike Tours?

I first discovered the RONA MS Bike Tours shortly after I was diagnosed, on the MS Society of Canada’s website. I love cycling, and knew that both as a donor and a fundraiser, this would be a good fit for me. This year, I rode in my second Grand Bend to London Tour.

How did you manage your MS during training, and on Tour day?

During training, I try to schedule my rides for the cooler parts of the day, and stay well hydrated. I try as much as possible to listen to my body and give it the rest it needs. Last year, I gave myself two days completely off from training before Tour day, and I plan to do the same again this year.

What does being a participant with MS (an MS Champion) mean to you?

I ride for three reasons. I ride to give a face to this disease so that my fellow riders, as well as my family and friends, realize that a diagnosis of MS is not necessarily a sentence to a life of disability. I ride in honour of all those with MS who are struggling much more than I, and who are physically unable to join us out on the roads. Finally, I ride for my two young daughters, with the heartfelt confidence that, by the time they are adults, the money I help raise now will have funded the research that found the cure for MS.

A Record Start to the 2010 Bike Tour Season

2010-07-27T15:19:00.001-04:00

Ontario’s largest RONA MS Bike Tour celebrated its 20th Anniversary this weekend with record numbers!

The Grand Bend to London Tour kicked off the RONA MS Bike Tour season with an astonishing 1720 cyclists. Participants rode 150 km from Port Blake Conservation Area, Grand Bend, down to the University of Western Ontario for a night of festivities and well-deserved rest, before cycling back to Grand Bend the following day.

Thanks to their many months of committed fundraising efforts, creativity, and teamwork, participants raised an amazing $1.124 million!

Congratulations and thank you to all the planning committee members, volunteers, cyclists and supporters who helped make the RONA MS Bike Tour 2010- Grand Bend to London such a success.

Stay tuned for photos from the event, and see you all again next year!

Event Day Itinerary

2010-07-22T12:28:00.000-04:00

Only 2 more days until the first RONA MS Bike Tour of the season! The Grand Bend to London Bike Tour –which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year— takes place this weekend, Saturday, July 24th to Sunday, July 25th.

Whether you’re riding, volunteering, or cheering on fellow supporters, ensure you familiarize yourself with the weekend’s itinerary so you can make all the preparations you need ahead of time. These resources include parking information, reminders, and frequently asked questions.

• Grand Bend to London Itinerary

• Grand Bend to London Route Map Note: This route map is tentative. Official route maps will be distributed on event day.

See you this weekend!

Read to End MS

2010-07-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

The MS Society of Canada and Rogers publications have joined forces to bring you “Read to end MS.” Subscribe today to a Rogers publication of your choice, including Maclean’s, Flare, Chatelaine, Canadian Business, Today’s Parent and more, and 50% of the subscription price will go towards your fundraising for the RONA MS Bike Tours. You can also invite family and friends to subscribe, and 50% of their subscription price will also go towards your fundraising total.

Boost your fundraising today! This offer is available until October 1st, 2010. To learn more, visit www.mssociety.ca/magazines.

Cycling Tip: Proper Gear

2010-07-15T12:15:00.001-04:00

Only 9 days left until the first RONA MS Bike Tour 2010!

Have you thought about what to wear on Tour day? To help you prepare, consider the following bike gear information from one of our MS Friendly Bike Shop sponsors, Reynold’s Cycle:

Good bike shorts can be an important part of your cycling gear. Most shorts are made of Lycra, a breathable, lightweight material that wicks sweat away from your skin and helps cool you while cutting down wind resistance. Between the close fit and the synthetic material, cycling shorts provide comfort while you ride and help prevent chafing and rashes. A chamois lining also protects you from chafing from the bike's seat. Finally, the tight fit of bike shorts allows them to effectively hug or compress the thigh muscles, cutting down on muscle fatigue.

Like bike shorts, a proper bike jersey can make a big difference on a long ride. Jerseys made from Lycra will also wick away sweat, helping your body manage moisture and keeping you comfortable. In addition, your jersey will hug your body, minimizing wind resistance and allowing you to move with less energy.

Interested in a jersey that shows your support for the MS Society? Participants who raise $1000 or more will receive a Louis Garneau “Club $1000” semi-relaxed cycling jersey as an award. You can also order a limited edition Louis Garneau MS Bike Jersey for $70 + $5 shipping (regular price $90). Contact erin.clifford@mssociety.ca to order.

Thoughts from an MS Champion

2010-07-13T12:28:00.000-04:00

Only 11 more days until we begin this year’s Ontario RONA MS Bike Tour season with the special 20th Anniversary Grand Bend to London Tour on July 25th !

As we lead up to the first Tour, we’d like to bring back the inspirational words of Kate Large, one of the 2009 MS Champions-- cyclists in the RONA MS Bike Tour who live with MS. We spoke to Kate last year about her participation in the RONA MS Bike Tours.

Why did you first get involved?

My husband and friends decided to do more for MS and started training for the Grand Bend to London ride. I was at a stage where I thought I couldn’t ride, so I volunteered. I was one of those people who got up at 6 am to help out at the registration tables. It was overwhelming to hear the stories of the cyclists. I met some cyclists who have MS and I started to wonder…if they can do it, why can’t I?

I started eating better, took off those pounds that had easily accumulated over the years and started training for the ride. The RONA MS Bike Tour turned me around. Now I have become an MS cyclist and I will ride as long as I am able to. I am expecting that old age will turn me into a volunteer again and not this disease.

What does it mean to you to know that so many people participate in events like the RONA MS Bike Tour to raise funds to help end MS?

It is so clear that this disease touches so many people. Friends, family and loved ones ride in the RONA MS Bike Tour to say enough is enough…this disease has to end. It is overwhelming to see the number of people who participate in the ride. This shows us that the number of people affected by MS is equally vast. The research dollars are so important to help end MS and every rider and volunteer shares this common goal. The RONA MS Bike Tour means that we will all be part of changing the future of MS.

Follow Friday

2010-07-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

Are you one of our 1050 Twitter followers? Looking to spread the word about the RONA MS Bike Tours? This Friday, recommend us to your Twitter followers as part of Follow Friday.

Follow Friday, or #ff, as some Twitter users call it, is a Twitter tradition. Every Friday, users recommend a few other users to their followers. To recommend us, simply mention “@msbiketours” in your tweet, followed by the hashtags #followfriday or #ff.

Check out our Twitter account at http://twitter.com/msbiketours.

Cycling tip: make sure you stay hydrated!

2010-07-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

The RONA MS Bike Tours 2010 are fast approaching!

As you gear up, train, and prepare to cycle in the fight to end MS, keep in mind the following proper hydration tips from one of our MS Friendly Bike Shop sponsors, Reynold’s Cycle.

When riding, you shouldn’t neglect your personal hydration. Hydration is especially important if you will be riding more than a couple of hours, even at a moderate pace. Proper hydration will help offset muscle fatigue and cramps.

The most common result of hydration neglect is basic dehydration. Low-level dehydration may not have any obvious symptoms, but still makes riding less comfortable, less efficient and less enjoyable. If you tend to gulp down several glasses of water or soft drinks at the end of a ride, you’ve probably reached this point.

To be on the safe side, it is recommended that cyclists drink at least one full litre for every hour of strenuous riding. For the upcoming RONA MS Bike Tours, be sure to carry at least one water bottle on you at all times; two is even better. Also, refill at the numerous rest stops along the way, and you’ll have an enjoyable, fun ride.

Happy training!